How to Train a Aussiedoodle: Behaviour Tips Backed by Experts

Aussiedoodles are the energisers of the dog world. They are playful, clever, and often two steps ahead of everyone else.

Pet parents often describe them as “little comedians,” always entertaining, always observing, and sometimes just a little too involved in the family routine. They want to be part of everything. That might mean helping unpack groceries, chasing shadows in the backyard, or showing off their newest trick just for the fun of it.

Training an Aussiedoodle can be a joy, but it rarely happens on autopilot. They learn quickly. That includes the good habits, the not-so-helpful ones, and whatever else they can turn into a game. With their mix of brains, bounce, and emotional sharpness, they need clear rules and a routine that keeps their mind and body meaningfully engaged. Without that, it is easy for them to make up their own rules.

This guide is here to help you do just that. Whether you are raising a puppy or retraining an adult, these tips are designed for real Aussiedoodles and real homes. With the right structure, your dog can become a calmer, happier, and more connected part of the family.

Aussiedoodles are tuned in. Their Australian Shepherd roots give them a strong instinct to watch, interpret, and act. Their Poodle side adds enthusiasm, curiosity, and a desire to be included in everything. Combined, they create a dog that learns fast, feels deeply, and needs thoughtful guidance from the very beginning.

Without that guidance, problems can build quickly. It is common for Aussiedoodles to develop habits like excessive barking, door rushing, or herding feet. They are not trying to misbehave. They are simply responding to a world that feels noisy or confusing, and they are doing it the only way they know how.

They are also incredibly people focused. If an Aussiedoodle senses tension or inconsistency, they often internalise it. Harsh tones can shut them down. On the other hand, calm voices and clear direction build confidence and trust.

Early socialisation makes a big difference. So does creating a predictable routine. This is not a breed that thrives on chaos. They need to know what is expected of them, and they need regular feedback when they are doing it right.

Aussiedoodles form deep attachments. If they are not gently taught how to cope alone, they can become anxious or destructive when left. Signs include whining, scratching at doors, and chewing furniture or rugs.

To build independence:

• Start with short, quiet departures and gradually increase the time
• Use interactive dog toys or dog treat puzzles during alone time
• Keep arrivals and goodbyes calm and low key

This breed loves people and shows it with their whole body. Jumping, spinning, and zooming are common greeting behaviours, especially in young dogs.

To create calmer greetings:

• Teach a sit cue and reward your dog for staying grounded
• Practice polite greetings with familiar people before moving to guests
• Avoid pushing your dog down or giving them attention while jumping

Many Aussiedoodles feel a sense of duty to sound the alarm at every unfamiliar noise or passerby. Left unmanaged, this alertness can turn into constant barking.

To reduce barking:

• Teach a “quiet” or “enough” cue and reward silence
• Reduce triggers by limiting access to windows or using soft background music
• Avoid yelling, which often sounds like joining in

Smart and food motivated, many Aussiedoodles become experts at helping themselves to whatever smells good. They may also struggle to wait their turn or hold a sit when excited.

To improve self-control:

• Teach “leave it” and practice impulse games with food or toys
• Keep food out of reach and reward your dog for staying away from counters
• Offer food-dispensing dog toys to meet their foraging and puzzle-solving needs

Aussiedoodles love to play, but sometimes the fun can turn frantic. They may misread another dog’s signals or become overwhelmed during busy outings.

To support better play skills:

• Watch for signs of overstimulation like lip licking, panting, or sudden zooming
• Use short play sessions with breaks in between
• Stick to one-on-one play with familiar dogs before introducing group play

The early months with an Aussiedoodle puppy set the tone for everything that comes next. Between eight and sixteen weeks of age, they are learning what is safe, what is rewarding, and what works in their new world.

This is the time to keep things gentle, clear, and consistent. Your puppy is not just learning cues. They are learning how to live alongside you.

