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This article was co-authored by Deanne Pawlisch, CVT, MA. Deanne Pawlisch is a Certified Veterinary Technician, who does corporate training for veterinary practices and has taught at the NAVTA-approved Veterinary Assistant Program at the Harper College in Illinois and in 2011 was elected to the board of the Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care Foundation. Deanne has been a Board Member of the Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care Foundation in San Antonio, Texas since 2011. She holds a BS in Anthropology from Loyola University and an MA in Anthropology from Northern Illinois University.
There are 17 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page.
This article has been viewed 1,412 times.
Goldendoodles are lively and active hybrid dogs that result from mixing golden retrievers and poodles. These dogs make fantastic companions for families or people with allergies. Decide if you want to buy a puppy from a breeder or adopt a dog from a rescue. You should also think carefully about what type of dog you want, as hybrids can take on the characteristics of either parent. Once you take in a goldendoodle, provide for its unique needs so that the dog will be happy and healthy.
Steps
Method 1
Method 1 of 4:
Rescuing a Goldendoodle
Locate rescues or shelters that have goldendoodles. Some rescues only take in goldendoodles, while others may care for a variety of breeds. You might even check golden retriever and poodle rescues to see if they have any goldendoodles.[1]- Websites like Petfinder and Adopt a Pet will let you search for goldendoodles in your area.
Visit the shelter to meet dogs. The best way to learn the dog's temperament is to meet it at the shelter. Many shelters will let you play with the dog in a private area. Choose a goldendoodle that is active, alert, and social. If the dog ignores you or growls, it may not be a good fit.- Shy or aggressive dogs may need additional training and socialization so that they are comfortable around humans. If you are willing to give them the extra attention, they can still make good pets.
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Fill out an application. Many rescues will ask you to fill out an application. This application will determine if you can properly care for a goldendoodle. It can also help the shelter identify which dog would be a good fit for your home.[2]- This application may ask you if you have a yard, children, or other pets. You may also be required to state why you want to adopt a goldendoodle and who will care for the dog in your home.
Schedule a home visit if required. Some shelters may require a home inspection. One of their employees will visit your home to see if it is suitable for a goldendoodle. During the home visit, the inspector will check for cleanliness and safety.[3]- For example, if you have a fenced yard, they may check the fence for any holes or escape routes.
- The inspector will look to see if there are any easily chewed or swallowed items left on the floor.
Ask for the dog's medical records. It is important to make sure that the goldendoodle is healthy before you adopt it. Ask the shelter or rescue if you can see their records. You may also want to ask if they have spayed, neutered, or vaccinated the dog.
Pay the adoption fee. Shelter dogs may require a small adoption fee. These fees can range from $160 to $623 USD.[4] Once this is done, you can take your new goldendoodle home.Advertisement
Method 2
Method 2 of 4:
Buying a Puppy from a Breeder
Find a responsible breeder. Responsible breeders breed healthy dogs, no matter the cost. They will perform genetic tests on the puppies and their parents to ensure that the puppies have a low risk of genetic defects, and they will be honest about any potential health issues. Only buy goldendoodles from responsible breeders.[5]- Try to find a breeder that has been approved by the Goldendoodle Association of North America. You can look them up using the registry on their website.[6]
- You can also ask for referrals from friends, vets, and other goldendoodle owners.
- Avoid buying puppies from puppy stores. These stores often get their dogs from puppy mills, which abuse dogs.
Visit the breeder to see the puppies. It is important to visit the breeder so that you can ask questions about the puppy. You can also make sure that the puppy was bred in a clean space.[7]- The breeder's home should be clean. There should be plenty of toys and food for the puppies.
- If the breeder refuses to let you visit, do not buy from them.
Interview the breeder. While visiting the breeder, ask questions about the puppy's parents, health, care, and temperament. Some questions you may want to ask include:[8]- Do their parents have papers from a kennel club? What is the puppy's pedigree?
- What are the temperaments of the parents like? Do you notice any temperament problems with the puppies?
- Have you had the dogs checked out by a vet? Have you done genetic testing on the puppies or parents?
- How do you socialize your puppies?
- Do the puppies have their vaccinations yet?
Handle each of the puppies. Pick up each of the puppies, and play with it for a few minutes. When you make your decision, select a puppy that enjoys playing with you. A puppy that runs away, hides, or growls may become aggressive or anxious.- If a breeder won't let you handle the puppies, don't buy from them. They may be trying to hide health or temperament issues.
Ask for the puppy to be genetically tested. A responsible breeder should have the puppies inspected by a vet shortly after birth. They should also have performed genetic tests. If they haven't, ask the breeder to do so before you commit to buying a goldendoodle.[9]- Ask if the puppy's parents have been certified by the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals or the Canine Eye Registry Foundation. If they haven't, you may want to reconsider buying from this breeder.
- Goldendoodles are susceptible to the same problems that golden retrievers and poodles have. This includes hip or elbow dysplasia, juvenile cataracts, progressive retinal atrophy, and hypothyroidism.[10]
Sign a contract if requested. Some breeders may ask you to sign a contract before you can buy the puppy. This contract may require you to spay or neuter the puppy or to care for the puppy in specific ways. In some cases, if you need to give up the puppy, the breeder may ask you to return it to them instead of leaving it at a shelter.[11]- Breeders may also require that you have a reference from a veterinarian or proof from a landlord that you are allowed to keep pets.
