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Goldendoodle as Service Dogs: What to Know Before Training One for Disability Support

Posted on by Timberidge

Written by: Chondamma Uthappa

If you’ve been researching service dogs lately, you may have noticed Goldendoodles popping up everywhere. There’s a reason for that. These dogs are smart, often hypoallergenic, but more importantly, they can flex across psychiatric, medical alert, and mobility roles. 

The catch is that because they are a mixed breed of the Golden Retriever and the Poodle, their temperaments can vary wildly. 

But that doesn’t mean you can’t use Goldendoodles as service dogs. The U.S. Government actually protects the rights of persons with disabilities to live and travel with a service animal. And there’s no restriction on the breed of dog you can use.

But training a dog for disability support, even one as friendly as a Goldendoodle, is a massive commitment. You need to know what you are signing up for. That’s what this guide will help you understand.

Medical Conditions That Call for a Service Dog

People need service dogs for many different reasons, all of which are health-related. Some need a dog to detect an oncoming seizure. Others rely on them to alert them to dangerous blood sugar drops if they have diabetes. There’s also a growing demand for psychiatric service dogs trained specifically to disrupt panic attacks, ground someone during a PTSD episode, or provide deep pressure therapy.

But here’s the thing: not everyone is born needing this kind of help. Sometimes, life throws a curveball, and these challenges develop later in adulthood. A clear example of this is happening right now with the widespread Depo-Provera lawsuit. 

Thousands of women took this birth control injection with total confidence, completely unaware that it could significantly increase their risk of developing brain tumors called meningiomas. One nurse from the Scottish Highlands, for instance, claimed it gave her three brain tumors. According to TorHoerman Law, many of these women took these shots for years before developing debilitating symptoms. When your health changes overnight like that, a service animal can become a practical life-saver. 

This need for reliable support is one reason why the broader animal care services market is expanding rapidly. Industry experts project that global demand will likely hit $1.54 billion by 2034.

Key Factors to Know About Using Goldendoodles as Service Dogs

Remember, you need to know exactly what you’re getting into when thinking of using a Goldendoodle as a service dog. Let’s look at some key must-knows.

Coat Maintenance

One of the biggest misconceptions about Goldendoodles is that “hypoallergenic” means easy to maintain. It doesn’t. Maintaining the coat of Goldendoodles can be a real chore if you want to maintain the longer length. That longer coat is absolutely adorable, but requires regular brushing. Skip the brushing, and you may end up having to shave your dog, If you don’t mind a shorter coat length, the brushing time is very minimal. Still, trips to the groomer are not cheap.

They Have Hyper-Social Tendencies

This is the biggest hurdle for many people. Goldendoodles are notoriously friendly. They want to say hello to everyone. This is great for a pet, but terrible for a service dog. 

You have to work heavily on “leave it” and focus commands. Your dog needs to know to ignore kids trying to pet them and squirrels running by. It might take months of practice to break this instinctive behavior, but it’s totally possible.

You Need to Check the Temperament

Not every Goldendoodle will make the cut. You have to evaluate puppies at around seven weeks of age. Is your puppy calm in new environments? Do they startle at loud noises? Temperament evaluation is best done by a professional.

Remember, these dogs are a mix of golden retriever and poodle, so you can expect the genetics of both, but in different doses. While no two Goldendoole are the same, make sure you go for a dog that’s steady, not anxious. A nervous dog will not grow into a very reliable service dog.

ADA Rules

Under the ADA, a service dog is specifically trained to perform tasks for a person with a disability. They are very different from an Emotional Support Animal (ESA). ESAs provide comfort by their presence, but they have no public access rights. 

That distinction affects where your dog can legally accompany you. Businesses, restaurants, hotels, hospitals, and other public places generally must allow trained service dogs. ESAs are usually not covered by those same protections.

A Goldendoodle qualifies as a service dog as long as it is trained to do specific tasks for you. You should always check the official ADA page for the exact distinctions because your rights as a handler depend on it.

FAQs

  • Are Goldendoodles good for psychiatric service work? Absolutely. Goldendoodles are actually excellent for psychiatric service work. They are intuitive and thrive on close human contact. They can easily be trained to interrupt panic attacks or provide pressure therapy.
  • How long does Goldendoodle service dog training take?Training duration depends a lot on the connection between the dog and the trainer, but it’s not something that happens overnight. It takes months, so you may want to plan for at least 18 months. It will take that long to get your puppy from basics to reliable public access.
  • Do Goldendoodles qualify as service dogs under the ADA? Yes, they do, because the ADA has no restrictions when it comes to the breeds of dogs that can be used for disability service. However, Goldendoodles don’t automatically qualify. They have to be individually trained to perform specific tasks for a disability.

Final Thoughts

A Goldendoodle service dog can be an amazing partner. But this isn’t something you jump into on a whim. You need to know what you’re signing up for, and hopefully, this article gave you a real look at that.

If after reading this, you feel like a Goldendoodle is the right fit for you, then go all in. When you get it right, the payoff is huge. It can change your life, and your dog’s life, too.

Written by: Chondamma Uthappa

Bringing Home a Goldendoodle Puppy: What to Train First

Bringing Home a Goldendoodle Puppy: What to Train First

Posted on by Timberidge

By Iva Djordjevi

Bringing home a Goldendoodle puppy is a total rollercoaster of pure joy and absolute, face-planting exhaustion. You
probably spent months scrolling through breeder photos, buying cute bowls, and arguing over names. Then the little fluffball actually arrives. Suddenly, you look at this tiny creature and realize you have absolutely no clue what to do first!

Most of us focus entirely on the physical setup. We puppy-proof the living room and buy premium food. Those steps
matter, of course. But the small choices you make during those very first two weeks shape your dog for the next ten years.

Goldendoodles are incredibly smart. They combine the gentle warmth of a Golden Retriever with the sharp brain of a Poodle. They genuinely want to hang out with you and figure out the rules. But that intelligence can backfire. If you do not show them the right things to do, they will happily invent their own mischievous games.

Start training your new puppy right away

A lot of new owners wait until a puppy hits four or five months old to start training. They think the baby is too young.
But by that point, bad habits have already taken root. Your puppy starts learning the exact second they step inside
your house.

Every single interaction is a lesson. If your puppy jumps up to greet you and you bend down to pet them, you just taught them that jumping gets attention.

And if they cry at 2 a.m. in their crate and you pull them into bed, you taught them that crying gets them what they want. An eight-pound puppy doing these things is adorable. But those exact same behaviors may become deeply frustrating when your dog weighs fifty pounds. Consistency is everything. What you allow on day one becomes the standard your dog expects forever.

Core priorities for the first month

You do not need to teach complicated tricks right away. Focus on three foundational areas instead.

1. Crate is a safe haven

Many owners feel guilty using a crate because it feels like a cage. When used correctly, the crate becomes your puppy’s favorite bedroom. It gives them a secure space to sleep and relax when the house gets too chaotic.

  • Feed meals inside the crate with the door wide open so your pup loves going inside.
  • Toss high-value treats inside throughout the day for them to discover on their own.
  • Never use the crate as a punishment when you are angry.

A crate also keeps your puppy safe when you need to shower or cook. It stops them from chewing up your favorite shoes or eating dangerous things such as the cord to a lamp.

2. Name recognition

Your puppy needs to learn that their name means they should look at you immediately. Reliable focus is the foundation for every single command you will ever teach.

Say your puppy’s name clearly, just one time. The exact moment they look at you, give them a piece of kibble or happy praise.

But do not repeat the name over and over if they ignore you. Repeating it actually teaches them that they can ignore
the first three calls before they bother looking up.

3. Doorway patience

This skill is rarely mentioned in beginner puppy guides, but it is incredibly useful. Teaching your puppy to pause before walking through doorways to go outside builds amazing self-control and keeps your puppy safe. Having your puppy wait at the front door helps prevent bolting towards guests in the future. Encouraging your puppy to wait for permission to hop out of the car helps prevent them from rushing into traffic in the future. Teaching your puppy to sit quietly before going out to the back patio helps build calm focus before a walk.

The power of early socialization

Puppy training goes hand in hand with socialization during the first sixteen weeks of life. This window closes quickly,
and it shapes how your dog views the world for the rest of its life.

Socialization does not mean throwing your puppy into terrifying, crowded spaces. It means introducing them to new
sounds, different floor surfaces, and unfamiliar people very gently. You want your puppy to remain relaxed and curious. A puppy who learns to navigate new environments calmly grows into a resilient, confident adult dog.

Keep training sessions short

And you do not need to schedule hour-long training blocks. The best training happens naturally throughout your normal day. You can practice for two minutes before breakfast, or right before you put on the leash for a walk. 

Keep these moments brief. Goldendoodles, like all puppies, have short attention spans when they are young. Always end the game on a positive note while your puppy is still having fun.

Perfection is not the goal for the first month. You are simply showing your puppy that working with you is rewarding
and safe. Once you build that bond, everything else falls into place.

What is specific behavior is your new puppy struggling with the most right?

By Iva Djordjevi

Misty's 2026 Mini Doodle babies!

Misty’s 2026 Mini Doodle babies!

Posted on by Timberidge

happy birthday

Your puppy’s birthday is May 26th

newborn double doodle puppies in Cincinnati

Misty & Franklin are the proud parents of four squishy new babies: two boys and two girls. These little ones are absolutely precious. When first born, puppies depend completely on their mama, so we’re blessed that Misty does such a great job caring for them. Misty nurses them almost constantly and snuggles with them. How sweet are these faces? 

