Lisa – Goldendoodle Advice

Thinking about getting a Goldendoodle and curious if Goldendoodles like to cuddle? After a long day one of my favorite ways to unwind and relax is to snuggle on the couch with my little girl. You know the routine, before you can fully sit down, up jumps your favorite snuggle buddy who has been patiently, or not so patiently, waiting for you to sit down and settle in for some quality bonding time. I have often wondered if my Goldendoodle gets as much pleasure from our snuggle sessions as I do. I decided to do a little research to find out if my little girl enjoys our snuggle sessions as much as her mommy and what the benefits are for her. Do Goldendoodles Like To Cuddle? Most Goldendoodles do like to cuddle. They are an extremely social breed and the crave every minute they get with you. With this said, each Goldendoodle is unique so some may cuddle more than others. There is so much more to know about cuddling with a Goldendoodle so lets dive into the details. Do Goldendoodles Enjoy Cuddling Because It Provides Warmth? There is no denying that our fur babies not only provide us warmth but seek it from us too. What better way to keep warm on those chilly nights than by snuggling up with your fur baby? Goldendoodles, like many dogs, especially those that are short haired, will cuddle up to their owners for warmth. According Merriam-Webster, the definition of cuddle is “to hold close for warmth or comfort or in affection”. There is little more that will bring a smile to your face than witnessing an adorable pile of Goldendoodle puppies. This instinctive behavior is not uncommon as the puppies are seeking out and snuggling with one another for warmth. It is no wonder the act of cuddling for dogs is a very basic instinct benefiting not only the dog but their lucky owners too! The act of cuddling between humans and dogs’ dates back in history when early dogs would cuddle with man to keep warm. When we need warmth, we can add a blanket or extra clothes to warm us up, our fur babies do not have that luxury, thereby; snuggling with their owner is a great way to create warmth and comfort. Do Goldendoodles Enjoy Cuddling Because It Provides Comfort? Dogs are pack animals that have a natural desire to bond with each other and humans. When a puppy is born its mother will instinctively cuddle her new baby for warmth and affection. When you cuddle with your Goldendoodle, the affection you are showing him is a comforting way of demonstrating to them they are loved and secure. The physical contact between you and your dog reinforces the love you share for them. Dogs that strive for affection, but fail to receive it, can become inactive, withdrawn, and suffer from unhealthy eating patterns. If your pet is acting strange, it is a good idea to seek advice from your veterinarian, but a dose of cuddling can be just what the doctor ordered. Often people who suffer from depression or anxiety have seen the act of cuddling with their dogs as a great way to combat anxiety. The contact has a calming effect allowing you to focus on the present moment without focusing on the things you cannot control. The calming effect is not only felt by you but your Goldendoodle too! Often dogs that get stressed due to environmental factors, new social settings, or new people in their lives, can settle their anxious feelings by snuggling with their person. Although historically dogs and humans were hunting partners, this bond has happily evolved into an emotional companionship. A dog’s uncanny ability to know when you are feeling depressed or anxious gives meaning to our dog’s desire to cuddle, they are taking care of their best friend. I have witnessed on many occasions my goldendoodles uncanny ability to know when I am upset and need extra cuddling. Goldendoodles are very intelligent dogs who can know when their owner is needing comfort, a snuggle goes a long way in soothing our hurts. If you want to know more about the unique intelligence of your Goldendoodle check out our article on How Smart Are Goldendoodles? Do Goldendoodles Enjoy Cuddling Because It Provides Affection? Aside from seeking warmth, cuddling with your dog is a great way for your dog to show their affections toward you. As you and your dog cuddle this is a great way for you to better bond with your best friend. What could be better than snuggling with your Goldendoodle and deepening that bond that you already share? There is no one that will gaze so lovingly in your eyes as they press their sweet little bodies (or not so little depending upon the breed) against your side. The cuddling and showing of affection are a perfect way to solidify the bonding process with our babies. The author of the book, “How Dogs Love Us”, written by Gregory Bern’s, maintains when your dog desires to cuddle with you after a meal, this equates to the ultimate love and affection your dog can demonstrate toward you. When your dog does this, he states you are no longer just the one that feeds him, but the one he chooses to snuggle with when his belly is full. Dogs demonstrate affection in different ways, do not be alarmed if yours does not seek cuddling with you to show their affection. Depending on the breed, dogs are bred to be affectionate and close to their owners (my Goldendoodle falls in the affectionate category). However, some breeds are bred to be more robust, independent, and therefore less affectionate. What Is The Science Behind Why Goldendoodles Cuddle? Science has found through extensive research that cuddling with your pet can be a great stress reliever for both you and your pet. The action of petting and talking to your dog, even in small bouts of time, has shown to increase the oxytocin levels (aka the “love hormone”) in both dogs and humans. Studies have found that it only takes three minutes of cuddling time between a dog and its owner for the chemical Oxytocin to be released in both humans and dogs. It is important to note, not all dogs fall into the “loving to cuddle” category. Each dog has its own unique personality, while some dogs love to cuddle, some owners report the opposite with their pets. Some dogs may only cuddle when they are afraid or seek warmth and shy away from cuddling sessions for affection. Since dogs have a higher body temperature than their humans there can be a definite downturn in cuddle session in the summer. Cuddling with your pet creates a great deal of heat, since your pet is trying to cool down this may not be a time of the year when they will want to cuddle with you. According to research, dogs do not always follow specific traits regarding breeds and species. There may not be a specific reason why one dog enjoys cuddling with their owner more than another dog. I had a friend whose dog was always close to him (he was a Velcro dog), but he would keep his distance when it came to cuddling. The only time I ever saw him jump in my friend’s lap was when he was scared during bad weather. In conclusion, the simple act of cuddling with your pet and showing them how much they mean to you is a healthy process for you both. The process increases your health and well-being, it makes you and your pet feel loved and safe, and it has been proven to reduce stress and anxiety. Cuddling with your Goldendoodle is just what the doctor ordered for a healthier and happier life for both you and your pet. I am happy to report, at least with me, my little girl loves to cuddle. When my goldendoodle puts her head on my shoulder and snuggles up next to me, it always makes me smile. This action is one of the most endearing qualities of my little girl, her obsessive need to cuddle with me, often throughout the course of my day. I fully recommend a few cuddle sessions throughout your day; it is especially important to start and end your day with a cuddle session with your best friend. The information in the article is not intended to be a substitute for professional veterinary advice. If you feel your dog Is experiencing unusual behavior or unhealthy behavioral problems, it is strongly recommended pet owners seek the advice of a veterinarian or behavioral specialist.