Have you ever noticed that your Australian Labradoodle seems to know when you feel excited, stressed, or frustrated? That is because ALD’S are extremely observant. They observe the tone of your voice, your body language, your movements, and your overall energy. Your behaviors play a major influence on how your dogs respond to the world around them. With puppies, this is especially important as they are learning and understanding their environment. You play a huge role in showing them what is safe, normal, and worth reacting to.
Your Energy Becomes Part of Their Environment
If you come home after a long day and greet your Ashford Manor Labradoodle Puppy with a high-pitched voice, fast-movements, and lots of excitement, your puppy will quickly become excited too. They could jump, run, bark, or grab at your clothes, which can become overwhelming for both you and your puppy.
Now, if you come home calmly, take a moment to set your items down, then quietly greet your puppy, it shows them that coming home is normal and can be happy without being overwhelmed.
This does not mean it is bad to get excited with your puppy. Play, affection, and enthusiasm are important behaviors that help build a relationship. The goal is to help your puppy learn that there is a time to be excited and a time to be calm.
Calm is Something Puppies Learn
When you are teaching your puppy how to sit, leash walk, or come when called, they are not going to get it in one day- it takes practice. This is the same with being calm, they need practice. Reward moments when your puppy chooses to be calm. For example, when they choose to lie down while you are on the couch, quietly watch you from their bed, or choose to play with a toy instead of jumping on you. Rewarding small moments like these are opportunities to show your puppy that their calm behavior is valuable.
The best response to unwanted excitement is not more excitement. Instead of repeatedly saying “no” and becoming frustrated, take a breath, calm your energy, and give your puppy the opportunity to make a better choice.
Pay Attention to Your Body Language
Not only do dogs listen to your words, but also what you do. Fast movements, loud noises, hovering over your puppy, or reaching toward them can be overwhelming. Slowing down your movements, being relaxed, and speaking in a calm voice can help create a more comfortable and calm environment.
These behaviors can be helpful when introducing your puppy to new people and places. If you remain calm and relaxed, your puppy has the opportunity to observe and learn your behavior instead of feeling like something is wrong.
Creating Calm Does Not Mean Creating Boredom
A calm home does not mean your Australian Labradoodle should never play, explore, or get excited. Puppies value and thrive on exercise, enrichment, training, socializing, and exploring the world. There needs to be balance. You want your puppy to be curious and confident while also learning to settle when nothing exciting is happening. Being able to know the difference between excitement and calm is a valuable skill for your puppy.
Be the Example
The easiest way to encourage calm behavior for your puppy, is to practice it yourself. Before immediately reacting to barking, jumping, or whining, pause and take a breath. Address the situation to see what your puppy is communicating and how you want them to respond next time.
Your puppy is always watching and sensing your movements and behaviors through your voice, tone, reactions, and routines. You are helping them learn to navigate the world. When you lead with calmness and consistency, you are giving your puppy the opportunity to feel secure, confident, and connected.
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