Resulting from a cross of a Toy Poodle and a Golden Retriever, the Miniature Goldendoodle stands 13 to 20 inches in height and weighs 15 to 35 lbs. The Miniature Goldendoodle is a mixed breed and not a purebred dog. The Miniature Goldendoodle makes an excellent family dog and even therapy dog.
The Miniature Goldendoodle is still a young cross, and most dogs are a first-generation Miniature Goldendoodle, which was first developed in the 1990s. The Miniature Goldendoodle is affectionate, intelligent, and doesn't shed much. The Miniature Goldendoodle inherited some of the best traits from their parent breeds, the Toy Poodle and Golden Retriever, and are a good option for novice and experienced dog owners. The Miniature Goldendoodle does well with agility training. The Miniature Goldendoodle is highly social and gets along with anyone. Thus, the Miniature Goldendoodle doesn't make a great watchdog or guard dog. The Miniature Goldendoodle does best in a house with a fenced-in yard as opposed to apartment living. They need proper socialization to avoid anxiety. The best way to avoid destructive behavior while you are away is to crate your Miniature Goldendoodle. The Miniature Goldendoodle is suitable for people with allergies since they don't shed much. The Miniature Goldendoodle does require brushing - some owners take their dogs to the groomer. The Miniature Goldendoodle isn't known to be noisy and may not bark when someone knocks on the door.
The Miniature Goldendoodle Is very easy to train. The Miniature Goldendoodle is highly intelligent and eager to please its owners. This makes the Miniature Goldendoodle good for first-time dog owners who have never trained a dog before and a welcome sight for the experienced dog owner. The Miniature Goldendoodle should be trained with positive reinforcement as negative training could affect their confidence level.
Socialization is very important in order to avoid having a shy Miniature Goldendoodle as they are very gentle dogs. The Miniature Goldendoodle should get at least 30 minutes of exercise a day, either from a walk or a run around the yard. If left alone too long, the Miniature Goldendoodle is prone to separation anxiety and destructive behavior.
There are behaviors and signs you can watch for in your dog to know if they are experiencing stress and anxiety. If you feel your pet is stressed, there are steps you can take to help. We will go over some of these steps in this article.
Can the Miniature Goldendoodle Experience Stress and Anxiety?
Just like humans, the Miniature Goldendoodle can develop stress and anxiety. Separation anxiety is commonly seen in the Miniature Goldendoodle and occurs when the dog owner and the dog are separated due to work or other commitments. There is no concrete reason why separation anxiety occurs in the Miniature Goldendoodle. However, it is most commonly seen in shelter pets. Being separated from someone they love can trigger separation anxiety in the Miniature Goldendoodle. You'll have to take note of your dog's body language and manage their destructive behavior if they have separation anxiety. Thankfully there are things you can do if your Miniature Goldendoodle experiences separation anxiety at any point in its life. We certainly don't want our dogs to be stressed out as we care about them as cherished family members.
What is the Difference between Fear and Anxiety in the Miniature Goldendoodle
As dog owners, we hope that your Miniature Goldendoodle never experiences fear. Fear is a natural response to a threat. Anxiety is different. Anxiety is the response to a perceived threat. Phobia is a profound fear response that results in panic. Your Miniature Goldendoodle may have anxiety from something they think will happen but doesn't materialize. But don't worry, there are things you can do to help your Miniature Goldendoodle with anxiety.
Separation Anxiety in the Miniature Goldendoodle
The Miniature Goldendoodles can be prone to social anxiety as they are very loving and want to be with you all the time. The Miniature Goldendoodle is known for its loving nature and wanting to be with its loved ones. However, this does not mean they are sure to develop anxiety.
Some veterinarians believe that separation anxiety can be caused by the enthusiastic greeting the pups expect to receive when we come home from wherever we left the house to be. Obviously, you are excited to be home and see your pup, but don't be so over the top. They may not understand your enthusiasm and may pay you back by destroying your couch.
The key to avoiding separation anxiety is to ensure your Miniature Goldendoodle is comfortable in the home and is busy while you are away. Also, proper training can help to avoid destructive behavior. There are some things you can do if your Miniature Goldendoodle is experiencing stress and anxiety.