At first puppies can’t yet walk. Their eyes and ears are closed. They can’t go to the bathroom on their own. And they can’t maintain their own body temperature. Fortunately, God gave puppies a natural instinct to pile together for warmth, so they snuggle together in a giant puppy heap. And they also love cuddling around Misty as she snoozes contentedly, surrounded by her new family. Misty seems to love being surrounded by her tiny ones. She only leaves her new crew a few times a day for a quick bathroom.

EEGs have revealed that the brain activity of infant puppies is the same when asleep and awake. But these little pups are busy eating, growing, and developing. It’s amazing how quickly puppies grow! At 24 hours old, Misty’s puppies have already surpassed their birth weight. The little munchkins twitch and pop in their sleep, as all healthy newborn puppies should. This activated sleep helps them build muscle tone. They also climb all over each other as they search for the perfect eating nook, and that sibling trek also helps the puppies develop their muscles. They will be strong enough to walk in just a few weeks.

weekly puppy tip #1: nap time is essential

Think about a napping place – The puppies spend most of their lives sleeping now, but did you know that your new furbaby is going to need lots of sleep when you bring her home, too? Puppies, just like small children, require naps throughout the day. When your puppy is sleeping, try to allow her to rest untouched (it’s okay for noisy life to carry on around her while she snoozes, but it’s best not to physically disturb her as much as possible). This may mean that you need to guide her to a different spot than the one she’s initially chosen. Puppy Culture estimates that an 8-10 week old puppy sleeps 3 hours and then is awake for 1 hour before going back down for another nap. Puppies are like little children – sometimes they don’t realize that you’re tired and need you to put them down for a nap. Puppies can get over stimulated and become overly tired just like toddlers. It’s your job to help regulate them. AKC gives some helpful insight into the importance of puppy sleep (You can read the whole of the article here.):

Although puppies may seem like little bundles of energy, in fact, they sleep 15-20 hours a day. One minute your puppy may be a miniature tornado, and the next he’s fallen soundly asleep, almost mid-activity. Sleep is essential to healthy growth: during sleep his central nervous system, brain, immune system, and muscles are developing. All of that sleep also helps him rest up during growth spurts… household members, especially children, should leave your puppy alone while he is sleeping. Plan his day so that active time is followed by quiet time for sleep. He’ll most likely be ready for a nap after playtime or a walk, sleep for a while and then wake up ready for anything. Your puppy may nap every hour or so, sleeping from 30 minutes to as long as two hours. All of this sleep is perfectly normal

Jane Reisen from the American Kennel Club (AKC)

one week new

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It’s hard to believe that these little chunky munchkins are already one week old! They have grown so much! These puppies may still seem incredibly small, but they’ve really packed on the pounds! These sweet little pumpkins continue to dedicate their entire lives to eating and sleeping – and it shows! They are becoming fat little sausages with adorable wrinkles and rolls. They’ve officially reached (and passed) the one pound mark.

Even though the puppies spend most of their lives sleeping, they actually are doing baby workouts as they snooze the day away. These little pups twitch and pop involuntarily during their sleep, developing muscle tone for the near future. This phenomenon is known as “activated sleep.” In a few short weeks, these rolly polly puppies will be bouncing around playfully. Their legs, while still wobbly, have already gotten stronger and the puppies wobble around on them some instead of just army crawling as they did initially.

weekly puppy tip #2: make a puppy experience plan

Make a puppy experience plan – Compile a list of places you want to take your puppy and experiences you want your puppy to encounter. Any day now, these little eyes will be ready to soak up the sites, and we’ll now start introducing the puppies to items that differ in appearance. We have a thought out socialization plan, working hard to expose your puppy to as much as possible during her time with us. When you take your puppy home, that responsibility then shifts to you as you continue the socialization process. Exposing your puppy to new people, situations, sounds, smells, textures, etc. is extremely important. Give your new puppy a few days to adjust to her new home and new routine. Then begin giving her short, positive experiences (yummy treats make everything more positive!). Don’t try to do too much in one day, as you don’t want to overwhelm or stress her. Go ahead: start making a list of ideas for how to want to socialize your new puppy. 

Your goal is for your puppy to meet a minimum of 100 different people by the time she’s six months old. Dr. Ian Dunbar, a puppy socialization expert, raises the bar even higher by recommending that puppies meet 100+ people during the first month at home. If you hope to visit a local nursing home or hospital when your puppy gets older, secure some crutches, walkers or wheelchairs to expose your puppy to at home. Meeting people is just one component of socialization. Think about outdoor experiences that you and your puppy can safely enjoy together. Consider what predictable dogs you can introduce your puppy to (dogs who are stable, friendly, healthy, and will model good behavior for your pup). Keep in mind that adult dogs aren’t always fond of puppies so be sure to monitor them together. Do you know anyone with a woods or creek where you can take your puppy for a short romp? Remember, you want every experience to be POSITIVE (i.e. bring yummy treats and hand out the praise). Making a plan now, before you bring your puppy home, will help ensure that you follow through with a variety of positive exposures once you have your new little fluff ball at your side. 

Check out AviDog’s free e-book for more ideas about what to add to your puppy experience plan. Baxter & Bella also has some great ideas for socializing your puppy.

two weeks new

reputable goldendoodle

Isn’t it amazing how much puppies grow in just one week? They’re already looking so much more like little dogs. 

You’ll probably notice how nicely they’re chunking up! But do you also see those tiny little eyes staring back at you?! The puppies started opening their eyes on Saturday. Eye opening is a process that doesn’t happen all in one day. Right now, we keep the puppy room dim as their eyes adjust to seeing the world around them. 

Misty is a great mama. The ever increasing rolls on these babies are strong evidence that she is doing an excellent job nursing her crew! At this point, the sleepy little dumplings still snooze away most of their days and fill any awake time with stuffing their little bellies. We enjoy snuggling them every day, and the puppies have fun snuggling down for a nap on our laps. Our kids are absolutely smitten with these babies!

Our kids thoroughly enjoy giving puppies their temporary names, and we’re excited to share their choices for these special pups with you: Toast (orange), Betsy (pink), Taz (red), and Waffles (blue). The puppies have grown enough (they’ve reached 2lbs now!) that they’ve transitioned into wearing their special break-free collars that they’ll wear during the rest of their time in our home.

weekly puppy tip #3: age appropriate exercise

Glance over Puppy Culture’s exercise chart. Familiarize yourself with what sorts of activities are appropriate for your puppy at different stages of development. You want to give your puppy a variety of unique positive experiences, but your puppy is still growing & developing, so you don’t want to push your puppy too far. For instance, climbing up one to two stairs is an appropriate challenge but climbing a flight of stairs is not a good idea for a young puppy (a study done on 500 dogs showed that puppies allowed to climb a flight of stairs regularly before 3 months old were more likely to develop hip dysplasia). Remember, free running and playing is a great option because your puppy can rest whenever she feels inclined to do so. If you’d like to read more about puppy exercise, check out AviDog’s puppy exercise guidelines. This article from AKC also gives some helpful puppy exercise tips.

three weeks new

best midwest doodle breeder

Aren’t these little sausages really looking like little dogs now? These pumpkins are so stinking precious. The puppies sit awkwardly and attempt to walk around now, albeit a bit clumsily. Aren’t they so cute?!

Look at those open eyes! When puppy eyes first open, they’re blue and cloudy but as the eyes change from their cloudy blue appearance, they open more and the puppy’s vision becomes crisper. The pups still spend the majority of their time snoozing… or eating! Pretty much any waking time is spent slurping down Mama Misty’s delicious, nutritious milk. These chunky monkeys continue to grow like crazy. These little munchkins have been busy growing in every way possible!

The puppies have ventured outside a few times while in our arms. We’re looking forward to introducing them to the outdoors increasingly more in the upcoming weeks.

I have shared a few short videoclips on my Instagram story today, so hopefully you enjoyed watching them. I’ll continue to share more and more video clips that way as the puppies get older.

weekly puppy tip #4: be the leader your puppy wants you to be

It’s essential that you establish yourself as the pack leader. Your puppy doesn’t want to be in charge – that’s a scary place to be! Your puppy wants to look to you as the leader, but you have to show yourself as worth of the role by being the leader (this also helps set your kids apart as ranking higher in the pack than your new pup). Some easy ways to establish your leadership could include:

  • Sit down with your puppy each night before bed and briefly touch your puppy EVERYWHERE. Kneel on the floor with your puppy sitting between your legs. Start by petting your puppy’s head and tell him “head, head.” Then check his mouth, telling him “teeth, teeth,” and look inside his ears telling him “ear, ears.” Briefly go over your puppy from nose to tail in this fashion. This helps establish that you’re allowed to touch your puppy anywhere and everywhere. (see the video below)
  • Set boundaries so there is at least one place in your home that your dog isn’t allowed to go in your home (i.e. not allowed to jump on your bed, not allowed to sit on a particular couch or not allowed into a certain room). 
  • Teach you puppy to sit and wait for you to walk out the front door before her and give her the “okay” before she is permitted to walk through it. If you’ve been consistent, your puppy will offer a sit and wait for a release word (i.e. “okay”) before coming inside by 3 months old. When she’s old enough to start walking freely up and down stairs, teach her to wait for you to finish climbing/descending the stairs before she comes. 
  • Encourage your puppy sit and wait for you to give her the “okay” before she is allowed to approach her food bowl. Periodically pick up your puppy’s food bowl while she’s eating, reward her with a yummy treat, and return the food bowl. (we’ll talk about the Toy Trade Game and other educational games you can play with your puppy next week).
  • Teach your puppy to do a long down during meal times. Buy a soft rug or bed and teach your puppy to go lay on it on command. We have our own adult dogs lay on a rug in a down stay during dinner. Maple was doing a down stay along side them at 6 months old for the entire length of our meal – which means your puppy can do it at a young age, too!

three and a half weeks new

ethical mini goldendoodle breeder in midwest

Sometimes, I just can’t wait an entire week to share pictures of our amazing babies! And this was one of those weeks. These guys are just so stinking cute, and we’re having so much fun with them! We’ve started taking the pups outside each day, and it’s fun to watch them relish the feel of grass squishing under their baby toes. I frequently find one of our older kids with a puppy snuggled on his or her lap. These little chunky monkeys are absolutely the sweetest! They’re looking more and more like little dogs each day, and they are going to be such gorgeous adults. Those wavy, cream coats will be show stoppers and those boxy heads promise will grow into stunning teddy bear faces. Can you tell that I’m smitten with these precious little ones?!

four weeks new

Four weeks is such a fun age! The puppies are enjoying going outside and they also are enjoying snuggling. Their little tails wag, which is absolutely precious! They’re such friendly little pups, and it warms your heart to see how excited they get to see you! 

