What do you think?

[Jennifer and Jack]

First I just wanted to say, I am purposely not updating on Jack because I do not have any more news to report other then we are waiting for more test results to come in and he seems to be holding his own right now.

 

Now to my question.. I was discussing with a friend tonight who is a doodle owner who is thinking of getting a second doodle.. While I believe to the best of my ability that her dog would do well with a second dog.. I gave her the reasons I thought her dog would and why I know Jack would not. I wanted your input, and to see if you guys are experiencing the same thing.. since there is so much talk about doodle returns and second doodles.

 

It may simply be a personality thing and that is it, there may not be more to it then this but.. Jack has always been treated like my child and not a dog really. Yes he has gone through many levels of obedience training. Yes I make him listen to me, for the most part. But Jack does not sleep in a crate, he sleeps in my arms in bed with me, under the covers with me. His toys are his, I leave them out all the time, He does not tear them up. I leave them out for his play which is does play with them. He has no problem what so ever with a child or and human taking his toys, food or anything else away from him.

 

Jack assumes when I leave the house he is either going to a playdate, going with me or that I will be back pretty darn fast, He is not  crated and has access to me pretty much whenever he wants.. What I am getting at is, though Jack knows ultimately I am in charge, I believe he see's me as part of his possessions..  I am his mommy, his whatever, but I am his... Therefore, since he thinks I am his, just like his toys are his, just like his other things are his.. He feels the need to guard me, them and anything else he thinks is his, not from humans, remember I watch a newborn baby and he will bring the baby his toys, and play with him etc,

 

I believe me allowing Jack free access to me, his toys, and whatever has caused him to be the way he is.. I am okay with it as long as his behavior is good.. but I know full well that is why he is put off by another dog in his house. Why unless I want to fight him tooth and nail for God knows how long to behave.. that he will forever have a grudge to some extent with the other dog. Molly is leaving in a few weeks, she adores Jack and jack has been so good for her.. Jack if he could would help her pack, just to make sure she doesn't take any of his toys.

 

Now my friend who is thinking of getting another doodle, her doodle sleeps in a crate at night. Is totally spoiled rotten and loved to death but does not rule the roost if you know what I mean, she is not allowed because of her size to jump up on furniture as she pleases. She does not have toys at her liberty, because she destroys them. So she is not toy possessive

 

Now in all fairness, she has not had another dog in her house for a long period of time but she has been around another dog and she is nothing but loving and playful with the dog.

 

Do you guys think that there is something to that, that those of us who are struggling or would struggle with a second doodle have done what I have done.. Do you think that we have spoiled our dogs so much that they think they own us and that is where the jealousy and displeasure is coming from in our dogs seeing us with another dog?

 

I have no idea, just a thought..

[Rose Ann and Amante]

So funnny that you have posted this debate. I have had Amante for almost three months and have already descided I want to get another doodle. I think that I have to act just I do with all 4 kids, rules, boundaries and lots of loving, kissing squeezing that kinda of stuff, maybe I am wrong each doodle is an individual.  I am concerned with how old  Amante should be for best adjustment.

[Sue, Murphy and Bella ()*o*()]

Rose Ann, just like your 4 kids, I bet you knew when the time was right. unless there were some "oops" in there.  But still, everyone adjusted just fine didn't they?

[Rose Ann and Amante]

Actually after my first they did say I would be unable to conceive again!!!! LOL so The majority were oops!!!  Good oops though!!!! You are absolutely right you make it all work out!!!