How to Train a Labradoodle: Behaviour Tips Backed by Experts

Labradoodles are known for their easygoing charm, eager-to-please nature, and boundless enthusiasm for life. With a Labrador’s people-loving personality and a Poodle’s intelligence, they often win hearts the moment they trot into a room.

Training a Labradoodle can be a rewarding experience, but it comes with a few unique challenges. They’re quick learners, but also quick to get distracted, especially when food, people, or play are nearby. Their size, strength, and energy make early training especially important, and their emotional sensitivity means they do best with calm, consistent guidance.

Whether you’re raising a new puppy or helping an adult Labradoodle polish up their manners, this guide is packed with breed-specific advice to help you build life skills, confidence, and a closer bond along the way.

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.

Labradoodles are naturally social and emotionally aware. Most will follow you from room to room, watch your every move, and light up at the first sign of attention. This people focus makes them very trainable, but it also means they can become anxious or pushy if they don’t understand the rules.

Their Labrador side brings strong food motivation and a love of company. Their Poodle side adds intelligence and sensitivity. Together, this creates a dog who learns fast but can also pick up unwanted habits just as quickly. Barking, chewing, or jumping often stem from boredom or unclear boundaries rather than disobedience.

With a clear routine and gentle, positive training, Labradoodles tend to settle beautifully. They enjoy having a job to do, love being included, and respond best when training feels like connection, not correction.

Separation Anxiety

Labradoodles are deeply attached to their humans and often struggle when left alone. Signs include barking, pacing, chewing furniture, or waiting anxiously by the door.

To build independence:

• Start with short absences and gradually increase the time
• Offer safe enrichment toys or chewable treats during solo time
• Keep arrivals and departures calm to avoid emotional spikes

Jumping and Overexcitement

Excitable greetings are common in this breed. While it often looks affectionate, it can be overwhelming for visitors or small children.

To teach polite greetings:

• Ask for a sit before giving any attention
• Reward calm behaviour the moment paws stay on the floor
• Practice daily in different settings to help generalise the behaviour

Barking at the Unknown

Labradoodles are alert and vocal. Barking at new sounds, people, or movements is common, especially in young or under-stimulated dogs.

To reduce barking:

• Teach a quiet cue and reward your dog when they respond
• Limit access to overstimulating views, such as street-facing windows
• Use focus cues like “look” or “touch” to redirect their attention

Impulse Control and Counter Surfing

This breed’s combination of height, smarts, and love of food makes them natural kitchen opportunists.

To improve manners:

• Practice “leave it” in different contexts
• Use puzzle feeders and slow bowls to keep their brain busy
• Keep food off counters and reward calm behaviour in the kitchen

Recall Setbacks in Busy Spaces

At home, Labradoodles usually come running. But outside, distractions like other dogs or birds can make recall more difficult.

To strengthen recall:

• Use a long lead and start in quiet areas
• Offer high-value rewards every time they return
• Make recall part of play or games so it becomes exciting

Social Sensitivity and Overstimulation

Labradoodles enjoy social settings but can become overwhelmed by noise or crowds. Some show signs through excessive movement, panting, or restlessness.

To support emotional balance:

• Keep social outings short and positive
• Watch for signs your dog needs a break, such as turning away or lip licking
• Allow time to rest after busy experiences or long walks

The early months with a Labradoodle puppy are the perfect time to build a solid training foundation. Between 8 and 16 weeks of age, your puppy is developing social confidence, learning how the world works, and forming habits that will last into adulthood.

Labradoodles are eager to connect and usually respond quickly to gentle encouragement. They thrive on positive reinforcement, especially when rewards include treats, praise, or playful interaction. Keep training sessions short and engaging, and always finish on a positive note.

Start with the basics:

• Creating a calm space

Crate training helps your puppy feel secure. It supports rest, aids toilet training, and gives them a safe place to reset.