Key focus areas:

• Socialisation: Expose them slowly to new people, friendly dogs, sounds, textures, and different surfaces
• Toilet Training: Stick to a reliable routine, especially after sleep, food, or play
• Bite Inhibition: Offer chew toys and redirect nipping away from hands and sleeves
• Crate Training: Use the crate as a calm, safe place to rest and reset

Keep sessions short and positive. Five to ten minutes at a time is enough. Repeat frequently and always end on a win. Your Aussiedoodle will be eager to keep learning as long as it feels fun and rewarding.

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

Once your Aussiedoodle is confident with the basics, it is time to start introducing the everyday skills that make life smoother at home and out in the world.

Focus Areas:

• Sit, Stay, Come: Use clear cues, food rewards, and consistent praise. Start in quiet places and gradually add more distractions as your dog improves.
• Loose Lead Walking: This breed loves to explore. Encourage them to walk beside you by rewarding check-ins and calm walking without tension on the lead.
• Friendly Greetings: Help your dog stay grounded by asking for a sit before they say hello. This teaches them that calm behaviour gets attention.

Aussiedoodles tend to stay focused when training feels interactive. Keep sessions light and playful with games, movement, and variety. If it starts to feel repetitive, take a break or switch it up.

Mental stimulation is essential for this breed. They need more than just physical activity to stay settled. Try rotating enrichment toys, scent-based games, or scatter feeding in the garden to challenge their brain and prevent unwanted behaviours.

Further reading: Easy Tips to Mentally Stimulate your Dog

If you are welcoming an older rescue or refreshing the rules for your long-time companion, adult Aussiedoodles are still highly trainable. But they do need you to take your time and stay consistent.

Start by noticing what they already understand. Build on the positive behaviours, and gently guide them away from habits that no longer fit. Some patterns take longer to shift, especially if they were reinforced in a past home, but progress is very possible with patience.

Training is also a great way to strengthen your relationship. Regular sessions help your dog feel secure and connected, especially if they are adjusting to a new environment or learning to trust again.

Tips for adult training:

• Focus on routines that balance exercise, brain work, and downtime
• Break new skills into small, achievable steps
• Avoid corrections or frustration — calm redirection works best for this breed

Aussiedoodles might be fun-loving and energetic, but their training needs are serious. They thrive when they understand what is expected, and when their mental and emotional needs are supported with clarity and care.

The secret is consistency. Keep things fair, rewarding, and predictable. Every Aussiedoodle will have their own learning curve, but all respond beautifully to guidance that is kind and structured.

Training is not about perfection. It is about connection, communication, and helping your dog feel settled in the world you share. With the right approach, your Aussiedoodle will be more confident, more responsive, and much easier to live with every day.

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

Start from the moment your puppy comes home, typically around 8 weeks. Puppy preschool is great for socialisation, but home practice is essential for building solid habits.

Do Aussiedoodles need a different training approach than other breeds?

They do. Their mix of intelligence, sensitivity, and herding instinct means they need gentle, clear, and consistent training. They’re quick learners but also quick to pick up on confusion or harshness.

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

Distractions are often the culprit. Practice cues in quiet spots first, then gradually add more challenging environments so your Aussiedoodle learns to listen anywhere.

How much daily exercise does an Aussiedoodle need to stay calm?

Most need at least an hour of good physical activity, paired with brain work like sniffing games or puzzle toys. A tired Aussiedoodle — both mentally and physically — is far less likely to invent their own trouble.

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

Absolutely. When introduced positively, crates become a secure, comforting space. Pair it with treats, toys, and quiet time so they see it as their personal retreat, not a punishment.

Aussiedoodles are bright, loving, and always up for whatever life brings. With steady routines, clear expectations, and plenty of positive reinforcement, training becomes more than a chore — it turns into quality time that deepens your bond.

Patience and consistency go a long way. Every Aussiedoodle learns at their own pace, but all benefit from kind, structured guidance that builds trust. The payoff is huge: a confident, well-mannered dog who’s not just obedient, but a true partner in all of life’s adventures.

This article was written by Dr Jack Ayerbe