It’s not surprising that Labradoodles have risen to prominence so quickly. The Labradoodle is a service dog that was developed as a hypoallergenic guide dog by crossing a Labrador Retriever and a Poodle. You’ve decided to bring this dog home, but first, you’d like to know if they’re aggressive towards their owners or other family members.
So, are Labradoodles aggressive? No. Labradoodles are natural, social, and friendly dogs. They are well known for their intuitive and tolerating attributes, and they also possess a nature appropriate for guide dogs.
So, if you are thinking of getting a pet dog, a Labradoodle is a superb decision for families with kids and different pets because of its friendly nature. Without further ado, here is what you need to know about these Labradoodle dog breeds.
What is the Typical Temperament of a Labradoodle?
In general, Labradoodles have excellent temperaments. They are intelligent, lovable, cuddly, always ready to play, and good at companionship. All these attractive characteristics they possess can be traced to the parent – the Poodles and Labrador Retrievers. Poodles are highly smart, and Labrador Retrievers have gentle temperaments. This combined trait makes it perfect for families getting a dog for the first time due to its relatively gentle-friendly nature.
Also, its different variables, including the qualities he acquires and his socialization, will add to his conduct as he grows. Therefore, a family needs to build and maintain a steady training approach.
A properly trained Labradoodle often does well around other pets when introduced. They are highly observant because they were initially bred to be guide dogs. This dog can also be an excellent watchdog but does not do well as a guard dog because they are very social animals.
Are Labradoodles Good Family Dogs?
Labradoodles crave attention and enjoy the company of people, including adults and children. Labradoodles are affectionate, and they do well with other pets. These designer dogs are hybrids with perfect attributes.
Aside from their looks and affection, they are smart, highly energetic, and may accidentally knock over a small child in their excitement to play. However, when properly socialized as puppies, they are usually quite good with kids.
Nevertheless, it is essential to keep a close eye on the interaction between them and your small child. But with adults, Labradoodles can be a great match to play with till both tire each other out.
Another exciting part about Labradoodles is that they come in a variety of colors. Nearly countless from cream, gold, bluff, chocolate, lavender, black, white, red, and many more. They also come in solid colors and patterns, including brindle, sable, and more. If you are the type that cares about color, Labradoodles offer many choices.
Labradoodles range in size depending on the parents.
However, there are three main sizes:
- Miniature
- Medium
- Standard
What Can Make A Labradoodle Aggressive?
Labradoodles are generally known to be calming and friendly dogs. However, if not properly raised or cared for as expected, a few things can make a Labradoodle aggressive, including disregard or misuse and less socialization.
Dogs, in general, typically have specific reasons and foundations for their aggression. Although each case has its disparities, we can refer to reasons and encounters that make Labradoodle aggressive. Here are some of the causes of aggression in a Labradoodle:
- Physical Abuse: Physical abuse can make Labradoodles and other dogs, in general, be aggressive. It will make your dog respond to things in an exceptionally unusual way that you may find uncomfortable.
- Illness and Injury: When your playful and highly energetic Labradoodle unexpectedly becomes aggressive, it might be suffering from a medical condition that might result in unusual aggressive behavior. Some likely discomfort includes bone fractures, internal injuries, arthritis, and tumors. Therefore, if you notice this unusual behavior in your Labradoodle, take it to the veterinarian right away.
- Lack of feeding: A hungry dog is an angry dog as inadequate feeding or neglect will make them overly sensitive. A malnourished dog is not friendly. Always make sure you feed your dog well with healthy dog food.
- Frustration: Aggressive behavior exhibited by your Labradoodle may be an aftereffect of redirection of their dissatisfaction. Dogs may be frustrated for several reasons. Inability to get what they want may result in excessive barking and rough play.
- Pain: When dogs are in pain, they might become aggressive due to their self-safeguarding senses.
- Lack of physical exercise: Dogs with a great deal of pent up energy will frequently turn disastrous. Although, this can just be your Labradoodle seeking attention make sure you address it immediately so it doesn’t turn into a bigger problem.
Types of Aggression
It is essential to understand the types of aggression your Labradoodle will likely showcase. As a pet owner, you need to understand that aggression can be shown due to actual or false threats. Your Labradoodle can become aggressive based on what he perceives as the reality, which may not necessarily be a real threat. Dogs in general exhibit three forms of aggression.
