Second doodle??

[Discussing Labradoodles & Goldendoodles]

After looking at the "PUPPIES" discussion on here I'm really wanting a new puppy to add to our little family:). I know that it's a lot harder than it seems and my biggest fear is that I wont know how to handle two dogs. Jace was an AMAZING puppy, we only had a few minor setbacks and potty training was a breeze. I want some realistic input here though, Jace will be a year old in august, and I'm afraid it's too soon to add a new member. Now, I am far from making a decision, I just want some input!:) Thanks:)

[Jarka, Monty & Auggie]

Hi, here is a recent discussion on this topic:

http://www.doodlekisses.com/forum/topics/one-doodle-two-doodle

And since I'm a designated "bad cop" for people who want to add a second doodle, here is my first story after we added Auggie:

http://www.doodlekisses.com/profiles/blogs/ramblings-of-a-very-tire...

Good luck with your decision and no more peeking at the "Puppies" discussion for you! ;-)

[Amy, Cubbie & Ollie]

Jarka, if you don't want the stress of always being bad cop on the second doodle discussions, you can handle the ones wanting puppies and I can address the ones looking to add a second adult dog.  :)  Then everyone else can chime in with all their happy stories  :)

[F, Calla & Luca]

Luca was 14 months when Calla, who was 4. Months arrived. It worked better than I hoped.

[Jessica Girardot]

Having two is a lot more work, but twice the fun and love! I'm sure your doodle would enjoy a brother or sister.

[Catharine Symbleme]

Do it! Yeah, it can be a challenge, but it's SO much more fun all around with two! I've always kind of felt sorry for the dogs in single-dog households who have no other dogs to play with. Just think of the entertainment value of always having an in-house puppy play session :-) 

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

I enjoy having a few years between dogs so I can concentrate on the new puppy's needs.  But it really is up to you.  It is hard not to compare, but the new pup will be totally, totally different and maybe easier, maybe not.

[Lori, Quincy & Frankie]

I would love to as well, but in the end, chicken out. Our guy spoiled us with such easy training and mellow personality, and I am afraid we would not be so lucky again.   We also work long hours and I go crazy with daycare worries versus expense of a walker or camp.

Good luck to you!   

[Joanna, Zoe & Bender]

Zoe is only 6 months older than Ben.  We got Ben because Zoe lovesss other dogs and was so lonely after our rescue dog left for her furever home.  The close age gap was never an issue.  In some ways Ben was easier and still is than Zoe.  In other ways he is much more complex and not so easy.  In some ways its good to have two dogs...they play with each other, keep each other company, and have a best friend to love.  In other ways it's harder...financial, time, vacation planning, etc.  

Whatever you decide I think both having one dog or two dogs are great.  But just remember when you get that second dog ...that dog won't be like your first and probably won't be what you are imagining now but hopefully it will be :)

[Traci -Bexter & Maggie]

I have never owned two dogs at the same time, but I now have 2 doodles.  I LOVE it!  They get along so well.  They play together in the yard which gives them lots of great exercise.  I don't feel as guilty when leaving them either because I know they have each other.  We added Maggie to our family when Bexter was one.  However, Maggie was already a year old, potty trained, crate trained, etc.  It would have been REALLY hard to have another puppy I would think.  Lots of people on DK have gone that route though.  Two concerns I have with two doodles:

1.  It is much more expensive with twice the food, vet bills, grooming, and treats.

2.  It is hard to walk with both of them/travel with both of them at the same time.  When we just had Bexter, I took him on drives all the time, took him on walks, went to the park, etc.  We even took him to St. Louis for a few days with us.  Now with 2 of them, it is just too much trouble.  It kind of makes me sad in a way, like I'm cheating Bexter.  But...I know that he is so happy with Maggie and they play all the time, so it makes up for what we don't do I guess. 

 

Otherwise, I LOVE LOVE LOVE two doodles.  I wish I could have three actually!  Good luck!

[Catharine Symbleme]

<3

[Lucy & AnnaBelle's Mom]

I think that as long as time and money are not an issue, and the first doodle is very well trained with no bad habits that getting a 2nd doodle is great. 

[Barbara B., Sasha & Oliver]

My Sasha was 10 months old when I got my Oliver - best thing I ever done.  I wanted to get #2 doodles while Sasha was still a puppy so she would be more welcoming of another doodle.  They bonded instantly and are the best of buds.