Poodle Doodle Behavior: Unexpected | Anxiety | How to Help | Calming | Possessive | TLDR |

Although Labradoodles are often described as crazy, I think the context of that description generally does not necessarily rise to the level of being ‘negative’. In my opinion, they are crazy in a ‘quirky’ and/or ‘goofy’ kind of way. They often just do not do what you would expect a dog to do.

As an example, Labradoodles are known to be absolutely obsessed with balls, and you would expect a dog that is part Labrador RETRIEVER to retrieve, or bring the ball back to you, so that you can throw it again. My Labradoodle will chase and catch a ball with the best of them. He will not bring the ball to me. Instead, he plays ‘Keep Away.’ He will drop one ball to chase another ball and seems to have a mild case of canine attention deficit disorder.

Unexpected Poodle Doodle Behavior

Another example of unexpected behavior is if a Labradoodle has 3 balls in his play area and one rolls under the couch, you might think he/she would just play with the other 2 balls. What happens is all play stops, he/she faces the direction that the missing ball was last scene and begins barking. The barking will not stop until the dog owner rescues the ball.

We first thought this was funny (in a quirky and goofy way). After about a hundred times, we installed foam noodles under the furniture to function as bumpers to prevent balls from rolling under the furniture. After we got tired of the look of the foam under the couch, we chose a ball that is too big to fit under the couch and still able to be picked up.

You might ask ‘How does a ball that big fit in his/her mouth?’ The type of ball we bought him is ‘Chuckit’ ball and its design enables dogs to carry it easily. How the design accomplishes this is best explained with pictures.

Anxiety

Labradoodles, like many dogs, can experience anxiety, which manifests in various ways. Anxiety triggers can include the following:  

Separation anxiety: This can occur when they are left alone or separated from their owners. This is typically the result of a strong attachment to their owner, coupled with a fear of being alone.

Loud noise: Sounds caused by thunderstorms or fireworks can be overwhelming and cause fear and anxiety. The unpredictability of loud noises, like thunderstorms or fireworks, makes it difficult for dogs to anticipate when these events will happen and adds to their stress.

Unfamiliar or frightening situations: Labradoodles thrive on consistency, and sudden changes in their daily schedule or environment can cause them stress.

Negative Past Experiences: If a Labradoodle has had negative experiences such as mistreatment or improper socialization in the past, it can contribute to anxiety.

Health Issues: Sometimes, anxiety can stem from physical discomfort or illness, so it’s important to rule out medical causes before attributing anxiety to behavioral problems.

Recognizing the signs of anxiety is crucial for proactive management. These signs often include accidents (urination or bowel movements indoors), destructive behavior, excessive panting, tail tucking, attempts to escape, pacing, and increased barking or crying.

How to Help Manage Poodle Doodle Behavior Anxiety

Create a Safe Space: Providing a quiet, comfortable space where your Labradoodle can retreat to when they feel anxious is beneficial. This can be a crate or a specific room with their favorite bed and toys.

Routine and Consistency: Maintaining a consistent daily routine for feeding, exercise, and playtime can help reduce anxiety. Predictability provides security for dogs that may otherwise feel uncertain.

Exercise: A well-exercised Labradoodle is often a calmer Labradoodle. Regular walks, runs, and interactive play can release pent-up energy, reducing anxious behaviors.

Mental Stimulation: Toys, such as puzzles, training sessions, and socialization with other dogs, can help keep their minds engaged, further reducing the likelihood of anxiety.

Professional Intervention: In more severe cases, consulting a veterinarian or a dog behaviorist might be necessary. In some instances, medications may be prescribed to help manage anxiety. However, this should be considered as part of a comprehensive approach alongside behavioral therapy.

Calming Products:

Several calming products are available for dogs with anxiety, including:

1. Thundershirts: These are snug-fitting garments that apply gentle pressure to a dog’s torso, which can help soothe anxiety.

2. Calming Supplements: There are various natural supplements, such as those containing CBD or herbal ingredients, that may help alleviate anxiety in dogs.

3. Calming Music or White Noise: Certain music or white noise specifically designed for pets can help mask stressful sounds, such as fireworks or thunderstorms.

Possessive Poodle Doodle Behavior

Labradoodles, while generally friendly and sociable, can sometimes exhibit possessive behaviors, especially when it comes to their toys, their food, and their owners. This possessiveness can manifest in different ways, such as guarding their toys, food, or owners, and may even try to prevent other pets or people from getting too close to their toys, food, or owners.

It’s important for pet owners to be proactive in managing possessiveness, particularly when introducing a new dog into the household or when there are young children or other animals around. Labradoodles are often responsive to correction and training.  Early socialization and consistent training are key to ensuring that the Labradoodle understands the boundaries of acceptable behavior.

When it comes to possessiveness over their owners, it can sometimes resemble attention-seeking behavior. Labradoodles are known for their affectionate nature, and they crave interaction and affection from their family members. Once a Labradoodle understands the proper boundaries and dynamics with other pets or children, it’s not uncommon to see them in humorous, yet endearing, attempts to monopolize their owner’s attention. Whether it’s nudging for petting or seeking out lap space, a Labradoodle’s desire to have their owner to themselves can be quite comical.

To effectively manage possessiveness, it’s important to establish clear rules and routines within the household. Ensuring the dog has plenty of opportunities for attention, play, and positive reinforcement can help mitigate possessiveness. Additionally, gradual introductions to other pets or family members and consistent reinforcement of positive behavior can promote harmony in a multi-pet or multi-person home.

If possessiveness becomes a more persistent issue, consulting a professional trainer can be helpful to address any underlying behavioral concerns and ensure the Labradoodle learns to share and coexist peacefully with others.

TL;DR (Too Long; Didn’t Read) Summary

Labradoodles are often labeled “crazy,” but their behavior is typically more goofy and quirky than problematic. This post explores their unexpected habits—like obsessing over lost toys—and dives into common anxiety triggers such as separation, loud noises, and change. It offers practical solutions, including routine, mental stimulation, calming products, and training. Possessiveness over toys, food, or owners can arise, but with consistent boundaries and positive reinforcement, these friendly dogs thrive in loving, structured homes.

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