How to Train a Groodle: Behaviour Tips Backed by Experts

Groodles are known for their warmth, smarts, and that unmistakable Golden charm.

Training a Groodle can be highly rewarding, but it does come with a few curveballs. They pick up routines quickly, both helpful and not so helpful. Without structure, they can fall into habits like jumping up, counter-surfing, or tuning out when excitement takes over. Their size and enthusiasm make early guidance especially important, and their sensitivity means they respond best to calm, consistent feedback.

Whether you are raising a puppy or guiding an older Groodle through new skills, this guide is designed to support you with breed-specific advice that actually works. With the right approach, training becomes more than a task. It becomes a way to build trust, improve communication, and enjoy life together even more.

We've also created a handy downloadable puppy training checklist to help you build your routine and celebrate your puppy's progress week by week.

Groodles are friendly, bright, and emotionally tuned in. They’re the type to rest their head on your knee after a long day, watch your every move from across the room, and bounce with delight the moment you grab a lead. It’s a combination that makes them deeply lovable, and sometimes a bit of a handful.

Their social nature is paired with sharp intelligence, which means they learn quickly. But without clear, gentle guidance, they can also invent their own rules, especially in moments of excitement or uncertainty. Many Groodles struggle with being alone, bark at unfamiliar sights or sounds, or find it tough to rein in their enthusiasm around guests. Early socialisation and consistent routines aren’t just helpful for Groodles, they’re essential.

The good news is that Groodles genuinely want to connect. When you invest time into showing them what’s expected, you’re not only building manners, you’re building trust.

Groodles form strong attachments and often struggle when left alone. Signs include whining, pacing, barking, or chewing furniture or doors.

To build independence:

• Start with short absences and gradually increase time alone
• Offer enrichment toys or food puzzles to create positive solo time
• Keep departures and returns calm to reduce emotional build-up

Big enthusiasm often means big greetings. Groodles are known for jumping up, especially when meeting new people or reuniting with loved ones.

To encourage calmer greetings:

• Ask for a sit and reward with attention only when all paws are on the ground
• Practice with familiar visitors in low-energy settings
• Avoid eye contact or engagement while your dog is jumping

Groodles tend to alert their families to anything unfamiliar, including sounds, visitors, or changes in routine.

To reduce excessive barking:

• Teach a quiet cue and reward your dog when they stop barking
• Limit access to overstimulating views like busy streets or footpaths
• Redirect their attention with treats or a simple cue like “look at me”

Their combination of intelligence, height, and curiosity makes Groodles skilled at helping themselves to unattended food or objects.

To support better choices:

• Teach a reliable “leave it” and reward frequently
• Use slow feeders or scent-based games to keep them mentally satisfied
• Keep counters and benches clear to avoid temptation

Groodles often respond well to recall at home, but parks and open spaces bring distractions that can affect consistency.

To improve recall:

• Start in quiet areas and use long leads to build reliability
• Use high-value rewards every time your dog returns to you
• Practice often and make coming back feel exciting and worthwhile

Groodles are social, but high-energy environments can be overwhelming. You may notice subtle signs like yawning, turning away, or sudden zooming.

To help your dog stay regulated:

• Offer breaks during play sessions or outings
• Keep group play calm and supervised
• Watch for signs of overwhelm and respond early with redirection or space

Those first few months with a Groodle puppy are golden. Between 8 and 16 weeks, puppies go through a key socialisation phase where every new sound, smell, and friendly face helps shape how they see the world. For Groodles, this is the best time to build confidence and reduce the chances of anxiety down the track.

Use positive reinforcement from day one. Groodles are sensitive souls; they learn far better with gentle encouragement and tasty rewards than harsh corrections. Keep sessions short, upbeat, and end on a win so your pup stays keen.

Start with the essentials:

• Crate training creates a safe, cosy spot for naps and downtime, which also helps with toilet habits.
• Toilet training thrives on routine. Take your pup out after meals, naps, and play, and celebrate every success.
• Bite inhibition is learned through play. If those puppy teeth get too enthusiastic, calmly pause the game so they learn to soften their mouth.