The puppies have now had their toenails trimmed for the third time. When you take your puppy home, it’s important that you continue to regularly trim her nails. Right now we trim the puppies’ nails with human baby nail clippers. For our adult dogs, we use a dremel to keep their nails short. We like to keep the puppies’ nails short so they don’t accidentally scratch Misty while nursing. Plus nail trimming is going to be a regular activity throughout their lives, so we want to introduce them to it at an early age. We’ll continue to clip little nails frequently over the next four weeks.

The puppies have also had their little bottoms shaved for the first time. Goldendoodles are non-shedding, so hair grows everywhere, which makes for some fluffy little bottoms!

weekly puppy tip #5: Get ready to play educational games with your puppy

Did you know that there are fun games you can play with your puppy that teach him beneficial skills? It’s great to incorporate regular educational games into your puppy’s routine, so read through these suggestions, add any needed supplies to your puppy shopping list, and get ready for puppy playtime!

  • Ball On The Wall – Encourages retrieving
    • Supplies: A ball that your puppy can carry in her mouth
    • How to play: Sit on the floor about 1-5’ from a wall. Put your legs in a “V” and sit facing the wall with your puppy between you and the wall. Toss the ball at the wall, encouraging your puppy to go after it. Give your puppy lots of praise when she brings the ball back! 
    • Variation: Once you’ve mastered Ball On The Wall, try playing retrieve in a hallway with all the doors closed (so your puppy can’t run away with the ball).
  • Toy Trade – Prevents resource guarding
    • Supplies: A toy that your puppy likes but doesn’t highly value and a high value treat
    • How to play: Briefly play with your puppy using the toy. Ask your puppy for the toy by offering her a high value treat. Reward & praise her for giving you the toy, and give the toy back to her as soon as she finishes chewing. Gradually work on having her give you objects of higher value (i.e. a bone).
    • Variation: Work on teaching your puppy the command “give” and ask her to drop the toy/bone on command in exchange for the high value treat.
  • Hide & Seek – Encourages recall
    • Supplies: Yummy treats
    • How to play: Run away from your puppy, hide behind a corner, tree, couch or other object, and call your puppy to encourage her to find you. When she does, give her lots of praise and a yummy treat.
    • Variation: Play Ping Pong by having a partner play with you and take turns hiding. While the first person is rewarding the puppy for coming, the second person hides.

five weeks new

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These puppies are cuter and fluffier every day! Their individual personalities are starting to show through. They’ve transformed from little guinea pigs who can’t see or hear to actual miniature dogs who run around and play and give kisses. And they already enjoy belly rubs, which is fun, too. Hopefully, you’ve enjoyed the short video clips on our Instagram story. I’m trying to share short videos there so you can see what the puppies are up to each day.

The puppies have started eating softened TLC puppy kibble. Soon they’ll be chowing down on dry kibble, but for now while their teeth are coming in, the soften food makes for a perfect meal. Misty continues to nurse them throughout the day. If you have not received an email from TLC, please let me know.

The puppies trot about, exploring the world around them. They enjoy playing with the different toys in their pen, and they enjoy playing with each other, too. The pups don’t sit still for long, except for when they’re on your lap or sleeping, so pictures are challenging 🙂

weekly puppy tip #6: select and register for a puppy class

Participation in a puppy class is essential both for socialization and manners. Look for a class that emphasizes positive reinforcement, as learning & training should be a fun game at this point. Clicker training is a plus. This article from AKC gives some pointers about what to look for in a puppy class. Many dog training facilities will allow your new friend join their puppy class around 12 weeks of age, once she has received her second set of immunizations. Allison Camp from Pups Unleashed offers a local puppy class. She’ll be temperament testing the puppies in about 2 weeks and assisting with matching. Temperament testing always an exciting day!

We prefer in person puppy class over virtual hands down, but having online recourses is incredibly helpful, too. Timberidge Goldendoodles is excited to be partnering with Baxter & Bella. These online resources, virtual classes, and video training tips are an amazing option for every puppy owner – there are even a variety of resources to help you now as you prepare for your new furry family member. Plus membership is for a lifetime, so you can access Baxter & Bella’s tools repeatedly over the years ahead for each and every furry child that joins your family. Use the discount code TIMBERIDGE to save 25% when you join Baxter & Bella!

Here’s a short video from Baxter & Bella’s about how to train your puppy to respond positively the someone ringing your doorbell. You can take this same principle and apply it to a variety of other circumstances, such as teaching your puppy to walk calmly past another dog who is going crazy. Additional free puppy training videos are linked at the bottom of this blog post, so if you haven’t already checked them out, please take the time to watch at least a few of them. Remember, the best thing you can do to prepare for your new puppy is to prepare yourself!

six weeks new

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These little babies are just scrumptious! The puppies are so very curious and playful and friendly. We let them run around the main part of our house for small segments now. They have a blast sniffing noses with the older dogs, exploring every nook and cranny, looking for chews that belong to the big dogs, and squishing their little fat bellies under the couches. Hopefully, you’ve enjoyed the Insta videos of the pups in action! We made sure to supervise any interactions the pups have with the big dogs and to provide a safe place where the puppies could hide if they became overwhelmed for any reason. When you introduce your pup to new canine friends, you’ll want to do the same. Always supervise, especially the initial interactions with a new dog. And always provide your puppy with a safe “get away” spot in case she needs a break. For our home, the pups could duck under the coffee table or even squirm under the couch and pop out at will, giving them the freedom to control their interactions with the big dogs. Outdoors, a kiddie picnic table or something similar works well. Additionally, be sure to provide the big dog with a way to get away from your puppy in case he becomes overwhelmed with the puppy energy. Spending time around other safe dogs is great for your puppy! 

weekly puppy tip #7: get ready to groom!

Your puppy has had her nails clipped and hair trimmed during her time with us, so she has already had her initial introduction to a lifetime of being groomed. You’ll want to schedule her first spa day at the groomer after her 16-week immunizations. At that initial introductory appointment, she’ll receive a puppy clip. The groomer will bathe her, trim the hair out of her eyes, give her a sanitary clip, and trim her nails. Since your pup will need regular grooming throughout her life, both she and the groomer will benefit if she becomes accustomed to being groomed from a young age, even before she’s ready for a full haircut. 

When should she have her first big girl haircut? The wavy adult coat will start replacing the soft, fluffy puppy coat around 5-6 months of age. You’ll notice the new hair coming in is kinkier than the pure fluff on top. Waiting to cut the hair until the adult coat makes its debut beneath the layers of puppy plush helps ensure that the adult coat remains soft. Many poodle groomers and poodle fanciers claim that shaving a poodle or goldendoodle down before her adult coat starts coming in could damage the adult coat, affecting the texture. While there isn’t any substantiated evidence that this is true (at least that I can find), it’s worth avoiding just in case. That doesn’t mean that your puppy might not benefit from a puppy clip in the meantime! Don’t let your puppy’s hair get out of control! Your goldendoodle’s coat is extra prone to matting in the transition time between puppy fluff and adult coat. As aforementioned, take her to the groomer for a puppy clip after her 16-week immunizations. When the time comes, check out the grooming section on our website for a variety of goldendoodle haircut pictures. Learn more about your Goldendoodle puppy’s first trip to the groomer. We have a plethora of haircut resources under the “grooming” tab on the main menu bar.

Waiting until 6 months for the first full big girl clip does NOT mean you’re off the hook for grooming at home! You should regularly groom your puppy: brushing her hair, cleaning her ears, brushing her teeth, clipping her toenails, and checking her for any anomalies (i.e. ticks, cuts, etc.). You want your puppy to become accustomed to being brushed and handled all over from a young age. We HIGHLY recommend doing regular bonding/body handling exercises with your puppy (demonstrated in the video shared on weekly puppy tip #4). Goldendoodles are a breed that appreciates routines (thanks to those poodle ancestors), so it’s nice to do bonding exercises every night just before your put your puppy in her crate for bed. It’s easy to incorporate different parts of grooming into your nightly bonding exercises, just doing a little here and a little there since young puppies don’t have the attention span for lots of grooming at once.

seven weeks new

teddy bear doodles in the midwest

The puppies are so much fun! They bound around outside, finding things to chew and places to explore. On these hot July days, they like finding cool shady places to relax. The puppies also thoroughly enjoy going on nature walks with us around our acreage. It’s fun to watch them trot over rocks, scamper around logs, and carry leaves in their mouths. The pups also sneak around the house, trying to investigate new places. We continue to take the puppies on new and different adventures. It’s fun to see their curiosity! The pups enjoy any new toy we throw their way. The puppies have gone on several road trips this past week, and they absolutely love meeting new people. Aren’t these pups adorable? I am in love with their teddy bear faces! Now scroll back and look at their newborn pictures. Isn’t it marvelous that in just seven weeks they’ve transformed from little guinea pigs into gorgeous, fluffy puppies?!

