Labradoodle Socialization is Very Important
Labradoodles have “Hybrid Vigor” which means Labradoodles are healthier dogs because they are a combination breed. “Hybrid Vigor” is the result of different dog breed’s genetics lessening the weaknesses of each other when crossbred.
Labradoodles also come primarily from two dog breeds that rate in the top 5% for intelligence, Labradors and Poodles. Because of this, Labradoodles are fast, eager learners and easily trained. Many suggest you train your Labradoodle puppy right away, or it will train you. Labradoodles have also done very well in agility competitions, not surprising considering the natural spring in their step.
Take time daily to play and socialize with your Labradoodle
Your Labradoodle needs to have some time outside to walk and romp every day. Labradoodles also love to be around their human family. Some dog breeds are considered ‘high strung’ they just can’t seem to settle down, not so with Labradoodles. They love to be petted and snuggled.
Develop mutual love and respect with your Labradoodle
Labradoodles are intelligent and need to be treated with kindness, respect, and love. Labradoodles love people; they are great with children and adults. If you care for your Labradoodle, you will find they are remarkably adaptable to family situations and protective of their family.
Labradoodle Grooming Tips
Labradoodles only need to be bathed a couple of times a month
(unless they’ve had too much fun!)
A lot of dog breeds STINK! Labradoodles are not that kind of dog, and since they don’t stink the way other dogs do, they don’t need to be bathed the way some other dogs do. Bath your Labradoodle every two to three weeks to keep them clean and fresh.
Labradoodles need to have their ears cleaned regularly
Grooming Labradoodle Ears (underside)
Fur grows out of the ears of a Labradoodle. It begins its journey deep in the ear canal. If this fur isn’t removed the wax and other dirt accumulate. This will result in an ear infection. You can tell when the doggie has hot ears that there is a problem and a trip to the vet is in order.
It is not difficult to take tweezers or better still a hemostat and pluck out the fur on a regular basis. Unless you are an expert it is a two-person job, one to hold the dog and promise treats, the other to pluck. Your vet can recommend an ear drying powder that will keep the ears in good health. Of course, your groomer will do the ear plucking for you. If you take your dog in every six weeks, she should be fine.
Pull all hair from the ear canal and shave the underside of the ear near the ear canal. To pull out hair, you can use your fingers, tweezers, or ask your vet for a pair of hemostats. Just grab and pull. Inner ears should be kept clean, and the hair around the ear canal should be shaved away.
Inner ears should be kept clean with ear wash monthly. Ear wash can be purchased at pet stores. Flood the ear with the solution, (gently squirt bottle), massage gently to the count of 60, and wipe with a tissue. Flood again, wipe with a tissue, and leave alone without massage. The dog will shake out the excess which can be wiped with a tissue or cotton ball, etc.
Labradoodles have hair, not fur, so they need to be groomed regularly
Grooming includes having your Labradoodles hair trimmed and brushing them regularly.
The fleece coat is wavy rather than tightly curled. It is a very desirable coat because it is slightly easier to look after than the wool coat and it has a lovely silken feel. Although we have not had a shedding fleece dog, there is the possibility of some light shedding when they change from a puppy to an adult coat.
The fleece coat does need to be brushed, but it is much more easily kept longer than a wool coat. The puppy and adult dog will need regular grooming because the face will need trimming as well as the bum and beneath the ears to prevent matting.
Somewhere between nine and fourteen months of age, the adult coat will grow in. As if by magic the coat will begin to tangle and mat next to the dog’s skin. At this transition time, the coat will need lots of attention to keep the length. Brush right to the skin with a stiff brush or rake. If the dog mats at this point she will have to be clipped short by your groomer.
Labradoodles like any other dog breed need to have their nails trimmed. You can have a groomer do this, or you can do it yourself. Some people feel apprehensive about trimming their dog’s nails.
Little Bottoms All long-coated dogs need a trim around their little bottoms for ease of toilette.