Expose your Groodle to new people, friendly dogs, household noises, and gentle handling. Every positive experience builds a foundation of trust.

Further reading: The Vet’s Puppy Guide: Facts, Care, and Training Tips

Once the foundation skills are in place, you can begin teaching the everyday behaviours that help your Groodle thrive at home and out in the world.

Focus Areas:

• Sit, Stay, Come
  Use food rewards and clear, encouraging praise. Keep cues short and upbeat, and practice in different environments to build reliability.
  
  
• Leash Manners
  Groodles are strong and enthusiastic walkers. Reward them for walking calmly beside you and use check-ins to keep their focus.
  
  
• Polite Greetings
  A sit cue is especially useful when visitors arrive. Teaching this early helps prevent jumping and overexcitement at the door.

Groodles tend to stay focused for a few minutes at a time, especially when they are young. Keep training sessions short, positive, and playful. Breaking them into small moments throughout the day often works better than one long lesson.

Mental stimulation is just as important as physical activity for this breed. Groodles enjoy puzzles, scent games, and tasks that challenge their problem-solving skills. These activities help reduce boredom and redirect their energy into something productive and rewarding.

If you are working with an older Groodle or revisiting the basics with your long-time companion, adult training is not only possible — it is often deeply rewarding. Many adult Groodles enjoy the mental challenge and appreciate the extra one-on-one time.

Begin by noticing what they already do well. Reinforce the behaviours you want to keep and patiently guide them away from habits that no longer work. Older dogs may take a little longer to adjust, especially if routines have been in place for a while, but gentle consistency makes all the difference.

Training also strengthens your connection. Short, focused sessions help your Groodle stay mentally stimulated and deepen trust, especially if they are settling into a new home or recovering from past uncertainty.

Tips for adult training:

• Keep routines balanced with daily exercise, enrichment, and rest
• Break new behaviours into easy, achievable steps
• Use calm redirection and praise — avoid correction-based methods

At what age should I start training my Groodle, and is puppy school enough?

Start the moment your pup comes home, usually around 8 weeks. Puppy preschool is a great start for socialisation, but home practice is essential to keep skills sharp.

Do Groodles need a different training approach than other breeds?

Yes. Their mix of sensitivity and intelligence means they respond best to gentle, consistent guidance. Harsh corrections or unpredictable routines often backfire.

Why does my Groodle behave perfectly at home but ignore me in public?

Distractions make it harder to focus. Practice cues in quiet spots first, then slowly add more stimulating environments so your Groodle learns to tune in anywhere.

How much daily exercise does a Groodle need to stay calm?

Most need at least an hour of physical activity, plus some mental challenges like training games or sniffing adventures. A tired mind and body make for a relaxed dog.

Can Groodles be crate trained, or do they find it too restrictive?

When introduced properly, crates are a comfort zone, not a punishment. Pair the crate with treats, toys, and rest time so your Groodle sees it as their safe retreat.

Groodles are a delight, affectionate, bright, and eager to be part of the family action. With a gentle, consistent approach that centres on positive reinforcement, you’ll set up lifelong habits that make life easier for both of you.

Every Groodle is a little different, but all benefit from early training, clear expectations, and plenty of calm encouragement. Focus on building trust and understanding, not just ticking off commands. In the end, a well-trained Groodle isn’t just obedient, they’re a happier, more confident companion who gets to enjoy life right by your side.

This article was written by Dr Jack Ayerbe

Vets Love Pets follows rigorous sourcing standards, drawing only from peer-reviewed veterinary studies, recognised university research, and trusted industry or government bodies. Every fact is checked against credible, evidence-based references to keep our content accurate, transparent, and veterinarian-approved.

• American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior. Position Statement on Humane Dog Training.
• ASPCA. General Training Tips and Behavioural Management for Dogs.
• Northwoods Animal Shelter. Scientific benefits of positive reinforcement vs. negative reinforcement in dog training.