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.

[Cheryl and Finnegan]

I think you've made an interesting point Sam.  More than anything, they need to be near the people they love, and then all's good with the world.

[Sam&Bella]

;^)

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

YES, whether they are affectionate or not, they do seem to want to be near the people that they love.

[Deanna & Desi & Cori]

Sedona was definitely a daddy's girl - he was retired and home with her all of the time. Desi, on the other hand, is MY boy, although lately he's decided to spread the love around and will lay by Doug now and then. Fortunately, it looks like Cori may be our new daddy's girl. However, at 10 months and 3 months their preferred activity is to play fight almost non-stop!!! They'll stop for a rest and some cuddles, but then they're back at it. Guess that's what the NEED right now!!

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

My guys still love to "play fight" and they're 6 and 7.

[Ricki and Tara (doodle)]

Tara is not a needy, clingy dog but she does keep an eye on me and DH, which at times is a challenge for her!  She likes a morning snuggle and sleeping up close at night  but during most of the day she is content to do her own thing as long as she knows where we are. Evenings, she likes to sit under my knees when I am watching tv, I'm not sure if this is the equivalent of sitting on my lap or what it means to her! LOL She doesn't have any real competition for our attention like your boys but once in a while the cat will want some snuggle time and Tara will just lay nearby and give her the stink-eye.  So I have a feeling she wouldn't like a multi-dog household!  I've had dogs that we more affectionate but none that were quite as "human" as Tara. Sometimes I think she is some kind of dog/human hybrid! LOL  You know how Cesar always makes it clear that "dog is dog, dog is not human"? I think he may be wrong when it comes to doodles! 

[Cheryl and Finnegan]

LOL Yep, I've tried that "a dog is a dog" philosophy with Finn and he shuts down. The answer is pretty clear - ahh no, I'm closer to human. :)

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

LOL....Guinness thinks he's a person too.  Murph isn't sure who he is.

[Cheryl and Finnegan]

I'm  glad you started this discussion because I've wondered the same thing.  My other dogs were fun, good tempered and independent but none of them were as affectionate or bonded to me like Finn. He is always in the same room usually laying at my feet or nearby.  If I'm working around the house, he's up and down the stairs with me, etc.  He's super easy to live with, has an almost human vocabulary but sometimes I find myself pleading with him like a child "why don't you go do something..."  And like a child, he'll go get a toy ... and bring it to his mama.  I read somewhere that a dog looking into your eyes increase their endorphins so in that case, Finn is an endorphin junkie lol. As a pup, I could hold him and snuggle with him longer than any of my other pups - and he still loves that contact now.  I still haven't figured out if he thinks I need him or he needs me ... but it makes me laugh because it's like having a guide dog without being blind.  I like that I can take him with me and not worry that he'll run away,  and he's very patient whether I'm shooting pictures or we meet up  with friends on a hike.  I was working until this year and while he came with me to the office one or two days a week, he was home alone the rest of the week and I had a dog walker.   Still I've spent a lot more time with him than my other dogs and it's just the two of us at home now so that probably makes a difference.  I think it's also part genetics, because I understand that his father was a lot like this. The downside is that, just like you, I have to guard against possessiveness.  He gets frequent "time outs" when he vies with the cat for attention.  He'll go lay down but grumbles about the unfairness of it all while being totally ignored.  I probably shouldn't let him sleep in the bed --none of my other dogs were allowed (2 australian shepherds, a sheltie mix, a jack russell  terrier, a Beardie and a mini dachshund) but life is short and he's a lovable teddy bear. 

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

OMD....this is SO true..."I still haven't figured out if he thinks I need him or he needs me ... but it makes me laugh because it's like having a guide dog without being blind." 
I  sometimes think if my Doods could type they would be putting out a discussion about whether or not Doodle Moms were just affectionate or actually needy.   That will take some thought.......

[Nicky, Riley & Boris]

All my dogs prior to my doodles were very clingy and two of them suffered separation anxiety which is really really challenging behaviour. So, when I started my research on puppy rearing and doodle ownership I paid particular attention to making sure that my puppies would grow into well balanced (not too needy) grown dogs. Rily and Boris are both extremely affectionate and  as I am head of the pack I'm top dog in our home. They both sleep on our bed but they do not follow me around everywhere, preferring to lounge about most of the day, never too far away. Both get lots and lots of cuddle time especially in the morning time before we start the day. Riley needs to be near my face as possible so he climbs on top of me with his head on my chest while Boris is beside with his head in the crook of my arm. This is how we start each day and it is most wonderful. Affectionate? Yes. Loving? Yes. Needy? No.

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

Nicky, I think you have a perfect "balance".