Remember many years ago when you were young, and your mother always seemed to want you do the same things at the same time every day (ie eating, homework and brushing your teeth) or tried to? Well, believe it or not there was a method to that madness! As people are creatures of habit so are animals. The Goldendoodle is no exception. As the Goldendoodle breed is very intelligent, it is not very difficult to train them to do things at the same time of day every day. You will be surprised how easy it is. The Goldendoodle breed ache for attention. Training will be easy because of their want for your attention. The best advice for you, the owner, is to be patient. If you want the best companion ever in your “Doodle” then a few simple tips will help you get them into a daily routine that will have them “eating right out of your hand” in no time. There are so many things to think about and so much happening when you bring a new pet like a Goldendoodle into your home for the first time. Often times this leads owners to forget about the most important parts of the homecoming process, like training and establishing a routine. It isn’t necessary to plan out every moment of every day for your Goldendoodle, but there are a few important areas that will create a regular pattern, making for a well-adjusted Goldendoodle and a lot less chaos. Routine as defined in Merriam Webster’s dictionary is ” a sequence of actions regularly followed; a fixed program.” In the next section of this article we will discuss why routine and set schedules are so important.
WHY IS ROUTINE SO IMPORTANT?
The most difficult thing about routine is that people, in general, seem to love being inconsistent and sort of hate the idea of any kind of routine. They haven’t really stopped to think long and hard about the benefits of a methodical life and how the pros more than outweigh the cons. Routine is the essence of our being and leads to a happy and healthy lifestyle. Structure and regimen setting will help your Goldendoodle feel like a family member. It will help them feel secure, so to speak. You want your Goldendoodle safe and happy every day. A routine will also help establish boundaries, letting your doodle learn what is expected of them. Routine is the spice of life and makes everyone who they are. A routine schedule will be your Goldendoodle’s guide for life and the owners formula for success when raising them. So important is the routine of your doodle’s life that you must put it at the forefront of care. Establish schedules early and be consistent. For instance, just going to bed at the same time every night and waking up at the same time every day will add so much value to your day simply on the merit of – it just makes you feel better. As humans our bodies and minds grow accustom to the routine in our lives. The body of your doodle is no different. Setting a bedtime schedule for your Goldendoodle is something you will never regret. Things that make you feel better will certainly make your Goldendoodle feel better too! Rhythm throughout the day and well followed schedules create method and pattern, thus they will help your “Doodle” be a loving mainstay in your home. Routine will add zest and vigor to your Goldendoodle’s day. Trust me, it works!
HOW CAN I GET MY GOLDENDOODLE INTO A GOOD ROUTINE?
Honestly, the best way to get into a routine is to start with baby steps. Then slowly but surely, as time goes by, really get into a strict practice with 1) eating 2) drinking 3) sleeping 4)grooming 5) playtime/exercise. These five things are the mainstay of a happy life for a Goldendoodle, for any pet. Consider playtime/exercise the most important part of daily routine. It is so important for your doodle to be active both with play and exercise. Long walks are essential at least several times a week. If you doodle seems to tire, start slowly and stretch the walks out by about a 1/4 mile each time. Little by little your doodle will be fit as a fiddle. Don’t substitute walks for playtime. Instead insist on both forms of exercise daily if you can work it into your schedule. Exercise and play will help your Golden boy or girl sleep like a baby when it is time for lights out!
Be consistent with your feeding schedule. Feed daily at the same times and if you are treat training just monitor how many and at what time of day you are training. You don’t want your Goldendoodle too full of treats at mealtime. Use very small treats to train and this should never be a problem. At times your Goldendoodle may not respond at mealtime if they are unwell or experiencing any changes in their usual routine. However, they will eat when they are hungry, so just be sure to offer the food at the same times daily.
Just like people need consistency in all aspects and facets of life, so do our furry friends. Sleeping is perhaps the least of the above items to dwell on or worry about as most breeds sleep between 16-18 hours daily. The only problem here is settling your house down when it’s times for your sweet pet to rest! Perhaps planning quiet daytime naps for everyone in the household is the best plan. When you can master a daily routine that includes quality time spent on each, a better well being for your Doodle will easily result. A happy and healthy Goldendoodle is a well-rested Goldendoodle. A well-rested doodle will definitely be the best companion you have ever known or ever will know, energetic and playful, good-natured and obedient. The sweetest of breeds, the Goldendoodle just oozes warmth and love! They will love an established routine and love you for providing it! Never forget how important routine is for your Golden girl/boy. Chances are if you forget, they will do everything they can to remind YOU!