What makes a Sheepadoodle so much fun to have around? It’s their playful and goofy outlook on life. It’s the way they get along so well with young children and other pets. They are a cross between the mellow and gentle Old English Sheepdog and the intelligent and energetic Poodle. Both parents come from working breeds which makes them able to process information, problem solve, adapt, and work well with people. Training a working breed is necessary to mold them to the tasks they are required to do.
The Old English Sheepdog, originally used for herding livestock to market, had to be gentle enough to not hurt their keep but strong enough to keep them safe. This took both physical and mental concentration over long periods of time. They needed the ability to think and react on a second’s notice while also being able to respond to what their owner was asking them to do.
The Poodle, standard in size, originally bred as a retriever of game fowl, had a tough job outside in the elements. Poodles swam through water and marsh areas to bring back waterfowl. The conditions they worked in were less than ideal as the water could be cold and the hours long. Their willingness to please under these conditions made them an ideal dog for their job.
As with any cross breed, the Sheepadoodle will gain a mixture of characteristics from each parent. As puppy ages it will become clearer how much Sheepdog and how much Poodle it has received. Either way, we know training is an essential part of its development and manageability to be a part of the family. Let’s take a look at the reasons the Sheepadoodle is easy to train.
I Can Do It Just Show Me How
When we are looking for a breed to work for us, we require intelligence to be top of the list. What does that mean? The dog has to be able to learn quickly, with less repetition, and then be able to perform the task with high reliability. The more intelligent the dog is, the variability of the tasks that can be mastered is almost endless.
The Poodle is one of the most intelligent and versatile breeds when it comes to learning new and varied tasks. We can expect that they will problem solve quickly and be ready to take on more challenging assignments. These qualities lend themselves to Poodles often being chosen for service and therapy type work. The Sheepdog is also an intelligent breed that thrives on instinct and repetition. They are not as versatile as the Poodle but are incredibly in tune with their owners needs and willing to do anything to please.
The Sheepadoodle averages high on the intelligence list and is eager to be challenged. That’s why Sheepadoodle training is super easy. They will enjoy physical activities that are mentally stimulating, such as agility, group obedience classes, retrieving in the backyard, and going for long walks. On the calmer side, consider therapy or emotional support work for your Sheepadoodle, where they can use their cute and cuddly looks and innate desire to please to benefit those around them.
Enough is Enough
The part of working breeds that can easily overwhelm a family is the never-ending push from their dog to get what it wants. That could be a ball that is stuck under the couch, the treat they know is on the counter, or the walk at the end of the day that should be skipped because of the bad weather. The inner drive to do, all the time, is more than most know what to do with.
What is so wonderful about the Sheepadoodle is that they are just as happy to go out and play in the yard as they are to sit at your feet and cuddle. The Sheepdog carries that calm and sweet demeanor and the ability to turn off when the job is done. The Sheepadoodle carries that balance of energy to play and the desire to be your constant companion while you watch TV or work on your computer. Be cautioned that close is never close enough and you may end up wearing your Sheepadoodle like a blanket if they have it their way.
Sensitive
There are some truly hardheaded breeds out there that need a firm hand. Police or military working dogs have that high energy and tough body mentality where quitting isn’t an option. It’s about getting the job done at any cost and they are incredible at their job. That isn’t what most of us need or want in our home.
What we need is a balance of energy to play and keep up with the kids but soft enough to take bumps and pulls of a toddler. Sheepadoodle’s natural inclination is to be a people pleaser and they can be sensitive to even a verbal correction. You may see their ears flatten and their tail go down but it’s just for the moment. Use that time to teach what you do want. Break out the treats and create the behavior needed. They are resilient and choose to replicate the behavior that gave them treats and not the scolding.
Just A Bite?
Most families need a puppy to know their basic obedience commands of sit, down, stay, come, and be reliable around distraction. The best way to teach these behaviors is finding motivation for your puppy and using that as the reward. Some want to chase a ball, others need your praise, most have food high on the list of motivators.
The Sheepadoodle enjoys a mix of all these which makes them super easy to train. They love treats, affection, and toys which helps complete their training under the greatest of distractions. If the value of the reward isn’t higher than the distraction itself, a puppy will naturally choose what they value most.
Beginning when your puppy is young you can use their everyday kibble to entice them to do things for you. Often the Sheepadoodle will eat more than they should, as they aren’t necessarily picky, and become a bit on the heavier side. Taking extra treats out of the equation and just using their kibble can help keep them at a good weight. Save the higher value treats for special occasions when you know you need your pups attention.
Eager to Please
If you have ever looked into the eyes of an Old English Sheepdog you know those eyes have looked right back into your soul. There is something almost human about their expression and you know they understand and feel your every emotion. The Sheepadoodle carries that same knowing eye and is rightly in tune with you and the family. It’s as if they can hear your thoughts and know your next move.
Sheepadoodles may choose moments of independence, chasing a squirrel or following a scent, but are happiest when right at your side. If the kids are running around outside, playing on the trampoline or swing set, so is your doodle. Taking this dependence on people to your advantage it’s easy to have your Sheepadoodles attention to create the habits your want. Sit before you go out the door, boom, you got it! Down and wait before you get your food. Sure thing! The dependency and eagerness to please make every moment a training session instead of a game of chase.
Your Sheepadoodle will, of course, have its own variation of personality traits form its parents. Early socialization and training is key to a happy and healthy family dog. Keep in mind that your pup may inherit more of the Poodle side or more of the Old English Sheepdog and your training should always be based on the needs of your individual dogs temperament.
