Goldendoodles are known for being smart, social, and full of energy. This makes them the perfect students for trick training. 

Tricks help your puppy build good habits, stay mentally active, and bond with you along the way. In this guide, we’re sharing 10 beginner-friendly tricks you can start teaching your Goldendoodle puppy—even if you’ve never trained a dog before.

In this blog, we’ll walk you through 10 fun and easy tricks to teach your Goldendoodle puppy.

Why Teach Your Goldendoodle Puppy Tricks?

Goldendoodles are a mix of two very clever breeds: Poodles and Golden Retrievers. That means they love learning. And if they’re not learning something good, they might start picking up habits you don’t want (like chewing furniture or barking for attention).

Teaching tricks is a great way to:

• Keep your pup mentally and physically active
• Strengthen your bond through fun time
• Build confidence and good behavior
• Add structure to your puppy’s day

Plus, it’s fun for both of you.

Before You Start: A Few Quick Tips

You don’t need a fancy setup to start teaching tricks. Just keep these things in mind:

• Keep it short and fun. 5–10 minutes is enough. Puppies have short attention spans.
• Use tiny treats. Something soft, tasty, and easy to chew works best.
• Be consistent. Use the same words and hand signals each time.
• Pick a quiet spot. Too many distractions can make it hard for your pup to focus.

Ready? Let’s get into the fun part.

1. Sit

This is the easiest and most useful command to teach first.

How to teach it:

• Hold a treat close to your pup’s nose.
• Slowly move your hand up. Your puppy will likely lower their back end to follow.
• The second their bottom hits the ground, say “Sit” and give the treat.

Practice a few times a day. You’ll be surprised how quickly they get it.

2. Stay

This one takes a little patience, but it’s worth it.

How to teach it:

• Ask your puppy to “Sit.”
• Hold your hand up and say “Stay.”
• Take one small step back.
• If they stay in place, give a treat and praise.

Start small, then build up to longer stays and bigger distances.

3. Come (Recall)

This is one of the most important commands, especially if your pup ever gets off-leash.

How to teach it:

• Get down to your puppy’s level.
• Say their name, then “Come!” in a happy voice.
• When they run to you, give them a treat and lots of praise.

Always make “Come” a positive thing. Never call them over to do something they won’t like (like ending playtime or giving a bath).

4. Shake / Paw

This one’s super cute and usually easy to teach.

How to teach it:

• Ask your dog to sit.
• Gently lift one of their front paws and say “Shake” or “Paw.”
• Give a treat right after.

Eventually, they’ll start offering their paw on their own when they hear the cue.

5. Down

This one helps calm your puppy and is great when you need them to settle.

How to teach it:

• Start with them in a sitting position.
• Hold a treat near their nose, then slowly lower it to the ground.
• Move it slightly forward so they follow it and lie down.
• Once they’re lying down, say “Down” and reward them.

If they’re wiggly, try this when they’re already a little tired.

6. Roll Over

This one looks impressive, but it just takes a bit of practice.

How to teach it:

• Ask your pup to lie “Down.”
• Hold a treat by their nose, then move it in a circular motion over their shoulder.
• As they follow it, they’ll naturally roll to their side, then over.
• Say “Roll Over” and reward.

Break it into parts if needed. Some pups take a little time with this one.

7. Spin

This trick burns off energy and is easy to teach with a treat.

How to teach it:

• Stand with your puppy and hold a treat at nose level.
• Move the treat in a slow circle.
• As your puppy follows the motion and spins, say “Spin!”
• Once they complete the turn, treat and praise.

Do one direction first (“Spin”), then later you can add the opposite (“Twist” or “Spin the other way”).

8. Play Dead

A silly trick that’s always a crowd favorite.

How to teach it:

• Ask your dog to lie “Down.”
• Gently roll them onto their side.
• Say “Bang!” or “Play dead,” give a treat and lots of praise.

Add a fun gesture like pointing your fingers to make it more playful.

9. High Five

If they already know “Paw,” this one is a quick add-on.

How to teach it:

• Ask for a paw.
• Hold your hand a little higher and more upright (like a high five).
• When your pup touches it, say “High five!” and treat.

Soon they’ll be slapping your hand like a pro.

10. Ring a Bell to Go Outside

A great trick to help with potty training!

How to teach it:

• Hang a bell near the door at nose or paw height.
• Every time you take them out, guide them to ring the bell first.
• Say “Outside” and open the door.
• Praise them every time.

With practice, your pup will ring the bell when they need to go out. It’s a lifesaver.

Tips for Training Goldendoodles

• Watch the heat. Goldendoodles have thick coats. Try training indoors or during cooler times of day.
  
  
• Mix it up. Practice tricks in different places—inside, backyard, dog-friendly cafés like Mutts Canine Cantina.
  
  
• Make it fun. If your pup gets frustrated (or you do), take a break. Training should feel like playtime.
  

Also read: Goldendoodle Puppy Care Guide and Goldendoodle Potty Training Tips

What Not to Do

Even well-meaning puppy parents make mistakes. Try to avoid:

• Training when your dog is too tired or too hyper
• Repeating a command over and over (say it once, then show them)
• Getting frustrated—your energy affects their learning
• Pushing too many tricks at once
• Forgetting to celebrate the small wins

Stay patient and playful, and your Goldendoodle will learn faster than you think.

Wrapping Up

Trick training is one of the best ways to build a happy, well-behaved, and confident Goldendoodle. These 10 tricks are simple, fun, and great for beginners. You don’t need to be a professional trainer….you just need some treats, a little time each day, and a whole lot of love.

Need Help Choosing the Right Goldendoodle?

At Texas Goldendoodle Lovers, we don’t just breed puppies—we raise family-ready Goldendoodles who are smart, social, and eager to learn. From their first weeks with us, our pups are introduced to gentle routines and early training that make your job easier when they come home.

So if you’re looking for a Goldendoodle that’s already off to a great start, raised with care right here in Texas—you're in the right place.

👉 See our available puppies

👉 Reach out to reserve your future best friend

Let’s help you find a puppy who’s not just cute, but truly a joy to raise.