Alpha doodles?

[Ashley & Penny]

UPDATE--- We chose the more smooth-coat, laid-back puppy! She scored mostly 4's.

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Hey all-- I am currently in a dilemma of picking a puppy! Our breeder has mentioned that this doodle is an alpha & I am attaching her results from her aptitude test. Do you think first time dog owners can handle this doodle? We wanted a pup that would be laid-back and sweet mannered, we will be having kids in the next 2 years.

Social Attraction : 2
Following: 3
Restraint: 3
Social Dominance: 2
Elevation Dominance: 4
Retrieving: 3
Touch Sensitivity: 2
Sound Sensitivity:3
Sight Sensitivity: 3
Stability: 3
Structure: good

[jenn D]

Hi Ashley! First I want to commend you on doing a great job thinking about your future family goals before choosing a pup. That is awesome and a great way to put the right foot forward. IMO kids and dogs are hard. Babies and dogs can be harder. I had 2 older beagles when we started our human family. 1 dog was submissive and 1 dog was more alpha. The submissive one by far was much better with Grace when she was a baby but it was still work. I'm a pretty structured driven person so maybe my advice is way off base for most but when the baby comes you will be completely consumed by them and you have to still try to give your dog love, attention and training or problems can develop. A dog that is mellower and can roll with changes in routine, noises and smells would be best IMO. Babies and toddlers are noisy and messy. Some dogs are freaked out by this. Also, although you can sort of pick pup temperment with a breeders help, you have no idea what future human kids personality will be like. You get the kiddo you get. My first kid was a dream, slept through the night, sweet as Pie and obedient. My second however is a little ball of fire and really freaked my beagles out a lot. Even though he understands how to treat a dog now (he's 5 now), when he was 1 or 2 he was really difficult and it was hard to try to teach to him how to act. Now at that point my beagles were very old so all they did was eat and sleep. I wanted another dog badly but waited until my son was older to do so. When he was old enough, we chose very carefully with the ones we got from the breeder. I waited over a year for both pups just to get the right fit. And I haven't regretted it. A good dog and kids is a great thing. It takes a lot of work and commitment. It sounds like you are asking good questions. Good luck! :)

[Ashley & Penny]

Thanks for the input! :)

[Adina P]

I'm so sorry. I think I deleted Sally & Miles response accidentally.  I need to stop using the Mobile version ... sometimes the "Delete" button appears right over where I'm thumbing to scroll up/down.  She had good advice and suggested that Ashley find a pup with mostly 4's that there were too many red flags.  So sorry Sally (I think it was you!).  I will bring this up to tech folks.

[F, Calla & Luca]

I did the same thing in one of my discussions just the other day. But your chances of error are much greater : )

[Judi Kilpatrick]

Congratulations Ashley, I'm sure you won't regret your decision. So when do you get to bring your little cutie home? Can't wait to see pictures and progress updates!

[Ashley & Penny]

We get her Friday & I will definitely be posting pics! :)

[Judi Kilpatrick]

Awesome, it will be a couple of very days until Friday arrives..lol.. Make sure you set up a new puppy visit with your local vet. Generally the breeder has a 48 hour vet visit clause in their contract, this also introduces the new pup to the vet and gives you assurance you have brought home a healthy pup. Good luck!!

[Ashley & Penny]

I was actually planning on doing that today! :)

[Linda, Charlie Brown and Beau]

Our breeder also uses the Bio-sensor testing on the puppies at 7 weeks old.  I have a copy of Charlie's test and his results are quite different that the test you have shown for the puppy above.  Your scores show that this puppy is mostly 3s and from my info here is what is says concerning a puppy testing mostly 3s "he is outgoing and friendly and will adjust well in situations in which he receives regular training and exercise.  He has a flexible temperament that adapts well to different types of environment, provided he is handled correctly.  May be too much dog for a family with small children or an elderly couple who are sedentary." 

When we were searching for a breeder, I chose one that did use the bio-sensor training and usually these breeders also insist on choosing the family best for the puppy.  I told them exactly what lifestyle we live and what I was expecting in temperament.  I had no issue with the breeder choosing the puppy for us because they are with them 24-7 for weeks and can judge better than someone stopping by for a few minutes to see a bunch of sweet puppies for a few minutes.  Did you get an copy of the test results with the explanation for each category so you can see what each # means?  If not, I have one I can share with you.

 Just for a comparison Charlie scored: 4-3-5-4-4-3-4-3-4 on the above categories- He is a sweetheart, lover and everyone that meets him just loves him.  He passed his CGC as 8 mos - he always looks to me for guidance (which I love about him), but on the other hand he is extremely intelligent and so easily trained. 

I wish you luck on your search.  Try not to be in too big of a hurry - all puppies are so darn cute, but in the long-run love, patience and tons of continuance training makes all the difference in the world.  

[Ashley & Penny]

The puppy we ended up picking was mostly 4's & some 3's. We felt she would be a better fit :)

[Linda, Charlie Brown and Beau]

Looking forward to seeing photos of your homecoming!  If your profile is a photo of the new puppy, he is a real doll!

[Lori, Quincy & Frankie]

Great news on your choice!  You got really good advice as I read through and I am glad you listened!