Australian Labradoodle Behavior
Are Australian Labradoodles Known for Excessive Barking?
No. Most Australian Labradoodles are moderate barkers who alert you to a knock at the door and then settle down. However, any dog can become a barker if he is bored, left alone too long, or rewarded for making noise.
Why do dogs bark?
Dogs bark for a handful of reasons. They alert you to something new, they ask for attention, they let off steam when they are bored, or they get anxious when they are alone. Most Australian Labradoodles do the first one and not much else. However, any dog can pick up the others if his needs are not met.
Are Australian Labradoodles quiet dogs?
As a breed, they are usually moderate barkers. They tend to give a bark or two when someone knocks and then go back to whatever they were doing. That does not mean every one is quiet. In other words, the breed gives you a good starting point, and the rest is raising and training.
How do we help before puppies go home?
Part of Puppy Culture is sound work. We play recordings of thunder, fireworks, vacuums, doorbells, and household noise, starting quiet and getting louder. A puppy who has already heard those sounds has less reason to sound the alarm when he hears them in your house.
What can you do at home?
- Meet his exercise needsA tired dog is a quiet dog. Daily walks and play cover most boredom barking.
- Do not reward barkingIf barking gets him out of the crate or gets you to look at him, he will keep doing it. Wait for quiet, then reward.
- Teach a quiet cueAfter a bark or two, say "quiet," wait for a pause, and reward it.
- Manage the viewIf he barks at every walker past the window, block the view for a while.
- Practice alone timeShort, calm absences from the start keep anxiety barking from building.
Are they good watchdogs?
They will usually let you know someone is at the door. They are not guard dogs, though. Most will greet a stranger with a wagging tail.
Does size change barking?
Not in any way we can promise. Minis and mediums vary more from dog to dog than from size to size.
When is the next litter?
Puppies go home at 8 weeks old. Click here to see when our next litters are due.
Common questions about barking
Do Australian Labradoodles bark a lot?
Most do not. They tend to be moderate barkers who will alert you to a knock at the door and then settle. Boredom, loneliness, or rewarding barking can change that.
Do Australian Labradoodles bark at strangers?
Usually only a bark or two when someone comes to the door. Most are more interested in greeting people than warning them off.
Can an Australian Labradoodle live in an apartment?
Yes, as long as he gets daily exercise and is not left alone for long hours. Those two things prevent most nuisance barking.
How do I stop my puppy from barking for attention?
Do not reward it. Wait for a quiet moment, then give attention. Reward the quiet, not the noise.
Related reading: the most mellow doodle breed and the best dog breed for families with young kids.
Sources
- Puppy Culture, by Jane Killion.