Need to convince hubby about getting a second doodle!

[Multiple Doodles (or dogs)]

Hello!

I just joined this group although I don't have multiple doodles...yet. I met a very nice breeder earlier today and she has a beautiful F2 Goldendoodle puppy just waiting for me but..I need to convince my hubby first. He's concerned about how our doodle (who's 2yrs old) will interact with a new puppy. He's worrried that Bo, being so big, will overpower the puppy and terrorize him. I told him I would do some research and get back to him. Well.. you guys are my research lol! What do you think? Any advice is greatly appreciated.

 

I reeeeeeeally want this puppy! He's so cute. He's all black with a beautiful white stripe going down his chest and he has a small fringe of white on his little chin! Our doodle is all black with a red/brown chin. Think they will look cute together, but of course I want them to get along. Thanks in advance:-)

[Amy, Cubbie & Ollie]

did you want another doodle before you saw this puppy or is the puppy's cuteness getting to you?

 

most people don't seem to have much trouble bringing a second dog into their family, but I wasn't one of them.  I brought in another adult dog so that might have been the difference.  what would you do if Bo didn't get along with the puppy?  Would you be willing to work with trainers to figure the situation out? 

 

Other things to think about are whether you have the time, money, and patience to add a second dog,  do you have the time to train the puppy?  what about the extra time for grooming?  Then there is the financial part.  double the vet bills, twice the pet insurance and food.  Extra money for training, grooming, and boarding,  I really underestimated the increased time and money that it was to add a second dog to the family.  and finally, do you (and your husband) have the patience to go through the whole puppy thing again?  the chewing, the house training, etc?  I know it is hard to think about this when you are around a cute little puppy so I'm really happy that you are taking the time to do the research first! 

 

be sure to let us know what you decide to do,

[Amy, Cubbie & Ollie]

My two will play with each other but still seem to prefer time with me.

[Debb, Lucy & Oscar]

It really depends on the dogs, but I added a 2nd when Lucy was 3 yrs old. Yes, it was hard, hard work, especially the first couple months due to Oscar taking so much longer to potty train. But after that, it was pretty smooth sailing. Lucy has always LOVED to play... with us, with other doodles of a similar spirit and energy, and just in general. To her, everything is a game! What we found was that Lucy keeps Oscar occupied most of the time. She helps to keep him out of trouble too. There's been no counter surfing or chewing of rugs like when Lucy was a puppy. Lucy seemed to know Oscar was little too, when he first came home and played gently with him. Now he's about as big as she is and the intensity of the play has really ramped up. If Bo enjoys other doodles, and you can afford all the expenses that come with a 2nd dog and have the time to put into all the puppy-ness (it IS a lot of work at first), then I say go for it. My husband also thought Lucy would feel left out and deprived of our time. That didn't seem to happen. She thought Oscar was our gift to her... the gift that keeps on giving! I'm not saying there weren't some rough patches. Lucy is a very sensitive girl and I think the nerves of having a new puppy in the house gave her an intestinal thing that lasted a couple weeks. Once she got over that, though, she was fine. She and Oscar are great play buddies and Oscar, especially, is very bonded to her. They're both very bonded to us too. Good luck.. Oh, did I mention a new puppy is a LOT of work in the beginning?.. LOL..

Here's a video of Oscar's first day home with us, showing how he and Lucy interacted:

Find more videos like this on DoodleKisses.com

[Esther and Joey]

hi there - we are getting our 2nd doodle in a few days. we currently have a 4 year old doodle. she's a great dog but she does have resource guarding issues. otherwise she gets along great with other dogs and puppies. any tips for introducing the 2 doodles and other tips for training a puppy? training joey, our first dog was easy but i'm worried about training a puppy while an adult dog is looking on the side lines.

