Will mom and dad cope?

[Deb McD]

Well, we had a litter of 7 goldendoodle pups with the intention of keeping one. We had the other 6 pups sold and then someone wanted to return their puppy as their vet told them he would be a lot bigger than I had advised. This was fine - I don't think they really were prepared. Now, as I am unable to find a new home for this doodle who is now 12wks old - my mom and dad have offered to take him - but I don't know if they will cope as they haven't had a dog before.

[Kevin Poole, Penny & Ozzy]

That's good to hear. Good luck Henry in your new home!

[Deb McD]

Well, after having spent the day 2 wks ago with my parents with both our puppies - mine and their potential puppy - I came to the realization that it was going to be such a big change in their lives, that I continued my search for a new home for Henry. A good friend of mine brought over friends who were visiting as they have a 2yr old lab and were looking for a friend for their dog. Henry is going to be leaving our home on the 1st of Sept (boo hoo!! - we will really miss him) but is going to a fantastic loving home with dog experience. I feel really goot about it. He will be very much missed by his brother Charlie-Guinness and his mom Sophie, as well as the rest of our family. Mom and dad will be babysitting Charlie-Guinness and Sophie for us from time to time, and I think that will be plenty for them. I will be happy and busy enough with our 2 doodles.

[Bev and WILLY]

What was the decision on a pup for your parents? I've been going back and forth as to whether to take on another pup. Willy was soooo good, that I'm slightly brainwashed into thinking they're all that well behaved. But ~ the "puppy madness" group dispells that notion. LOL

[Lorraine Bromley]

So I saw your ad on here. Does this mean the mom and dad aren't keeping him? Did they keep him to foster him for you?

[Deb McD]

Thanks for your comment Bev and Willy - I am glad to hear from someone in my parent's age group. Are both your dogs doodles?? I know myself, I found our 1st doodle Sophie a lot of work in the first year - but I was working full time and had 3 children. Seemed like I was doing everything. I think that my dad, who really wants a dog, would be very happy to have a pet around. We are taking Henry and Charlie for a visit tomorrow to my parents - going to leave the mom at home - both puppies are very affectionate, quiet and are actually less work than I remember my first doodle was initially. But then again, they are only 13wks old......

[Bev and WILLY]

My husband and I are in our 70's and we have two dogs and would love a third. It is a lot of work, but the dogs keep you on your toes, and that's a good thing. Puppie obedience classes are a must! This could open up a whole new world for them. But be prepared if there are grandkids, they make take a second seat. LOL

[Kevin Poole, Penny & Ozzy]

Hey Clancy's mom...I think 8 weeks is just right for leaving siblings and mom. My Goldendoodle is 16 weeks old now, and we had exactly the same problem with the nipping and my arms are still healing from the 'needle' marks, seems like that's fairly normal....life is much safer now....phew!

[clancy's mom]

He was a puppy -- just 8 weeks old when we got him. In retrospect, I sometimes wonder if he was too young to be taken away from his siblings and mom. He had lots of nipping issues and we often looked like drug users from all the little teeth marks on our hands and arms. But all that has gone away -- we did do puppy class training and then a one-on-one session with a trainer.

[Deb McD]

Thanks Clancy's mom - I appreciate your advice - I live about 45min. from my parents and would certainly be a back up in case of any problems or for dog sitting if they go away. Was Clancy a new puppy when you got him? or was he almost trained?

[clancy's mom]

My husband and I are in our mid 60s and Clancy is now 2-1/2. He has calmed down considerably since he was a younger puppy, but he still has plenty of energy. We have electric fencing, so he gets some exercise that way (we have about 3/4 acre fenced in), but I also walk him every night about 2 miles. I will admit, there were times when we wondered what the heck we were doing with such an energetic pup at our age -- but he is such a lovable, sweet dog -- we wouldn't trade him for the world. We are also fortunate that if something were to change, our daughter lives nearby and has lots of interaction with Clancy and she has a golden retriever and would be willing to help if need be. So, like everyone else has said, it would really depend on your parents. We had a big dog (pt. German Shepherd, pt. St. Bernard -- a "GerBer"?) before, but hadn't had any dog for about 15 years.