If you’ve read my blog posts, you’ll know that I haven’t always been fond of dogs. So how did I end up with one? It’s a great question. I knew that if I were to get a dog, I had some strict guidelines of what type of dog I would choose.
Related: From Fear of Dogs To Dog Owner
First and foremost, the dog must not shed. I can’t stand dog hair, especially on someone’s couch. Secondly, the dog must be a family-friendly breed and good with children. Thirdly, the dog must have a good temperament to be a pet therapy dog. This is the main reason I got Capri, as I’m hoping she will become a pet therapy dog. Having worked in hospital settings since I graduated college, I’ve seen firsthand the impact pets have on people. I would love it if Capri could bring that joy to someone else who isn’t feeling their best. Finally, I wanted an active dog but not one that’s too active. I wanted a dog that I could take on walks, go kayaking with, go biking, and have other adventures. Capri is just like having another person around. She gets me out and about in the community more than I ever have.
Embracing the Pros of Goldendoodle Ownership
Due to these guidelines, I knew that Goldendoodles were a great option. This is what I knew about Goldendoodles before my research started. They don’t shed, smart dogs, family-friendly, easy to train, and like an active lifestyle. So when my cousin’s in-laws bred their dogs and had puppies available, I was interested but not yet convinced. So I did my research on them, and in the end, I decided to purchase Capri. Which was one of the best decisions.
Goldendoodles are hypoallergenic, which means they are great dogs for people who have allergies. They are also family-friendly dogs and are great with children and other pets. They are smart dogs, which is a positive and negative. They are easy to train, can focus easily, and catch on quickly. But, they are also smart in that they can tell when you’re frustrated if training isn’t going the way the handler wants, or if you hide a toy from them and they see where you put it, they will remember!
Goldendoodles are great companion animals. They are likely to join you in all your activities, will follow you all around the house, and are also known as velcro dogs. Therefore, there is no personal space. They are also water dogs and love swimming. They are for owners who like an active lifestyle.
Goldendoodles vary in size. Petite Goldendoodles are shorter than 14 inches and weigh 25 pounds or less, while mini Goldendoodles are between 14-17 inches tall and weigh 26-35 pounds. Medium Goldendoodles are between 17-21 inches tall and weigh 36-50 pounds, while standard Goldendoodles are taller than 21 inches and weigh 51-90 pounds. Capri is a mini Goldendoodle and weighs around 32-35 pounds, depending on the season. She weighs more in the winter when we spend less time outside and lighter in the summer when we spend more time outside and at dog parks.
Other words I would use to describe Goldendoodles. Intelligent and trainable, companion animals, great family pets, loving and loyal, great for first-time pet owners, and excellent watchdogs.
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Challenges of Goldendoodle Companionship
Of course, like any breed, Goldendoodles have their cons. Grooming is required every 6 weeks, which can range in price depending on size. Capri costs about $75, and I don’t take her in every 6 weeks. I cut her myself and then I take her in for a professional grooming every 3 months. The hardest part I find about grooming is cutting her nails and face. I wish I had trained her better on this when she was a puppy. If you’re new to Goldendoodles, start training them at a young age!
Related: Top Grooming Brushes For Every Fur Type
Capri after I groomed her. Hair goes everywhere!!! But I did some research and found this groomer kit that vacuums the hair while cutting and I HIGHLY recommend getting something similar to this. It has been a game changer for grooming Capri.
Related: Grooming supplies I use and recommend.
Goldendoodles have a lot of energy, so don’t expect them to sleep all day. They need walks, playtime, sniff spots, and everything else. Capri started to calm down around 2 years old, thank goodness, but that first year was difficult with all the energy she had, jumping, and biting. But it was worth it!
Capri and I at the dog park, photo taken by my Mom who joins us every once in awhile. I try to take her there a few times a week.
Continue Reading: Benefits Of Taking Your Dog To The Dog Park, How To Prepare For The Dog Park
Goldendoodles can be expensive, not only in the grooming category but also in vet bills. They are known for stomach issues, which can add up. I’d recommend looking into pet insurance if possible. They are also expensive to purchase. I got a family discount, and I still paid $1500 for Capri. Again, she was worth it for the right breed.
Finally, separation anxiety is common in Goldendoodles. When left alone, they can be destructive by chewing, digging, or peeing in the house. Capri was not crate trained, and she doesn’t show separation anxiety. But Capri’s brother, who my cousin has, has chewed through 2 crates and chipped his tooth and needs medication when the owners are gone for long periods. Again, I think I got lucky with Capri.
Capri was a spoiled pup, she had her own room when she was a puppy. I gated off part of the room and gave her more space little by little. I used blink cameras to watch her while I was away. I made sure she had lots of toys to play with that was mentally stimulating for her.
Overall, Goldendoodles truly are great dogs, but they need your time and training early on. Are there any other Goldendoodle owners out there? Why did you decide to get your dog?
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Pet Grooming Kit & Vacuum Suction
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-Cara & Capri
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