Sweet-natured and smart, Groodles are a dream to train — most of the time. But their boundless energy, sensitive streak and social nature can bring a few surprises, especially if you’re not sure what motivates them best.
In this guide, we share expert-backed tips to help you train your Groodle with confidence. From working with their natural temperament to boosting focus through the right diet and daily routine, you’ll learn how to bring out the best in this loveable hybrid.
Read more: Groodle breed insights: care, personality, and expert tips
Groodle temperament and trainability
Groodles are bright, loving, and naturally sociable. Their Golden Retriever heritage lends them a sweet disposition, while the Poodle influence adds a touch of cleverness. This combination often results in a dog that is quick to learn and enjoys engaging in training sessions.
While their enthusiasm is a plus, it can also mean they get easily distracted. Consistent routines, positive reinforcement, and a fun, encouraging approach are key to training a well-mannered Groodle.
Health considerations that can affect training
Groodles can be prone to health issues inherited from their parent breeds, such as:
Skin sensitivities and allergies: Groodles may be prone to skin allergies or sensitivities, leading to itching, redness, or irritation. Such discomfort can distract them during training and affect their well-being. Regular grooming and a diet containing vitamin E, zinc and ingredients with antioxidant properties can help maintain healthy skin.
Read more: Dog skin allergies: triggers, symptoms and itch relief treatment (with photos)
Joint conditions: Joint issues, including hip dysplasia, can impact a Groodle's mobility and willingness to participate in physical activities. Providing a complete and balanced diet with high-quality protein and rich in omega fatty acids, maintaining an appropriate exercise routine and a healthy weight can support your pup's joints.
Read more: Hip dysplasia: how can your dog's diet help?
These conditions can make training more challenging if they lead to discomfort or distraction. If your Groodle seems less focused or reactive, a vet check-up might uncover a health issue that needs addressing.
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How real food fuels your Groodle's focus
Just like us, dogs learn best when they’re feeling healthy, balanced and energised. Diet plays a big role in your pup’s ability to focus, stay calm, and retain information.
Groodles benefit from:
Steady energy sources like butternut squash and purple sweet potato, have a low glycaemic load and help release energy slowly.
Essential fatty acids like DHA and EPA (omega-3s from fish, mussels, or fish oil), support brain health and development, memory, and learning.
Fresh, bioactive nutrients from ingredients like blueberries and shiitake mushrooms support immunity, skin health, and overall wellbeing.
“A fresh food diet packed with brain-boosting nutrients supports your dog’s ability to learn and adapt. Omega-3s, especially DHA, are critical for memory and cognitive function.”
– Dr Alex England, Lyka Veterinarian, BVetMed MANZCVS (Small Animal Veterinary Practice)
Learn more about Dr Alexander England and his veterinary experience.
All Lyka meals are formulated by Board-Certified Veterinary Nutritionists to provide complete and balanced nutrition for learning, growth, and everyday health.
Read more: Fuelling your dog’s focus: how nutrition impacts your dog’s training
Exercise first for improved focus
Groodles are active and playful, making daily exercise crucial to their wellbeing. A walk or game before training can help them settle and focus.
Consider:
Fetch or frisbee in the backyard
Walks that include social interaction and sniffing time
Short agility exercises for mental stimulation
An exercised Groodle can lead to calmer behaviour and improved learning and memory.
Training tips for Groodles
Training a Groodle is a rewarding experience when you tap into their eagerness and energy.
Keep sessions short, sweet, and full of positive vibes. Here’s what works best:
Positive reinforcement
This is the gold standard for training. Marking good behaviour with rewards like praise, affection, treats, or continued interaction, teaches your pup how to behave and supports a strong and positive relationship.
Double up on rewards to mark excellent responses from your Groodle, like praise and a pat, or praise and a treat.
Find their favourite motivator
Discovering your pup’s hierarchy of high-value rewards is a great way to keep your Groodle motivated. Is it a nibble of roast chicken, their favourite squeaky toy, or playtime with you?
Lyka’s Piggy Training Perks are a high-value, low-calorie treat that’s designed to keep your pup motivated and rewarded during training.
Train at the right time
Sometimes dogs don’t have the energy or desire to learn, especially if they’re too tired, too full, or hot and bothered.
Mental enrichment through training can be tiring for dogs, so find the right time to train and stop if you notice your dog starting to lose focus or fatigue.
Stay consistent
Consistency is key to training. Not just in setting your expectations, but in using the same verbal and non-verbal cues.
Be playful and engaging
Groodles can pick up on your mood. Keep your sessions fun and your positive energy will be contagious.
Watch their body language
If your pup starts to show signs of stress or tiredness, give them a break. If they’ve reached saturation point, it can be counterproductive to persevere. You can always come back to the training at another point.
Training your Groodle puppy
Groodle puppies are affectionate, curious, and quick to bond. Early training should focus on socialisation and building trust.
What works?
A regular toilet routine.
Positive crate training for safe sleep and downtime.
Early, controlled socialisation with people, dogs, and new environments.
Groodles are sensitive to tone and energy, so stick with force-free methods that build trust and confidence.
Read more: Force-free puppy training: what the experts want you to know
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Training your adult Groodle
Just because your Groodle’s out of puppyhood doesn’t mean the training stops. In fact, ongoing mental stimulation is essential to keep their mind sharp and behaviour balanced.
This might look like:
Reinforcing polite greetings at the door
Learning new tricks or games
Adjusting to life changes, like moving house
Training for mobility support, like using a ramp in senior years
Dogs have neuroplasticity, meaning their brains adapt and change making them lifelong learners. Keep training light and engaging and celebrate progress, no matter how small.
When to call in a trainer or behaviourist
Not sure if your Groodle’s quirks are just stubbornness — or something deeper?
A trainer is your go-to for obedience, manners, and routine behaviours. A qualified behaviourist, on the other hand, is best for issues like:
Reactivity
Anxiety or phobias
Aggression
Resource guarding
They work closely with your vet to address underlying causes and create a tailored plan. The earlier you seek support, the easier it is to create lasting change.
“If training your dog is very challenging, it may be worth considering a trainer or a behaviourist. A trainer can help you identify what may be triggering their behaviour and show you how to help your dog cope in those situations. The solution may be as simple as reframing what we expect from our dogs and our behaviours around them.”
—Laura V, qualified dog behaviourist
New to Lyka? Let’s rethink dog food together
Training your Groodle is a journey — one that requires consistency, creativity, and compassion. Whether you’re navigating house training with a stubborn puppy or teaching your senior dog new routines, every small win is a step toward a calmer, more connected life together.
And remember, a well-fed brain is a trainable brain. Supporting your Groodle’s learning with fresh, real food meals helps unlock their full potential.
Lyka nourishes hundreds of Groodles across Australia – from energetic pups to seniors in their golden years – they’re all thriving on Lyka.
