Jean Donaldson on The Culture Clash: Why Your Doodle Isn’t “Being Bad”

A major study from the Royal Veterinary College went viral this week, and headlines from the BBC to Smithsonian Magazine declared that Doodles "behave worse" than purebred dogs. Before you panic, read this.I read all 24 pages of the actual study. Plus the 2024 companion study from the same research team. And what I found is a story that is significantly more nuanced, more hopeful, and more useful than any headline captured.In this episode I break down what the study actually measured (owner survey data, not clinical veterinary observation), which Doodle crosses were and were not studied (Goldendoodles, Bernedoodles and Sheepadoodles were NOT included), what the Labradoodle findings actually show, the training methods finding nobody reported, and the health-behavior connection buried in the discussion section that may be more relevant to your dog than anything else in the study.The study is right about something important: Doodles are not plug-and-play dogs. But your dog is not broken. And this episode gives you the full picture.🐾 Join the free Doodle Parent Challenge (April 20): https://thedoodlepro.com/challenge 📖 Your Doodle's Daily Schedule Blueprint: https://thedoodlepro.com/doodleblueprint 📝 Read the full expert response: https://thedoodlepro.com/doodle-behavior-study-2026🐾 Ready to train WITH me? Join the FREE Doodle Parent Challenge — 5 days of short, Doodle-specific lessons starting April 20th. No credit card, no catch. Grab your free spot at thedoodlepro.com/challenge→ thedoodlepro.com/challenge Corinne Gearhart is the founder of The Doodle Pro®, a science-based training platform helping Doodle parents raise calmer, well-mannered dogs using positive reinforcement. She is the host of The Doodle Pro® Podcast and author of Your Doodle’s Daily Schedule Blueprint™.📘 Get the Doodle Schedule Blueprint: https://thedoodlepro.com/doodle-schedule-bonus/🎧 More episodes: https://thedoodlepro.com/podcast

If you've ever been judged in a comment section, at the dog park, or by a trainer for choosing a Doodle, this episode is for you. I dig into the most common criticisms of Doodles and do something most people in those conversations don't do: I actually engage with them. I explain what the critics get right, where their arguments fall apart, and why the science behind your Doodle's intelligence, sensitivity, and drive is exactly the reason Doodle-specific training matters. You'll also hear about my beloved Standard Poodle Hershey, why a Poodle and a Doodle are genuinely different dogs, and what organizations like GANA and WALA are doing to raise breeding standards. This one is for every Doodle parent who has ever wondered if they made the wrong choice. Spoiler: you didn't. 🐾 Join the FREE 5-Day Doodle Parent Challenge starting April 20: https://thedoodlepro.com/challenge 🐾 Ready to train WITH me? Join the FREE Doodle Parent Challenge — 5 days of short, Doodle-specific lessons starting April 20th. No credit card, no catch. Grab your free spot at thedoodlepro.com/challenge→ thedoodlepro.com/challengeCorinne Gearhart is the founder of The Doodle Pro®, a science-based training platform helping Doodle parents raise calmer, well-mannered dogs using positive reinforcement. She is the host of The Doodle Pro® Podcast and author of Your Doodle’s Daily Schedule Blueprint™.📘 Get the Doodle Schedule Blueprint:https://thedoodlepro.com/doodle-schedule-bonus/🎧 More episodes:https://thedoodlepro.com/podcast🐾 Ready to train WITH me? Join the FREE Doodle Parent Challenge — 5 days of short, Doodle-specific lessons starting April 20th. No credit card, no catch. Grab your free spot at thedoodlepro.com/challenge→ thedoodlepro.com/challenge Corinne Gearhart is the founder of The Doodle Pro®, a science-based training platform helping Doodle parents raise calmer, well-mannered dogs using positive reinforcement. She is the host of The Doodle Pro® Podcast and author of Your Doodle’s Daily Schedule Blueprint™.📘 Get the Doodle Schedule Blueprint: https://thedoodlepro.com/doodle-schedule-bonus/🎧 More episodes: https://thedoodlepro.com/podcast

