If you are wondering ‘are Groodles indoor dogs?’ then this guide is for you.
Are Groodles indoor dogs? Certain dog breeds are best suited for outdoor life. They can live and work outside for prolonged periods. But are Groodles one of them?
Perhaps you are planning to buy or adopt a Groodle or already have one. In any case, it is important to know the exact personality of your Doodle so you can provide it with the optimum lifestyle it needs to thrive.
Are Groodles Indoor Dogs? (The Short Answer)
Groodles should mostly be kept indoors as they are companion dogs and need to be around their humans. At the same time, your Groodle also needs to spend some time outdoors doing its business and gaining some physical and mental stimulation. Your dog’s coat and age, it’s breeding, and temperament as well as the climate in your area will also determine whether your Groodle should be indoors or outdoors.
Main Reasons Why Groodles are Indoor Dogs
The following factors make Groodles better suited as indoor dogs:
Groodles are Attached to Their Owners
Groodles are the offspring of two of the most loyal and affectionate dog breeds – the Golden Retriever and the Poodle.
Like their parent breeds, they tend to get attached to their humans. Groodles are the happiest when they are by their owner’s side. Due to this attachment, most Groodles tend to rush indoors after they have gone to potty outside.
They Hate Being Left Alone
Most Groodles tend to get anxious if left alone for prolonged periods. Separation anxiety is a common behaviour problem in Goldendoodles. This is also the reason why they compulsively follow their owners around the house and everywhere they go.
Crate training is an important life skill for poodle crossbreeds. It is one of the best dog training methods for preventing separation anxiety.
Consider the size of the Groodle puppy or adult you’re looking to adopt. Standard Groodles are large dogs that can be difficult to manage in an apartment. Being smaller dogs, Toy Groodles and Mini Groodles are more suited to apartment living but independence training is important to prevent barking.
Groodles love being a part of all family activities, which is why they prefer being indoors with their humans.
Groodles Love Being a Part of a Pack
Many Groodles do well in packs. They enjoy the company of most other dogs. If you have multiple Groodles, you could keep them outdoors and even give them a job to do. (Make sure your dogs are of the appropriate age to be kept outdoors).
But if you have just one or two Groodles, it may be best to keep them indoors.
Keeping single or multiple dogs outside can lead to a lot of barking and the rehearsal of bad behaviours like digging, escaping, chewing etc. Adult dogs need around 16 hours of sleep per day and can get overstimulated and overtired if left outdoors for long periods.
Your Groodle’s Breeding Matters
The best Groodle breeders raise pet-quality puppies indoors with their children and other dogs before sending them to their forever homes.
They socialise their puppies and desensitise them to different human experiences. Ethical breeders never keep their dogs outdoors or in kennels.
Groodles raised in puppy farms or by backyard breeders have been found to have more behaviour and health problems like fear and aggression.
If your Groodle was raised indoors at the breeder’s, chances are that it will prefer being indoors as well.
Similarly, Groodle puppies that are raised to be confident and optimistic, will be more flexible in their temperament. These dogs can be left alone outside for periods of time without becoming stressed.
Consider Your Groodle’s Coat and the Weather Outside
Breeders who breed working Groodles often specifically breed for a coat that is suited for outdoor living. Working dog breeds living in cold regions usually have thick double coats that can withstand the harsh cold.
Naturally, such dogs won’t be suited for working in hot, arid conditions. Likewise, there are breeds born in the deserts and bred specifically to hunt or herd in hot climates. These won’t thrive in the cold.
Flat-coated Groodles feel the cold more than fleece or wool coat Groodles. In extremely cold conditions, they benefit from wearing a warm jacket when outdoors. Similarly, if your Groodle has a short, easy-to-maintain haircut style, they might also need a jacket or heating pad to keep them warm in Winter.
Therefore, if you plan to keep your dog outdoors, please consider its coat type and hairstyle. A Groodle could inherit a thick coat like a Golden Retriever or a curly, water-resistant coat like the Poodle. In both cases, it is important to also consider the weather outside and only then take the decision from the point of view of your dog’s safety and comfort.
During hot Australian Summers, Groodles benefit from having a short hairstyle. Groomers can trim the coat on the body and legs to be short while still leaving a teddy bear face and ears.
A shorter coat style not only keeps the dog cool but requires less grooming to maintain between clips; thus making the Groodle lower maintenance to care for.
No dog should be kept outdoors in temperatures below 45 F (7 C) and above 95 F(35 C).
Can Groodles Live Outdoors?
Working Groodles can live and survive outdoors. Such dogs are usually given a job to do, such as guarding the livestock or farm produce, herding animals, etc.
Many live outdoors in packs with other Groodles or other dog breeds. However, outdoor dogs need a lot of training before they can be made to live outdoors, permanently. Dogs become more of what they do every day. If your Groodle is barking, digging, chewing and being a neighbourhood nuisance, they will only get worse.
These days, most Groodles are bred as companion dogs. If your Groodle could speak, it would probably ask to be let indoors to stay by your side!
As mentioned before, if you plan to keep your Groodle outdoors, do ensure that the weather is comfortable for your dog. Avoid keeping your dog outside in extreme heat or cold.
Also, never keep very young Groodle pups outdoors. It is very dangerous for them and could traumatise them.
When in doubt, discuss this with your vet or breeder.
Conclusion – Are Groodles Indoor Dogs?
Groodles are best kept indoors (aside from the time they are let outside for exercise, potty, etc). They are mostly companion dogs and thrive on human attention. Groodles are good family dogs and love being by their owners’ sides.
If you plan to keep your Groodle outdoors, please train it first. Also, consider the weather and your dog’s age and coat type before keeping it outdoors.
As such – no dog should be kept outdoors under freezing cold or extremely hot conditions for prolonged periods.
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