Arrange to pick up the puppy between eight and twelve weeks of age. Goldendoodle puppies should stay with their mothers until they are at least eight weeks old. Some breeders may like to keep the puppies up until they are twelve weeks old, and in some states it may be illegal for breeders to sell puppies before they are 8 weeks old.[12]- You will need to pay the breeder when you pick up the puppy. Goldendoodle puppies can cost up to $1000 USD.
- Puppies who are separated from their mother before eight weeks may have health and social problems as they grow older.
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Method 3
Method 3 of 4:
Evaluating Goldendoodle Options
Decide how big you want the dog to be. Goldendoodles come in three sizes. The size usually depends on how big their poodle parent is. Choose a size that is right for your lifestyle.[13]- A standard goldendoodle will be over 45 pounds (20 kg) as an adult. Standard sizes are best for families with yards.
- Medium goldendoodles will typically grow to be between 30–45 pounds (14–20 kg) as adults. They also live well in houses.
- Miniature goldendoodles are under 30 pounds (14 kg). They are better if you live in an apartment.
Choose a dog with a furnished coat if you have allergies. If you are looking for a hypoallergenic dog, make sure that you choose a goldendoodle that doesn't shed. Goldendoodles with curlier, more poodle-like hair are less likely to shed. This type of fur is called a furnished coat.[14]- Goldendoodles with shorter, straighter coats are considered to have “incorrect” coats. If you have allergies, do not get a goldendoodle with an incorrect coat.
- Keep in mind that no matter what type of coat your goldendoodle has, you will need to brush their fur regularly.
Decide if you want a puppy or an adult dog. The age of the dog you adopt will determine their temperament, care, and activity levels. Carefully consider whether you want to adopt a puppy or an adult dog based on your lifestyle.[15]- Puppies are fun and energetic, but they can be a handful! You will need to train and socialize a puppy. Puppies also require constant supervision. They may not be suitable for people who work full-time.
- Older dogs may already be trained. They are generally less destructive. There is a chance, however, that you might adopt an older dog that has a shy temperament.
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Method 4
Method 4 of 4:
Caring for a Goldendoodle
Start training your goldendoodle as soon as it comes home. Give it a twenty minute training session once a day. You can also take it to a dog training school for lessons. It should know how to sit, walk on a leash, and stop on command.[16]- Positive reinforcement is more effective for training than punishing your dog. Reward your dog with treats when it does something right, and it will quickly learn.
Give the goldendoodle plenty of exercise. Goldendoodles are active dogs. If you have a yard, let it outside to run around. If you don't, take it to a dog park or go on walks. You can play chase, fetch, tug of war, and other games with it as well.[17]- If you don't have a yard, a goldendoodle will need a walk at least 3 times a day.
- Keep in mind that goldendoodles are known for digging in yards. Supervise your dog if you don't want holes in your yard.
Groom your goldendoodle every two days with a slicker brush. Without grooming, a goldendoodle's fur can become matted. It should get haircuts every eight to twelve weeks.[18]
Spay or neuter your dog. Spaying and neutering will help prevent unwanted puppies. It can also increase the lifespan and improve the temperament of your goldendoodle. You can have this procedure done on your puppy when it is eight weeks old.[19]- Spaying or neutering can cost between $150-300 USD.
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Tips
- Only adopt a goldendoodle if you are certain that you can care for it.Thanks
- The average lifespan of a goldendoodle is 13 years.Thanks
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References
- ↑ http://www.vetstreet.com/dogs/goldendoodle#finding
- ↑ https://bestfriends.org/resources/adopt-pet-shelter-or-rescue
- ↑ https://bestfriends.org/resources/adopt-pet-shelter-or-rescue
- ↑ https://www.animalhumanesociety.org/adoption-fees
- ↑ http://www.humanesociety.org/issues/puppy_mills/tips/finding_responsible_dog_breeder.html
- ↑ http://www.goldendoodleassociation.com/
- ↑ http://www.humanesociety.org/assets/pdfs/pets/puppy_mills/find_responsible_dog_breeder.pdf
- ↑ http://www.akc.org/content/dog-care/articles/questions-to-ask-your-potential-breeder/
- ↑ http://www.vetstreet.com/dogs/goldendoodle#health
- ↑ http://www.petguide.com/breeds/dog/goldendoodle/
- ↑ http://www.humanesociety.org/assets/pdfs/pets/puppy_mills/find_responsible_dog_breeder.pdf
- ↑ http://www.akc.org/content/dog-care/articles/bring-puppy-home-kennel/
- ↑ http://goldendoodles.com/home.htm
- ↑ http://www.goldendoodleassociation.com/about-the-breed/coat-types-and-colors/
- ↑ http://www.vetstreet.com/dogs/goldendoodle#finding
- ↑ http://www.petguide.com/breeds/dog/goldendoodle/
- ↑ http://www.petguide.com/breeds/dog/goldendoodle/
- ↑ http://www.vetstreet.com/dogs/goldendoodle#grooming
- ↑ https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/general-pet-care/spayneuter-your-pet
About this article
Deanne Pawlisch, CVT, MA
Certified Veterinary Technician
This article was co-authored by Deanne Pawlisch, CVT, MA. Deanne Pawlisch is a Certified Veterinary Technician, who does corporate training for veterinary practices and has taught at the NAVTA-approved Veterinary Assistant Program at the Harper College in Illinois and in 2011 was elected to the board of the Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care Foundation. Deanne has been a Board Member of the Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care Foundation in San Antonio, Texas since 2011. She holds a BS in Anthropology from Loyola University and an MA in Anthropology from Northern Illinois University. This article has been viewed 1,412 times.
Co-authors: 10
Updated: September 6, 2019
Views: 1,412
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 1,412 times.
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