3 Common Groodle/Goldendoodle Behaviour Problems (And How To Fix Them)

Remember: Groodles (Goldendoodles) are intelligent, loving crosses of two wonderful working breeds. Accept their unpredictable traits, provide the work they need, and they'll become devoted, engaging family members.

Where Do Groodles/Goldendoodles Come From?

Groodles (also called Goldendoodles) are a modern designer breed originating in the 1990s in North America. They were created to combine the friendly, gentle nature of Golden Retrievers with the intelligence and low-shedding coat of Poodles.

Originally bred as service and therapy dogs for people with allergies. As a first-generation cross (F1) or multi-generation hybrid, traits vary significantly depending on which parent breed they favour.

What were they bred to do?

Groodles were developed for specific purposes:

• Serve as hypoallergenic service dogs and therapy dogs
• Later became extremely popular as family companions
• Combine Golden Retriever temperament with Poodle intelligence
• Provide reduced shedding for allergy sufferers

However, the cross is unpredictable - some lean more Golden (friendly, biddable, lower energy), others more Poodle (alert, independent, higher strung).

Key breeding traits:

Groodles have unpredictable trait inheritance creating variation even within litters. They have high intelligence from both parent breeds, high energy and stamina from both working backgrounds, and strong human-bonding drive from both sides.

Their coat requires extensive professional grooming (often more difficult than either parent) and they have tendency toward separation anxiety (inheriting velcro genetics from both breeds). The lack of breed standardisation means behavioural traits vary wildly.

Why Do Groodles/Goldendoodles Have These Behaviour Problems?

Your Groodle isn't being difficult. They're primarily family companions with some used for therapy work. They're extremely popular but controversial due to unethical breeding practices (puppy mills, backyard breeders), unpredictability of traits, and health issues when bred irresponsibly.

Responsible breeders exist but are rare. Their popularity has led to over-breeding without consideration for temperament or health.

Understanding they're a genetic lottery of two high-energy, intelligent breeds is crucial.

Problem 1: Unpredictable Energy Levels & Training Needs

What's happening: Your Groodle's energy seems inconsistent, training approaches that work for other dogs don't work for yours, or their needs seem impossible to predict.

Why it happens: Inheriting from two high-intelligence, high-energy working breeds creates dogs that need substantial physical and mental stimulation - Golden Retriever stamina combined with Poodle intelligence is exhausting. The mix creates unpredictability: some get Golden energy with Poodle alertness (extremely demanding combination), others get Poodle sensitivity with Golden enthusiasm. Trait inheritance is a genetic lottery.

The fix: Assess which parent breed they favour and train accordingly. If Golden-leaning (laid-back, eager to please, enthusiastic), use retriever methods with structured fetch, swim work, and positive reinforcement. If Poodle-leaning (alert, sensitive, independent), use poodle methods with complex puzzle work, precision training, and careful handling.

Provide 2+ hours daily of combined physical and mental work - this is minimum for most Groodles regardless of which parent they favour. Rotate activities to prevent boredom.

Make sure you manage food correctly. Everyone must feed them in a rotation and if they choose not to eat, food must be picked up immediately. The same goes for bones and hides.

If they're more Golden-leaning, emphasise physical exercise (swimming, fetch). If Poodle-leaning, emphasise mental work (advanced tricks, scent work) - most need both in substantial amounts.

Can't figure out your Groodle's needs? Every Groodle is different. Join our free Skool community to learn how to assess which parent they favour and get personalised training approaches during weekly Q&As.

Problem 2: Separation Anxiety & Velcro Behaviour

What's happening: Your Groodle follows you everywhere, becomes distressed when you leave, or can't function without constant human contact.

Why it happens: Both parent breeds have intense human-bonding drives - Goldens from retriever partnership working intimately with hunters, Poodles from companion/working partnership requiring constant handler focus. Getting double doses of velcro genetics from both sides creates extreme attachment with no balancing independence traits.

The fix: Implement "place training" where they have a job ("watch the house from this spot") when alone, making separation purposeful rather than abandonment.

