Can I train my Goldendoodle to behave off-leash around other dogs?
Updated On September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Medium (23 - 60lb) | Male | unneutered | 7 months and 3 days old
I have a 7 month old goldendoodle and when I try and walk him off leash in the woods he's usually good at coming back when called, unless there are other dogs, then he gets hyper and super playful and becomes uncontrollable. I want to be able to walk him off leash as he has a lot of energy. Will it improve with training or are there some breeds that just don't outgrow this?
2 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Published on September 25th, 2017
I would give it some time and training. Ziggy is a young dog and his exuberance on walks around other dogs is to be expected. It would help for you to start some "learn to earn" training. This means before Ziggy gets anything desirable (like a treat, attention for play, going outside, getting a meal) he has to sit and focus on you for a second. To facilitate this you start in the home where there are minimal distractions. Use a treat to get Ziggy to sit and look at you while saying "focus" or whatever command you want. Continue to do this before Ziggy gets anything fun or desirable. Eventually you can practice this behavior on walks so Ziggy is less triggered by other distractions. As always with training time and consistency are key. Everyone in the household should practice this with Ziggy. It may take a few months for him to get it down pat. You can always contact a credible trainer to help you out if needed. I hope this helps and good luck to you and Ziggy! Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Related Answers from Veterinarians
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Published on July 27th, 2017
For puppies we want to limit their activity to around 30 minutes-1 hr daily. And their activity should not be too strenuous on their joints, because puppies are actively growing and should have reduced stress on their growth plates. You are doing the maximum amount of work-out time right now and should not go beyond that. However, kudos to you for keeping your pet active and healthy. This will set the tone for Ziggy to lead a healthy adult lifestyle. You should work with a pet trainer to get you to the level of letting him off leash. Right now he is much too young to do so. He is still most likely learning and mastering basic commands, so take it nice and steady for now. As he gets older and more mature, you can slowly introduce off leash training. Also he is not neutered, so allowing him to go off leash may be met with resistance from people in your community. Consider having him neutered to help limit aggression issues with other male dogs, and also to prevent any mating attempts from him towards intact female dogs. Intact males are going to have a more dominant attitude and typically will get into more altercations (fights). This is something that a lot of pet owners don't really think about, but check with your local county also to read up on the laws concerning allowing intact male dogs off leash. I hope this helps and best of luck with your puppy Ziggy . Take care.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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