If you've ever been judged in a comment section, at the dog park, or by a trainer for choosing a Doodle, this episode is for you. I dig into the most common criticisms of Doodles and do something most people in those conversations don't do: I actually engage with them. I explain what the critics get right, where their arguments fall apart, and why the science behind your Doodle's intelligence, sensitivity, and drive is exactly the reason Doodle-specific training matters. You'll also hear about my beloved Standard Poodle Hershey, why a Poodle and a Doodle are genuinely different dogs, and what organizations like GANA and WALA are doing to raise breeding standards. This one is for every Doodle parent who has ever wondered if they made the wrong choice. Spoiler: you didn't. 🐾 Join the FREE 5-Day Doodle Parent Challenge starting April 20: https://thedoodlepro.com/challenge 🐾 Ready to train WITH me? Join the FREE Doodle Parent Challenge — 5 days of short, Doodle-specific lessons starting April 20th. No credit card, no catch. Grab your free spot at thedoodlepro.com/challenge→ thedoodlepro.com/challenge Corinne Gearhart is the founder of The Doodle Pro®, a science-based training platform helping Doodle parents raise calmer, well-mannered dogs using positive reinforcement. She is the host of The Doodle Pro® Podcast and author of Your Doodle’s Daily Schedule Blueprint™.📘 Get the Doodle Schedule Blueprint: https://thedoodlepro.com/doodle-schedule-bonus/🎧 More episodes: https://thedoodlepro.com/podcast

Does your Doodle seem impossible to tire out? You walked them, played fetch, hit the dog park — and they're STILL bouncing off the walls. Here's the truth: more exercise isn't the answer. It might actually be making things worse.In this episode, Corinne Gearhart, The Doodle Pro®, shares why the classic "a tired dog is a good dog" advice fails Doodles — and what's really going on when your dog can't settle.Before becoming The Doodle Pro, Corinne owned one of her area's top dog walking companies. And what she watched happen over time with those dogs completely changed how she thinks about Doodle energy: the more they walked, the more those dogs could handle. She wasn't tiring them out. She was building athletes.In this episode you'll learn:Why exercise alone can't create calm in Doodles (and what it actually does instead)The Needs Buckets Framework — the five areas your Doodle needs filled, and why overflowing one doesn't satisfy the othersWhy calm is a skill that has to be taught — not a mood that arrives when your dog is tired enoughThree practical shifts you can make this week to start filling the right bucketsThe one bucket most Doodle parents have never poured anything intoWhether your Doodle is 8 months old or 8 years old, this episode will completely reframe how you understand their behavior — and give you a clear path forward.🐾 Ready to train this with me live? Join the FREE Doodle Parent Challenge starting April 20th — 5 days of short, Doodle-specific lessons including a full day on relaxation and settling. Free to join at thedoodlepro.com/challengeResources mentioned:Free Doodle Parent Challenge: thedoodlepro.com/challengeCorinne Gearhart is the founder of The Doodle Pro®, a science-based training platform helping Doodle parents raise calmer, well-mannered dogs using positive reinforcement. She is the host of The Doodle Pro® Podcast and author of Your Doodle’s Daily Schedule Blueprint™.📘 Get the Doodle Schedule Blueprint: https://thedoodlepro.com/doodle-schedule-bonus/🎧 More episodes: https://thedoodlepro.com/podcast

Many Doodle parents ask whether a board and train program for dogs is the best solution. Many Doodle parents eventually ask the same question:“Should I send my dog to a board and train program?”It’s a very understandable thought. When your dog is jumping, pulling on leash, barking, or struggling to settle, the idea of sending them away for a few weeks and getting back a perfectly trained dog can sound incredibly appealing.In this episode, I’m sharing a personal story about sending my own Poodle to a board and train program years ago, long before I became a professional trainer.At the time, I had young children and simply wanted to do the best thing for my dog. I had heard that positive reinforcement was the best approach, and I asked a lot of questions before enrolling her.One of the answers I heard back then is something I now recognize as a major red flag: “We start with positive reinforcement and only use other tools if necessary.”When I picked up my Poodle, she had a beautiful down-stay.But the moment I stopped using the tool she had been trained with, the behavior disappeared. And the emotional fallout for my dog was real. She became more anxious and started submissive peeing.That experience taught me something important about how dogs actually learn.Years later, after becoming a professional trainer and working with Doodles every day, I revisited that exact skill. I wanted to know if we could teach an even stronger down stay without relying on tools like prong collars or pressure.That work eventually became Relaxation Protocol for Distractable Doodles™, a training approach designed specifically for the high-energy, highly social nature of Doodles.Today I regularly see Doodles learn to settle calmly even with real-life distractions like doorbells, visitors, or activity in the home — all through positive reinforcement training.In this episode, I talk about:• Why behaviors built with pressure often disappear when the pressure is removed • The red flag phrase many dog owners hear when asking about positive reinforcement training • Why many board and train programs still rely on aversive tools like prong collars or e-collars • Why sending a dog away for training doesn’t automatically transfer skills back to the family • Why training together often creates stronger long-term results • How to teach a Doodle to settle and relax using positive reinforcement trainingI also want to be clear about something important. Skilled, science-based trainers can be incredibly valuable. The best trainers don’t replace the relationship between you and your dog. They help guide you so you can build that relationship yourself.Because in the end, the most important training happens in the everyday moments between you and your dog.Many Doodle parents also find th🐾 Ready to train WITH me? Join the FREE Doodle Parent Challenge — 5 days of short, Doodle-specific lessons starting April 20th. No credit card, no catch. Grab your free spot at thedoodlepro.com/challenge→ thedoodlepro.com/challenge Corinne Gearhart is the founder of The Doodle Pro®, a science-based training platform helping Doodle parents raise calmer, well-mannered dogs using positive reinforcement. She is the host of The Doodle Pro® Podcast and author of Your Doodle’s Daily Schedule Blueprint™.📘 Get the Doodle Schedule Blueprint: https://thedoodlepro.com/doodle-schedule-bonus/🎧 More episodes: https://thedoodlepro.com/podcast

