Serious Question About Adding a Doodle

[Michele, Biscuit & Mo]

You all are the experts here, and many of you have become good Doodle friends.

 

Penny the WonderDog will turn six in a couple of weeks (yikes!).  She's the joy of our lives. We both work from home and she's been around one of us almost constantly since Day One. 

 

I have often wondered in the past whether it would be good to add another doodle to the family, so that she has a companion.  Now, a doodle puppy has caught our attention (and a little bit of our hearts) and we've been talking about adopting her.

 

We go back and forth between giving Penny a doodle buddy, and worrying that it might change the wonderful dynamic that we have with Penny now.  Would we just be setting ourselves up for trouble by adding another dog?  We're not worried about the training, as we're both home all the time.  It's the "relationship" stuff that we're thinking about.

 

If you've added a doodle (especially a PUPPY), how has it worked for you?  Problems?  Challenges?  Are we just out of our minds for thinking of doing this?

 

I'll attach a picture of Penny (love that she is) and the puppy.

 

Love you guys,

Michele

[Michele, Biscuit & Mo]

Thanks, Lynn - we do have a wall-in yard and I think two doodles would have a ball together.

[Jane, Rooney & Stuart]

Funny you should post this today, I just this morning exchanged emails with Rooney's breeder, yet again on this very subject.  I wonder if I can love the next doodle as much as I love the first.  Rooney tends to get a lot of attention due to his coloring and I worry about the next puppy not getting the same attention.  Rooney has come into my life so easily, will I be able to hand two?  We live in a place where I can't have a fenced in yard so it isn't just so easy as to open the door when they need to potty.  I go back and forth between wanting another very bad and being worried if I can handle it.  I will say - if I had my hands on that cute red puppy - I wouldn't be able to live without her!  LOL

[Michele, Biscuit & Mo]

Rooney would be a great big brother - he's such a character.  We're lucky to have a fenced in yard, which would make it easier.  I'll keep you posted!

[Sue]

Personally I would never be without at least 2 dogs. Mine get along great and would be lost without each other. Of course you have to figure double the food, vet care, etc.

 

[Michele, Biscuit & Mo]

Awww... they look so happy!  That's what I'm thinking Penny needs.

[Allyson, Peri & Taquito]

Okay, I don't have two doodles, but a doodle and a chihuahua.  My chihuahua was 5 when Peri came home.  He was/is the absolute lap dog - slept with me every night, with me all the time!  Very attached to say the least. 

We decided to add Peri because we thought Taquito would enjoy companionship and quite frankly, we just wanted a 2nd dog, specifically a doodle. 

I have never ever regretted that decision.  The first few days were hard - Taquito was pissed off and pooped on the floors to show his frustration.  Then, about a week later, I heard play fighting and growling from Taquito (the GOOD kind).  Haven't looked back since.  Taquito is happier, healthier and our relationship has not changed since Peri has come to the family.  He is still my adorable lap dog - he just now has a "friend" that he adores and sometimes drives him bonkers :) :)

Whatever decision you make, good luck.

Photo of the two - I would say Day 6 or 7 of Peri's coming home:

 

Photo of the two about 6 months into their relationship:

(Above photo taken this Christmas at the beach - Taquito will be 7 Wednesday; Peri will be 2 in early April)

[Michele, Biscuit & Mo]

The story about Tacquito just cracked me up - the the photos are wonderful!  I think you guys are pushing me in the direction I want to go... lol

[cheryl & oliver]

I have to be honest here about having 2 dogs.  We have had 2 dogs on and off for the past 25 yrs.  I have to say, for us it is wonderful.  When we lost our 13 yr old Aussie, our other aussie went into a deep depression, and we almost lost him.  When we brought Oliver home, I was a little nervous how my other dog would accept him.  That is why we got a puppy and not an older dog. We felt it would be easier for Renny to adapt to a puppy.  It has been fine from day 1, yes it is a lot of work, and double the expense, and double the other expenses, but Oliver really helped bring our Renny out of his depression, and they are good buddies.  They play, and have a good time together.  Did I love the puppy stage, ugh, no, but Oliver was so cute, it kept me going, lol, and now he is going to be 2 yrs old in April...He is a wonderful dog, just like your Penny, and I think if you have the time, and the love to give, you will love having a second one.  Like I said it is a big expense, but if u can do it, it is well worth it...I can't imagine our lives without the two of them around here.  Renny is 14 yrs old and he is fine with a few excptions, and I think it is Oliver that has made all the difference in him...Sry this was so long,,,

[Michele, Biscuit & Mo]

Cheryl, what a wonderful story.  The expense (while arresting) is not an obstacle, thank goodness.  And your post wasn't long at all - just what I needed!

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

Has Penny met the puppy yet?  If not, have you had a situation where there has been another dog (especially a puppy) in your home...and how did Penny react?  If I really wanted another Doodle, my only hesitation would be how my older dog would react.  Let us know what you decide....this puppy is adorable!

[Michele, Biscuit & Mo]

Jane - good question.  she definitely has buddies in the neighborhood.  And her absolute favorite is Quincy, who is a small King Charles Cavalier and about 1/5 her size.  When Quincy comes into the house and back into the yard, Penny comes alive.  That's what got me thinking about this.  Thanks!

[GBK]

If I could help it, I would never have just one pup again.....  Buddy was two years old when I added Kona.  We were very well bonded, he was nicely trained and we had our relationship set.  When Kona came along at 8 weeks, she was a bundle of energy that ADORED Buddy.  Buddy in the beginning, not so much, but it did not take long till they were barking and growling in play and she hated to be seperated from her brother. 

 

Because she was so attached to him, it did take a little longer for her to bond with us, but not that long :)  She got her own obedience classes that I took her too alone.  And we socialized alone in the beginning so she got used to being with me without Buddy.  This is important. 

 

As for Buddy and my relationship, I think it has even grown closer.  The little one is the jealous one and has to have her love first,  but Buddy is the patient one and just waits his turn.  I think he realizes that once she is done, he has me all to himself for a big long hug, scratches and kisses for as long as he wants if he just waits. 

 

The other big plus that I was counting on was that where ever we go they are each others playmates.  If the beach is empty, they don't care.  If the dog park is empty, they don't care.  On a walk they are happy to be together and I am happy watching them.  Good luck with your decision, can't wait to see what the outcome is :)