The Vet’s Guide to Labradoodles: Facts, Care, and Training Tips

The Labradoodle is a friendly, intelligent crossbreed known for its cheerful personality, family-friendly temperament, and low-shedding coat.

Combining the best traits of the Labrador and the Poodle (Standard Poodle or Miniature Poodle), Labradoodles are affectionate, trainable, and full of energy. They adapt well to different households, from active families to first-time dog owners looking for a loyal companion. These curly pups have become one of Australia’s most popular family Oodle breed companions, thanks to their adaptable nature and friendly disposition.

Grooming a Labradoodle is key to keeping their coat healthy, comfortable, and free of mats. Their mix of Poodle curls and Labrador undercoat means their grooming needs can vary, but all Labradoodles benefit from consistent coat care, ear cleaning, and dental hygiene. Establishing a regular routine keeps them looking their best and helps prevent common dog skin conditions.

Shedding Patterns

Labradoodles are often described as low-shedding, but the amount of hair they lose depends on their coat type and genetics. Wool and fleece coats (more like the Poodle) tend to shed very little, while hair-coated Labradoodles may shed seasonally like a Labrador. Regular brushing captures loose fur before it spreads around the home and helps reduce tangles. Even low-shedding Labradoodles still produce dander, so allergy-sensitive households should maintain consistent grooming and vacuuming to minimise reactions.

Coat Care and Grooming Requirements

Labradoodles can have fleece, wool, or hair-type coats, each requiring slightly different care. Most shed very little but need regular brushing to prevent tangles and matting, especially around the ears, chest, and legs. Brush their coat three to four times a week using a slicker brush and comb to remove loose hair and debris. Professional grooming every 6 to 8 weeks keeps their coat manageable and helps maintain popular styles like the teddy, fleece, or puppy cut.

Bathing

Bathe your Labradoodle every 4 to 6 weeks, or sooner if they become muddy or start to smell. Use a mild, hypoallergenic dog shampoo and conditioner to protect their skin and coat oils. After rinsing thoroughly, towel dry and use a low-heat dryer while brushing with a slicker brush to prevent tangles. Labradoodles with denser coats benefit from blow-drying to keep their curls soft and fluffy, while straight-coated dogs can be air-dried for a more natural finish.

Dental Care

Good dental care is vital for Labradoodles, as their medium-length muzzles can still be prone to plaque build-up and gum inflammation. Brush their teeth several times a week using a dog-specific toothbrush and enzymatic dog toothpaste. Dental dog chews and regular vet cleanings support oral hygiene and help prevent bad breath in your dog and long-term dental disease.

Clean Ears

Labradoodles’ floppy ears can trap moisture and debris, making them susceptible to ear infections. Check their ears weekly for signs of redness, discharge, or odour. Clean gently with a vet-approved ear cleaner and cotton ball, and avoid inserting anything deep into the ear canal. Regular trimming of inner ear hair improves airflow and reduces infection risk, particularly for dogs that love to swim.

Nail Trimming

Trim your Labradoodle’s nails every 3 to 4 weeks to prevent overgrowth and discomfort. Active dogs that walk regularly on pavement may wear them down naturally, but indoor or young dogs often need more frequent trims. Use dog nail clippers or a grinder, being careful to avoid the quick. If unsure, ask your vet or groomer to demonstrate proper technique.

Training a Labradoodle is a highly rewarding experience thanks to their intelligence and people-pleasing nature. They inherited genes back them quick learners who thrive on positive reinforcement and consistent guidance.

Early Socialisation

Begin socialising your Labradoodle as early as possible. Expose them to different environments, people, and other dogs to build confidence and prevent fear-based behaviours later on. Puppy preschool and controlled playdates are great for teaching manners and adaptability. A well-socialised Labradoodle grows into a friendly, curious, and well-balanced companion.

Training Time

Labradoodles respond best to short, focused sessions — around 10 minutes at a time. Their intelligence makes them quick to grasp new commands, but they can lose interest if sessions drag on. Use consistent cues and incorporate training into daily routines, like asking for a “sit” before meals or a “wait” at doorways. This structure reinforces good manners and strengthens communication between you and your dog.

Using Treats and Incentives

Positive reinforcement works best for Labradoodles. Reward good behaviour with healthy dog training treats, praise, or a favourite toy. Because they can be food-motivated, keep treats small to help manage a healthy weight in your dog and balance them with verbal encouragement. Mix up the rewards to maintain engagement — variety keeps these intelligent dogs interested and focused.

Advanced Learning

Once your Labradoodle has mastered the basics, move on to more advanced activities like agility, scent work, or retrieving games. Their natural athleticism and curiosity make them excellent candidates for higher-level training and dog sports. Continued mental stimulation helps prevent boredom-related behaviours and deepens your bond with your dog.

Check out the complete guide for more expert Labradoodle training tips: How to Train a Labradoodle: Behaviour Tips Backed by Experts

Labradoodles are active, social dogs that thrive on both physical exercise and mental enrichment. Their combination of Poodle intelligence and Labrador energy means they need daily activity to stay balanced and content. A mix of walking, play, and problem-solving games keeps them happy, healthy, and well-behaved.

Daily Walks

Plan for at least one long walk or two shorter walks each day — around 45 to 60 minutes in total. Labradoodles love exploring new scents and environments, so vary your routes to keep things interesting. Use a comfortable, well-fitted harness and allow time for sniffing and social interaction, which provides both mental and physical fulfilment.