Be sure to pick up a special extra yummy chew that your puppy only gets during (daytime) crate time.

weekly puppy tip #8: fostering the child/puppy relationship

Goldendoodles are family dogs by nature, but there are a few steps you can take to help set your puppy and your kids up for a lifetime of friendship:

  1. When your puppy is sleeping, let her sleep – your puppy is growing & developing and she NEEDS that sleep. Teach your children to respect a sleeping puppy by not interrupting her. Your puppy’s crate should be her safe retreat. When she’s in her crate, allow her to enjoy safe, undisturbed quiet time- this doesn’t mean that you all need to tip toe quietly around when the puppies napping! It just means that when the puppy is napping, let her enjoy that peaceful sleep untouched and wake up on her own good time.
  2. Involve your children in daily puppy care – allowing your children to participate in caring for the puppy will help grow the bond between them and their furry friend. It also helps the puppy learn associate good things with little people and helps her see the children as above her in the pack order. Younger children particularly love being helpers. Our kids enjoy (aka fight over) feeding the dogs, letting them out of their crates, opening the back door to let the dogs in/out, etc. We let them help brush the dogs with much supervision (remember, we want all puppy experiences to be POSITIVE!). Our children also love holding leashes on walks (children should only take your dog on a walk with adult supervision). If you don’t trust your puppy to not pull a young child over, you can attach two short leashes to one dog so both you & your child have a leash to hold. Be cognizant of your child’s age and maturity level. Older children can be more actively involved and younger children can be involved in smaller ways.
  3. Encourage your children to play with the puppy – puppy nips and jumps can be intimidating for some children. Teaching children how to act calmly around a puppy and how to play intentional games such as fetch and educational games (see some suggestions under week 3) can help both the children and the puppy learn how to interact with each other. Explain to your children that your puppy isn’t trying to hurt them when she’s nipping – she’s asking them to play with her.
  4. Include your children in puppy training – when you enroll your puppy in a puppy kindergarten class, ask about bringing your child along (assuming he’s old enough and mature enough to participate). Our children enjoy practicing sits and downs with our dogs, dolling out hotdog slivers to the eager participants. Our dogs think it’s great! Be sure to always supervise children/puppy training sessions.
  5. Teach your children to respect the puppy – sometimes it’s challenging for children, especially young ones, to distinguish between their favorite stuffie and a real-life fluffy puppy. Many children need to be patiently taught to be gentle and kind with animals. “No hugging dogs” is a rule in our home because a preschooler bear hug around the neck is too much our small dogs (our dogs don’t mind but we’re afraid they might accidentally get hurt since they’re significantly smaller than the ones dolling out the hugs). If there are times when you aren’t able to supervise your children’s interaction with your puppy, it might be best (and safest) to put your puppy in her crate. Remember, that crate should be your puppy’s safe place. This article by AKC has more helpful tips about teaching children to respect dogs.
  6. Establish a safe place for your dog, usually either a dog bed or crate. Teach your children that when the puppy is in her safe place, they need to let her alone and they may not touch her. Your puppy will learn that she can retreat to her safe place if she becomes overwhelmed with a situation or if she just needs a nap.

Getting ready for your new puppy

As you begin shopping for your new bundle of fluff, be sure to scroll through our puppy shopping list to be sure you get all of the essentials. The shopping list will also answer questions like what size collar your puppy will need and how big of a crate you should purchase.

7 Preventive Care Tips to Care for Goldendoodles Beyond the Basics

7 Preventive Care Tips to Care for Goldendoodles Beyond the Basics

Posted on by Timberidge

By Nicole McCray

Golden Doodles are easy to love. 

They are playful, smart, social, and usually full of personality. Their fluffy coats and friendly nature make them a favorite in many homes. 

But caring for a Golden Doodle takes more than good food, daily walks, and the occasional bath.

As with any non-shedding, floppy ear breed, Golden Doodles may benefit from a little extra care in a few important health areas that a pet owner should be aware of.

This National Pet Week we share with you simple and useful preventive care tips to help your Golden Doodle stay healthy beyond the basics, because preventive care matters just as much as love and attention. 

The goal is not only to help your dog feel good today, but also to help avoid health issues later.

1. Stay ahead of grooming, not just for looks

A Golden Doodle’s coat is distinctly beautiful, but it needs regular care. 

Depending on whether you prefer for your doodle to have a short, shorn coat or a longer, shaggy look, brushing may need to happen several times a week or even daily. If you wait until the coat looks messy, mats may already be forming close to the skin, leading to trouble in grooming both for the groomer and the pet.

Mats are not just a grooming issue. They can pull on the skin, trap moisture, hide irritation, and make your dog uncomfortable. In some cases, they can even lead to skin infections.

A simple preventive routine helps a lot:

  • First and foremost brush everyday or at least every alternate day.
  • Schedule professional grooming every 6 to 8 weeks if your dog’s coat grows quickly or if you prefer a longer coat length.
  • Check the skin while brushing so you can spot redness, bumps, or dry patches early.
  • Brush the coat especially behind the ears, under the legs, around the collar, in areas that might be rubbed by a harness, and near the base of tail.

Good grooming is really part of your dog’s health routine. It is one of the easiest ways to catch small problems before they turn into bigger ones.

2. Pay close attention to ears

Golden Doodles often have floppy, hairy ears, which can trap moisture and reduce airflow.  This creates the perfect environment for ear irritation or infection, especially after swimming, bathing, or playing outside in wet weather.

If your dog scratches their ears often, shakes their head, or has a bad smell coming from the ears, those can be early signs of trouble. Preventive ear care can make a big difference.

Try these habits:

  • Check the ears once a week.
  • Avoid getting water on your dog’s head during bath time and dry the ears gently after baths or swimming.
  • Ask your vet which ear cleaner is safe for regular use.
  • Never insert anything deep into the ear canal

Ear infections can become painful fast, so catching early signs matters. A quick weekly check can save your dog a lot of discomfort.

3. Do not ignore dental care

Many dog owners underestimate dental health, but it plays a big role in overall wellness. 

Bad breath is not just unpleasant. It can be a sign of plaque buildup, gum disease, or bacteria in the mouth. Over time, poor dental health may affect more than just the teeth.

Golden Doodles benefit from a steady dental routine:

  • Brush your doodle’s teeth several times a week using dog-safe toothpaste.
  • Use dental chews approved for dogs.
  • Ask your vet to examine the teeth during routine visits.
  • Watch for signs like red gums, trouble chewing, drooling, or mouth sensitivity.

Dental care is one of those preventive steps that is easy to put off, but a steady dental routine will pay off in the long run. Even a few minutes a few times a week can help keep your dog more comfortable and reduce future treatment needs.

4. Protect joints early, especially during growth and aging

Golden Doodles can be active and athletic, but their joints still need support. 

Depending on their size, they may be at risk for joint issues as they age. Larger Golden Doodles in particular can put more strain on hips, elbows, and knees.

Preventive care for joints starts earlier than many people think. It is not something you should wait until your dog becomes a senior to start thinking about.

Helpful steps include:

  • Keep your dog at a healthy weight.
  • Avoid too much jumping onto hard surfaces or from high surfaces (i.e. avoid allowing a puppy to jump off of the couch), especially in puppies.
  • Use rugs or mats if your floors are slippery.
  • Choose exercise that is regular and balanced rather than extreme.
  • Ask your vet whether joint supplements are appropriate.

Puppies should not be over-exercised just because they have lots of energy. Too much intense activity during growth can place stress on developing joints. 

On the other hand, older dogs still need movement to stay strong. The key is steady, age-appropriate exercise.

While regular wellness visits help prevent many health problems, sudden issues like ear infections, stomach upset, or limping may still need fast attention, remind animal vet care experts from Denver Animal Clinic, a group of animal health professionals with a strong benchmark for modern pet healthcare.

5. Feed for long-term health, not just a full stomach

Some Golden Doodles tend to enjoy food, and that can make weight gain sneak up quickly. Extra weight can increase the risk of joint strain, heart stress, and lower energy. 

Preventive nutrition is about more than choosing a popular dog food. It is about feeding the right amount and adjusting as your dog’s needs change.

Senior vets from Denver Animal Clinic also highlight the growing importance of preventative vet care as an important extension to part of primary care. A few smart eating habits these professionals suggest are:

  • Measure meals instead of guessing.
  • Use treats in moderation.
  • Choose food based on your dog’s age, size, and activity level.
  • Recheck portion sizes if your dog is gaining weight or becoming less active.
  • Keep fresh water available at all times

It also helps to look at your dog, not just the bowl. 

You should be able to feel the ribs without pressing too hard, and your dog should have a visible waist when viewed from above. If you are unsure, your vet can help you judge healthy body condition more accurately than the number on the scale alone.

