Goldendoodles make excellent service and therapy dogs and are the absolute sweetest, so it’s no wonder they get along well with humans and animals.
Introducing two pups can be pretty stressful, but the Goldendoodle’s social and enthusiastic personality makes this much easier as they will love meeting a new canine friend. In this guide, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about introducing your Goldendoodle to another dog.
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Do Goldendoodles And Other Dogs Get Along?
The Golden Retriever Poodle mix is a naturally friendly and curious breed. Goldendoodles are generally amicable dogs and tend to be calm and get along well with other dog breeds. All dogs are different, so some may be more aggressive or shy around unfamiliar pups, but this breed generally loves making new friends and being around other dogs.
A Goldendoodle puppy or adult will never turn down a game with another dog! They are active, playful, and very social dogs who get along well with all other animals.
The Goldendoodle temperament combines traits from both parent breeds. Golden Retrievers and Poodles are non-aggressive and friendly when socializing with other doggos, so it’s no surprise that their offspring is just the same.
Tips for Introducing Your Goldendoodle to Other Dogs
Introducing your Goldendoodle to other dogs can be an exciting but daunting task. While Goldendoodles are generally known for their friendly and social nature, each dog has its own personality and preferences.
Therefore, it’s important to approach introductions with care and attention to ensure a positive experience for both your Goldendoodle and the other dog. Here are some tips for ensuring a successful interaction.
Socialization
Early socialization is crucial for a Goldendoodle puppy, as it ensures they grow into a friendly and well-behaved family pet. You must introduce your pup to different sounds, people, environments, and animals.
It is much easier to socialize a puppy than an adult dog. Puppies are like children – little sponges just soaking up everything they learn and all their experiences. Socialization ensures that you end up with a sociable and friendly adult dog.
Training
Training is crucial as it produces a well-behaved, happy, healthy dog. Training is also an excellent opportunity for your pup to spend time with other dogs and to socialize and play in a more controlled environment.
Training also helps shape the personality and temperament of a dog, so you can develop a puppy who listens to you and is very friendly and social. Always use positive reinforcement when training, as this avoids an anxious dog and ensures a happy and confident one.
Playdates
Puppies love a good playdate and benefit from them as they get used to spending time with other dogs and getting familiar with one another. Playdates can be at home or in the park, but make sure the environment is controlled so you can supervise the fun.
Keep the pups on a leash at first, and when you feel confident and can see they get along, let them play off-leash. Goldendoodle puppies and adult dogs love having friends to play with. They may even get so used to having a companion that they develop separation anxiety when left alone – something to be aware of.
When To Introduce Your Goldendoodle To A New Puppy or Dog
Every dog is different, but if you have had your puppy for at least a year, you can introduce another dog into your home. Give your pup time first to acclimate to their surroundings and let them feel comfortable before shaking up their home environment again.
It is also crucial that you let your pup bond with you first and give them time to form their personality. Once you understand your dog well, you’ll know if it is right to introduce them to a new puppy or older doggy sibling. Goldendoodle owners should always be cautious when introducing their furry friend to other pets.
When the time comes to bring your second dog home, make sure to introduce them slowly and carefully. Don’t be disheartened if things don’t go to plan straight away.
It’s best to keep them apart by using a crate or cage at first, and slowly get them used to each other over the space of a few days. Always supervise the first interactions, and only leave them alone together when you feel comfortable that they get along well enough.
If either dog reacts badly to the introduction, separate them and try again later. Allow them to become familiar with each other’s scents while keeping them apart by using a crate.
Dealing With Problems Between Goldendoodles and Other Dogs
While Goldendoodles are generally social by nature, there may be times when they encounter other dogs that they do not get along with. This can be a stressful situation for dogs and owners alike, but there are steps you can take to prevent and resolve any issues that arise.
Here are some common problems that may occur between Goldendoodles and other dogs and tips on addressing them.
Defensiveness and territorial behaviour
Dogs are naturally hardwired to function and live in packs; they have a home territory and family unit. This means your Goldendoodle could become possessive and territorial of your home, you, and their living space.
Goldendoodles’ aggressive behavior may come out when they feel threatened by someone or another dog. To avoid this, you need to train and socialize your pup properly. Introduce a new puppy into your home slowly, and take note if your Goldendoodle may display signs that they aren’t happy.
You may need to give the dogs some space to get used to having another animal in their environment and learn that it is not a threat.
Aggressive behaviors
Dogs show aggression for several reasons. They might feel scared, become territorial, have poor social skills, or want to dominate another dog. The best way to avoid this anti-social behavior is to socialize with your pup while they are little to become comfortable with other dogs.
However, the Goldendoodle temperament is fantastic, and they are not naturally aggressive dogs, so signs of aggression are rare in this breed. You might notice your Doodle baring its teeth, growling, or pulling its ears back to show aggression.
It’s best to remove your dog from the situation if this happens before things get out of control. Introduce them slowly to other dogs if they’re acting this way instead of throwing them in at the deep end and expecting them to get along fine!
Dominance
Dogs have an instinct to develop a hierarchy. No matter how well two dogs get along, there will always be one who takes charge and shows dominance. This dominance can come through when they play or while they eat.
In a stable family environment, humans should be the dominant force, and dogs should be equals. But one dog might show a lot of dominance over another dog when they first meet.
This dominance might be displayed by the dog raising its tail, holding its head high, circling the other dog, stiffening body language, or mounting them.
If the dog on the receiving end seems laid-back and unbothered by this behavior, then you do not necessarily need to worry. However, if they also show dominant behavior, this can be problematic and result in a fight. Proper training and socialization can ease this dominant behavior and help the dogs get along better.
FAQs
What dogs get along with a Goldendoodle?
Just some of the breeds that get along well with Doodles include English Springer Spaniels, Mastiffs, Newfoundlands, and Australian Shepherds. Goldendoodles also get on really well with their own kind, so having a duo of dynamic Doodles might be the way forward!
Are Goldendoodles happier with another dog?
Goldendoodles are social animals and generally enjoy the company of other furry friends. But, whether or not your Goldendoodle will be happier with another dog depends on their personality and temperament.
Some Goldendoodles are more independent and may prefer being the only dog in the household, while others may thrive with a companion. If you do decide to take the plunge, proper socialization and training are crucial to ensure a harmonious relationship (follow our tips above to ensure everything goes to plan!).
Are Goldendoodles aggressive to other dogs?
Goldendoodles are generally not aggressive towards other dogs. However, just like any other dog breed, individual Goldendoodles may exhibit aggressive behavior towards other dogs if they feel threatened or fearful.
It is important to properly socialize your Goldendoodle from a young age and monitor their behavior around other dogs to ensure they are comfortable and non-aggressive in social situations.
Final Thoughts
Goldendoodles are very friendly and social dogs who will surely get along with other pups. There may be an exception, but it is very rare for a Doodle to have trouble with a fellow pup whether that’s at the dog park or at home.
The Goldendoodle temperament is amazing, and be sure to get your fur baby from a reputable breeder so that you know your pup came from a strong and healthy bloodline with fantastic personality traits.