Labradoodle Milestones

Labradoodle Milestones: What to Expect as Your Puppy Grows

It’s natural to assume that once your Labradoodle puppy reaches six or eight months and approaches its full size, it’s all grown up. But here’s the thing: your puppy is still a puppy! And just like human children, Labradoodle puppy growth requires guidance and training through the Labradoodle Milestones.

It’s easy to feel surprised or annoyed by certain behaviours if we forget their youthful nature. However, let’s not forget that they still need your support. The good news? It won’t take 18 years like with human kids!

Potty Training

So, whether it’s potty training, obedience commands, or Labradoodle socialization, remember that your Labradoodle is still learning and growing. After all, even old dogs can learn new tricks! So, check out our full blog post on Labradoodle milestones for expert insights and training tips on navigating your Labradoodle’s maturing stages. 

Puppy Toddler Period (3 – 8 Weeks)

During the toddler period, Labradoodle puppies separate from their litter and begin exploring the surrounding environment with their mother’s care. The lessons learned and Labradoodle puppy care provided during this stage are crucial. 

If puppies are taken away from their mother too early, Labradoodles will experience fear and anxiety, incessant barking, and a tendency to bite. These behaviours stem from missing out on the valuable lessons taught by the mother and littermates, leading to heightened anxiety in Labradoodle puppies.

Start Training Your Labradoodle In the Third Week

• Puppies will learn the meanings of various postures and their effect on their mother and littermates.
• They will quickly learn how to nibble and what it is like to receive a bite.
• Puppies will soon understand what barking and other vocalizations mean.
• They will also learn social relationships with other dogs.

Another Labradoodle Milestone Starts Vocalization

According to NCBI, puppies usually learn vocalization and temperament activities at approximately five weeks. They learn how to be submissive to the pack’s leader, understand, and start sitting up, vocalizing, and appropriately interacting with dogs.

Mother Doodle’s Reaction

The mother will growl or snarl and may snap to communicate with her puppies. The young Labradoodle puppy will learn quickly with a few apparent signals and repetitions on behaviour training. A mother’s watch is needed to keep a young Labradoodle puppy training. 

Young Toddlers Period (7 – 12 Weeks)

Puppies that are not socialized properly will become fearful and can get aggressive. It is crucial to socialize a puppy immediately. During this time, your puppy must begin receiving a positive experience with surroundings with children and adults. 

According to NCBI, introducing the puppy to new things like stuffed toys, balls, whistles, and different sounds will help them become well-adjusted and happy dogs as they mature. 

Start Labradoodle Milestones in Socialization Training In the Seventh Week

• Puppies will have a short attention span.
• Things puppies learn are permanent but will be more challenging to change as they mature, so it’s best to train correctly from the start.
• Labradoodles are quick to learn and absorb, all like little sponges.
• All taught as a puppy will remain with him to adulthood.
• A Puppy’s temperament and personality will become more apparent as they mature.
• As a puppy matures, you will notice all the training he has received from his mother in how he interacts with children and adults. 

Start Fear/Trauma Training In the Eighth Week 

• The first step is gradually introducing your puppy to new things, environments and people.
• It would help if you taught them positively by providing treats or toys.
• When training a puppy, don’t place him in situations that will cause fear – instead, take training slowly to allow the puppy to adjust and get used to the problem with ease.
• When surrounded by children, do not let them push or play forcefully with the puppy, keeping close attention.
• Provide a secure and comforting voice.
• Teach the puppy you are there and will protect and care for him through continuous touch, affection, love, and hugs.

Young Period (12 – 16 Weeks)

So, your puppy has just arrived at his new home for a few weeks. He has been observing you and his new family very closely. He is picking up on human behaviours and reactions. As the puppy follows, he will learn and eventually attempt to figure out exactly where he stands amongst his siblings in the pecking order. After all, he knows who the weaker siblings are and will try to move to the top gradually. 

Start Sanitary Training In the Twelfth Week

As your puppy grows, you may notice certain emerging behaviours related to its developing sense of authority and hierarchy. Slowly, your puppy will start questioning their position in the pecking order and may attempt to move up in rank. This can manifest in their interactions with other dogs, as they may try to assert dominance over them. 

In such instances, an article on NCBI declares to take control and establish yourself as the pack leader. A handy leash can help you maintain control and redirect your puppy’s behaviour when necessary. 

Additionally, your puppy may test the boundaries by determining when activities are initiated and when it can participate. It might growl during this process to communicate its intentions. Another common occurrence is overexcitement when visitors come to your home. 

Tips to Deal With It

• Learn how your body language works to communicate with your puppy.
• Do not play tug games during this phase.
• If a puppy becomes loud, growls, or barks at you, stop all activities you are playing with him, including ball playing, running, and more.
• Be very cautious of how your puppy interacts with young children – never leave children unattended with the puppy alone.
• Schedule your puppy in training classes to redirect his energy and socialize with other dogs.
• Evaluate the whole family’s interaction with the puppy and correct all issues. 

Flight Instinct Period (4 – 8 Months)

So, your adorable labradoodle puppy is stuck behind your heels, following you for weeks. He knows where you are and follows you as it helps him feel safe and secure. Labradoodle flight instinct time has arrived to teach your puppy that he needs to stay close or come when called, and you are taking him for a walk outdoors where there is traffic. 

Failure to teach this will result in a puppy that will not listen to your commands and will not respond when you ask him to come, sit or stay close by as he matures into adulthood. 