• Building toilet habits

Take your puppy outside regularly, especially after sleep, play, or meals. Reward immediately after they go in the right spot.

• Teaching soft mouths

Puppies learn bite control through feedback. If they nip too hard, stop play briefly to help them understand what is too much.

• Positive exposure to the world

Gradually introduce friendly dogs, new people, surfaces, and sounds. These experiences help reduce fear and build confidence.

Labradoodles are eager to connect and usually respond quickly to gentle encouragement. They thrive on positive reinforcement, especially when rewards include treats, praise, or playful interaction. Keep training sessions short and engaging, and always finish on a positive note.

Labradoodle puppies often go through a boisterous stage, so consistency is key. Be clear with boundaries, reward calm behaviour, and avoid overwhelming them with too much stimulus at once.

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

Once your puppy has settled into basic routines, it is time to build the life skills that will help them succeed at home, in public, and around guests.

Focus Areas:

• Listening cues

Teach sit, stay, and come using rewards and repetition. Practise in different environments so your dog learns to respond anywhere.

• Walking without pulling

Labradoodles are strong and curious. Reinforce loose lead walking by praising them for checking in and staying by your side.

• Greeting people calmly

Reward your dog for sitting when visitors arrive. This prevents jumping and sets a polite tone from the start.

Most Labradoodles focus well in short bursts. Spread training across the day in small sessions. This keeps things fun and helps prevent overwhelm. If your dog starts to lose interest, take a break or switch to a game-based activity like scent work or hide-and-seek.

Mental stimulation is essential for this breed. Labradoodles love challenges, and without enough enrichment, they are more likely to bark, dig, or chew out of boredom. Use puzzle toys, treat dispensers, or food-based games in the backyard to keep them busy and satisfied.

If you are working with an adult Labradoodle, whether they are new to your home or part of the family for years, training is still valuable. These dogs stay curious and responsive throughout life, especially when given clear expectations and positive feedback.

Start by noticing what they already know. Reinforce the good habits and patiently shift away from behaviours that are no longer working. It may take a little longer to create new routines, but Labradoodles usually respond well once they understand what is expected.

Training is also a great way to connect. Quick, focused sessions improve communication and help your dog feel more secure and confident.

Tips for adult training:

• Stick to a daily routine that includes movement, play, and rest
• Break new behaviours into easy steps and reward each improvement
• Avoid punishment — praise calm behaviour and redirect when needed

Adult Labradoodles are more likely to engage when training feels consistent, fair, and rewarding.

When should I start training my Labradoodle, and is puppy school enough?

Start training as soon as your puppy arrives home, ideally around eight weeks. Puppy preschool is useful for early socialisation, but home practice is essential for long-term progress.

Do Labradoodles require a different training approach than other breeds?

Yes. Their mix of sensitivity and intelligence means they benefit from calm, consistent handling. Harsh corrections or unclear routines often cause stress or confusion.

Why does my Labradoodle ignore me in public but listen at home?

Distractions in new environments can make it harder for your dog to focus. Start in quiet spaces and gradually increase the challenge as their skills improve.

How much daily exercise does a Labradoodle need?

Most Labradoodles need at least one hour of physical activity per day, along with mental stimulation such as scent games, food puzzles, or trick training.

Is crate training suitable for Labradoodles?

Yes. When introduced gradually, crates can become a calming, safe space. Pair the crate with treats, toys, and quiet time to create a positive association.

Labradoodles are affectionate, clever, and eager to be part of family life. With the right training approach, they become calm, responsive, and enjoyable companions both at home and in public.

Early guidance, consistent routines, and gentle reinforcement go a long way. Every Labradoodle has their own personality, but all benefit from structure that feels supportive rather than strict.

Training is more than teaching commands. It is about building trust, improving communication, and helping your dog feel confident in the world around them. With time, patience, and plenty of praise, your Labradoodle will grow into a well-mannered and connected member of the family.

This article was written by Dr Jack Ayerbe