Practice "handler rotation" where they bond with multiple family members equally: rotate who feeds, walks, trains them daily so they don't become obsessed with one person.

Use gradual departures starting with 30 seconds: leave room, return and ignore completely for 5 minutes. They must be calm before acknowledgment. Practise 40-50 times on weekends to rapidly build tolerance.

Build confidence through trick training and dog sports (agility, rally, nosework) that develop independence within structure - they learn to work without constant handler input.

Velcro Groodle won't leave your side? Double velcro genetics are challenging. Inside our Skool community, you'll find place training protocols and handler rotation strategies during live weekly webinars with experienced trainers.

Problem 3: Grooming Sensitivity & Matting Issues

What's happening: Your Groodle's coat mats constantly, they resist grooming, or develop sensitivity to being handled and brushed.

Why it happens: The combination coat (often curly/wavy like Poodle but softer/denser like Golden) requires extensive grooming that neither parent breed needed at the same level - they weren't bred with coat maintenance in mind. Many develop grooming sensitivity if not conditioned early, and mats cause pain leading to handling issues. Their coat often mats more easily than either parent breed.

The fix: Implement "daily grooming routine" from 8 weeks old as absolutely non-negotiable - make it positive with high-value treats given continuously throughout brushing sessions.

Practice "handling desensitisation" for all body parts weekly: touch paws, ears, tail, face whilst feeding treats so they associate handling with rewards.

Keep coat short (1-2 inches) unless committed to daily brushing - long coats are beautiful but require 15-20 minutes of brushing daily to prevent mats. Most owners underestimate this commitment.

Professional grooming every 6-8 weeks minimum - this is non-negotiable. Between appointments, brush thoroughly every 1-2 days focusing on high-mat areas (behind ears, armpits, tail).

Address matting immediately as it causes pain-based reactivity and behaviour problems - painful grooming experiences create dogs that bite groomers.

Grooming a nightmare? Groodle coats mat worse than either parent. Join our Skool community for daily grooming routines and handling desensitisation protocols from other Groodle owners who manage these coats.

Is a Groodle/Goldendoodle Right for a New Owner?

A Groodle/Goldendoodle might be perfect for you if you're looking for:

A friendly, intelligent family dog - Groodles typically inherit the best temperament traits from both parents. They're excellent with children and form wonderful bonds with families.

A potential option for allergy sufferers - Whilst not guaranteed hypoallergenic, many Groodles have reduced shedding compared to Golden Retrievers. They're worth considering for mild allergy sufferers (always spend time with the specific dog first).

An active companion for outdoor adventures - Groodles need 1-1.5 hours of daily exercise and love activities. They're perfect for active families who enjoy hiking, swimming, and outdoor time.

A highly trainable, versatile dog - Groodles excel at obedience, therapy work, and dog sports. Their intelligence from both parents makes them outstanding learners.

A social, friendly dog - Groodles are typically very good with other pets and excellent with children. They're sociable, outgoing family dogs.

If you can afford high grooming costs (professional grooming every 6-8 weeks), can provide 2+ hours of daily exercise, and want an intelligent, devoted companion, a Groodle from a responsible breeder will bring joy, love, and endless entertainment to your life.

Get the Full Support System for Your Groodle/Goldendoodle

This guide gives you real solutions you can start using today. But raising a well-behaved Groodle/Goldendoodle is an ongoing journey, not a one-time fix.

That's why we created our free Skool community - to give you continuous support every step of the way.

Inside the community, you'll get:

• Weekly live Q&A sessions where you can ask about YOUR specific Groodle/Goldendoodle and get personalised advice from experienced trainers
• Full breed-specific courses covering everything from puppy raising to advanced behaviour modification
• A supportive community of other Groodle/Goldendoodle owners who understand exactly what you're going through
• Video demonstrations so you can see techniques in action, not just read about them
• Troubleshooting help when things don't go to plan (because they won't always!)
• Updated resources as we add new courses and training blueprints

Best part? It's completely free. No subscription. No catch. Just dog owners helping dog owners.

Join The Toe Beans Co community today and get the ongoing support you need to build the best relationship with your Groodle/Goldendoodle.