Breeder recommendations and first few weeks with the puppy

[Pari]

Hello,

I am new to the forum. We are interested in getting a Australian Labradoodle puppy this holiday season.

I wanted to get perspectives from you all on your experiences with adopting and the first few weeks with the puppy.

 

Background

We have been looking at adopting a puppy for the past 2 years. I have a 12 year old son and 7 year old daughter, both of them are mature and would love to have a new friend. I had a dog for 14 years when I grew up and have experience raising a puppy. My wife though is on the fence though.

We live in Northern California, CA and live an active lifestyle. We have flexible work hours but the puppy will eventually have to live 4-6 hours at home 4 days a week or so. We do live close to a puppy day care which is an option for us.

 

Questions I need some help with

1. How much work is it in the initial weeks? We have the last 2 weeks off in December and plan to get him/her before the holidays. Would 2 weeks be enough to get to some routine?
2. How did you go about selecting your breeder? I have read the thread on selecting the breeder but I am confused. There are breeders on the ALAA list that have horrible yelp reviews. All breeders give the standard 2 year warranty.
   1. We will really need a breeder who can help select the puppy with the right temperament for us.
3. Any recommendations on how you managed after the first few weeks? Come home during lunch, dog walker, puppy school? 

Appreciate your help in advance.

[Pari]

Karen,

Thanks for your email. We have been waiting for a suitable rescue for some time now as we felt it would be the best option but we haven't got a good match as yet. I had a dog till I was in my early twenties so have plenty of experience with training, grooming, feeding etc. 

Appreciate your insights again and hopefully we will make the right decision. Exploring all options at this stage with an open mind.

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

I do think that having a relationship with an animal is so rewarding for children and their development, so I agree with you on that, Pari.  The reason I am concerned about the wife being on board is because of my last foster dog. The man LOVED that dog and gave her lots of attention when he was home, but the wife and kids did not and kept her crated when the man wasn't home - like all day....  I know this is not the way it always works, and your wife might fall madly in love with your dog and become a dog person herself!

[Pari]

My wife is not against it nor does she not like dogs. She is just neutral on the topic. Our thinking as it stands is to continue to wait for a suitable golden retriever rescue to show up where we get to know the dog a bit better and have some history on him/her. All the perspectives I have received have been immensely helpful.

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

Sounds like things will work out well for your family.  Perhaps be open to more breeds and mixes and the right dog will find you sooner.

[Diane and Alma]

We are an active family and have a doodle.  My kids were about the same age as yours when we got Alma as a puppy.  She is a great addition to our family.  Such a character, and makes us laugh all the time - except at 3 am when she barks for whatever reason : )  And I love that my kids have grown up with a dog and all that goes along with it.

I grew up with dogs and had one after college.  My husband only ever had cats.  We started out with 2 cats and now have a dog.  Having a dog is a lot like having a constant 2 year old, especially during their puppy phase which can last years.  They need lots of attention - not just in the first weeks but daily.  (My neighbors however, prefer to leave their lab alone in the backyard 24/7.  Not sure why they have him??)  

We found a good vet who offered dog training.  We also found a puppy socialization class in the evenings.  Alma is 7 now but we continue to reinforce training on a daily basis (sit, stay, come, leave it..)  

I encourage you to join the Nor-Cal Doodle group here on DK.  You can ask about local vets, trainers, dog walkers, play care, and romps.

Good luck with your decision.

[Pari]

Diana,

Thanks for your perspective. I agree with your analogy that having a dog is like having a constant 2 year old :) The love they give is also constant unlike the kids once they grow up :)

We are exploring all options at this stage. Will definitely join the Nor-Cal Doodle group to ask specific questions.