In Part Two of my conversation with Jean Donaldson, members of The Doodle Pro® Honor Society were live in the room asking real training questions about distraction, jumping, dog parks, and choosing the right trainer.How do you choose a dog trainer you can trust? Why does your dog listen inside but ignore you outside? And what does “balanced training” actually mean?We break it all down.How to Choose a Dog TrainerNot all trainers are created equal. We discuss why certification matters, what organizations to look for, and why transparency about motivation is essential. If a trainer avoids explaining how they reinforce behavior, that’s a red flag.We also unpack common phrases like “balanced training,” “it’s about energy,” or “I don’t use food,” and what those may signal. Positive reinforcement is not permissive. It is structured, evidence-based, and designed to change behavior without unwanted side effects.Why Your Dog Listens Inside But Not OutsideIf your Doodle knows “sit” in the kitchen but forgets it outside, they’re not being stubborn.They’re distracted.Training with distractions requires gradual steps. Instead of jumping from calm indoor practice straight to the sidewalk with other dogs, you build difficulty in layers. This is what trainers call proofing, but in everyday language, it simply means helping your dog succeed in progressively harder environments.We talk through how to train a distracted dog and why skipping steps leads to frustration.Stop Jumping Without Damaging the RelationshipJumping is common, especially with social, enthusiastic Doodles.Instead of focusing only on “don’t jump,” we discuss teaching an alternate behavior. If jumping is illegal, what’s legal? Sit? Down? Both can work for real-life greeting manners.Dogs must do something. Clear structure helps them choose the right behavior.Are Dog Parks Bad?Dog parks are often labeled dangerous, but are they always a bad idea?We explore when dog parks can be appropriate, what normal dog play actually looks like, and why growling and mouthing aren’t automatically aggression. Understanding canine body language helps reduce unnecessary fear.Dog parks aren’t one-size-fits-all. The right environment depends on your individual dog.Resource Guarding and Teaching FetchWe also answer Honor Society member questions about resource guarding and teaching fetch without creating conflict.Sometimes dogs are simply “running their software.” Not every behavior needs suppression. Clear structure, gradual shaping, and understanding motivation go much further than force.If you’re looking for science-based dog training that protects your relationship and builds real-world reliability, this episode is for you.Be sure to listen to Part One for the foundation on dominance myths and anthropomo🐾 Ready to train WITH me? Join the FREE Doodle Parent Challenge — 5 days of short, Doodle-specific lessons starting April 20th. No credit card, no catch. Grab your free spot at thedoodlepro.com/challenge→ thedoodlepro.com/challenge Corinne Gearhart is the founder of The Doodle Pro®, a science-based training platform helping Doodle parents raise calmer, well-mannered dogs using positive reinforcement. She is the host of The Doodle Pro® Podcast and author of Your Doodle’s Daily Schedule Blueprint™.📘 Get the Doodle Schedule Blueprint: https://thedoodlepro.com/doodle-schedule-bonus/🎧 More episodes: https://thedoodlepro.com/podcast

