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.

[Deb McD]

I'm thinking I might let my mom and dad trial Henry for a few days - just a trial. And they will at least have an idea of what they would be committing to. Both are very physically and mentally active - walk daily and in good health.

[F, Calla & Luca]

I got my own dogs now because in part I realized I might not be able to handle them as puppies later on when I fully retire. But even so when I got the second dog I tried to get an older puppy and she was 17 weeks when I got her. Now she is 6 months and potty trained and it is certainly easier. Maybe you could hold onto Henry for a little while for your parents and start training.Also I use prong collars which makes walking the dogs much easier and they have no complaints. I did tell my son that I would leave some money for them if anything should happen to me; so that a family member could care for them. Someone might need a different living arrangement, etc. in that case.

[Sue, Murphy and Bella ()*o*()]

Thats really a hard one Deb, because my parents are 75ish, and even tho they are independent, drive, go out to dinner and shopping, and walk about a mile a day, my concerns would be with them having a puppy underfoot. It only takes one trip over a puppy to break a hip. I know that's true for any of us, but at thier age it's much more of a medical event than say for someone in 50-60's.
And when I think of a big dog pulling on them in the next year....yicks. I'm pretty strong and healthy and my 45 pound 7 month old keeps me on my toes and using a lot of strength to control. On the other hand, if they enjoy getting outdoors and walking and would benefit from the time spent exercising a doodle, then great.
I would go with my instincts and you know the situation best. Just sharing my humble opinion.

[Adina P]

Exactly why the ones with true allergies can only be guaranteed a 'hypo-allergenic' dog (no dog is TRULY hypo-allergenic...but you know what I mean) after a test drive. Snuggle test, doggy licking skin test, ruffling hair test...spending time with dog test. Then that person would know if they were allergic or not.

[Stella]

I am beginning to think that shedding isn't always the thing that affects allergies. I have two labradoodles. My older one (an F1) has a straighter more labbish coat and sheds - he hardly affects my allergies at all. The puppy is a multigen, has a curly coat and dopes not shed. If I brush him I am sneezing for hours afterwards!

Doodles are loving but very high energy dogs. Do you think your parents could cope with the exercise requirements? Do you live close enough to help them out if they need it? Especially in the dreaded "teenage" phase!!

[Adina P]

The only way to know if this pup will affect their allergies is if they come to spend time with him...pet him...let him lick them, etc. Otherwise even with an F1b there is no guarantee.

As to their ages...every person is different. Some people at 60 can't handle a dog whereas others can do fine at a much much later age. But one thing to keep in mind is that this dog, if all goes well, could live 12-15 years. Can your mom handle a large breed elderly dog when she is 81 and your father 90? Are you prepared to take him back at any age in case he is too much for them? Can it be hard on the dog to be bounced around if it comes to that? Not knowing your parents personally it is hard for us to judge...but these are just more questions to consider.

[Deb McD]

Thanks for your tips. My mom is 69 and my dad is 78. When we had the puppies - my dad was very interested in having one of them. And it happens to be the one that I had returned. I don't know - it might be fate. I think my mom's hesitation is that my sister lives out of town with her family and both she and her dtr have allergies to dogs. Now, the puppy, who we call Henry, is curly coat and FB1 doodle so likelihood of him being shedding is much less.

[Adina P]

Do they REALLY want him or just trying to 'help' because if they are just trying to help I'd say hang on to him until you DO find him a home. Otherwise he'll be a rehome in the making once he hits his teenage period. I would get advice from other breeders in our Breeder's group though. Finding homes for pups really is a discussion for the Goldendoodles Puppies for Sale group (post an ad there) or for the Breeder's group (talk to other breeder's about what they would do in your situation). Or treat your mom and dad as strangers and have them fill out your questionnaire that you use to screen buyers and make sure each pup goes to the RIGHT home. If they pass your interview/questionnaire then let them have the pup. If not, he's yours to keep until the right home comes along.

[Leigh & Allie]

I think it is important to keep in mind that a dog can be a great thing for an older person. The puppy will keep them active. My mother-in-law got a dog for my father-in-law just because his doctor said it would be good for his health. Now my dad is 91 and he definitely does not need a dog. I think it all depends on if they can care for themselves then they can care for a puppy. Think of the joy it will bring into their lives as well.

[Eileen Ross and Cody]

How old are your folks. My husband and I are in our 60s and cope just fine. We did have a dog in the past. We also went for training. Our Cody gets lot of exercise so he is pretty good most days