We all know that feeling. We just got our puppy, everything is great until it starts to run around like a wild animal and it keeps jumping on furniture, barking non-stop and making sure that every piece of clothing you own is chewed on.
Then comes the puppy blues. "What have I done?" you say to yourself. Will this ever stop?
The answer is yes! Goldendoodles, like all dogs, eventually calm down and become more mature adults as they age. But when do Goldendoodles calm down?
Let's look at the stages of puppyhood and when each might end.
What Age Do Goldendoodles Calm Down?
Fortunately, the stage of never-ending zoomies will eventually end.
Like golden retrievers, Goldendoodles tend to calm down anywhere between 12 and 18 months of age. At that age, they have grown out of the puppy stage and entered the adult stage so they will be more inclined to lay around and relax with you, or even sleep when it’s time for a nap.
With that said, Goldendoodles are one of the most intelligent dog breeds, so they need a lot of stimulation in order to avoid unwanted energy spikes.
How do I Get my Goldendoodle to Calm Down?
A tired dog is a good dog.
Most of the time when someone is complaining about their dogs being too hyper and asks why does my goldendoodle have so much energy, I tell them to take their dog for more walks and exercise.
Exercise isn’t just about getting them fit and healthy, but it also tires them out mentally and physically.
If a dog is bored or doesn't get enough stimulation, it will have to spend that excess energy on activities such as chewing, barking or digging.
There are a few things that you can do to get your goldendoodle calm, like mental stimulation, physical stimulation and positive reinforcement.
Mental Stimulation
Have Your Goldendoodle Work for Food:
A great way to tire down your goldendoodle mentally is to have it work for its food. This can be done by hiding treats around the house and having your goldendoodle search them or feeding them through interactive food puzzles.
There are also kong toys, that can be filled with treats or kibble that will make it work for food.
Scent Training:
Scent training is another great way to tire down your goldendoodle mentally. It’s a game where the dog searches for different scents and finds them on designated objects. It’s a fun, easy and effective way of tiring your pup out without having to do too much work.
Play the Shell Game:
The shell game is a great way to provide mental stimulation. It’s a simple game where you hide an item in one of three cups and move the cups around until your goldendoodle finds it.
Physical Stimulation
Go for a Walk:
A walk is always a good way to give your pup some physical stimulation as well as mental stimulation. Going for a walk around the neighbourhood will not only tire out your goldendoodle but you can also take it to different places, so they can explore and learn more about their surroundings. Smelling new and interesting things can also help tire out your pup. If you don't have the time, you can also hire a dog walker.
Play Fetch:
Fetch is a classic game that many dogs enjoy, so why not try it with your goldendoodle? It’s a great way to get them physically active and gives you the chance to bond with your furry friend. If you don't have a backyard where you can play fetch, go to a dog park!
Play Catch:
Another great game to play with your goldendoodle is catch. This activity will help build their coordination, agility and reaction time, as well as give them some physical stimulation.
Tug of War:
A game of tug of war can tire out your goldendoodle, but will also boost its confidence. Make sure you allow your pup to win the game every time to make them feel good about themselves.
Hide and Seek:
Hide and seek is a great way to give your pup something to do while giving them physical stimulation. As they look for you, it will tire them out as they move around the house.
Chase:
Chasing each other around the house or in a park can be a fun way to play with your pup and tire them out.
Toys
There are also a lot of toys that you can give to your goldendoodle as well to keep them entertained and stimulated.
Interactive Toys:
Interactive toys are great for providing physical and mental stimulation for your pup. These kinds of toys help keep them occupied and engaged, since they have to move the toy around to make it do something.
Chew Toys:
Chew toys are also great for keeping your pup entertained and can help with teething if your pup is still a puppy. It's important to pick chew toys that are specifically for dogs so they don't choke on them.
Puzzle Toys:
Puzzle toys are a great way to give your pup mental stimulation. These kinds of toys require them to figure out how to get the treat inside, making it mentally stimulating and rewarding for them.
Medication
As a last resort, if your dog is still too energetic and does not calm down, you may want to consider speaking to your vet about medication. Medication such as calming supplements or anti-anxiety medications can help keep your pup calm, but should only be used in extreme cases.
There are also natural supplements that you can consider using as well.
If you're looking for a secure, lightweight harness that comes in bright colors and is easy to put on your pup, then the Embark Adventure Harness could be the perfect fit!
The fabric of the harness is very light, which is great if you are looking for a comfortable fit and is easier for your pup to wear in hot weather. However, if your goldendoodle likes to chew on things, you should be careful. The fabric is thin and can tear easily.
It has great padding and Bailey approved it as it being comfortable.
The buckles feel durable and the clip rings are made out of metal and sewn on securely.
It's a bit pricier than other harnesses, but it is well worth the money! It's a pretty good, heavy duty harness.