Causes of Stress and Anxiety in the Miniature Goldendoodle
There are numerous causes of stress and anxiety in the Miniature Goldendoodle, including:
Inconsistency
Inconsistency can stress the Miniature Goldendoodle out. They run on routine, wanting to know when to expect to eat or go on a walk. When their routine is not consistent, it can cause anxiety in your Miniature Goldendoodle. You'll have to do your best to stay consistent with your Miniature Goldendoodle. You wouldn't want them to be stressed out and experience anxiety.
Confusing Commands
The Miniature Goldendoodle doesn't have the same grasp of language as we do, so some commands can be confusing, such as "drop it," or "give that here," which may mean the same thing to you but can make a dog unsure of what they are supposed to do. Try to say the same repeated commands, so your Miniature Goldendoodle knows what is expected of them. You wouldn't want to confuse them and cause anxiety.
Staring Directly at Your Dog
Of course, you like to look at your dog, but staring at them with too much eye contact can stress them out. Instead of looking at them straight on, turn your body to the side. This will relax them. You wouldn't want to make your dog uncomfortable simply by looking at it too long. Avoiding staring at your dog can help with anxiety.
Unnecessary Punishment
Remove temptation for dogs to do things that are natural to them but would upset you, such as grabbing food off the counter. It's a natural dog instinct to do this, so they should not be punished for it. Just don't keep food in their reach, instead. You can't punish a dog for simply being a dog. Even though you might have lost your dinner, it's not your dog's fault.
Telling Your Dog, "It's okay."
It might seem natural to comfort your dog by telling them it's okay at the veterinarian or during storms. However, this can cause your dog to connect you telling them "it's alright" to their extreme fear. Instead, give them some treats to distract them. You want your dog to feel positive during the negative experience if you can. You wouldn't want to cause them more anxiety by trying to console them.
Signs Your Miniature Goldendoodle is Suffering From Stress and Anxiety
There are ways you can tell if your dog is suffering from stress and anxiety. Here are the signs:
Growling
When your Miniature Goldendoodle is growling, they are uncomfortable with the situation at hand, like someone being too close to them when eating. Don't punish for growling, as this could lead to bites in the future. Instead, give them the space they need. You wouldn't want someone to get bit by your dog or cause your dog more anxiety.
Barking or Whining
Barking and whining are often automatic and can't easily be controlled by a dog. Your Miniature Goldendoodle is telling you someone is wrong and can be a sign of stress and anxiety. You'll have to investigate, though, as they could be barking for other reasons. Sometimes barking or whining can have more meaning than what meets the eye. You'll want to make sure your dog isn't anxious or stressed.
Body Language
There are many body language signs that your dog is stressed. These include panting, yawning, lip licking, raised hackles, tucked tails, tucked ears, and revealing the whites of their eyes. Your dog is trying to tell you something is wrong. Be sure to try and pick up on body language when you are around your dog that indicates that it is stressed out. This recognition is critical to avoid biting. You wouldn't want to miss the message your dog is so clearly sending you.
Freezing
If your Miniature Goldendoodle freezes, this may be a dangerous situation as their next action may be to bite. It shows they are shutting down from stress and anxiety. You want to make sure to avoid situations where your dog is freezing up. You'll be able to see what is stressing out your dog.
Pacing
Going back and forth can be a sign a dog is stressed. If it is only for a short period during meals, it may not be a big deal, but noting when a dog paces can let you know what is stressing them. This is important to keep track of when you witness it. You'll know what is causing your dog anxiety.
What We Know About Managing Stress and Anxiety in Humans
Stress can be chronic or acute and can cause anger, nervousness, upset stomach, headaches, and fatigue. When you experience high stress for a long period of time, this is called chronic stress. There are treatments for chronic stress in people, such as vitamins and supplements. Wouldn't it be great if you could treat your Miniature Goldendoodle this way? Well, you can. Check out Calming Zen Chews. They contain Chamomile, L-Theanine, and L-Tryptophan. You might also want to look into the Calming Cuddle Bed and Calming Spray. These calming products can help your dog if they are experiencing stress and anxiety.
