Are Doodles More Affectionate....Or Are They Just "Needy"???

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

As I'm writing this both of my Doodles are lying at my side staring at me.  Murphy keeps trying to put his paw on my foot which I try not to allow partly because he's a pushy guy and the trainers tell me this is a sign of "possessiveness" but mostly because I'm barefoot and he scratches me.  The boys try really hard not to let me out of their sight and there is always a competition between them for who can get the closest to "Mom".  It started me thinking about the fact that it was never like this with my other dogs.  I've had all kinds over the years....an Irish Setter, a Lab, a Golden Retriever, and a Dalmatian.  They were all awesome (except the Irish Setter which is another story), but they never were anywhere near as affectionate as the Doods.  Sometimes I wonder if it was because I was working then and didn't have as much time for them as I do for my Doodles.  I really wonder if it's just something that's really special about Doodles as a whole or is it just that I have two "Mama's boys".  There is no right or wrong answer to this, but I'd love to know your experience and your thoughts.  It's time for a fun, happy, "Doodle Loving" discussion.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

I think this is true. When I was working, Jack never seemed upset about my leaving for work every day. He accepted it as part of our routine. Now that I'm retired and home most of the time, he gets nervous when he sees me doing the things that tell him I'm going somewhere. 

[BG and Gavin]

It depends on the time of day.  Gavin is super snuggly in the morning.  He comes to us and sits up nice and straight with his back to us to be pet.  Same deal at night, except instead of sitting up he lies on our feet.  During the day he keeps us in eyesight but does not need to be on top of us.  When Mylie doodle stays, she is very needy.  It drives me a little crazy lol.

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

LOL it really can drive you a little crazy when they follow you everywhere and need to be touching some part of you.....I find myself at times saying "can't you just go find something to do".

[Carol and Banjo]

Love that you posted this Jane.    I've often wondered the same thing.     Banjo has never been a lap dog.   He doesn't need to be right up against me.   He doesn't need to sleep on the bed (although he does now and then).   But, he is always next to where ever I am.     Right now, he's laying by my chair.    If I get up to fetch another cup of coffee, he'll  follow my every move with his eyes.    If I get up to go upstairs to dress, he'll follow me up and then down again.    If I leave the house for an hour or more, when I get home, I have to sit down and have a snuggle with him.     Each morning we go downstairs together and we have to have a snuggle time, where I stroke his chest and ears and he smells my morning breath (yuck!).   If I don't snuggle long enough, he reaches his paw to gently touch my hand for more.        

I really think he thinks he's human.   Well, maybe not human.....but he thinks he's one of us.....and he is!       My daughter and new grandson just spent a couple of weeks with us and she got to fall in love with Banjo.     She kept saying he's the best dog she's ever known.     I think she got to see his "human" side.       He was so respectful of the baby's space.   Always there, but never intrusive.      Actually, he did get a little naughty....sometimes trying to make off with one of Jackson's toys.   

All in all......Banjo is the best dog either of us has ever had.    I'm a true believer that there IS something very special about doodles.

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

I love Banjo....and I so agree that Doodles are pretty special.

[Joyce (Casey & Cody's mom)]

Both of my boys want to be in the same room with me all the time. They get real aggravated with me while I am cleaning the house in the mornings. I'm not the most organized cleaner and rather than stay in one room until I am finished, then move to the next room, I tend to move back and forth - making them have to keep getting up to follow me. Once housekeeping is finished, they both want to cuddle for a little while until they are ready to settle down and sleep - but always very close by. They love to lay with their head on my foot - or if they can get the dachshunds to move over - will sleep with their head in my lap while I am sitting on the couch. But must say - I think my dachshunds seem to be just as clingy as the doods. None of them want me or hubby out of sight. When hubby is in another room, Casey in particular tries to lay where he can keep on eye on both of us at the same time. If that isn't possible, then he just wanders back and forth between us.

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

That's really sweet....sounds like there are lots of doggy eyes on you at all times.

[Nicole and Teddy]

Love this thread! My mom and I (we live together) often have this conversation as sometimes Teddy can seem pretty aloof, ie., sometimes we'll be upstairs and he'll just run downstairs and hang out for a bit. We say he needs his 'man-time'! Or sometimes we invite him to sit with us on the couch and he acts like he just can't be bothered- ha! But he definitely needs to be close at all times and is constantly watching me to see what my next move is going to be. I also think he's gotten more lovey-dovey as he's gotten older. As a puppy he didn't seem to care about being pet at all but now loves his morning face rubs and will sometimes even nudge my hand to get a pet. He also sleeps in the bed with me pretty much every night. I kind of think it's a confidence thing with him too- he's had a really good life (spoiled rotten in fact!) and is pretty confident in the fact that he's always going to get lots of love, food, attention, etc. I agree with the comments about doodles being pretty special- I haven't had other dogs, but I love him dearly, love his personality, and other people have commented on how sweet he is and how much he loves people in general!

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

I think lots of our Doodles fall into that "spoiled rotten" category......they are just so darn cute it's hard not to spoil them.

[Nicole and Teddy]

Agreed, Jane! My mom and I are always saying, he doesn't come for cuddles as often as we would like because we can't keep our hands off of him most of the time! :) He's like, mom and grandma, I need some SPACE! Ha!

[Sam&Bella]

Yes! That is what happens with Bella:)

[Sam&Bella]

Oooooo..... I have to think about this...

Ok, so she always has to be in the same room, but not right up against me all the time. She is a BIG snuggle bug. And when someone comes to visit, she gets in their lap, and rubs herself all over them. It is very odd... If I leave her in the kitchen to dry off, she will whine FOREVER! She needs to be near someone she loves:) It is so cute! I really think that she could care less if she was fed or not, as long as she is with somebody. She will paw me for a petting session, then after ten-ish minutes, she will fall asleep.

This is sort of off subject, but she is really mellow for 1 1\2! (except for the occasional zoomies, and crazy playtime) Actually, She was a calm for a puppy too. She sleeps all day, but she loves to go outside and meet people, play, chase birds, along with other normal dog stuff:) And she is not as interested it chew toys anymore which is interesting because she always was. She likes floppy stuffed animals and puzzles now.

Anyway, I wouldn't say she is needy, but needs lots of love to keep her happy, and very sweet:)