Good age to add a second doodle?

[Leslie, Yogi & Maci Bear]

I know it's too soon, but maybe not to soon to start planning to get the breeder I want.
What is a good age for Yogi to be, to bring another dog into the family? Is there a better time than another in a dog's development?

When we first picked yogi we wanted his sister also, but I wisely asked for the opinions of my fellow posters on here, and found that to be a potentially bad idea. I've enjoyed him so much and I keep lurking on his breeders website. When should I get serious about a brother? I've also kept my eyes on the rescue dogs listed.

He is turning 5 months old in a couple days.

[Lynda Kamrath]

Still a little young.  I think 2 to 3 years is a good spacing.  I have had three doodles (2003, 2006, 2010) and the older dog always was instrumental in helping to train his younger brother.  But then I think that 3 to 5 years is the best spacing for children in a family also.  Then each puppy or baby gets their time to mature and become good citizens before a younger puppy or baby comes along and steals the show.  Of course there are always twins and puppies about the same age.  And they seems to get along fine.  Depends on what you want for your family. My favorite breeder is trying something new and the puppies won't even be born for another year, but I already have one ordered.  Enjoy Yogi's puppyhood before you make him the older brother.

[Debb, Lucy & Oscar]

Lucy was 3 (exactly... we brought Oscar home on her birthday), and it seemed to be the perfect age to add another. Of course, in our case a 2nd doodle wasn't even on the radar for us so soon. We'd originally thought we'd wait until Lucy was 5. As it turned out, the timing couldn't have been any better as far as introducing a 2nd doodle.

[Debb, Lucy & Oscar]

I've got to add that by 3, Lucy could teach Oscar all the household 'rules'. He never counter surfed, barked much at all, or destroyed rugs like Lucy did as a puppy, and I owe it all to her good influence. Training was a breeze, too, as Lucy would respond to commands immediately and Oscar just had to watch and imitate. Super, super easy. Now I suppose you could get a 2nd puppy when your 1st one is a year old, but it would be a a much bigger challenge. It all depends on what you want and expect with a 2nd. Lynda has a good point, that waiting will give the first plenty of time to mature and become a good citizen, before bringing it a newcomer that will 'steal the show'.

[Julie and Max]

Leslie I was wondering the same thing, though I'd have to convince others in the house that this would be a good idea. I was talking to a dog trainer the other day, and she suggested two to be a good age for the same reasons Lynda and Debb are saying, because the older one can help the younger but only if they've already learned the rules and are mature enough. 

[Leslie, Yogi & Maci Bear]

I was thinking about a year old for getting my new doodle, but after considering it more with the comments made, I made wait till at least 2. I do have to give my DH a chance to say yes, but he was willing to let me get two when we got Yogi, so I'm optomistic

[Nicky, Riley & Boris]

Riley was 18 months old when we brought Boris home and that was perfect so I would say that when Bodi is still puppy enough to be enthusiastic about a play mate but over the chewing, jumping real puppy stage is probably a good time. Between 18 months and 3 years would be my recommendation. Boris learned such a lot from Riley and they are such good friends it's wonderful to watch. I know that this isn't always the case but I knew it would work as Riley loves all dogs and people and has enormous energy. In fact even now he is more the puppy than Riley who is coming up to 3 years in April.

[Nicky, Riley & Boris]

I meant that Riley is more puppy like in his behavior than Boris but couldn't edit.

[Judy, Meg & Polly Wolly Doodle]

We had heard a year and a half and as it happened that is when we added Polly and it has worked out very well.  Although Meg was already a well behaved dog and an eager learner it has re-enforced every thing for her as well.

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

I wonder if there really is a right or wrong with when to add a puppy. Id guess its up to the dogs, the owners and the households ability to accommodate two dogs and all the time and work involved. We were ready by the time Murphy was 18 months, but I really don't think 6 or 12 months one way or the other would have mattered other than a little more time for solid training. I agree with the opinions regarding having two puppies at once or litter mates, but I have no personal experience with that. Id say wait and see where you are all at in the next 6-12 months and decide then. Also, a breeders availability or a rescue becoming available may just determine when is the right time. I do believe our dogs find us when they are ready.

[Linda, Charlie Brown and Beau]

I agree with the others - somewhere between 1.5 and 3.  Charlie was 1.5 yrs - already spoiled and did not want to share any of his things (especially us) with someone else!  He adjusting quickly though and now they do not want to be apart, which makes it a little difficult to have one on one time with each of them.  I feel bad leaving one behind even though they are left with DH!  Each of them have brought a special joy to our family!  BTW - your Yogi is so cute.  We do not have anyone giving swimming lesson for puppies.  I wish we did it would be so much fun!  Enjoy your little guy, and you will know when the time is right.

[Leslie, Yogi & Maci Bear]

Thanks.  I do wonder if I will miss the closeness I share with Yogi if I get him a buddy.  Buts that just selfish!

[Linda, Charlie Brown and Beau]

Hindsight - but I have had those feelings on occasion since Beau's arrival.  Charlie is such a little old man and was as a puppy.  I have always felt a very special bond with him and consider him to be my heart dog  He came to us after the loss of our standard poodle and he helped heal our hearts.  That being said, Beau touches my funny bone - many times throughout the day and I love him for it! The first six months we had Beau, I threatened to return him to the breeder!  My husband would laugh and so oh no you don't - he is too much fun.  Now I cannot imagine our lives without this little parti boy!