Also Read: Doodle Puppy Shopping List

6. Make routine vet visits truly routine

Many people wait until something seems wrong before booking a vet visit. But preventive care works best when your vet sees your dog regularly while they are healthy, too. 

Routine exams help catch problems early, sometimes before your dog shows any obvious signs.

Golden Doodles can be prone to issues such as skin sensitivities, allergies, ear problems, and joint concerns. Regular visits help track changes over time and build a clearer picture of your dog’s normal health.

During wellness visits, your vet may check:

  • weight and body condition
  • skin and coat health
  • ears and eyes
  • teeth and gums
  • heart and lungs
  • mobility and joint comfort
  • vaccine and parasite prevention status

Annual exams are important, and some dogs may benefit from more frequent visits depending on age or health history. Senior Golden Doodles especially benefit from closer monitoring because age-related changes can happen gradually.

7. Keep up with parasite prevention all year

Fleas, ticks, heartworms, and intestinal parasites are not just seasonal annoyances. They can cause real health problems and may be harder to spot than people expect. 

Preventive medicine is much easier than treatment after an infestation or infection begins.

Golden Doodles that spend time outdoors, visit parks, hike, or socialize with other dogs may have more exposure. Their coat can also make it harder to notice ticks quickly, for example, but some parasites, such as heart worms, can be caught in your own backyard, which means prevention is essential even if your dog is a homebody.

To stay ahead:

  • Use vet-recommended flea, tick, and heartworm prevention.
  • Check the coat and paws after outdoor time.
  • Keep your yard as clean as possible.
  • Bring a stool sample to vet visits when requested.
  • Stay on schedule with preventive medications.

Parasite prevention is one of the simplest ways to protect your dog from avoidable illness. A reminder on your phone or calendar can help keep everything on track.

A little prevention goes a long way

Golden Doodles are loving companions, and they depend on us to notice the little things before they become bigger problems. Preventive care is not about doing something complicated. It is about building small, steady habits that support your dog’s health over time.

Brushing the coat, checking the ears, caring for the teeth, watching weight, protecting joints, keeping vet visits consistent, and staying on top of parasite prevention may seem simple on their own. Together, they create a strong foundation for a healthier and happier life.

National Pet Week is the perfect time to look beyond the basics and refresh your routine. 

Your Golden Doodle does not need perfection. They just need thoughtful care, regular attention, and someone who notices when something is off.

That kind of care makes a real difference. And for a loyal, joyful dog like a Golden Doodle, it is one of the best gifts you can give.

Happy National Pet Week!

types chews for your puppy

types chews for your puppy

Posted on by Timberidge

As you prepare for your new bundle of fluff, you’ll notice that an almost overwhelming amount of chews exist. What are the different types of chews, which ones should you buy for your new puppy, and when do you give her the different ones?Remember, for the safety of your dog, you should always supervise chew sessions.

There are 3 broad categories of chews and there can be some overlap between the categories. Those 3 main groups are: long lasting (high value) chews, medium lasting (medium value) chews, and short lasting (high value) chews. I’ll discuss long lasting and high value chews first and then touch on medium lasting at the end.

1. long lasting, lower value chews

Like toddlers, puppies explore the world with their mouths. Plus, until about 6 months of age when those adult teeth finish coming in, puppies are experiencing teething, which means that their mouths hurt. Chewing comes with the territory. Rather than punishing your puppy for chewing, encourage her to chew on the right things. It’s good to have a variety of chews lying around so your puppy can get that necessary chewing out by chewing things you want her to chew… and instead of chewing on your favorite pair of shoes! 

There are two categories of long lasting chews: natural (aka animal product) chews and synthetic (aka nylon) chews. 

Examples of long lasting natural chews:

We get our split elk antlers from Ridgerunner Antlers. I like that their antlers are collected from the ground when the elk shed them naturally. We purchase water buffalo horns and hooves from a local feed store. All are available on Amazon as well. Natural chews have some nutritional benefit.

Examples of long lasting synthetic chews:

Both Benebone and Nylabone make long lasting dog chews out of nylon. Both companies make their products in the USA. Their bones are made in a variety of shapes, sizes, and flavors. We find that our dogs usually prefer natural long lasting chew options, but will also gnaw on synthetic ones as they’re relaxing around the house in the evenings. Synthetic chews do not have nutritional benefit.

Some adult dogs love to curl up and relax with a good chew in the evenings. They appreciate having a few long lasting chews lying around, just as you might appreciate having the choice between a few good books before bed. Other adult dogs aren’t huge fans of chews. They’d prefer a good old fashion tennis ball over a chew any day. And that’s okay. We love that each dog is unique and has her own preferences.

2. high value, short lasting dog chews

It’s great to have some high value chews on hand for when your puppy is participating in daytime crate time. Think of these as puppy candy. Your dog will be super excited for a high value chew, will be completely obsessed with the chew until she finishes it, and will not be happy if you take it away from her prematurely. These high value chews won’t last long. She will power through them with determination. Don’t give your puppy a high value chew in a common area where someone (child or animal) might accidentally steal her treasured “lollipop.” Instead, use high value chews to create positive experiences for daytime crating.

Some examples of high value dog chews include: bully sticks, turkey tendons, pig ears, and so forth. Nature Gnaws makes a variety pack where you can try a number of different chews to learn what your best friend likes best and also learn which chews occupy her the longest. You may find that your dog devours certain high value chews in less than 2 minutes flat while others provide her with 20 minutes of chewing delight. None of them will last long, but all of them will be thoroughly enjoyed.

3. medium lasting, medium value dog chews

Some chew options aren’t quite as exciting as the high value options but are still well loved by dogs. Some dogs may finish them in one day while other dogs may chew the intermittently over the course of a week or so. Medium lasting chews a good option for giving to your puppy while you’re making dinner, participating in a video call for work, or providing your puppy with alone time in her play yard (again, always supervise your puppy when she has a chew). Medium lasting chews will keep her busy, but she won’t be quite as obsessed with them as the high value chews. Some examples of medium lasting chews include: yak chews (made from yak cheese) and beef trachea, 

Will my goldendoodle puppy change colors?

Will my goldendoodle puppy change colors?

Posted on by Timberidge

Many people fall in love with a puppy because of it’s appearance. Puppies are adorable looking. How could it not be love at first sight of that precious newborn puppy photo? As you enjoy the pictures and videos of your fluffy family member growing up, remember that appearances change. A lot. Little puppies look very little like how they will as adults. Grooming style impacts much of appearance, but haircut aside, your puppy’s color and hair texture will change. Sometimes change is somewhat subtle, as is the case with lighter colored puppies, and sometimes the color change is drastic. Please, oh please, don’t fall in love with a doodle puppy because of it’s coloring. Here are some pictures goldendoodle puppies next to the same dog at around a year old.

The Ultimate Guide to Grooming Your Goldendoodle at Home

The Ultimate Guide to Grooming Your Goldendoodle at Home

Posted on by Timberidge

By Ellie Yantsan

Professional grooming for Goldendoodles can cost $60-100+ per visit, and with grooming needed every 4-8 weeks, those expenses add up quickly. The good news? With the right tools, techniques, and a bit of practice, you can groom your Goldendoodle at home and achieve professional-quality results!

This guide walks you through everything you need to know about home grooming: identifying your dog’s coat type, gathering essential tools, mastering step-by-step grooming techniques, and choosing the perfect style for your pup. While your first attempts won’t be perfect (even professional groomers needed practice), each session will improve your skills and strengthen the bond with your dog.

Understanding Your Goldendoodle's Coat Type

Before you start grooming, you need to understand what you’re working with. Goldendoodles are one of the most popular doodle cross breeds, and like other doodle mixes, they inherit a blend of traits from both Golden Retrievers and Poodles. This genetic combination creates three distinct coat types, each with different grooming needs

Identify Your Goldendoodle's Coat Type: Curly, Wavy, or Straight

Your Goldendoodle’s coat falls into one of three main categories, and identifying which type your dog has determines how often you’ll need to groom and what tools work best.

  1. Curly coats resemble the Poodle parent most closely. These coats have tight ringlets, feel dense and springy to the touch, and show minimal to no shedding. The curls trap loose hair within the coat, creating the highest risk for matting if the coat is let grow out to a long length.
  2. Wavy coats strike a balance between both parent breeds. You’ll see loose waves or slight curls throughout the coat with moderate density. These coats can sometimes shed lightly, depending on the doodle’s genetics, and have a moderate matting risk. Wavy is the most common coat type among Goldendoodles. All F1 goldendoodles have wavy coats (one copy of the curl gene and one copy of the straight hair gene).
  3. Straight coats lean heavily toward the Golden Retriever side. The hair lies relatively flat with minimal curl, feels softer and less dense, and can sometimes sheds more noticeably than curly or wavy types, depending on a dog’s genetics. While it’s sometimes easier to maintain a straight coat, finer, softer straight coats can actually be more prone to matting and still require regular brushing to prevent tangles. Usually, only multi generational goldendoodles have truely straight coats because it takes a few generations to breed out the poodle curl while keeping the furnishing gene to prevent shedding.

How Coat Type Impacts Grooming Frequency & Tools Needed

Hair length, not coat type. is the biggest factor in determining how frequently a goldendoodle will need to be brushed. Long hair requires more maintenance. A short clip is essentially no maintenance (but be sure not to clip your dog so short that it can get sunburned).

Curly coats need the most attention if you like that long, shaggy look. Daily brushing prevents the tight curls from forming mats, and you’ll need both a slicker brush to work through the coat and a metal comb to check for hidden tangles near the skin. Those are the same tools poodle owners use for their dogs.