Are Goldendoodles Hyper Dogs by Nature?
Yes, goldendoodles are known to be active and energetic dogs.
They need plenty of physical and mental stimulation, as well as regular exercise, in order to stay calm. But don't worry, when they reach adulthood (between 1-2 years) they tend to calm down significantly.
The Three Stages of Goldendoodle Aging
There are three stages of aging for goldendoodles: puppy, adult and senior.
Puppy Stage
Goldendoodle puppies are filled with energy and excitement. They need plenty of playtime, mental stimulation and exercise in order to stay calm and not become too hyperactive.
Adult Stage
Once a goldendoodle reaches adulthood, they tend to calm down significantly over time. By this age, if you did everything right, your dog should be properly trained and know the rules and boundaries.
Senior Stage
In their senior years, goldendoodles start to become more sedate as they slow down with age. In this stage, they don't need that much exercise and activity.
Undesirable Behaviors Regardless of Age:
There are a few undesirable behaviours that can occur regardless of the age of your goldendoodle, such as:
Excessive barking: This is one of the most common problems with goldendoodles. If your pup is barking too much, it's important to find out what is causing them to bark and then try to correct it.
Chewing: Puppies often chew on things as they explore their environment and teethe. Once puppies lose their puppy teeth, this behaviour should decrease but can still occur. This often couples with destructive behavior.
Jumping: Goldendoodles can become very excited and may jump on people or furniture to show their excitement, which is not desirable behaviour.
Play biting: Goldendoodles may try to play bite as they get older, so it's important to make sure they understand what is appropriate and unacceptable behaviour.
Excessive Licking: This can indicate that your pup is stressed or anxious and needs some help to calm down, so it's important to address it.
Keep in mind that a bored Goldendoodle will most likely do these things, because, well they are bored. Plus, also to relieve stress.
If any of these occur, you should contact a professional dog trainer to help you correct these behavior issues.
Why Is My Goldendoodle Hyper After a Walk?
If your goldendoodle is hyper after your walking session, it’s because of two things:
They still have excess energy: It’s possible that even after your walking session, they still have a lot of energy. In this case, you should consider increasing the amount or intensity of exercise or try engaging them in other activities such as playing fetch or hide and seek.
Overstimulation: If your pup has been overstimulated by its environment, it can cause them to become hyperactive. This is because they've encountered too many exciting things on the walk and haven't had time to process it all. To help with this, take shorter walks and avoid busy areas where there are a lot of people or animals around.
Do Goldendoodles calm down after being neutered/spayed?
Yes, neutering your goldendoodle can help reduce their hyperactivity and make them calmer.
This is because the neutering procedure reduces the amount of testosterone in their system, which helps to promote a more relaxed demeanor. Additionally, it also helps to reduce any aggressive behaviors that are caused by the natural urges to mate.
Spaying also makes your goldendoodle calmer as removes the anxiety and frustration associated with the heat cycle.
Overall, neutering and spaying your goldendoodle can be beneficial for both behavioral and health reasons.
Tips for dealing with a Hyper Goldendoodle puppy
If you're dealing with a hyper Goldendoodle puppy, here are some tips:
1. Give them plenty of exercise and physical activity: Goldendoodles need plenty of exercise in order to stay calm. Therefore, it's important to give them regular walks and playtime sessions.
2. Provide mental stimulation: Puzzles toys, learning new commands and tricks, and playing hide and seek are great ways to give your pup mental stimulation.
3. Create structure: Establish a routine for your goldendoodle so they can understand what is expected of them.
4. Be consistent with training: Consistency when it comes to training is key in helping your dog understand what is expected of them and how to behave.
5. Use calming aids: If all else fails, there are calming aids such as essential oils, pressure wraps, and toys that can help keep your pup calm, but should only be used in extreme cases.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of mental stimulation is best for a Goldendoodle?
Mental stimulation activities such as puzzles toys, learning new commands and tricks, playing hide and seek, or engaging in other interactive games are great ways to give your pup mental stimulation.
What kind of physical stimulation is best for a Goldendoodle?
Physical stimulation such as regular walks, playing fetch, or engaging in other activities that require movement are great ways to keep your pup physically active and help them stay calm.
How long will my Goldendoodle act like a puppy?
Goldendoodles usually reach full adulthood around 18-24 months, so it can take this long for them to fully mature and start calming down. However, some Goldendoodles may be calmer earlier than that, depending on their individual temperament.
Conclusion
Managing a hyper Goldendoodle can be challenging, but it is possible with the right combination of exercise, mental stimulation, routine, and training.
It’s important to remember that all dogs are different and have individual needs, so what works for one may not work for another.
With patience and consistency, your pup will learn to be calmer, and soon enough you’ll have a peaceful pup to snuggle with.
Good luck!
