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.

[jenn D]

I think it's a personal preference combined with how the current Dog's personality is. Brisby was born an old man so he can handle puppiness. One thing you may want to think of is what happens as they age. Even though I love my pack of 3 the fact that they are all under a year and a half means 3 times the old age medical expenses many years from now. So something to think about but it's a individual choice IMO.

[DonMarie and Picco]

Picco is soon to be 3 yrs old....good excuse to start scouting out another ;-)

[Leslie, Yogi & Maci Bear]

Sounds like its time for you, Picco is almost 3.  Seems to be a very good age from we are hearing :)

[Laurie, Wally & Charlotte]

We got Charlotte when Wally was five. For us, this was a perfect age. As someone already mentioned, an older (well-behaved) dog will teach the younger one many of the behaviors that you have already taught and would desire in the puppy. This is not to say that you wouldn't be the prime trainer, but it sure does help to have a good canine example demonstrating good manners. Another thing to consider is how it might be to have two senior dogs down the road, as two elderly dogs bring another set of challenges. Whatever you decide in terms of timing, I can say that having two doodles is wonderful :o)

[Janie, Jackson and Jilly]

Your Yogi is very cute! Jackson was just over a year and a half when we got Jilly. They get along great and it has worked out wonderfully. I would say to have the first dog trained well before you bring on another, the first will be an example to the second. Jack had passed his CGC and we were working on other training classes by the time we got Jilly. Our goal was to at least get them through CGC. Once we got Jilly, it was another year dedicated to classes for her and she also earned her CGC and then took some more advanced classes. I kept the classes going for Jack all the while too because I felt that I should give him the same one on one time too and they both really seemed to enjoy going. It's a lot of time put into that first year. We are now done with classes - for now anyway, who knows! - but we practice commands all the time. It is an individual choice though. Good luck with your decision!

[Heather]

We got Oliver when Ellie just turned "2". Ellie is a people dog and I wasn't sure how she would adjust to him. We took him on trial at 10 months old. He knew Ellie ran the show and followed her around. It took Ellie a couple of weeks to adjust, but now they are inseparable. Everyone thinks they are litter mates. We now have him a year and I can't imagine just having one! Yes, it's an added expense ALL around, including a new vehicle for us. They are both big and we needed more travel room. Yikes! Good Luck with your Decision~

[Deb's Yarrow and Schatzi]

It must be in the air.  I was thinking how nice it would be for Yarrow to have someone to play with; a 'sibling' so to speak. She's 19 weeks and over 40 pounds.  Too much for our 13 year old golden retriever boy to keep up with. So, I just had this discussion with Yarrow's breeder who, very sensibly, advised that I should wait until Yarrow has matured into the grown up, well rounded wonder dog I know she'll be.  I thought that was pretty wise.  Also, then she can lead by example.  I have to admit, our old dog is responsible for teaching Yarrow to lay down and wait patiently for her meals to be prepared.  She just copied him.

[Gabby and ZOE]

We have a two year old that is going to have puppies soon. At first I wasn't going to keep a puppy but the more I think about it the more I want a second dog. Watching them play is better than TV!!