Wavy coats offer more flexibility for the shaggier coat style. Consistent brushing several times per week keeps the coat manageable, though you’ll still need to watch for mats behind the ears, under the legs, and around the collar/ harness area.

Textured straight coats require the least intensive maintenance but shouldn’t be neglected. Regular brushing removes loose hair and distributes natural oils throughout the coat for a healthy shine. If your goldendoodle has a soft straight coat, be prepared for regular brushing to prevent matting. Those fine hairs feel amazing to pet but easily tangle.

Puppy Coat vs. Adult Coat: What Changes to Expect

If you have a Goldendoodle puppy, prepare for a significant coat transformation. Puppies start with soft, fluffy coats that feel almost cotton-like. Between 5-7 months of age, the adult coat emerges. In some Goldendoodles, usually those with a straight coat and only one copy of the furnishing gene, that puppy coat may actually shed out to make room for the adult coat.

During this transition period from puppy coat to adult coat, matting risk increases dramatically. The soft puppy fur tangles with incoming adult hair, creating stubborn mats that form seemingly overnight. Increase your brushing frequency during these months, sometimes brushing daily, remembering that this is a stage and your adult dog will not require so much coat maintence.

The adult coat that emerges will be denser, coarser, and more defined in its curl pattern. Some puppies with wavy coats develop curlier adult coats, while others stay relatively consistent. This time is also when you’ll get a more clearer picture of your dog’s grooming needs going forward.

Essential Tools & Products for Home Goldendoodle Grooming

Having the right equipment makes the difference between frustrating grooming sessions and successful ones. You don’t need to buy everything at once, but certain tools are non-negotiable for safe, effective grooming.

Must-Have Grooming Tools

  • Slicker brush is your primary weapon against tangles and mats. This rectangular brush with fine, bent wire bristles works through the dense Goldendoodle coat without causing breakage. Look for one with a comfortable grip since you’ll use it frequently.

  • Metal comb serves as your quality control tool. After brushing, run the comb through the coat to check for hidden mats near the skin. If the comb glides through smoothly, you’re done. If it catches, you need more brushing.

  • Dematting rake or comb helps safely remove stubborn mats without cutting them out. The serrated blades gently saw through tangles, though severe matting often requires professional help and may need to be cut out.

  • Dog clippers are essential for body trimming. Choose cordless clippers designed specifically for dogs with detachable blade systems. You’ll primarily use a #10 blade for sanitary areas and various guard combs (½”, ⅝”, ⅞”) for body length.

  • Grooming scissors with rounded tips prevent accidental pokes or cuts, especially important when trimming around the face and paws. A 6-8 inch pair works well for most tasks.

  • Nail clippers or grinder maintain proper nail length. Clippers offer quick results, while grinders file nails gradually with less risk of cutting the quick.

  • Dog-specific shampoo and conditioner protect your Goldendoodle’s skin pH balance. Human products can be too harsh and often cause irritation.

  • Ear cleaning solution and cotton pads prevent infections in those floppy Goldendoodle ears. Never use Q-tips inside the ear canal.

  • Dog toothbrush and enzymatic toothpaste keep dental health in check. Never use human toothpaste, which contains ingredients toxic to dogs.

  • Absorbent towels, preferably microfiber, speed up the drying process after baths.

  • Treats & praise should be handed out liberally as your Goldendoodle patiently allows you to practice your grooming skills.

A basic starter kit costs $150-250, while professional-grade tools can run $400-600. You can start with budget-friendly options and upgrade as your skills improve.

Choosing Dog Shampoos & Conditioners: Natural vs. Medicated

Look for sulfate-free, pH-balanced formulas designed specifically for dogs. Dog skin has a different pH than human skin, so human products strip natural oils and cause dryness.

For regular maintenance, gentle, natural shampoos with ingredients like oatmeal, aloe vera, or coconut oil work well. These clean effectively without irritation.

Medicated shampoos address specific issues like hot spots, fungal infections, or excessive itching. Common active ingredients include chlorhexidine, ketoconazole, or benzoyl peroxide. Always consult your vet before using medicated products, as some skin conditions require diagnosis and specific treatment.

Conditioner isn’t optional for Goldendoodles. The thick coat benefits from moisture and detangling properties that make brushing easier and reduce static.

Budget-Friendly Tool Starter Kits vs. Professional-Grade

Start with mid-range tools rather than the cheapest options. A quality slicker brush costs $15-30 but lasts years and works more effectively than a $5 version that may damage the coat or break after a few uses.

Clippers represent your biggest investment. Budget clippers ($50-80) work for occasional touch-ups but may overheat, pull hair, or lack power for thick coats. Professional-grade clippers ($150-300) offer better motors, sharper blades, and longer runtime between charges.

As your confidence grows, upgrade tools where you notice limitations. Many groomers start with basic scissors and upgrade to professional shears once they’ve mastered basic techniques.

Step-by-Step Home Goldendoodle Grooming Process

Now that you understand coat types and have your tools ready, let’s walk through the complete grooming process. Following these steps in order ensures the best results and prevents common mistakes.

Step 1: Pre-Groom Preparation: Brushing & Dematting

Never skip pre-bath brushing. Water causes mats to tighten and shrink, making them nearly impossible to remove once wet. A matted dog that gets bathed becomes a nightmare to groom.

Use the line brushing technique: part the coat in sections, then brush from the skin outward in small areas. Work systematically across the entire body, paying special attention to high-mat areas like behind the ears, under the armpits, belly, and rear legs.

When you encounter a mat, hold the hair close to the skin to prevent pulling, then gently work through it with your fingers or dematting tool. Small mats can be brushed out; large, tight mats may need cutting out. If your dog is heavily matted throughout, professional grooming is the safer option. You don’t want to accidentally cut your dog trying to cut out a mat.

This pre-brushing can take 30-90 minutes depending on coat condition and type. Curly coats take longest, while straight coats move faster.

Step 2: Bath Time: How to Properly Wash Your Goldendoodle

Fill your tub or use a walk-in shower with lukewarm water. Test the temperature on your wrist, just as you would for a baby. Too hot causes discomfort; too cold makes dogs uncomfortable and anxious.

Wet your Goldendoodle thoroughly, starting at the neck and working backward. Keep water out of the ears by holding them closed or using cotton balls as temporary plugs.

Apply shampoo starting at the neck to create a barrier that prevents fleas from escaping to the head. Work the shampoo through the entire coat, massaging it down to the skin. Let it sit for 3-5 minutes to allow cleaning agents to work.

Rinse thoroughly. Leftover shampoo causes itching and dullness. Keep rinsing until water runs completely clear.

Apply conditioner the same way, focusing on the coat length rather than the skin. Let it sit for 2-3 minutes, then rinse completely.

After the bath, clean your Goldendoodle’s ears with ear cleaning solution and cotton pads. Wipe gently around the visible ear canal opening, never inserting anything deep into the ear.

Step 3: Drying: Towel & Hair Dryer Technique

Squeeze excess water from the coat, then wrap your dog in absorbent towels. Pat and press rather than rubbing vigorously, which creates tangles.

Once towel-dried, brush through the damp coat to prevent mats from forming as it dries. This is crucial because the coat can mat if it air-dries unbrushed.

Use a hair dryer on the lowest heat setting. High heat can burn skin or damage coat texture. Keep the dryer moving and maintain several inches of distance from the skin.

Brush continuously while drying, working in small sections. The coat should be completely dry before you start trimming; cutting damp hair produces uneven results since wet hair appears longer and lies flatter.

Expect drying to take 45-90 minutes for a full-sized Goldendoodle.

Step 4: Trimming the Face, Paws & Sanitary Areas

These detail areas require the most care and patience. Take your time and use rounded-tip scissors to prevent accidental injuries.

Face Trimming

Start by clearing the vision area. Goldendoodles often have hair that grows into their eyes, causing irritation. Hold the hair between your fingers and trim conservatively, removing just enough to open up the eye area. Better to remove too little than too much; you can always trim more.

Shape the muzzle by trimming the hair around the mouth to prevent food and water from getting trapped. Many owners prefer a rounded, teddy bear appearance here. Comb the hair outward and trim to create a soft, even finish.

Round the top of the head and blend it with the ears. This creates that classic Goldendoodle look without harsh lines.

Muzzle & Chin

Trim carefully around the mouth opening, keeping enough length to maintain the breed’s characteristic fluffy appearance. Use scissors to blend the chin into the neck area, creating a natural flow rather than obvious cut lines. Keep in mind that water gathers on the chin when your dog quenches her thirst, so a longer beard may drip water after drinks.

Pads & Between Toes

Clip each paw to expose the pads. Hair grows between the pads and needs regular trimming to prevent dirt accumulation and improve traction. Use scissors or clippers to carefully remove hair flush with the pad surface.

Trim around the paw to create a rounded, compact look. Many groomers aim for a teddy bear paw appearance by scissoring the foot into a circular shape when viewed from above.

Clean paws (which is a shaved foot, as often seen on poodles) prevent your Goldendoodle from slipping on hard floors and reduce tracked-in dirt.

Sanitary Trim (Private Areas)

This area requires extra caution. Always use clippers, never scissors, around the genitals and anus. Scissors pose too high a risk of injury in these sensitive areas.

Use a #10 blade and work slowly. Pull the skin taut to create a smooth surface for the clippers. Trim the hair very short around the anus and genital area to prevent waste from sticking to the coat.

