Looking for a Doodle Puppy

[Rachel]

My name is Rachel, I live in Newton KS and I am 20 years old. I'm working full time and in junior college full time. Our life long family dog Jack died this summer, he was a 14 year old yellow lab. He was a wonderful, happy dog who would play fetch all day long. My little sister is about to turn 16 and doesn't remember a time we didn't have Jack, she has had a hard time recently and I am wanting to get her a golden doodle puppy for her birthday. I have been looking for doodles but haven't had much luck yet. I don't have a lot to spend on one, my budget is around $350. Does anyone know of someone who has recently had golden doodle puppies, or maybe got a puppy and can't keep up with it? My sister Katie is very responsible and needs a puppy to fill the void that Jack has left.

[Stacy]

Hi Rachel - I'm sorry to hear about your Jack. It's always so hard to lose a beloved pet. I would be very surprised if you could find a goldendoodle puppy for $350, though I suppose stranger things have happened. My breeder (not a recommendation, just for reference) was charging 1800 3 years ago and now they are asking 2500 and that is in Kansas. I recently saw someone who was looking to rehome a couple older pups on Facebook and they were asking a rehoming fee of 1400 for both of them, and they had to stay together. 

Have you considered looking for a puppy at a shelter? I look at the shelter pages and see cute scruffy doodle-esque dogs sometimes. And believe me, those shelter dogs probably aren't any more or less healthy than a doodle from a breeder. Vet costs are another thing to consider if you're getting a pet on a budget. I hope that I'm in the minority right now, but my vet bills from this year only are well over $7000. I try not to add them up! I've had dogs for years and their vet bills were never a hardship, but these doodles seem to be high maintenance in the health department. 

Back to shelter pups, I don't know if Kansas City is an option for you, but we have several really good no kill shelters in the area. Great Plains SPCA, unleashedrescue.com, dogsbydebin.com all have lots of dogs who are adorable and need good homes! 

Good luck!

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

I agree with everything you've said here, Stacy. 

[Stacy]

Thanks, Karen. If only I ever managed to follow my own suggestions! 

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Hi Rachel, I'm very sorry for the loss of your family dog.

If you have not already done so, please read the DK guidelines on What to Look for in a Breeder. 

As you can see, it's very important that the parents have full genetic testing before they are bred. It's also very important not to support puppy mills, which is supporting animal cruelty. DK supports reputable, responsible breeding practices only. 

Anyone selling a goldendoodle  puppy for $350, or even $500, is a puppy mill. 

You will not find a doodle puppy from health tested parents for less than $1200. In fact, most reputable breeders are charging closer to $2000, and more. 

A private rehome might be your best bet. Rescues will not adopt to anyone who does not have proof of previous dog ownership as an adult, including vet records in your own name, not parents' names. Public shelters generally don't have the same types of adoption restrictions, so that might be an option also. Plus, you will be saving a life by adopting from a shelter. 

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Another thing to consider besides the purchase price is the ongoing costs for a doodle puppy/dog. In addition to food, you have vet costs, grooming costs, training costs, price of equipment (crate, gates, leashes, collars, etc). 

But beyond the costs, a high school student, no matter how responsible, cannot be solely responsible for a puppy. Puppies need constant supervision, training, exercise, grooming, socialization, and frequent vet visits. Housebreaking alone is time consuming, and often involves middle of the night trips outdoors. These are not things that a teenager, no matter how mature, would have the time or the ability to manage single-handedly. Every puppy (and dog) needs and deserves a committed adult owner. So another question would be, is there a parent or other adult who is willing to assume these responsibilities? 

[Rachel]

Yes, thank you!! My sister is actually homeschooled so would be able to care for a puppy throughout the day on breaks. And my parents would help her as well, in any area she needed help. We live out in the country and have some farm animals so she is used to keeping up with chores and her responsibilities.

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

Rachel, You are really a special sister wanting to do this for your little sister. A puppy is just so much work and I know I had forgotten how much work they were when I got one. We, too, lost our family dog at age 13...an amazing Chocolate Lab named Hershey. I followed her with a rescue and when she died, got puppies. Oh my....what a difference, but I am old (LOL) and home and had the time for a puppy. Your sister is probably much busier and in a few years will be on to college or work and a dog will only tie her down at her age. How about suggesting she volunteer with a no kill shelter? That way she can get her dog fix, but not be tied down at this time in her life. 

[Lynda Kamrath]

Yes, Rachel, not the best time to take a new pup into her life.  Dogs typically last 10 - 15 years, and who knows what her life will be like at that time.  It is not difficult to combine a doodle with changes in one's life, but that needs to be her choice.  A shelter would be a great place to look for a new special dog, but you don't need to be paying the huge cost for a goldendoodle puppy, and, there are many expenses besides the initial cost.  It is really a big commitment to get a new puppy.  There are many dogs at shelters who are great dogs who are looking for a loving home.  Encourage her to replace her beloved dog, but let her choose the dog to replace him.

[Brett Moraine]

Hi Rachel
I will certainly keep an eye out for any pups or dogs that come my way. Losing a dog is always tough but what memories!! Thanks for sharing!!

[Daniela]

You might want to consider to rescue an adult doodle. If your budget for a puppy is only $350, most likely the only puppy you'll find is from a puppy mill. Please don't support these horrible businesses. I adopted both of my doodles from families who couldn't care for them any longer and only paid a rehoming fee of $50 and $100. Both of our pups are wonderful family members. For the first week or so they were a bit sad but as soon as they realized how much we love them and how much fun they are having with us, they seemed to have forgotten their prior lives. People think that rescue dogs are dogs nobody else wants because there is something "wrong" with them. That's simply untrue.

[Rachel]

Thank you Daniela, I have been looking at local shelters as well! And keeping an eye open for doodles that need new homes.