Jean Donaldson joins me for a powerful conversation about what she calls The Culture Clash  between humans and dogs.If you’ve ever thought your Doodle: • “knows he did wrong” • is being stubborn • should be eager to please • is acting dominantThis episode will shift how you see your dog forever.We dive into:Why assigning morality to dogs leads to harsh trainingThe truth about “eager to please”Why intelligence is often misunderstood in DoodlesDemand barking and why timeouts sometimes don’t workWhy jumping isn’t dominanceThe real fallout of aversive toolsJean explains why swapping nuisance behavior for fear is malpractice and why fear is the hardest thing to undo in dogs.If you want a deeper understanding of how your Doodle’s brain actually works, this is foundational listening.📚 Books mentioned:The Culture Clash by Jean DonaldsonMine! by Jean DonaldsonBe sure to follow to catch part two next!—If you want to be part of conversations like this live, join the Doodle Pro Honor Society today.This interview was recorded three months ago as part of a live session inside the Honor Society.Join us for future live expert Q&As and deeper conversations: 👉 thedoodlepro.com/society🐾 Ready to train WITH me? Join the FREE Doodle Parent Challenge — 5 days of short, Doodle-specific lessons starting April 20th. No credit card, no catch. Grab your free spot at thedoodlepro.com/challenge→ thedoodlepro.com/challenge Corinne Gearhart is the founder of The Doodle Pro®, a science-based training platform helping Doodle parents raise calmer, well-mannered dogs using positive reinforcement. She is the host of The Doodle Pro® Podcast and author of Your Doodle’s Daily Schedule Blueprint™.📘 Get the Doodle Schedule Blueprint: https://thedoodlepro.com/doodle-schedule-bonus/🎧 More episodes: https://thedoodlepro.com/podcast

This is a short, time-sensitive episode.If you’ve been listening over the past week and thinking about joining the Doodle Pro® Honor Society, today is your last chance. Doors close at midnight tonight.In last week’s episode, I shared why I did something I said I’d never do: open my private, alumni-only community to everyone who loves Doodles and wants ongoing, science-based support. Today, I’m explaining why this matters, what you’re actually joining, and why enrollment is closing again.Inside the Honor Society:Monthly live Q&A sessions with me for Doodle-specific training, behavior, grooming, and health questionsRegular live expert guests, including world-renowned trainers and veterinariansA searchable library of 20+ hours of Doodle-focused resources I call “Google for Doodles”A private community of Doodle parents who understand the chaos, the sweetness, and the real-life challengesUpcoming expert sessions:Dr. Adam Christman, Chief Veterinary Officer for DVM360, goes live with members tomorrow to talk about partnering with your vet and navigating health misinformationPast guests include Jean Donaldson, one of the most respected dog trainers in the world, teaching specifically about DoodlesExpert guests are scheduled throughout the year, aligned with monthly themes that build on each otherThis is a year-long journey, not a quick fixEach month focuses on a specific season of life with your Doodle, including enrichment, impulse control, grooming, independence, travel, fireworks prep, guest manners, and holiday calm. Skills layer intentionally so you’re supported all year long.Enrollment details:$37/month or $370/year (save 20% and receive a complimentary Doodle Nerd t-shirt)Cancel anytime. No long-term commitment on the monthly optionWhen enrollment opens again, pricing increases to $47/month👉 Join before midnight tonight: https://thedoodlepro.com/honorsocietyIf you’re unsure whether this is the right fit, dm me on Instagram @thedoodlepro before doors close.If you love your Doodle and want ongoing expert support and community, I don’t want to keep you out anymore. Doors close tonight.🐾 Ready to train WITH me? Join the FREE Doodle Parent Challenge — 5 days of short, Doodle-specific lessons starting April 20th. No credit card, no catch. Grab your free spot at thedoodlepro.com/challenge→ thedoodlepro.com/challenge Corinne Gearhart is the founder of The Doodle Pro®, a science-based training platform helping Doodle parents raise calmer, well-mannered dogs using positive reinforcement. She is the host of The Doodle Pro® Podcast and author of Your Doodle’s Daily Schedule Blueprint™.📘 Get the Doodle Schedule Blueprint: https://thedoodlepro.com/doodle-schedule-bonus/🎧 More episodes: https://thedoodlepro.com/podcast