Many dogs feel uncomfortable during this step. Work calmly and reward good behavior with treats and praise. If your dog becomes too stressed or won’t stay still, consider having a professional handle this area.

Step 5: Full Body Clipper & Scissor Trim

Start at the hindquarters and work forward toward the chest, then move to the legs. This progression helps you establish a consistent length pattern.

Attach your chosen guard comb to the clippers. Common lengths are ½” for a shorter puppy cut, ⅝” for moderate length, or ⅞” for a fluffier appearance.

Move the clippers with the grain of the hair growth, applying even pressure. Work in overlapping passes to avoid leaving lines or uneven patches. The clippers should glide smoothly; if they pull or catch, the blade may be dull or you’re going against the hair direction.

Blend different areas together rather than creating harsh lines. The transition from body to legs should look natural, not choppy.

Use scissors to finish the legs, tail, and any areas where you want more control over the shape. Comb the hair out, then trim to create the desired silhouette.

Expect this full-body work to take 1-2 hours as you develop your skills. Professionals work faster, but speed comes with experience.

Step 6: Nail Trimming: Avoiding the Quick

How to groom a Goldendoodle includes proper nail care every 3-4 weeks. Overgrown nails can cause discomfort and affect how your dog walks.

Locate the quick, the blood vessel inside each nail. In clear or white nails, you can see it as a pink area. In black nails, you’ll need to trim conservatively in small increments.

Hold the paw firmly but gently. Cut at a slight angle, removing just the curved tip. If you see a small dark circle in the center of the cut surface, stop – you’re approaching the quick.

If you accidentally cut the quick and it bleeds, apply styptic powder or cornstarch to stop the bleeding. Most dogs forgive this mistake quickly, though they may be more nervous during the next trimming session.

Nail grinders offer an alternative that files nails gradually. They’re slower but reduce the risk of cutting too short. The buzzing sound and vibration bother some dogs, so introduce grinders gradually with positive reinforcement.

Step 7: Ear Cleaning & Maintenance

Goldendoodles’ floppy ears create a warm, moist environment perfect for bacterial and yeast growth. Weekly ear checks prevent infections.

Squeeze ear cleaning solution into the ear canal, then massage the base of the ear for 20-30 seconds. This loosens debris and wax. Let your dog shake their head – this brings the loosened material to the surface.

Wipe the visible parts of the ear with cotton pads or gauze. Never insert Q-tips into the ear canal, as this can damage the eardrum or pack debris deeper.

Healthy ears look pink and clean with minimal odor. Red, swollen ears with dark discharge or a yeasty smell signal infection. See your vet if you notice these signs.

Some Goldendoodles need ear hair plucking to improve air circulation. Ask your vet whether this applies to your dog, as not all need it.

Step 8: Teeth Brushing

Dental care often gets overlooked in grooming routines, but it’s crucial for long-term health. Aim to brush your Goldendoodle’s teeth 3-4 times weekly, though daily is ideal.

Use dog-specific enzymatic toothpaste, which doesn’t require rinsing and comes in flavors dogs tolerate. Never use human toothpaste – it contains xylitol and fluoride, both toxic to dogs. Plus, canine toothpaste is flavored to taste like something irresistible such as chicken, so your Goldendoodle will look forward to teeth brushing time. 

Lift your dog’s lip and brush in small circular motions, focusing on the gum line where plaque accumulates. Pay special attention to the back molars, where tartar builds up fastest.

If your dog resists brushing, start by letting them lick toothpaste off your finger, then gradually introduce the brush over several days. You may find that your dog prefers the type of tooth brush that fits over your finger rather than a style that resembles a human toothbrush.

Watch for signs of dental problems: bad breath, bleeding gums, loose teeth, or difficulty eating. These require professional veterinary dental cleaning.

Step 9: Final Grooming Touches

Once you’ve completed all the major steps, do a final inspection. Run your hands over your dog’s entire body to check for missed spots or uneven areas.

Brush through the coat one more time to fluff it and distribute natural oils. Some groomers use a finishing spray for extra shine and a pleasant scent, though this is optional.

Stand back and look at your Goldendoodle from different angles. Check that the face looks balanced, the body length appears even, and the legs are symmetrical.

Take before-and-after photos to track your improvement over time. You’ll be amazed at how much your skills develop with each grooming session.

Understanding Popular Goldendoodle Grooming Styles

Choosing how to cut a Goldendoodle’s hair depends on your lifestyle, climate, and maintenance preferences. Here are the most popular styles and what makes each one work.

Teddy Bear Cut

The teddy bear cut maintains a fluffy, rounded appearance with hair trimmed to about ¾” all over the body. The face is scissored into a round shape, and the legs stay fuller to preserve that stuffed animal look.

This style requires commitment. The longer coat needs daily brushing to prevent matting, and you’ll need professional grooming every 6-8 weeks to maintain the shape.

The teddy bear clip is best for owners who love the classic fluffy Goldendoodle appearance and don’t mind the higher maintenance demands.

Puppy Cut

A puppy cut features uniform length across the entire body, typically ½” to 1″. The face receives similar treatment, creating a clean, practical appearance that’s easy to maintain.

This versatile style works year-round and significantly reduces brushing requirements. You can extend time between grooming appointments to 8-10 weeks.

Perfect for busy owners, active dogs, or warm climates where a shorter coat keeps dogs more comfortable.

Kennel Cut

The kennel cut goes even shorter, usually under ½” across the body. This minimalist approach prioritizes function over fluff, making it the easiest style to maintain at home.

With minimal coat length, matting becomes virtually impossible, and bathing/drying takes much less time. However, this cut sacrifices the characteristic Goldendoodle aesthetic.

The kennel clip is ideal for hot climates, dogs who swim frequently, or owners who want the absolute minimum maintenance requirements.

Lamb Cut

The lamb cut combines the best of both worlds: a shorter body (around ½”) with fuller, fluffy legs and paws. The face maintains a rounded, teddy bear appearance.

This style reduces matting risk on the torso while preserving the breed’s stylish leg “boots.” However, those fluffy legs still need regular brushing to prevent tangles.

The lamb cut is great for owners seeking a balance between practical maintenance and distinctive doodle style.

Poodle Cut (Show Style)

The traditional Poodle cut features a short body with sculpted areas of longer hair: a topknot on the head, pom-pom tail, and fuller leg sections with shaped puffs.

This elegant style requires advanced grooming skills and takes considerable time to execute properly. Most owners choose professional grooming for this cut.

Best suited for show dogs, experienced home groomers, or those who prefer a more formal, breed-specific appearance.

Health Essentials Often Overlooked in Home Grooming

Grooming goes beyond aesthetics. Regular sessions let you monitor your dog’s overall health and catch potential problems early.

Anal Gland Expression: When & Why

Anal glands are two small sacs located on either side of your dog’s anus. They normally express naturally during bowel movements, releasing a pungent, fishy-smelling fluid.

Some dogs have trouble expressing these glands naturally, leading to discomfort and potential infection. Warning signs include scooting across the floor, excessive licking of the rear area, a fishy odor, or visible swelling near the anus.

While some owners learn to express anal glands at home, most groomers and veterinarians recommend professional handling. The technique requires specific pressure and positioning, and improper expression can cause injury.

Diet affects anal gland health. Fiber helps create firmer stools that naturally express the glands during elimination. If your dog has chronic issues, discuss dietary changes with your vet.

Matting Prevention & Maintenance

Matting is the biggest grooming challenge for Goldendoodle owners. Mats form when loose hair tangles with attached hair, creating tight knots that pull on the skin. Mats can also form around burs or other items that become caught in your dog’s hair during romps outdoors. Additionally, swimming in chlorinated water can cause matting.

Prevention beats treatment. Consistent brushing removes loose hair before it tangles. Focus on high-friction areas: behind the ears, under the collar/harness, armpits, belly, and rear legs.

If you discover mats, address them immediately. Small mats can be worked out with your fingers and a dematting tool. Hold the hair close to the skin while working to prevent painful pulling.

Never bathe a matted dog. Water causes mats to shrink and tighten, making removal nearly impossible. If your dog has significant matting, either work through it completely before bathing or seek professional help.

For severe matting, shaving down may be the only humane option. This isn’t a failure – it’s a fresh start. Once the matted coat is removed, implement a consistent brushing routine to prevent recurrence.

Grooming Goldendoodles at Different Life Stages

Your approach to grooming should adapt as your Goldendoodle ages, with different priorities and techniques at each life stage.

Puppy Grooming (8 weeks to 12 months)

Start grooming early to create positive associations. Even before your puppy needs a full haircut, introduce them to the tools, sounds, and handling involved in grooming.

Keep initial sessions short – just 5-10 minutes. Focus on gentle brushing, touching paws and ears, and letting them hear clippers running nearby (not on them yet). Reward calm behavior with treats and praise.

Schedule your puppy’s first professional grooming around 17 weeks, after they’ve completed initial vaccinations. Many groomers offer “puppy introduction” sessions focused on positive experience rather than full grooming.

Expect your puppy’s soft, fluffy coat to change significantly around 5-8 months. Increase brushing frequency during this transition to prevent matting as the adult coat grows in.

Use this time to establish grooming as a normal, positive part of your dog’s routine. Puppies who learn to tolerate grooming young become much easier to work with as adults.

Adult Goldendoodle Grooming (1-7 years)

Once your dog’s adult coat is established, settle into a consistent maintenance schedule based on their specific coat type and your chosen hair style.

