How to wash a goldendoodle
how to wash a goldendoodle
If you’re reading this, I assume you’re either interested in owning a goldendoodle or are thinking about getting one as a pet. Either way, this guide will help you understand what is entailed in caring for this special breed. It will cover everything from diet to grooming to behavior, so you can start your new family member off on the right paw.
Health Issues
Although most people think of a goldendoodle when they think of a puppy, these dogs are considered mature enough to be placed on their own four feet at six weeks of age. Therefore, they are more prone to certain health issues as they age.
The most common problem that pet owners encounter is arthritis. This is caused by over-exercising the dog and causes them to over-heat. As a result, there is often an associated weight problem that plagues the breed as they age. The good thing is that this is easier to fix than it is to diagnose. Just make sure that your vet takes the time to examine the dog and tell you what could be the root cause of the problem. Many times, it’s simply a matter of switching the dog’s diet to one that is less concentrated in protein and more in fiber.
Another big problem that pet owners need to be aware of is seizures. This is caused by a condition called encephalitis which interferes with the dog’s brain function. There are various ways that you can reduce the risk of this occurring, such as avoiding rough housing and excessive play with other dogs. Owners who suspect that their pet is suffering from this should take them to the vet immediately. The vet will be able to tell you what is causing the problem and help you find a solution. In the meantime, you must keep the dog hydrated.
Grooming
Dogs are considered clean animals and thus require less frequent grooming than, say, cats do. However, they still need to be bathed at least once a month. This is because dirt and oil from their natural shedding can lead to matting and a dull coat which makes them look less appealing to potential buyers. Once a month, simply give them a quick bath and brush them thoroughly. Make sure to remove any patches of fur that appear dull or greasy.
The best way to prevent the matting and dulling of your dog’s coat is to bathe them frequently and ensure that their coat is always clean. You can also spray on a few drops of shampoo to give the dog the illusion of a fresher coat. Frequent brushing alone can cause the hair to become dull, and you won’t be able to hide this by spraying on a little shampoo.
Other than washing them often, what else can you do to keep your dog looking healthy and shiny? Coat them with food-grade vitamins C and E, which have powerful anti-aging properties that can help repair damage from poor grooming or lack of proper diet. You can also ask your vet for help in giving your puppy the right care and treatment.
Behavior Issues
There are certain behaviors that your dog may exhibit which could be problematic. These range from shyness to aggressiveness. If you are aware of these issues before your dog arrives at your home, you can help them overcome them and ensure that they live a happy and comfortable life. Some examples of problematic behaviors that you may encounter are:
Shyness
Dogs that are shy around new people or environments may be difficult to socialize and many times end up being rejected by their owners. The good thing is that with proper socialization and training, this issue can be greatly reduced or even eliminated. Simply put, dogs that are shy around new people or environments will often become bolder and more curious after they have been around other animals or people.
You can alleviate this problem by spending time with your dog daily and playing with them regularly in a nice quiet space. Another option is to take them on daily walks, which can help them get comfortable around new people and environments. If you are unsure of how to begin training your dog, ask your vet for help.
Aggressiveness
Dogs that are aggressive toward people or animals may not seem like such a good idea at first, however, they can often be extremely loyal once trained. The good thing is that you can easily reduce or eliminate this behavior using a strict schedule of training and conditioning. Simply put, dogs that are aggressive toward people or animals will often become playful and relaxed after they have been trained to be gentle with other creatures. Some examples of aggressive behaviors that you may encounter are:
Biting
Although biting is rare, it is still worth mentioning because of the frequency with which this happens. It is usually caused by the dog’s innate protective nature taking over. This means that they may see a threat to their safety and feel the need to guard or attack. The best way to prevent this is by ensuring that your dog is properly vaccinated and regularly checked by a vet. If you notice that your dog is becoming aggressive, especially toward other animals, it may be time to consider getting them a professional dog trainer to help them overcome this problem.
Excessive Barking
Dogs that are constantly barking may seem like a good idea at first, however, this can quickly turn into a health issue if it becomes excessive. This is why it’s important to regularly control and reduce their barking through training and conditioning. Some things you can try are:
- remove the cause of the barking (such as a toy or bone),
- hide their food so they have to bark to get it,
- place headphones on them so they can hear themselves but can’t hear other noises, and
- turn off the phone so they don’t get distracted by it.
The main thing to keep in mind is that your dog needs to feel loved and cared for, and that they are a part of your family. Ensure that they have everything they need and then some by getting them their very own dog bowl. You should also regularly groom them and bathe them to keep their coat shiny and clean. Lastly, make sure that they have lots of exercise and play time so they stay active and have more energy.
As you can see, there are several different issues that pet owners have to deal with. Fortunately, many of these can be helped or resolved with proper socialization and training. The most important thing is to be patient and consistent. Take the time to socialize your dog daily and play with them often. Make sure to groom them with the proper nutrients and supplements as well as bathe them regularly. Lastly, always make sure that your dog has lots of exercise and play time so that they have more energy and do not become overweight. If you are unsure of how to begin training your dog, ask your vet for help.