Playing Fetch

Fetch is one of a Labradoodle’s favourite pastimes. Their retrieving instincts make this an easy way to burn energy and strengthen your bond. Use durable, medium-sized toys or balls suitable for their mouth size, and play in a fenced yard, park, or beach where they can safely run.

Swimming

Most Labradoodles are natural swimmers, thanks to their water-retriever ancestry. Regular swims are excellent low-impact exercise that supports joint health and builds stamina. Always supervise around water and rinse your dog’s coat afterward to remove chlorine or salt.

Interactive Toys

Mental stimulation is just as important as physical activity. Puzzle feeders, snuffle mats, and treat-dispensing toys challenge their minds and prevent boredom. Rotate toys weekly to keep them engaging and fresh.

Hide and Seek

Hide treats or using dog enrichment toys around the house or garden and encourage your Labradoodle to find them. This scent-based game taps into their natural curiosity and problem-solving ability. Gradually increase difficulty to keep them motivated and focused.

Training Sessions

Incorporate short, daily training sessions to reinforce obedience and teach new tricks. Labradoodles enjoy learning and thrive when given a sense of purpose. Try agility or obedience classes for added challenge — structured learning keeps their bodies active and their minds sharp.

Creating a routine

You want to make sure that your Labradoodle is receiving the required exercise for each day, so that is why we recommend establishing a routine with them. Scheduling a daily walk, or play session, will ensure that your pup gets the exercise they need and you can stay on top of their energetic nature.

Labradoodles are generally friendly, easygoing, and eager to please, but their high intelligence and energy mean they can develop behavioural issues if not properly exercised or mentally stimulated. Early training, consistency, and clear boundaries are key to raising a well-adjusted, calm companion.

Separation Anxiety

Because Labradoodles bond closely with their families, they can struggle when left alone for long periods. Signs include whining, chewing, or pacing. To reduce anxiety, start by leaving them for short intervals and gradually increase duration. Provide puzzle games, lick mats, treat toys or stuffed Kongs to keep them occupied, and maintain calm, low-key departures and returns. Creating a predictable routine helps them feel secure when home alone.

Excessive Barking

Labradoodles may bark to alert, seek attention, or express frustration. If barking becomes excessive, identify and address the underlying cause — whether boredom, lack of exercise, or environmental triggers. Teaching a “quiet” cue, redirecting with enrichment toys, and rewarding calm behaviour all help reduce unwanted noise while still acknowledging their natural watchdog instincts.

Jumping Up

Friendly and social by nature, Labradoodles often greet people enthusiastically with jumping. To discourage this, reward calm greetings and teach an alternative behaviour such as “sit” before saying hello. Consistency is crucial — avoid reinforcing the behaviour with attention, even unintentionally.

Chewing and Destructive Behaviour

Chewing is a common issue, especially during teething or when under-stimulated. Provide durable chew toys and rotate them to maintain interest. Plenty of exercise and mental engagement prevents boredom-related destruction. Supervise young Labradoodles and redirect them quickly if they chew inappropriate items.

Pulling on the Lead

With their size and enthusiasm, Labradoodles can easily develop lead-pulling habits. Use a front-clip harness and reward loose-lead walking with treats or praise. Short, focused training sessions reinforce good leash manners and make daily walks more enjoyable for both dog and owner.

Attention-Seeking Behaviour

Labradoodles thrive on human interaction and may bark, nudge, or paw for attention if bored. Encourage independent play and reward calm, settled behaviour. Mental stimulation — like training drills or enrichment games — channels their energy productively and prevents demanding habits from forming.

Proper Labradoodle nutrition supports their active lifestyle, joint health, and glossy coat. Because Labradoodles vary in size and energy level, feeding plans should match their life stage, activity, and individual needs. Balanced, high-quality food helps maintain a healthy weight and reduces the risk of diet-related issues like obesity or joint strain.

Adult Labradoodle Nutritional Needs

Feed a diet rich in high-quality animal protein to support muscle tone, with moderate fat for sustained energy and essential fatty acids for coat and skin health. Medium or large breed dog food formulas with joint-supporting nutrients such as glucosamine and chondroitin are ideal. Measure meals carefully to prevent overeating, and adjust portions based on age, metabolism, and activity level.

Puppy Nutritional Needs

Labradoodle puppies grow quickly, so they need nutrient-dense puppy food formulated for medium to large breeds. Look for diets high in protein, calcium, phosphorus, and DHA to support bone development and brain health. Feed three to four small meals per day until they’re around 12 months old, then transition gradually to adult food over one to two weeks to avoid stomach upset.

Specific Nutritional Needs

Labradoodles prone to allergies may benefit from hypoallergenic or limited-ingredient diets that exclude common triggers like chicken or wheat. Dogs with joint sensitivity may need diets fortified with omega-3s and joint supplements, while dogs with sensitive stomachs often do well on easily digestible, grain-inclusive sensitive stomach dog food formulas. Always consult your vet to tailor a feeding plan that aligns with your dog’s health and activity profile.

Explore our resource for a complete guide on how to feed your Labradoodle, including portion advice and printable feeding charts.

Whether you have an Labradoodle or you're thinking about getting one, we hope you learnt something by reading our article. Whilst this guide is great start to learning about Labradoodle ownership, never stop seeking out new information from reputable sources. Share your experiences with other Labradoodle owners, and always continue to learn more about your dogs breed, temperament and how best to care for and love them.

This article was written by Dr. Jack Ayerbe