Active lifestyles require adjustments. Dogs who swim, hike, or play in dirt need more frequent bathing and brushing than house pets. After outdoor activities, brush out debris and check for burrs or mats.

Most adult Goldendoodles benefit from professional grooming every 6-8 weeks, with owners handling brushing and minor maintenance in between. Some owners do all grooming at home once they’ve developed confidence and skills.

Watch for changes in coat condition that might signal health issues. Excessive shedding, dullness, or dry skin can indicate nutritional deficiencies, allergies, or thyroid problems.

Senior Goldendoodle Grooming (7+ years)

Senior dogs need gentler handling and shorter grooming sessions. Their joints may ache from standing too long, and they tire more easily.

Consider switching to a shorter, more practical cut that requires less maintenance time. The teddy bear cut might have been manageable at age 3 but could be uncomfortable for your 10-year-old dog.

Use softer brushes and brush more gently. Senior skin becomes thinner and more sensitive.

Pay attention to lumps, bumps, or skin changes during grooming. Early detection of growths or masses improves treatment outcomes.

Watch for signs that grooming has become stressful: panting, whining, or trying to escape. If your senior dog struggles with home grooming, professional groomers often have experience accommodating older dogs’ needs.

Expert Tips for Professional-Quality Results

These tips come from professional groomers and experienced Goldendoodle owners who’ve mastered home grooming.

Work slowly and methodically, especially when you’re learning. Rushing causes mistakes like uneven cuts, nicked skin, or missed mats. A thorough grooming takes time – 3-4 hours isn’t unusual for beginners.

Use proper lighting so you can see what you’re doing. Natural daylight or bright LED lights help you spot uneven areas and achieve symmetrical results.

Keep your dog calm through positive reinforcement. Have treats handy and reward good behavior throughout the session. If your dog becomes stressed, take a break.

Practice on less visible areas first. Start trimming the body or legs before attempting the face. As your confidence grows, tackle more challenging areas.

Take before-and-after photos to track your progress. You’ll be amazed at your improvement over several grooming sessions.

Watch tutorial videos for specific techniques. Visual demonstrations help you understand scissoring angles, clipper direction, and handling methods.

Join online Goldendoodle grooming communities where experienced owners share tips and answer questions. These groups offer invaluable support and troubleshooting help.

Consider taking professional grooming classes or workshops. Many grooming schools offer weekend courses for pet owners wanting to learn basic techniques.

Don’t get discouraged by early attempts. Even professional groomers spent months learning their craft. Each grooming session builds your skills and confidence.

When to Seek Professional Grooming

Home grooming saves money and strengthens your bond with your dog, but professional grooming remains valuable in certain situations.

Heavily matted coats require professional intervention. Attempting to remove severe mats at home risks cutting your dog’s skin or causing pain. Professional groomers have experience safely removing mats or shaving down when necessary.

Many owners prefer professional grooming for their dog’s first full-body haircut. This establishes a baseline you can maintain at home, and you’ll learn what the finished product should look like.

If your Goldendoodle shows anxiety or behavioral issues during grooming – growling, snapping, or extreme fear – professional groomers have techniques to handle difficult dogs safely.

Lack of proper equipment or space makes home grooming impractical for some owners. Not everyone has a suitable bathing area or room to work.

Time constraints are valid reasons to use professionals. If you’re too busy to commit 3-4 hours every 6-8 weeks, professional grooming makes sense.

Safety concerns justify professional help. If you’re uncertain about using clippers near your dog’s face or ears, don’t risk it. Professionals handle these sensitive areas daily.

Complex styles like the traditional Poodle cut require advanced skills that take years to develop. Unless you’re committed to serious practice, leave these cuts to the professionals.

Professional grooming isn’t admitting defeat – it’s recognizing when expert help serves your dog’s best interests. Many owners do maintenance grooming at home (brushing, nail trims, sanitary trims) while relying on professionals for full haircuts.

Conclusion

Grooming your Goldendoodle at home saves hundreds of dollars yearly while giving you valuable bonding time with your dog. The process requires patience, practice, and the right tools, but it’s absolutely achievable for dedicated owners.

Start with basic maintenance – brushing, nail trims, ear cleaning – before progressing to full haircuts. Your first attempts won’t look professional, and that’s completely normal. Professional groomers spent years perfecting their skills; you’ll see noticeable improvement after just a few sessions.

Remember that home grooming complements rather than replaces professional services. Many owners do routine maintenance at home while using professionals for quarterly full grooms or when they need rescue from matting situations.

The key to success is consistency. Regular brushing prevents the matting that makes grooming difficult. Frequent practice improves your technique and builds your dog’s tolerance for the process.

By Ellie Yantsan

Puppy Crate Time Tips

Puppy Crate Time Tips

Posted on by Timberidge

Here at Timberidge Goldendoodles, we put forth a lot of time, effort & energy to help prepare each of our sweet puppies for their new families. One aspect of that preparation is early crate introduction. We introduce the crate when the puppies are around three weeks of age and at seven weeks, puppies transition to sleeping independently in crates overnight. Even with this early, positive crate introduction, occasionally a puppy may struggle with crate time initially once he joins his new family. Here are a couple tricks & tips you can try to help make crate time a success for your puppy:

  1. Snuggle puppies are a great sleeping buddy. Bring a snuggle puppy for your new furry family member at meet & greet day or ship one to our house. We’ll begin working with your puppy on sleeping with his stuffed buddy so he’ll have a familiar sleeping companion to bring home when he joins your family.
  2. Beds are great and many puppies love having a soft, comfy place to sleep BUT make sure that the bed doesn’t take up the entire crate. There should be room for your puppy to choose to sleep off of the bed in case he becomes hot. Sometimes a blanket or soft towel may work better than a bed because your puppy can position it how he likes and to achieve the amount of warmth or cooling that he finds comfortable.
  3. Set your puppy up for success by feeding him dinner several hours before bedtime. You want to make sure your puppy has plenty of time for dinner to go in and out before bedtime. We do not restrict the puppies’ access to water here before bedtime, but you may find it helpful to pick your pup’s water up an hour before bedtime.
  4. Puppies naturally prefer cozy covered places. If your puppy seems to have trouble settling in his crate, try moving the crate to a more secluded area and/or try covering it to give it more of that den-like feel. You can purchase a specially designed crate cover, but a blanket or towel will also work well. Be sure to keep some of the crate uncovered to allow for airflow. 
  5. Puppies play hard and sleep hard. structure your evening so your puppy has plenty of time to play hard before bedtime. A tired puppy is happy to go to sleep in his crate whereas an energetic puppy is likely protest.
  6. Set the bedtime mood. After the puppies have gone outside for one last potty and had a few minutes to run those last wiggles off, we put everyone in their crates and turn off the lights to cue bedtime. Similarly, at home you’ll want to turn off the lights and make sure the environment is fairly quiet to cue your puppy for bedtime. If the lights are on and there is a lot of activity happening, your puppy is going to want to join in on the fun.

My puppy cries when I put him in his crate. How long should I let him cry?

More often than not, puppies do amazingly with crate training in their new homes. Occasionally, a puppy may struggle a little, though. Even though your puppy is used to sleeping in a crate in our home, everything he knows has suddenly changed when he joins your family, and it’s normal for a puppy to cry a bit those first few nights. Remember, your puppy is used to being in a crate, so any crying he does are merely cries of protest and not cries of freaking out. It’s okay for him to cry. Your puppy should settle within about 10 or 15 minutes, although occasionally a puppy may take 30 minutes to go to sleep that first night. Try the suggestions listed above, and let me know if your puppy is still struggling. 

Should I wake my puppy up overnight to go to the bathroom?

We have worked hard with your puppy to get him used to sleeping for about 7 hours in a crate overnight. You do not need to wake your puppy up to go to the bathroom overnight. Many of our puppies sleep through the night from day one of joining their new families. When puppies go home, they can be a little nervous (which is normal) and being nervous can make a puppy need to potty. If your puppy wakes up overnight those first few nights, try reaching your hand down so he can sniff you and know he’s not alone. If he doesn’t settle with this reassurance, take him outside to potty. As soon as he finishes, put him back in his crate. Remember, it’s sleeping time and not playtime. You do not want your puppy to train you to wake up every morning at 3am for playtime! If your puppy isn’t sleeping through the night within the first 7-10 days, please let me know.

What about daytime crating?

Our early crate introduction with your puppy has primarily focused on night time crate confinement. While the puppies have access to crates during the day, they are generally free to come and go as they choose. Often, puppies voluntarily choose to nap on the bed in the crates. We do minimal daytime crate confinement, which means that being locked in a crate during daytime hours at your home will be somewhat new for your puppy. You can help encourage successful daytime crate time by:

  1. Make sure your puppy is tired before starting crate time. Your puppy just slept for 7 hours in his crate overnight, it’s not fair to expect him to immediately go back in his crate. Wake up early enough to allow time for your puppy to potty outside, play, eat breakfast, potty outside again, play some more, and then get tired enough for a nap before expecting him to relax in his crate.
  2. Yummy chews make crate time more fun. When you are home and able to supervise your puppy’s crate time, give him an exciting, yummy chew that he only gets the pleasure of enjoying when he’s in his crate. Bully sticks and pigs ears are great options.
  3. Take your puppy out to potty before crate time. A puppy who needs to pee will have trouble settling in his crate even if he’s tired.
  4. Put your puppy’s crate somewhere quiet. Your puppy is going to have trouble settling in his crate if there is a lot of exciting activity happening right in front of him and he feels like he’s missing out.