Adding 2nd Doodle

[Kerry Daly]

We are thinking about getting a second doodle. Anyone introduce a puppy to another doodle (Zeus is 2). Worried he is so use to being our baby. He is such a great dog and I am able to get his full brother. This is the last litter his pare to are having. Any advice? For those with 2 doodles- do you think they are happier with each other? More active? Zeus sleeps all day :(. I hoping he will love a buddy. I attached picture of his brother.

[Linda, Charlie Brown and Beau]

Hi Kerry~ I love the markings on your new little puppy. 

We added a second doodle when Charlie was 1-1/2 yrs old thinking Charlie would love a little brother.  They are half brothers (same father different mothers).  Initially, it was difficult for Charlie to share not only us, but his toys, etc., etc.!  However, within no time they became the best of buds, Charlie started taking Beau toys to initiate play, etc.  Beau is now 11 mos. old and about 3 inches taller and 5 lbs heavier than Charlie.  He has an exuberant personality and loves to tease Charlie by taking his ball and then running back and forth in front of him hoping Charlie will give chase to get the ball back!  My boys have different personalities but I do believe they compliment each other.  Charlie has grown too from the addition of Beau and has learned to stick up for himself and maintain the alpha spot even though he is the smaller of the two.  In my lifetime, I have never owned two dogs at the same time.  Honestly I can say I am loving it!

It seems to me that generally if you are adding a puppy to the mix (rather than another adult dog), it is a fairly smooth transition going from one doodle to two.  The puppy learns the ropes quickly because not only are they being trained by you, but also by the adult dog which is great!  On a whole I think most doodles have wonderful happy temperaments and easily adjust to their surroundings. 

Good luck with your new addition.  I will be looking forward to hearing your tales of two doodles and seeing photos!  You might consider joining the "more than one doodle" group!

[Kerry Daly]

Thank you for your response. It helps hearing others situations. Apollo will be bigger than Zeux as well. At the same age they are about 2lbs different in size so we know he will be bigger. I will keep everyone posted. He will come home beginning of September.

[Diane, Baker & Oskar]

Baker is 4, Oskar is now 1...it's been great for both of them.  Baker is much more active &, in my opinion, dogs need other dogs & people to complete their worlds.  Of course, there are exceptions, but my two love each other & wouldn't be the same without the other.

I think Baker was a bit confused at first, but he was gentle & accepting of the new puppy from day one.   Like Linda said, the older dog teaches the puppy & that helps the puppy to fit into the older dogs world.  

You will not be sorry for a minute if you get the puppy...it's lots of fun for everyone...you will have a very unique, beautiful, matched set :)  Let us know how it goes...

[Kerry Daly]

Yes they are unique! Zeus gets a lot of attention because of his spots. I love that they will be brothers. Although naming him Apollo which the son of Zeus- but it was fitting. :). God of the Sun. We are looking forward to seeing how Zeus does. Thanks for response!

[Debb, Lucy & Oscar]

For some reason, the link to your picture isn't working for me (probably my computer!). Anyway, we added our 2nd doodle, Oscar, when Lucy was 3 (we brought him home on her birthday... our birthday present to her!). Lucy is and always has been all about play and we knew she'd love a baby doodle to play with. That was our main reason for getting a 2nd dog, to give Lucy a playmate. She's always loved other doodles and they have been the dogs she searches out when at the dog park, but often doodles wouldn't be at the dog park, so we'd have to find other ways to get her to play (like running between my DH and me). A 2nd doodle would take care of all that. Well, she's adored Oscar from Day 1 and was so gentle and tolerant of him (here's a short video taken their 1st full day together:

Find more videos like this on DoodleKisses.com

(I hope the embedded video works... it didn't come up on my computer, but again, I think its my computer.)

You can see by Lucy's demeanor how good she was with Oscar. She's never minded sharing with him, and in fact, sometimes goes out of her way to let him have her things. This really has made Oscar rather possessive of toys. If there's 2 of something, he'll take both and lay on one while he plays with the other. He's not a resource guarder, though. He simply just wants whatever Lucy has and she usually lets him have it!

We had our trials and tribulations with Oscar (potty training blues!), but now, with him at 10-1/2 mos., it was all well worth the effort. Lots more work with 2, not to mention lots more expensive in every way (food, med. expenses, grooming), but they both always have each other to play with and they're forever entertaining us with their antics. It was the best move we ever made. I highly suggest you get pet medical insurance on both dogs if you haven't already.

You'll find training is so much easier with the 2nd dog, as the older one will train by example. Oscar watches every move Lucy makes and takes his cues from her, so in that regard things are much simpler.

If you have as good of luck as we had with finding just the right temperament in a puppy to complement the older doodle, you'll be very blessed indeed!

 

[Debb, Lucy & Oscar]

Oh, finally I was able to open your attachment... what an adorable puppy!  So cute!

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

This puppy is gorgeous.  You will certainly have a matched pair.  I am sure that Zeus will enjoy having a brother.  There may be some settling in issues as the puppy grows up, but I am sure you can work with whatever comes along.

[Kerry Daly]

Thank you! He is really cute! The trainer that was at the breeders house yesterday picked him as one if the calmest and not an alpha male. There was one- so cute- but total bullie! He will end up bigger than Zeus but honestly Zeus loves other dogs. His best friend is a boxer Great Dane mix (he can stand under her) and they are great together. Just hoping goes the same for him and Apollo. More worried about Apollo in his crate then anything. Zeus is never put in it so not buying a new one. I think the gates will confuse him too. But when not home and at night he will be able to roam.