What is Happening

• The puppy became more independent.
• Labradoodle Puppy ignores commands to stay close or come.
• Puppies are clever and will attempt to run around loose if allowed.

What to Do

• Ensure the Labradoodle puppy’s leash is always on when he is not in a confined area.
• Never have a dog in an unconfined space, as he may become lost. 
• When off-leash outside of an enclosed area is for dogs that have.
• Enroll in a training class that will instill positive training.
• Ensure that your puppy continues to be trained with a command to come.
• Make coming to a very positive experience.

Teenage Years (7 – 10 Months)

The Labradoodle teenage years are the most challenging times for a dog owner. It is shocking when the puppy turns into a devil dog. Ensuring your Labradoodle puppy gets the proper training to teach them good habits is vital. Once he’s trained, you will have your dream dog who will listen to every command. The work you put into your puppy’s training will pay off for years.

Labradoodle Milestones. What Will Happen After Training?

• He will become a free and independent thinker.
• He will continue to review the pack order.
• Your puppy will be very energetic.
• The puppy will be happy.
• He will be glad to learn new and fun things.

What Can You Do

• Appreciate the humour.
• Understanding that despite the puppy’s behaviours, ensure that the training continues as it will help him to do better with commands you instill.
• Reaffirm the family pack order.
• Also, be realistic about your expectations, as he is still a puppy in an adult body.
• Try to channel all that energy into positive learning experiences.
• Continuing with training classes and exploring options for additional training opportunities is best to ensure his future positively.

Trauma Increasing Years (6 – 14 Months)

Oh no, you have a puppy that runs around the house like a clown. He refuses to go down the stairs, trembles in the car, or is frightened by the sounds of music. Guess what! It is good behaviour, but we will need to figure out what is suddenly causing the dogs’ fears. 

The dog will need to learn how to face his fears slowly with your help. It will reduce the chances that the concern will not be permanent and part of life.

What is Happening 

Your puppy was confident and suddenly afraid to try new things. This time in the puppy’s life can be subtle. There will be fears that can come and go several times over his entire life. He may appear unprovoked to any occurrence. Your puppy can also become frustrated.

What Can You Do

• It is best to avoid talking and responding with no anger or force; instead, be calm and positive.
• Be patient and understanding. It will go a long way in treating his fears.
• Be aware of the surroundings and potential triggers that cause the dog to fear.
• Work on gradual introductions to his concern with rewards.
• Avoid cuddling when he is in the fear mod. 
• Try not to overreact or correct his worries; instead, make light of the situation and encourage him to deal with his anxiety. Working through fear will help him cope with it.
• Praise him with rewards for his attempt to release his fears.
• Your fur baby will take his clues from you, so if you act like you are afraid, he will also.

Maturing Age (1 – 3 Years)

Your puppy is no longer a baby or fully grown in size. At this stage, they will start to develop more muscle mass. He is now a member of a pack. He will forever protect it from anyone who tries to take over with aggressive behaviour and a protective fear—when he becomes aggressive, remove him from home because of destruction. 

We advise you not to let your dog become spoiled. This will make him and the family happier.

Why Is It Happening

• Your dog may become protective of his belongings.
• A dog may bark at strangers entering his home.
• He will bark at many noises, such as birds and cars driving by, at everything he feels is catching his attention.
• Playing with other dogs may start a fight.
• If they are of the same sex, it can cause confrontation.

How to Stop It

• Teach your dog to ignore other dogs that are aggressive by not walking in the same area.
• Practice reinforcing dog manners so that dogs do not become aggressive.
• It would help if you researched signs when walking your dog. The first signs are if a dog is circling in one spot, his tail is up high and stiff, and facial appearance, as in teeth showing. These are all signs that must be looked for to stop aggression.
• Get the family together and consult on how they all will participate in training to correct the aggression. When out for a walk and aggressive behaviours start, remove the dog from the situation by walking away.

Always reward the dog for good behaviour; he will not forget.

• Set up dog obedience and agility classes to stop this behaviour, as it will help you learn different techniques to help your dog become more affectionate and calm.

We invite you to shop for everything your puppy needs for a great start, including crates, food, treats, accessories, feeding bowls, health, grooming, training aids, and toys!

More Information on Labradoodle Milestones

• How do I keep my Labradoodle happy?

To keep your Labradoodle puppy happy, provide regular exercise to burn off energy, engage in interactive play, offer mental stimulation with puzzle toys, establish a routine for feeding and training, give plenty of love and attention, and create a safe and comfortable environment.

• Are Labradoodles hard to look after?

Labradoodles can require moderate care. They need regular grooming to prevent matting, exercise to keep them active and prevent boredom, and mental stimulation to avoid behavioural issues. Training and socialization are also necessary. However, with proper attention and care, Labradoodles can make wonderful and rewarding companions.

• What is typical Labradoodle behaviour?

Typical Labradoodle behaviour includes being friendly, social, and affectionate. They often have a playful and energetic nature, enjoying activities like fetch and outdoor adventures. Labradoodles are known for their intelligence and trainability. However, individual personalities can vary, so early socialization and consistent training are essential for a well-rounded Labradoodle.

Wrapping Up!

Need Help Training Through your Labradoodle Milestones? Watch Cesar Millan’s “The Dog Whisperer.” If you are unfamiliar with Cesar Millan,” he is The Dog Whisperer” can be viewed on the National Geographic Society Channel. It’s an excellent time to get familiar with his techniques for establishing yourself as the ‘pack leader’ with calm and assertive leadership. Cesar Millan is also on the Disney Plus channel, where you can view all seasons.