I need advice about getting a 2nd dog ASAP!

[Kendra K. Rhoton]

Hello everyone, so we just got Remington about 3 months ago. He is my dream dog and so wonderful in every way I can imagine. However, we have been wanting another dog ever since we got him. I have always regretted not getting his sister because they were so bonded. We found some puppies for sale near us from a breeder and are planning on going to see them Thursday at 6:00. However I need ADVICE!

I'm an the one in our relationship that thinks about all the negative things when doing something like this. Dan on the other hand is the one who thinks about all the great things that will happen if we do this. Because of this Dan has his heart set on getting the second dog... and I'm a little bit hesitate about doing it.

I would love it if you all could give me your two cents... pros and cons of having two dogs, good stories and bad stories etc. I'm not specifically worried about the money aspect of this even though I know this is an issue, but I'm more worried about when the time comes that Dan and I start having children and how we are going to deal with two dogs and well and juggle the kids.

Any advice from multiple dog owners would be much appreciated! I need it!

Here is the website so you can go look at them! "http://www.indygoldensanddoodles.com"

[Maureen W]

hi Kendra, I am a big proponent of having two dogs.....as they age they age more gracefully together. I think their play keeps them younger, more lively, and they do learn from each other, both good and bad. Personally I prefer (for myself) to have a bigger gap in the ages of our dogs, however you have clearly bonded with Remington and he has been with you long enough to have a sense of being "alpha" to a new dog, and also they'll grow up together.
If you are looking forward to children soon, then by all means get your doodles and get them trained NOW.

If you want to consider a chocolate Labradoodle email me! ;o) We'll actually be driving thru Indy in July!

Your passion and love for Remington has shone thru clearly in your wanting another doodle and I commend you! This past Spring we actually had a family who reserved one puppy come back a month later and take home a mellow guy from our other litter, and sure enough, the "first" pup was training the second!

Best wishes, to you and your growing family!

[F, Calla & Luca]

I added a second doodle when mine was 14 months old. I think it's best to have one somewhat trained before you add a second. They do keep each other busy so I can get some things done in the house.I find walking 2 dogs more difficult than walking one but the 2nd is just a puppy and I might get better with practice. Overall I'm really glad i got a second but I don't know how it would be with babies. If they're both trained and a little older I think it would be fine, though.

[Suely Lohr]

We got the second doodle because Benson was so lonely...it is the best thing we ever did...twice the fun. Missy, the second was a rescue and it took a few months to ajust to her new home, but we love them so much I just couldn't see us living without them. Of course, twice vet bills and groomer bill, and twice the attention & play time but if the money is not critical and you have time for them, then GO FOR IT. They do play with each other though and are really close. Like Jeri, we have lots of space for them (3 acres of wood and one of pasture).

[Jeri]

The Pros outweigh the Cons. Cons: Twice as expensive. Everything doubles including the Poo and Hair if they shed( which my doodle does) BUT I love owning 2 dogs and now I have 3. Depends on your life style and the time that you have to give them. We live in the woods overlooking Lake MI and have lots of & space for our dogs. My husband and I are retired. They all require time and mine are part of the family. I would sit down and write down your pros and cons and decided as a family what is best for all.

[Kendra K. Rhoton]

Okay, but what about pros and cons of two dogs!?!?!

[Adrianne Matzkin]

We have only Samantha. My DDs friend brought over her 4 month old son last week. Samantha was amazing with him. She was very gentle although she did keep taking off his right bootie (only the right one) to nudge his foot. SHe has never been around an infant before - I was impressed.

[Jeri]

Doodles are great with kids. We have 1 DD, 1 Ausie Shep, 1 new German Shep. It is work, but also lots of fun. 2 doodles would work well. They have someone to play with. The older they get the easier it is.

[Beth and Gang]

Hi Kendra, I couldn't get to the link to see the puppies : ( but I am sure they are adorable. Remington is a CUTIE!! How old is he?
Getting his littermate might not of been a good move, he was already bonded to his sister. You and Dan would have to work at getting them both to bond with you.
Kids and doodles should not be a problem both dogs would be trained and would be ready for hu -kids when you are ready!
My vote is , the more doodles the merrier...if you think you are ready then DO IT!! These dogs are like none other I have ever lived with!!