How many?

[Discussing Labradoodles & Goldendoodles]

I have Maggie who is 7 months old and full of energy. I also have a 3 year old Old English Bulldog and an 8 year old toy poodle. We have thought about adding another Doodle so Maggie has someone to run with. Diamond the Bull dog will play with her for a bit but Maggie is too much for her, any ideas?

[Lynda Kamrath]

Maggie will calm down a little with age, but in the meantime, you need to get some activities for her to get out some of that youthful energy.  Do you have dog parks or doggie day care in your area?  My dogs love swimming and we have a therapy pool for pets nearby.  After they have had a swimming lesson (basically learning to get in and out of the pool using the stairs) you can reserve the pool for a self swim.  A little special attention at this time in her life is probably more valuable than getting another dog for her to have a playmate.  But check around, I'll bet there are other dog owners in your area who would love to have play dates for their active puppies.

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

Play dates are a great idea as is the one on one exercise time.  Training also takes energy and that would be a fun way to bond, work with, get some energy out of Maggie.  We have had four dogs at one time, but never two puppies. The downside of multiple dogs is that past two, it is pretty hard to take them with you without imposing on wherever you are. 

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

That is sad for her, but if you got another, Maggie might be fine at home rather than going places while another might enjoy it.

[Cora and Trudy]

We have three and they extremely similar to your dogs. A 6 yr old French bulldog, a 2 year old miniature poodle, and then there is Trudy our 5 1/2 month old doodle. Our poodle is the only one who will play with Trudy and even then he has enough of her very quickly! We've been taking tons of walks, offering a variety of chew toys, and trying to teach her to fetch in the back yard. She actually runs after the rope now but bringing it back is a work in progress! We've had a play date with some neighbor dogs and that was awesome! She slept for hours after that so if that's a possibility take advantage of it. As for adding another dog, I'm not sure how that would work out for you. Maybe two puppies would entertain each other but it would be a bit expensive and definitely a lot of work. I don't think I could handle anymore!

[jenn D]

I think it all depends on your current pack's dynamics, the amount of time you have to give and if you can handle it financially (food,medical, treats, training, bedding: all x 4). Speaking as a family that has 4 large boy doodles, it can be challenging. My pack works well together but I spend a lot of time with the pack and each one individually. My life is basically devoted to my human family and my canine family. I personally could not have 4 or even 3 if I worked outside of the home. But that's me. Also playmates could be good or bad. For instance, when we got our #2 (Jake) I thought he and brisby would be great playmates. However Jake's play drive is so intense he overwhelms Brisby often. Now when Pickles (#3) came into the pack as a young pup he plays great with Jake and Brisby kind of became odd man out. Pickles and Jake still play intense and can go forever. When Mac came home he was already around 4 so he was a bit more mellow. I have found he and brisby are like the two old men that just watch the other 2 together. So it worked out having 4 is better than three for us. Good luck in your decision. :) keep us posted.

[Sheree Small]

We have 3 of similar ages to you. 6 mo doodle, 3 yr 12 lb coton, and 9 yr lab. The coton and do idle play, but she still has EXTRA energy. I would be shot in my house if I brought another puppy in. I also don't think two pups is fair to the older dog. Lots of walks, play and training. Good luck!