When Do Goldendoodles Calm Down?
At Crooked Creek Puppies, we often get asked, “When do Goldendoodles calm down?” — and honestly, it's a great question! These playful, energetic pups are full of personality from day one, but there’s usually a point where their zoomies settle and their temperament matures.
Most Goldendoodles start to noticeably calm down around 12 to 18 months of age, although some don’t mellow out until closer to age 2 or 3. This depends on genetics, environment, and even whether they’re a mini Goldendoodle or a standard Goldendoodle.
We’ve seen a big difference between the sizes. If you're specifically wondering when do mini Goldendoodles calm down, they often stay a bit more energetic than standards, sometimes taking longer to relax — but it does happen!
You can read more about growth stages in this article 👉 When Do Goldendoodles Stop Growing.
Do Goldendoodles Ever Really Settle Down?
Yes, they absolutely do — Goldendoodles do calm down, it just takes some time and guidance. During the first year, they go through puppy phases that include chewing, jumping, and all-out energy bursts. Around 1.5 to 2 years old, though, most families tell us they notice a big shift.
That’s when their bodies finish growing, their hormones settle (especially if they’re spayed or neutered), and their brains begin to process the world with a little more patience. That doesn’t mean they lose their fun-loving spirit — it just becomes more manageable.
If you're dealing with the rough puppy phase right now, don't worry. This season doesn’t last forever!
What Makes a Goldendoodle So Energetic?
Goldendoodles are a mix of Golden Retrievers and Poodles, both of which are intelligent, working breeds. That means these dogs come hardwired with energy, drive, and curiosity. It’s part of what makes them so lovable — but it also means they need proper outlets.
Here’s why your Goldendoodle might be bouncing off the walls:
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Not enough physical exercise
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Lack of mental stimulation
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Loneliness or boredom
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Young age and puppy development
Once these needs are met consistently, their behavior naturally becomes calmer and more predictable.
When Do Mini Goldendoodles Calm Down?
If you’re raising a mini Goldendoodle, you're probably wondering if they’re always going to be this wound up. Truth is, mini versions of any breed often have more of a “go-go-go” nature. While they may settle a bit later than standard Goldendoodles, they do calm down with age.
We’ve raised plenty of minis, and in our experience, most start to show a calmer side around 18 to 24 months. Don’t panic if your mini Goldendoodle is still acting wild at a year old — that’s completely normal!
👉 We also shared more about their temperament in this post: Are Goldendoodles Good Family Dogs?
When Do Goldendoodles Stop Growing? (And Why It Matters for Energy Levels)
Before they start calming down, most Goldendoodles need to finish growing—physically and emotionally. From our experience at Crooked Creek Puppies, we’ve noticed that most standard Goldendoodles finish their growth between 12–18 months of age. Minis are often done a little sooner, around the 10–14 month mark.
Why does this matter? Because a lot of their wild energy comes from their growing body and puppy brain development. Once they hit maturity, their energy tends to naturally slow down a bit. We explain more about growth stages in our post When Do Goldendoodles Stop Growing?—you might find it helpful if you’re wondering whether your pup is in the “calm down” phase yet.
Do Goldendoodles Calm Down Naturally With Age?
Yes, Goldendoodles do calm down, but not overnight—and not without some patience. These dogs are a mix of two smart and energetic breeds (Golden Retriever + Poodle), so they’re naturally full of bounce. That said, we’ve seen most of our families notice a shift around age 2. That’s when the zoomies start to fade (a little) and nap time becomes a more regular thing.
It doesn’t mean they’ll become couch potatoes. Far from it! But their ability to settle, stay calm in the house, and stop chewing every shoe in sight definitely improves.
Mini Goldendoodles tend to calm down a little earlier than standards, but they often come with their own little bursty personalities, so early socialization really helps with energy management.
Calming Down Doesn’t Mean Boring—It Means Balanced
When your Goldendoodle calms down, you’re not losing their fun, loving personality—you’re gaining a more well-rounded family companion. At Crooked Creek Puppies, we always explain to new families that the first year is a bit of a wild ride. But the reward comes when your doodle becomes the perfect playmate and cuddle buddy.
You’ll start to see them hold eye contact longer, follow commands more consistently, and just generally feel more in tune with your family’s pace. It’s an awesome transformation that’s worth the wait.
When Do Mini Goldendoodles Calm Down?
If you’ve got a mini Goldendoodle, you might be wondering if their size affects their energy. It does—slightly. Minis can mature a bit earlier, both physically and mentally. Most mini Goldendoodles start showing calmer behavior between 12–16 months.
But here’s the thing: smaller doesn’t always mean mellower. Mini Goldendoodles still need daily exercise and consistent training to reach that calm state. If they don’t get enough stimulation, they’ll find their own... like barking at squirrels for 30 minutes straight or digging a hole in your flower bed.
Looking for help with barking? You might enjoy our article Do Goldendoodles Bark A Lot? for insights and tips.
How to Encourage a Calmer Goldendoodle
While waiting for your Goldendoodle to mature, there are a few tricks we’ve learned at Crooked Creek Puppies that can help speed up the calming process. First off—exercise, and lots of it. Goldendoodles, especially those still in their younger stages of life, need both physical and mental outlets for all that spunky energy. A good game of fetch in the backyard or an afternoon walk can work wonders.
Mental stimulation is just as important. Puzzle toys, training sessions, and even scent games can help keep your pup’s mind busy and reduce those wild zoomies. We’ve seen big changes in puppies just by adjusting their daily routine to include more structure and stimulation.
👉 Want more tips like this? Check out our recent post: What Makes a Good Therapy Dog? 🐾 Here’s What We’ve Learned — it dives into how we build calm, balanced dogs from day one.
Is There a Difference Between Mini and Standard Goldendoodles?
This is a question we get all the time. People want to know: When do mini Goldendoodles calm down compared to standard ones? In our experience, both can be little energy balls, but mini Goldendoodles sometimes stay “puppy-like” longer simply because they tend to be more energetic overall. Their smaller size often fools folks into thinking they’ll be calmer—but don’t be surprised if that mini is the one running laps around your couch at midnight!
Standard Goldendoodles, on the other hand, can be more chill once they hit that 1.5 to 2-year mark. That said, it’s not always black and white. Each pup is unique. We’ve had mini Goldendoodles calm down quicker than expected, and some standards take their sweet time.
Need help choosing the right size for your family? Our page on Labradoodles vs. Goldendoodles 🐶 Which Breed is Right for You? can help you compare temperaments, energy levels, and more.
Every Goldendoodle Finds Their Calm Eventually
We get it—life with a young Goldendoodle can feel like a never-ending game of chase. But take it from us here at Crooked Creek Puppies: they do calm down. Whether you’re raising a mini Goldendoodle or a standard one, the early energy can be channeled with time, training, and love. Most families find that somewhere between 12 to 24 months, that wild puppy energy starts to mellow out and a calmer, more predictable companion emerges.
If you're still waiting for that calm to kick in, don't worry—you’re not alone. And while you're at it, you might also want to check out our article about when Goldendoodles stop growing to better understand how their growth stages tie into their behavior patterns.
Want to explore whether Goldendoodles make good family dogs? We’ve shared everything we’ve learned from years of raising these pups right here 💛
And if you’re still deciding between breeds, check out our take on Labradoodles and their hypoallergenic traits too. Every family and every dog is unique—and we’re here to help you find the perfect fit.