Life with two Doodles

[Nicky, Riley & Boris]

I can't believe that Boris will be four months old this week, time literally flies by.  I just wanted to write down what life is like and how it has changed since we became a two doodle family.  Before Boris came home I couldn't quite get my head around loving a second dog as much as I love Riley so I just sat back and let it happen.  I took a wait and see approach.  I didn't know if I had picked the 'right' puppy from the litter and all my scientific thoughts on choosing went out the door as I picked a puppy I liked the look of who was underneath a more dominant one when playing.  I just crossed fingers and toes and hoped for the best!.

Boris is laid back and the calmer of the two even though he is so much younger.  He doesn't chew anything except his antlers and toys.  He is also extremely easy to train.  Understands Sit,Down,Wait and touch perfectly and is doing really well on leash though that's probably because he loves his brother and walks beside him.  I work with both of them in small snatches throughout each day.  I love the NILIF principal and find that this works really well with both of them.

I can honestly say that two dogs are definitely easier than one.  They are either playing all day or sleeping. Boris has learned all the good stuff from Riley and is pretty much house trained (no accidents for the past ten days).  I don't even go out with them.  I stand at the door and call 'anyone need to do a wee wee' and they both come running.  Riley goes with Boris and waits for him and they both trot back inside and sit on the mat while I dry their paws and give them each a treat. Boris is not as in love with his crate as Riley is and I put that down to the breeder not using one before I got him as in Riley's case.  We don't crate Boris at night and he sleeps in our room with Riley on the floor.  They both are allowed on the bed for cuddles in the morning. Boris has to be lifted up as he can't jump up (yet).  Riley's cuddles consist of him lying on top of me with his paws around my neck while Boris snuggles between us with his face beside either me or my partner.  They both go to Day Care at least once a week and we walk every day though Riley gets a second one with some free running time to get rid of some of his endless energy.  Boris is more laid back generally and it is Riley who gets them both into trouble on the hunt for socks or newspaper.

The weather here is truly awful, hence not many photographs as when I venture out it means gloves, hats, scarves, poop bags etc etc and no hands free for a camera.  I will definitely have to take some soon as Boris is looking so gorgeous right now.  I gave him a shower the other day and he was fine about it.  I am grooming him on the floor as there is no way I will be able to lift him when he reaches his predicted weight which I estimate will be 70+lbs easily.  He didn't like it at first but loves treats so much that he now behaves beautifully while I comb him and brush his teeth.

The house is calm right now as the two boys are asleep but they always wake and play like crazy that it sometimes resembles a war zone and If I didn't know the difference between play and fight I might be concerned at times.  Too much and they go to their crates for five minutes time out which always works.

All in all so far so good...the boys love each other and we love both of them. The only thing that has taken a dive is my bank balance but I'm happy to spend the money on good food and all the right preventatives and of course Pet Insurance. 

I'm hoping that 2013 will be a good year for all of us here on DK and want to wish all of you who have become such dear and wonderful friends a really Happy New Year.

[Donna K & Quincy]

Nicky, I'm so happy to hear that things are going so well for you and it sounds like Riley and Boris are a wonderful match. When you said you wouldn't be able to lift Boris once he's grown it reminded me of something my father said. He said if you begin lifting a calf when it's born and continue to lift it every day you will still be able to lift it when it's a full grown cow. I think you should try this experiment with Boris and let us know if it's true or not. :>) Happy New Year to you, hope it brings everything you wish for.

[Sherri, Sophie, Winston, & Kitty]

Hi Nicky, this is great to hear. I love how well things are going with Boris. I'm excited to see him grow up. Have a Happy New Year!

[Christine & Shelby]

Great update...can't wait to see some pics of the boys!

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Nicky, what a wonderful update! I can't believe Boris is 4 months old already! Life with your two doodle boys sounds perfect, I can't wait until you can post some pictures!

[Bonnie and Kona]

It's wonderful to hear that things are going so wonderfully for all of you. Thank you so much for letting us know. I realize it's super busy when the new pup comes but I've been hoping to get an update. Looking forward to photos soon. Happy New Year to all of you!

[BG and Gavin]

Excellent update Nicky!  I enjoyed reading every word.  All the best in 2013!

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

Happy New Year to you all. So nice to hear an update.  Longing for pictures!

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

It makes me so happy to read this Nicky.  Life with two Doodles is indeed a very good thing.  Happy New Year to you and your boys.