For years, I swore I would never do this.The Doodle Pro® Honor Society was intentionally closed. You could only join if you were an alumni of one of my courses like Zoomies to Zen™ or Relaxation Protocol for Distractable Doodles™. I loved that model. It felt protected. Intentional. Deeply personal.And then something happened.While speaking at Podfest in Orlando, I found myself waving down Dr. Adam Christman, Chief Veterinary Officer of DVM360, bestselling author, and one of the most trusted veterinary voices online. What started as a funny, human moment over Doodles and Dachshunds turned into a yes that changed everything.He agreed to come teach my community.And suddenly, I couldn’t ignore the truth anymore.I’ve been gatekeeping access to world-class experts from people who love their Doodles just as much as my alumni do. Podcast listeners. Email subscribers. Longtime followers. Thoughtful, science-minded Doodle parents who want to do right by their dogs.So in this episode, I’m sharing the full story behind a decision I never thought I’d make.In this episode, I cover:Why I originally kept the Honor Society alumni-onlyThe Podfest moment that shifted everything for meHow hosting experts like Jean Donaldson and Dr. Adam Christman changed my perspectiveWhat actually happens inside the Doodle Pro® Honor Society month by monthWhy this is not a quick-fix training programWho this membership is truly for (and who it’s not)How ongoing expert access and community support changes the Doodle parenting experienceWhy I’m opening enrollment to everyone for the first time everWhat the Doodle Pro® Honor Society includes:Monthly live Q&A sessions with me for Doodle-specific training, grooming, behavior, and health questionsLive expert guest sessions with top trainers, veterinarians, authors, and behavior professionalsA growing, searchable library of 20+ hours of Doodle-specific resourcesA private community of Doodle parents who genuinely understand the chaos and the sweetnessA year-long, seasonal curriculum that layers calm, enrichment, confidence, and real-life skillsThis is ongoing support. Not pressure. Not perfection. A place to keep learning, asking questions, and feeling supported as your Doodle grows and changes.Important notes:This membership is not designed for aggression cases or severe separation anxiety that require one-on-one clinical intervention. It is also not a fit for force-based training methods.It is for Doodle parents who value science-based, positive reinforcement approaches and want real guidance that actually matches how Doodles are wired.Enrollment details:The Doodle Pro® Honor Society is open right now through February 12🐾 Ready to train WITH me? Join the FREE Doodle Parent Challenge — 5 days of short, Doodle-specific lessons starting April 20th. No credit card, no catch. Grab your free spot at thedoodlepro.com/challenge→ thedoodlepro.com/challenge Corinne Gearhart is the founder of The Doodle Pro®, a science-based training platform helping Doodle parents raise calmer, well-mannered dogs using positive reinforcement. She is the host of The Doodle Pro® Podcast and author of Your Doodle’s Daily Schedule Blueprint™.📘 Get the Doodle Schedule Blueprint: https://thedoodlepro.com/doodle-schedule-bonus/🎧 More episodes: https://thedoodlepro.com/podcast

Winter storms are hitting across the U.S., and I’m releasing this episode a little early because the cold fronts are hitting hard right now.When extreme cold rolls in, I know many Doodle parents start wondering the same things: Is it too cold to walk? How long is too long outside? Should my Doodle still potty outdoors? And how do I protect paws from ice and salt?In this special winter episode of The Doodle Pro® Podcast, I walk you through how cold is actually too cold for Doodles, what veterinarians generally recommend for winter potty breaks, how to protect your Doodle’s paws from winter damage, and what to do inside when outdoor time is limited.I’ll cover:Why wind chill, ice, and surface conditions matter more than the number on the thermometerHow Doodle and Poodle coats affect cold tolerance and where they don’tHow long potty breaks should last during extreme coldSimple paw protection strategies including balm, booties, rinsing, and ice preventionHow to prevent matting during wet, snowy weatherWhy indoor enrichment matters more than long walks during winter stormsHow to support calm, regulated behavior when winter changes your routineThis episode is especially helpful if this is your Doodle’s first cold winter, if you live in a warmer climate and are suddenly dealing with extreme cold, or if your Doodle is lifting paws, hesitating, or rushing potty trips.Shorter walks, quicker potty breaks, and more indoor enrichment are not failures. They’re smart, seasonal adjustments.🎁 Grab my complimentary Winter Paw Protection Guide: https://thedoodlepro.com/winter It includes my favorite paw protection products plus a simple DIY option to make winter easier on paws and on you.If you’re new here, I’m Corinne, a professional dog trainer who specializes in Doodles and helps Doodle parents navigate training, behavior, and real life with confidence and compassion.And as always, remember: Doodles are different, wonderfully so.🐾 Ready to train WITH me? Join the FREE Doodle Parent Challenge — 5 days of short, Doodle-specific lessons starting April 20th. No credit card, no catch. Grab your free spot at thedoodlepro.com/challenge→ thedoodlepro.com/challenge Corinne Gearhart is the founder of The Doodle Pro®, a science-based training platform helping Doodle parents raise calmer, well-mannered dogs using positive reinforcement. She is the host of The Doodle Pro® Podcast and author of Your Doodle’s Daily Schedule Blueprint™.📘 Get the Doodle Schedule Blueprint: https://thedoodlepro.com/doodle-schedule-bonus/🎧 More episodes: https://thedoodlepro.com/podcast