Wanting To Add A 2nd Doodle...

[The Berry Oaks Doodle Ranch]

So, I've convinced my husband to add a 2nd Doodle to our family. We would like to adopt from DRC...any help in what to expect with two Labradoodles. Our Guinness is 1 1/2 and is still very playful.

[Jacquie Yorke (DRC)]

They got him!

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

I hope you get him. Getting an adult dog is a bit different than getting a puppy. Here is what we found - we got Ned as a puppy and Gordie (our Springer went into a depression that lasted for almost a year) No fighting, but Ned just moved in on Gordie and stole his toys etc. Our old guy just put Ned in his place and that was that.
Getting an adult dog was a bit different. We took Ned and Gordie to meet Clancy at the humane society. They all three did fine. When we got home our old guy spent the next 12 hours putting Clancy in his place and that was done. The next day Ned let Clancy know who was boss. Then Clancy and Gordie spent the next month in uneasy comptetition with 4 big battles - one a week. Just as I was going to take them to the behaviorist, they seem to have settled it. We caught Gordie pawing Clancy when Clancy was laying down, then Gordie tried to hump Clancy's side (Clancy still laying down). Then Gordie climbed up on the couch and Clancy went to him and bowed! We also put high value toys away because we think that was part of the problem. Clancy is very low energy and passive. After two months with us he seems to have settled in and if you look at my albums - Clancy's first days and then Ned and Clancy you can see that Clancy is no longer anxious. It is all in the eyes. First day after his haircut:

Now two months later:

[Lucy & AnnaBelle's Mom]

I just noticed Rosco is pending ..... did you guys get him?

[Lucy & AnnaBelle's Mom]

I think that Rosco is absolutely adorable. I think that my biggest piece of advice would be to be patient in the beginning. It is possible that Guinness might not be too happy in the beginning. We all think that all dogs love other dogs and having someone to play with. Even if he plays great at daycare, he might not like someone coming in and starting to take his toys and his mommy's attention, etc. I've found this with my fosters. I thought my girls would love it ..... however, it has taken a little while with each one for them to warm up to each other. By the time the foster is ready to go to their new home my girls are playing like crazy. Particularly with the last one, Lucy was guarding me. The foster boy couldn't even look at me without Lucy growling at him for the first week. So, just remember to have patience in the beginning! It will ultimately be worth it in the end.

[The Berry Oaks Doodle Ranch]

Thanks all for your support!!!

[Frannie & Callie]

Rosco is adorable! I hope it all works out!!!

[Allyson, Peri & Taquito]

Rosco is soooo cute!!!! No matter what happens, I hope you get matched with a great dood from the DRC and that Guinness loves his new sibling. Keep us posted.

[The Berry Oaks Doodle Ranch]

Thanks Jane, for your response so quickly...this is exactly what I have been telling my husband. I too spend lots of my time with giving Guinness my attention and he is used to that. We were down in Sav.GA.this winter and they have alot of day care centers(which you cannot find in MD). But, one in particular we would take him to at least once or twice a week (cost was low)and he just loved it.The girls there would make over him so much,that when we pulled up to take him in,he would go crazy. He loves othr dogs,doesn't matter what size he just wants to play with them. And Jane, he does seem so bored at times,especially since we've been back to MD. This Labradoodle's name is Rosco he's 3yrs old coming from DRCrescues...we've already been told he's still available.Our application should be ready soon waiting on one more reference to come thru..should not hav a problem with that though. I read your note to HB because he is a little nervous about this,but he's already planning a road trip to Texas(that's where the shelter is). So, I guess it's stay tune for more......

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

I just noticed that Rosco is a rehome due to illness of his former owner. I think it's absolutely awesome that you're going to take him. You are experienced, loving Doodle owners which will be a big plus for Rosco as he goes through this transition. You're doing a great thing for this Doodle, and I know that he will give you many years of Doodle love in return!

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

This is very exciting news, Joyce! I think you're going to LOVE having two Doodles...I know we do. I think it was definitely a shock for Guinness at the beginning, but not necessarily in a bad way. Guinness was used to having all my attention. In spite of the fact that I spent tons of time with him, I think he was bored. We started to send him to daycare once a week, just for play time with other dogs, and that helped. But I was always worried that I just wasn't giving him enough real stimulation. The "puppy" (and I use that term loosely since he's huge) has changed that. They play very well together most of the time. They wrestle and chase each other and usually know the limits and are respectful. Once in a while they'll have a "spat" over a toy....Murphy takes them ALL away from Guinness. They usually handle that themselves as well....Guinness will just "snap" and Murph knows it's time to back off. I interfere as little as possible. Murphy did have a bit of a "stalking" behavior where he would hide and then spring out of nowhere at Guinness, sometimes growling. I don't allow that, and he now knows it. It warms my heart when I see the two of them all cuddled up together in the same bed or when they "clean each other" (so cute to watch). You haven't lived until you've seen "double zoomies"....it's the best. From the very beginning I did a few things to prevent resource guarding. I feed them together, but I sit on the floor right between them....still do. I never allowed them to go near the other's dish. They learned this very quickly. I know some recommend feeding them separately, but I really didn't need to do that. It was also a bit of a "bonding" time for us with the food. They learned quickly that I was going to be touching their dish and controlling the food. We did something interesting with the water. They both drink out of the same dish (together). I give them the water and hold the dish, and they drink together. I don't leave water down because Murphy will drink nonstop. My guys basically share all the beds in the house...we have several in different rooms. They never fight over them. They will each pick a different one, or sometimes they'll just share and sleep together. We take them out to potty separately, taking turns who goes first. If we take them together it takes them forever to go. Walking the two of them has been no problem. I really think Guinness taught Murphy how to heel, because he did it almost from the beginning. A lot of the things that used to make Guinness "nervous" no longer do. The best example is car trips. Guinness used to be very nervous in the car, now the two guys love our little road trips, and they can't wait to get into the car. I think having a "brother" really help Guinness with that. I think it's important that you establish your role as the leader right from the beginning. I'm sure your Guinness already knows that, but your new guy doesn't. I always go through the doors first. Murph and Guinness will sit and wait while I step in our out and then I let them come out together. I make their dinner, and again they both have to sit and wait for a minute or two until I put the dishes down. I'm not much of a believer in "pack mentality", but I do feel that leadership is very important. I can't tell you how excited I am for you. It's so much fun having two. I just love watching them...they're comical. It's especially funny how they lead each other "astray". This Doodle is so cute...is this the one you're definitely getting? I can't wait to hear more. Do you have a name yet?