[Debb, Lucy & Oscar]

Oscar’s introduction to Lucy originally took place in the car when we went to pick him up as an 8 week old puppy. She got a good sniff of him during the car ride home. I’m sure she had gotten a good sniff of him after our first trip to visit Oscar at 4 weeks old, too. Once home with the dogs, we took them to the back yard, for the formal introduction and for an opportunity for a potty break. Lucy took to Oscar immediately as she has always loved small white dogs. He was fine with her. Not ecstatic like she was over him, but curious. I think he was just trying to take in the newness of everything: Environment, people and new dog.. He did play with Lucy that first day, taking shelter behind furniture when things got a little rough for him. That was a concern of our’s that first week, wondering if we should intervene when Lucy’s play got too rough for Oscar. In the end we let them sort it out themselves. Lucy, being so much bigger than her little brother, seemed to always have the upper hand. She frequently would stand over Oscar to demonstrate her dominance, push him over with her nose and generally be a thorn in his side. I knew someday, when he got bigger, the balance of power would tip in Oscar’s favor, so I’d jokingly tell Lucy to get it all in now because her moment of dominance wouldn’t last forever. Now, nearly 3 years later, Oscar is much bigger, stronger and heavier than Lucy and Lucy still ‘tries’ to be the dominant one, resting her front legs on his back. Its really kind of comical, her thinking she’s the top dog, when in fact, Oscar has every advantage. He just happens to be more mellow and puts up with her dominant displays. He knows he could put her in her place, and he sometimes does, but mostly he just lets her think she’s top dog. I think he likes her a little :)

As for obedience training, it was really quite simple. When I'd say a command, Lucy led by example and Oscar followed suit. She was so good about following commands (that I gave to Oscar) while being right next to him. Only problem was with leash training Oscar while indoors, as Lucy wanted to be right at my side as well, which didn't work out with Oscar already by my side. I later had them both on leash for outdoor walks and it made it much easier.

Your first doodle's resource guarding may be an issue with a new puppy. Oscar was/is very possessive of toys (his and Lucy's). He's not aggressive about it, but if Lucy has something he wants, he just bides his time until he can nonchalantly take it from her and then will not give it up. Luckily, Lucy isn't possessive in the least, so she allows Oscar to have whatever he wants. It does pose problems sometimes while at dog parks, however, as Oscar resource guards his own toys (often with a growl and a nip).

[Diane, Baker & Oskar]

Here is a picture of the first day our puppy met our 90# 4 year old F1 doodle...they have been best friends ever since.  The puppy is 10 months old now & only 33#.  Both are male.  No problems at all with the difference in size or age.  The other picture is how they sleep in the car :)  Hope this helps !  Let us know if you get the puppy :)

The pictures loaded in reverse order...sorry :)

[Heather]

My Ellie was two when we brought home our second. Oliver was 10 months when we got him and a Big boy. They took to each other almost immediately. Ellie would correct him if he was out of line a couple of times, but they are inseparable. I am a stay at home mom, so I have lots of time to spend with them. It is a lot more work and a lot more grooming and expenses. That being said, it was the BEST decision We have made!!! Keep us updated and Good Luck~

[Heather]

Thank You Daniece!!!

[Lynda Kamrath]

Two years is definitely old enough to have a sibling.  Once you have had two dogs, they get very dependent on each other and you get very accustomed to having them with their companion.  We started with two dogs when our old shepherd died and left a standard poodle alone.  He had never spent a day alone in his life and was beside himself with grief and loneliness. I ended up getting my first doodle as a companion for him, and it has been two dogs ever since.  If the puppy is close enough, handle him and get his smell on your hands and clothes.  Then just go home casually and let Bo get a sniff of the puppy.  See his reaction.  I'm sure they will get along.  But introduce them outdoors.  Just put the puppy down outside and see Bo's reaction.  That is much better than introducing a new dog in the resident dog's home.  Good luck.  Has your hubby seen the puppy?  That is probably all it will take.

[Beverley S. LaLonde]

I have four Goldendoodles and never a problem bringing another in. Get him for your husband for Fathers Day! Two will get a long just fine as they are pack animals. Take your dog with you when you pick up puppy who will be in a crate and they will be acquainted by the time you get home. He will know he belongs to you. Bev & Pack