They are:
- Protective aggression
- Possessive aggression
- Territorial aggression
Protective Aggression
Your Labradoodle is likely to develop protective aggression when he feels a threat toward his pack. His pack does not necessarily mean dogs, but those he spends the most time with playing, cuddly and have a close affinity to. Dogs are known to be loyal and protect those they love and those that show them affection.
Possessive Aggression
This type of aggression is created when your dog feels a danger towards a cherished item or region. Typically, this kind of aggression will be shown when your Labradoodle thinks that his territory, toys, or food are in peril.
Territorial Aggression
A dog develops territorial aggression when he feels a danger to his area. It is essential to know that a dog’s region doesn’t simply incorporate the truth of his limits (i.e., his yard, bed, or home). The dog might see the boundaries of his area to incorporate the included circle he is permitted to pee and where he walks.
Signs of Labradoodle Aggression
The level of aggression varies depending on the threat or danger perceived. An aggressive Labradoodle is likely to show one of the following signs;
- Barking
- Snipping
- Biting
- Snarling
- Bared teeth
- Chasing
- Growling
How To Prevent Aggression In Labradoodle?
It can be overwhelming watching your sweet, playful Labradoodle transition from a carefree dog to an aggressive dog. Labradoodles are calming and social dogs with excellent temperaments, making dealing with their aggression much easier. The first thing to do is identify what causes the aggressive behavior by socializing with your dog.
Dealing with a Labradoodle’s aggressiveness in a calming way is the best approach, not by yelling at it. Yelling will only make it worse. Labradoodles usually respond better to positive energy and praise.
The proper ways to deal with the aggressive behavior of your Labradoodle are;
Understanding What Caused The Change In Behavior
This is the first approach to positive reinforcement. Look for situations when your Labradoodle becomes aggressive and determine what triggers it. This will help you choose the appropriate solution. Do not reward bad behavior by over-pampering your dog.
Take the Lead, Train your Dog
When you train your Labradoodle from a puppy, you will be able to incorporate particular behavior by establishing an owner and pet relationship. Dogs are quick learners from a young age, making them easy to train. They will listen to your commands and follow your lead more easily.
Instructional meetings ought to be performed every day and kept short. These will assist with building up a human-dog bond that is critical for both owner and pet. Similarly, socialization and openness to various pets, individuals, and spots are likewise important for a Labradoodle to become a stable and well-rounded adult.
Social Behaviors and Social Opportunities
Allow your Labradoodle to socialize with other dogs. Make it a habit to go to the dog park and go for strolls with your dog. This shows its social familiarities and ecological factors, like people, moving vehicles, and abrupt commotions.
Exercise and Activity Levels
Labradoodles are high-energy dogs that need to spend at least 30 minutes exercising every day. An hour daily is ideal. Games and brain exercises are excellent methods of holding and keeping Labradoodles engaged and tested intellectually and physically.
Sometimes overcoming aggressive behavior in dogs can be a complex issue, and it’s often better to seek professional help.
Are Labradoodles More Aggressive Than Goldendoodles?
Labradoodles and Goldendoodles are two of the most popular doodle crossbreeds. The Labradoodle blends the attributes of a Poodle with the playful personality of the Labrador Retriever. At the same time, the Goldendoodle mixes the characteristics of a poodle with the affectionate nature of the Golden Retriever.
These two lovable dogs are quick learners and follow instructions well. However, the two breeds of poodles differ in temperament and health.
Goldendoodles are not aggressive dogs, while Labradoodles are known for their excellent temperament. On some occasions, all dogs can be fierce, although Goldendoodles tend to have calmer personalities than Labradoodles. However, both are great choices.
Final Thoughts
Labradoodles are devoted, social, and protective dogs. Their companionship and great temperament make them a good choice for your family, whether you are single or a family with children. When properly socialized as puppies, they provide good companionship and become well-behaved adult Labradoodles. You can be confident that a Labradoodle will be friendly and stable, and that you will not have to worry about his aggressiveness.
More on Labradoodles
If you’re simply in love with Labradoodles and can’t get enough, then check out our other posts below:
- Do labradoodles make good service dogs?
- Do Labradoodles Bark A Lot? [Triggers & Training Guide]
- Merle Labradoodle: All About This Rare Colored Hybrid Dog
