Another Doodle

[Kylee]

I know this has been discussed many times, but I was still hoping to get some opinions on getting another doodle. My doodle Willow is 9 months old and is a wonderful dog, I love her to pieces. I have been thinking for some time about getting another one because I feel so guilty leaving her at home by herself during the day (even though it is never more then 5 hours and I have a dog walker come in). My boyfriend leaves her last in the morning and she gets so pissed at him. I feel that she would really love a companion to hangout with during the day. We are also moving at the end of May to a new home with a bigger fenced in yard. I also think I would like a chocolate or black second doodle since Willow is so light. So my main question is does it matter if two females live together or is it best to have two dogs of the opposite sex living under one roof? Thanks for you input!

[Debb, Lucy & Oscar]

I was just thinking about what I said regarding not discouraging the humping. It occurred to me we say the words, "Oscar, get off your sister!", a LOT... lol.

[Adina P]

If you want it, can afford it, and have the extra time for it, go for it!  But, personally, I would probably not get another doodle for the sake of companionship when I am gone.  I would only get one because I wanted to have two doodles and I had the time to train and spend time with two.  Clark thought Rosco needed a friend after Thule died.  I was on the fence.  We ended up getting Boca and while she's great and keeps him active in the yard playing, two is much harder than one.  But that's partly because I have two little kids at home and the dogs get the short end of the stick when it comes to 'time'.

[Kylee]

Thanks everyone for all the information! After we move and settle in I am really going to start looking for another one. I totally get that it is a lot and will be harder, but I think it will be so much fun at the same time! I really want another one. Also, after reading everyone's input I think a male is the way to go.

[Mark]

I have a female golden retriever who was about three years old when we got a male golden doodle puppy and it was the best thing we ever did for our golden retriever. They love each other so much and keep each other company during the day when we are at work that I don't know if I would ever have just one dog again. I have owned dogs all my life but this is the first time that I have ever had two dogs. I feel like I got lucky because they took to each other the way they did but I don't know if I would ever have just one after having two and seeing the bond that they have. Along with the joy of two dogs comes the twice the cost and mess and training time and so on.

[Leslie, Yogi & Maci Bear]

Mark, how did you originally introduce your dogs?

[Sue, Murphy and Bella ()*o*()]

Leslie, I know you have a while till you get your new puppy, but I can answer this too. We brought Murphy outside to the back yard while I drove up with Bella and they met there. Bella was pretty timid at the time and Murphy just smelled her and then walked away. Once she settled down and started to go near him and they just walked together, we walked inside with them and let her smell around. Murphy just followed her around. He basically ignored her for the first few weeks, until one day he picked up a rope toy and walked over to her and that was the first of many many tug of wars they have had over the years.
It took at least another 10 months before Bella would join us in our bed because Murphy was always there. She would get off very quickly when she first started, sort of like she was just testing the waters. Now they take turns or sleep next to each-other, or on each-other, or on one of us.......I had just read to make it a neutral place and out back seemed neutral enough for me.

[Mark]

Leslie,
Our golden retriever Miley was very well socialized with other dogs and loved puppies, she also has a very passive demeanor. We, let them meet outside in our fenced in yard which is Miley's turf, we tried to show Miley a lot of attention and make it about her and not the new pup. I think the main thing to do is not to alienate the first dog but to make them feel like they have a new play friend. Dogs have a way of establishing their own pecking order. Let them play and get to know each other, the more time they spend with each other the closer they will get. Feeding time can be the biggest challenge and you may have to feed them in different areas but I would see how it goes first because I never had any problems with feeding time. A well trained dog should listen to you when you tell them to let the other dogs food alone. If you have any questions don't hesitate to ask about it. This is the first time that I have owned two dogs at once but I don't think I would ever own just one again because they are so happy to have a friend. My two dogs love each other so much it is a special relationship.
Mark

[Kylee]

That is awesome they get a long so well! Both your dogs are so cute.

[Sue, Murphy and Bella ()*o*()]

I'd say just know what you want in temperament to go along with Willow and pick that one, male or female. I knew I wanted a more cuddly, energetic, confident and not skittish dog for myself and for Murphy to benefit from as well. Another anxious doodle in the family wouldn't work as they would feed off each-others anxieties. So that's what I asked for and exactly what I got with my second. Murphy hears a bump in the night and goes howling through the house, while Bella just calmly walks behind him with a "What the heck is he barking about now" expression on her face. Quite the pair.
Really didnt care if it was a male or female, was just going to go with what fate dealt me in that regard. I did want white though and I think most of the litter was white so that was good.