When it comes to training a Sheepadoodle, there are some basic rules that you should follow, no matter what kind of training method you choose.
While you may find countless tips and opinions online about Sheepadoodle training, remember that every dog is unique. That’s why I can’t tell you precisely how to train your Sheepadoodle.
However, I can share with you my top 12 Sheepadoodle training tips that I always follow when training a new dog.
Challenge Their Mind
Sheepadoodles are highly intelligent dogs, so it’s essential to prevent boredom. While many dog owners prioritize proper nutrition and daily exercise, they often forget to challenge their furry friends mentally. This can lead to various behavior issues, such as aggression, biting, and destructive behavior.
To avoid these problems, find some games that challenge your Sheepadoodle’s brain. When searching for Sheepadoodle puppy training tips, remember to consider their mental wellness in addition to their physical wellness.
If you need some ideas to get started with mental exercise, check out my review of Brain Training for Dogs, which has dramatically improved my dog’s quality of life.
Do it Exactly the Same Way Every Time
Starting with the very first repetition, all the way to the very end.
Remember, as the old saying goes, practice makes perfect. However, perfect and precise practice is the best way to achieve success when training your Sheepadoodle.
If you’re faced with the choice of making an exercise easier or lowering your expectations of the final result, always choose the former. Whether you want your dog to sit calmly beside you or to stop growling at strangers and other dogs, start at a point where your Sheepadoodle can correctly perform the exercise, and then gradually increase the difficulty.
But always move forward at a pace that ensures your dog can perform the exercise in a way that’s satisfying for both of you.
If Your Dog Can’t Sit Correctly
It will never be able to go anywhere without issues.
Let me tell you something, my friend. A Sheepadoodle who can’t Sit when commanded won’t be able to walk beside you obediently either.
This is because dogs need to learn to focus before anything else.
And guess what? You can teach your Sheepadoodle to focus by teaching it to do nothing.
Yes, you heard me right. Doing nothing is the first step to success in dog training. Use basic crate training or treats to teach your dog to relax and ignore distractions.
Remember, a focused dog is a trainable dog.
Exhausted Doesn’t Mean Well-Trained
A tired dog isn’t the same thing as a well-trained dog.
Small problems might seem insignificant, but they have the potential to escalate over time. As a Sheepadoodle owner, it’s essential to tackle any issues before embarking on your daily walk or any other activity outside your home.
If your Sheepadoodle is restless when you attempt to leash them, it’s unrealistic to assume they’ll be calm and obedient once you step outside. If they can’t sit and wait patiently at the door, the beginning of your walk won’t start positively.
Without a positive start, the rest of the walk may prove challenging. Your Sheepadoodle may appear to behave better after becoming tired, but fatigue doesn’t equate to proper manners.
Remember, as a Sheepadoodle owner, it’s crucial to establish good habits early on. Don’t let small problems grow into larger ones. Tackle them as soon as they arise for a happy and well-behaved Sheepadoodle.
Have a Point of Restoration
Sheepadoodles connect certain emotions with very specific areas.
If your Sheepadoodle is struggling with a particular behavior and becomes stressed or uninterested, it’s time to switch things up. Move to a different location and train them in something they excel at. This will give them a sense of accomplishment and keep them motivated.
It’s not necessary to travel far. Even moving to a different corner of the dog park or your backyard can make a difference.
For example, if you’re attempting to teach your Sheepadoodle to jump onto a table but are having difficulty, try finding a lower platform, to begin with. Once they’ve mastered that, return to the higher table and watch as they jump up with ease.
By focusing on what your Sheepadoodle is capable of, you’ll build their confidence and motivation to learn new behaviors.
Remember, training should always be a positive and enjoyable experience for both you and your furry companion.
If Something Doesn’t Work While on a Leash
It definitely won’t work without a leash.
As a Sheepadoodle owner, you may have encountered behavior such as jumping on visitors or furniture, or your furry friend may ignore your calls. These actions may be happening because your dog isn’t on a leash.
The next time you have a guest over, walk to the front door with your Sheepadoodle on a short leash. This will prevent them from jumping on visitors when you open the door. When they try to jump, use the leash to prevent them from doing so, and then command them to sit.
Allow your guest to pet your Sheepadoodle as long as they remain sitting. If your dog gets up, have your guest stop petting them, and return to a sitting position. Repeat this process multiple times to reinforce good behavior.
For Sheepadoodles who jump on furniture despite being told not to, grab the end of the leash and gently pull them down from the furniture.
Avoid yanking them around the room, instead, turn around with your dog on the leash and make them follow you.
Repeat this exercise until your Sheepadoodle understands that jumping on furniture is not acceptable behavior.
You are Outside and You Want Your Dog to Return to the House.