Keep in mind that not all stress is bad; in some dangerous situations it can lead you to safety.
Other Treatments for Stress and Anxiety in the Miniature Goldendoodle
There are many ways you can help your Miniature Goldendoodle with stress and anxiety. Here are some tips:
Counter Conditioning and Desensitization
These can be difficult to carry out and require professional help from a behaviorist or dog trainer. Make sure the individual knows how to help you with these tasks before hiring them. You may not be able to conduct these without lots of research or expense, but that's not the case for all items on this list.
Crate Training
Crates can be helpful for the Miniature Goldendoodle if they learn that it is their safe place. However, crates can cause anxiety in some dogs, so you'll need to watch for this. If your Miniature Goldendoodle is anxious regarding crate training, you can keep them in a room using a baby gate. Either way, a more contained space can be calming.
Giving Your Dog Jobs
Keep your dog interactively entertained, give them jobs by walking new trails, playing fun games, and providing them with food puzzle toys. Keep your dog interested in what's going on around them. You'll want to give them an enriching life.
Learning Body Language
Watching body language can let you know when a dog is getting anxious, avoiding a bite. If your dog is doing any of the signs we listed above in the article, it is time to intervene. You definitely wouldn't want your dog to bite someone.
Socialization
Exposing your dog to people, places, and things early can avoid exaggerated responses later in life. It also helps your Miniature Goldendoodle be well adjusted. They'll also have a more enriched life.
Obedience
The Miniature Goldendoodle loves obedience training, and it helps them have fewer issues with stress and anxiety in the future. A well-trained dog is easier to socialize with. They will be happier and easier to deal with overall.
Exercise
Exercise is good for the Miniature Goldendoodle in regard to their physical health and well-being. A stimulated dog is less likely to have anxiety. It is good to make sure your dog is in peak condition.
Nutrition
Equally important to a dog's health is nutrition. You should be feeding your dog high-quality dog food. Health helps avoid stress. Consult with your veterinarian regarding the best foods to feed.
Situation Avoidance
While you shouldn't stop your life, you can avoid situations that will stress your dog. For instance, if other dogs give your dog anxiety, it would be wise to avoid dog parks. There are things you can do to prevent your dog from experiencing stress and anxiety to begin with.
Positive Reinforcement
Positive reinforcement is a good way to train your dog. You can do this with praise as well as treats. Your dog will be well adjusted because of it. The Miniature Goldendoodle is easy to train and it will be satisfying for both you and your pet.
Treats
Treats are helpful in positive reinforcement and can distract your dog when experiencing stress and anxiety. Make sure you are feeding healthy treats such as those from Calming Dog.
Snuggling
Showing your dog physical affection can distract them from their stress and anxiety symptoms. It's always good to love on your pup.
Blankets
Blankets can calm frazzled nerves when the Miniature Goldendoodle is experiencing stress and anxiety. You might consider a small weighted blanket like humans sometimes use for anxiety.
Timeouts
Timeouts are a training tool and can help a stressed dog calm down. You want to avoid your dog feeling stressed out; this is a way to calm them.
Music
Leaving music or the television on can help your dog stay calm when left alone for extended periods of time. Make sure, though, that you don't leave them alone longer than necessary to avoid destructive behavior.
Conclusion
The Miniature Goldendoodles is a great dog. They are loving and affectionate. They are great family dogs and will keep you company while you're at home. They are good with kids. They are masters of agility and easy to train in obedience. You should socialize them to avoid separation anxiety. Despite being susceptible to anxiety and stress, they are basically the perfect pet. There are signs you can watch out for to see if your dog has anxiety. Watch for body language and destructive behavior if not crated. If they show physical signs of anxiety, it's best to talk to your veterinarian and have them seen. You can also do things to help your dogs, such as training and supplements and even just showing them enough affection. While you shouldn't change your whole life, there are also situations you can avoid to keep your dog stress-free. If your dog has stress and anxiety, please follow the tips above and they should be feeling a lot better soon.