Goldendoodles are some of the friendliest dog breeds. They’re extremely sociable and will get along with people, other dogs, and even cats — it’s in their nature to enjoy meeting new friends. When your Goldendoodle is still a puppy, there is a very narrow window for socialization, and it’s during his puppy years that you need to train your Goldendoodle to be comfortable around others and in other environments. To make your Goldendoodles well-adjusted pups in society, you can follow some of our proven tips that are described in this article.

The importance of socializing Goldendoodle puppies

Puppies that aren’t socialized grow up into unfriendly dogs. They’re more likely to be nervous around strangers, aggressive toward other dogs, and have general nervousness and behavioral problems. Socializing Goldendoodle puppy is an important step to take as a responsible dog owner. You’ll be helping your dog’s well-being and confidence. That’s why we socialize all of our puppies here at Sandiego Goldendoodle!

The goal of canine socialization is to build confidence and comfort within your dog, whenever he is introduced to new situations and environments. Studies show that puppies should begin to be socialized at 0-6 weeks of age. Fill your Goldendoodle puppy’s memories with positive experiences to keep him feeling happy and comfortable.

5 Tips for Socializing Goldendoodle Puppies

Let him make friends

Introduce your Goldendoodle puppy to different people and pets! It is recommended to have at least five interactions with dogs and ten interactions with humans in a span of two weeks. Allow your puppy to get comfortable around other dog breeds, including bigger dogs, and cats. This is how you can make sure that he doesn’t grow up to dislike other animals. However, be sure that the dog your Goldendoodle puppy is going to meet is friendly, too! You wouldn’t want your Goldendoodle puppy getting hurt.
Make socializing a daily habit

Walk your puppy every day. It keeps your puppy active and healthy and is a convenient way of meeting new people, pets, and places. Puppies get tired quite easily, so you might want to drive to new locations each time to get more variety. Don’t keep walking them around your block as you will just end up seeing the same scenery every time.
Expose to Various Sounds

Expose your Goldendoodle puppy to various sounds gradually, starting with mild household noises like footsteps or running water. Progress to louder sounds such as doorbells and vacuum cleaners. Use recordings or videos if necessary to simulate noises. Pair each sound exposure with positive reinforcement like treats or praise to create a positive association. Monitor your puppy’s reaction closely, reducing the volume or intensity if signs of distress appear. Consistently repeat exposure sessions, gradually increasing intensity. Include outdoor sounds like traffic and wildlife to prepare them for different environments. Through this controlled exposure, you’ll help prevent fear or anxiety reactions to loud noises, ensuring your puppy grows up confident and resilient.
Handling Exercises

Regularly handling your Goldendoodle puppy’s paws, mouth, and ears is crucial for preparing them for grooming and veterinary visits. Gently touching these sensitive areas helps familiarize them with sensations they’ll understand during grooming sessions and examinations. Firstly start with short sessions, gradually increasing duration as your puppy adjust with these touches. This practice reduces fear and anxiety associated with grooming and vet visits, making the experiences less stressful for both your puppy and the professionals handling them.
Car Exposure

Introduce your Goldendoodle puppy to short car trips to acclimate them to riding in a vehicle. Start with brief journeys and gradually increase the duration as they become more comfortable. Ensure their safety by securing them properly in the car using a suitable restraint system, such as a harness or a crate secured with a seatbelt. This prevents your puppy from moving around or becoming a distraction to the driver. If your puppy shows signs of anxiety, such as panting or whining, take breaks and offer reassurance. By gradually exposing them to car travel in a safe and positive manner, you’ll help your Goldendoodle puppy become a confident and relaxed traveler.

We socialize our puppies at a very young age. At Sandiego Goldendoodle, we know how important it is to introduce puppies to new people, pets, places, and experiences so that they grow up into fearless and comfortable family dogs.

Visit our website to check out our puppies that are looking for their forever homes. All of our puppies are well-trained and guaranteed healthy.