Of course, the dog won’t listen, outside is a dog’s natural habitat.
When it comes to training your Sheepadoodle, it’s crucial to have patience and perseverance. Start by putting your furry friend on a long training leash and firmly gripping the other end before calling them to return. Gently pull on the leash to get their attention and reward them with a treat or their favorite toy when they come back to you.
Repeat this exercise until you’re satisfied with the outcome. Many people make the mistake of losing interest in training after the first week and letting their Sheepadoodle do as they, please.
However, consistency is key. Keep practicing this exercise until you no longer need to pull on the leash.
If it takes a month or longer to achieve this, keep the leash on for the same amount of time before removing it, to ensure that your Sheepadoodle has fully learned the behavior. Dogs are natural gamblers, and if they win even once, they’ll keep trying their luck.
To prevent this, ensure that you get the desired outcome every time until it becomes a habit for your Sheepadoodle to obey.
Quit While You’re Ahead
Always stop the training before your dog ends up mentally exhausted.
As a Sheepadoodle owner, it’s important to recognize when your furry friend is losing motivation during training. It’s possible that they’re bored and not making progress, but it’s also possible that they’re tired and in need of rest.
Sometimes, we can become irritated with our Sheepadoodle and not realize that they’ve been doing their best for the past 40 times we’ve asked them to do something.
It’s crucial to acknowledge their efforts and give them a break when needed, especially when working on challenging behavior.
Once your Sheepadoodle has grasped the concept of the exercise, stop and give them a well-deserved rest. Avoid asking them to do more exercises immediately after a successful outcome. Doing so can lead to burnout and a lack of motivation in the future.
Remember, training should always be a positive and enjoyable experience for both you and your furry companion.
Recognize when they need a break and celebrate their successes along the way.
In the Case of a Stressed Dog
Go back to the point where your dog the last time felt perfectly comfortable.
When a dog is stressed, they often revert to their instinctive behaviors, which is why it’s vital to train them in all situations.
To overcome stressful situations, you must work through them with your Sheepadoodle. The only way to train them to master these situations is by exposing them to these environments and helping them work through their stress.
Of course, it’s not recommended to throw your Sheepadoodle directly into the deep end. Instead, start by training them in controlled environments after they’ve learned the basics. If you’re hesitant to train them in stressful situations, start with less stressful surroundings and work your way up.
Remember, training your Sheepadoodle in various environments will help them overcome their stress and unwanted behavior, ultimately leading to a well-trained and well-behaved furry companion.
Take One Step Backwards
To be able to take two steps forward.
It’s important to remember rule number 6, which applies not only when you’re at home or in your garden, but in any new situation you and your furry friend may encounter.
This rule is particularly important during the training phase when your Sheepadoodle has learned a behavior but needs to perform it consistently and without hassle. Even if your Sheepadoodle is reliable without a leash in your garden, it’s not reasonable to expect the same behavior in a new environment.
To ensure your Sheepadoodle behaves appropriately in all situations, put them on a leash until you’re confident that they have the new situation under control.
This will help prevent unwanted behavior and keep both you and your furry companion safe.
Remember, consistency is key in training your Sheepadoodle.
Don’t Give Your Dog a Command You Won’t Follow Through On
It’s also important to remember that your furry friend is a natural gambler or opportunist.
You may have invested eight weeks in intensive dog training, following a tried and tested program, and believe that your Sheepadoodle is perfectly trained.
However, in reality, your furry friend may only listen when it’s convenient for them, such as during training sessions.
For example, if it’s late in the evening, they may not listen when you tell them to do something, and you may be tempted to let it slide as a one-time thing. But this can lead to extra work in the future.
To avoid this, put your Sheepadoodle on a leash to make it easier to follow through on your commands. Before giving any command, think carefully and ensure that you’re ready to follow through until the end.
If you’re unable to do so, ensure that your furry friend cannot engage in any unwanted behavior.
Never Test Your Dog
When it comes to training your Sheepadoodle, tests, and exams are not the solution. Instead of testing whether your furry friend will do the right or wrong thing, focus on leading and guiding them as much as necessary, always. This is crucial to remember.
In my experience training other dogs, a softer, gentler approach often works better and creates an indestructible bond between you and your Sheepadoodle.
While the actions you take during training may not change, your attitude and emotions toward your furry companion can make all the difference.
Remember, training a Sheepadoodle is about more than just teaching them commands. It’s about building a strong bond and understanding between you and your furry friend.
Sources
- American Kennel Club (AKC): https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/training/
- Association of Professional Dog Trainers (APDT): https://apdt.com/resource-center/dog-owners/
- The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS): https://www.humanesociety.org/resources/dog-training-tips
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