Are 2 Doods better than one?

[Sharon & Monty]

I hate leaving our dood. I believe *know that our Monty is lonely when we are not home.  Not going to work is not an option and retirement is not an option at this point in time either.   Any opinions on having more than one dood?  Do you think they are happier?  Do you think more than one dog equals twice the work? 

[Denise & Hunter!!!]

I am soooo curious to follow this discussion - I have been wondering the exact same thing. My DH on the other hand is not sharing my worry and concern.

[Suzann, Rosey & Bandit]

Look in the multiple doodles or dogs group
http://www.doodlekisses.com/group/multipledoodlesordogs

There were some good discussion about adding another dog to the family as well as boy vs. girl...

But in my opinion 2 is definately better than one:) Good luck!

[laurie lehr]

It's both more work and my Jasper is more happy . Jasper and Maris do everything together also Maris is learning things quicker having Jasper as a big bro . I'm so glad that they get along so well with each other .

[Allyson, Peri & Taquito]

As others said, join our Multiple Doodles/dogs group. It is definitely more work, but I really enjoy having two dogs. They do keep each other company. If I didn't already have another non-dood dog, I would be getting Peri a brother doodle. Doods just play so well together! It is unlike any other breed in my opinion.

[Christine & Shelby]

For those of you who got a second doodle.... do you find that having a second doodle changed your first doodles connection with you? I have heard from friends that adding another dog to the family changes the personality of the first dog. I'd be curious to hear your thoughts.

[Suzann, Rosey & Bandit]

No, I think Rosey was thankful that I got her a brother:) But I am always conscience that I give them equal attention, have special 1:1 time with both of them etc. But I did it when Rosey was just 7 months old so maybe it is different if the dog is older.

[Allyson, Peri & Taquito]

Taquito is a chihuahua so this may not be an apples:apples comparison. However, Taquito's personality has not changed at all. He is still a sweet, loving lap dog. He is happier and healthier with Peri around though. He eats more, his coat is shinier, basically he looks like a new dog. We have done some feeding changes, so I know a lot of that is attributed to that; however, I am 100% certain the addition of Peri has made him happier (and he must eat now or Peri will steal his food LOL).

[Linda, Webber and Seda]

For the first six weeks Webber, the super good therapy dog, didn't listen to a thing I said. It changed him back to a teenager. He is slowly forgiving me for getting another dog. We started a Rally obedience class tonight; I hoped it would remind him of the close bond we had. The second dog, Seda, seems to pay as much attention to Webber as she does to me. So if Webber doesn't listen to me, she goes with him. They play together and it is so much fun to watch. I do think, in retrospect, that if I wanted a singly devoted dog, getting the second one has changed that. It may also be that it is going to take more time. I had Webber for 2.8 years before I got Seda. He had my undivided attention. That changed abruptly when I started potty training Seda. It doesn't seem like more work to me, except when packing up to go somewhere. I am taking Webber on little outings without Seda so he won't be so jealous. I guess I am saying it did change his personality. I just don't know if the change is permanent.

[Lucy & AnnaBelle's Mom]

I agree there is a lot of info on the subject so be sure to search so you get as much info as possible. That being said, I personally think that this is a subject that is very specific to each family and what is going on in the lives of that family. Monty might be lonely, but depending on what is going on in your life, if you get a 2nd Dood he might also feel neglected because you don't have as much time for him. For me to say Oh yes, get a 2nd dood, it is a piece of cake could really lead you astray. I have 2, and got them at the same time, but I also am a stay at home puppy mom. I don't spend 8-10 hours a day working another job. These girls are my job, and yes they do take up a lot of time. There is training, bathing, vet, brushing and grooming. I don't let mine outside alone, so there is play time factored in. There is also a money factor. There's double heart worm, double vet bills, double food bills (and quality food isn't cheap), treats, toys, it all adds up. Also I think that how your Doods are involved in your life plays a big role as well. Do you take them every where with you? Are your kids in a lot of sports and if so, is the dood allowed to go to their games outside (in my area they aren't). So if I were at soccer games or practice 4 nights a week and Doods couldn't go, they would be home alone a lot. So, you just sort of need to take all that stuff into account and see how they fit into your life. We had toyed with getting a 3rd for awhile. I kept saying that I just didn't think it would work ...... now we foster, and I know for a fact that 3 is a whole lot more work than 2, and it isn't for me on a full time basis. However, many have 3 and it works very well for them. Bottom line, it is double the doodle love, but if it adds to much demand on your time and expense on your pocketbook, that all takes away from the extra doodle love! Good Luck with your decision. let us know what you decide.

[Carol Hanr]

I had 3 dogs, 1 gd, 1 shih tzu and 1 shih tzu mix. Poor LuLu (gd) had no luck getting the two to play with her. So a few weeks back I got a LD. They love to play together etc...LuLu finally knows what it is to play with another dog. The pup, Willow, gives LuLu a run for her money. My LuLu is not lonely anymore either when I'm gone.

[Patty, Roxy & Spencer]

I agree with Lucy and Sophies mom. You really have to evaluate your lifestyle vs your dog (dogs) needs. We waited until Roxy was 11 mos. old before we got Spencer. They are actually from the same breeder and the same parents. I am retired and I'm at home most of the time, so I have lots of time to devote to my two pups(Roxy is 14 mos and Spencer is 9 mos.) We spend time with each individually as well as together. Roxy's personality hasn't changed since we got Spencer other than her normal maturing. They love to play with each other all the time. Roxy still likes to be the dominate one, but Spencer is bigger than she is now, so he can hold his own. It's wonderful have the two and I know they love having each other to hang out with and play, play, play with each other. But keep in mind, double food, double vet costs, double grooming (we have our's professionally 3x yr & it costs!) but double the Doodle LOVE!

[Ginny Nightingale]

YES!! DO IT!! Then try hoard not to get another one!! There are other discussion about this if you search, but I got a second doodle and had two dogs for the first time in my adult life--would never go back to one. They are always together when they are not with us. It is more work to be sure--and I just retired, so it will be easier for me, but it is still worth it. Consider the costs of vet, flea repellent, etc, though. It adds up!