Labradoodle & Goldendoodle Forum
Nobody Gets a Puppy When They Have a 7 Month Old Baby...Riiiiiiiight???
Where to begin?
Since losing two of our three wonderful dogs earlier this year, we've thought and talked and pondered the idea of adding another doodle. I've looked and looked at possible breeders...hoping for a chocolate or black F1 (or F1 looking) pup.
I started communicating with a few breeders...with the intention of a possible pup NEXT year. 2011. We were/are looking at one breeder more seriously.... That same breeder has a litter on the ground NOW, ready for the end of July.
So then we thought...well...maybe THIS summer might be better. Who wants to potty train in the winter when you can do it in nice weather? So I collected some opinions and then decided ... no. Why ruin a good thing? There's a baby who will crawl soon that's like a puppy or two in herself. And there's Rosco who is the lowest maintenance dog I can imagine...well behaved, easy-going, loving and settled. Done deal. No puppy. And so I've told myself and others over and over and over again.
But of course...I still looked. And since I was considering this breeder...I still had to visit her home, right? I still had to meet the parents of the 'future' litter and see how puppies live, etc. That's where I went today. My evil husband told me "and if you bring one home, that's okay" (here everyone is trying to convince their husbands to let them get another dood...and mine is trying to ruin my resolve to NOT get one).
Natalie and I paid a visit to a 5 week old litter of reds, apricots, and creams. I flexed my "puppy-resistance" muscles, took my anti-puppy supplement, packed up Natalie and drove 2 hours.
And all was fine. I didn't feel like I *HAD* to leave with one...but there were some cuuuute ones! And in showing Clark the photos we got to talking more about what it would take to make bringing home a puppy this summer WORK.
Here's where we're at though...while there is no 'hurry' here's my dilemma(s) and some positives:
-- Rosco is a big dog...big dogs don't usually last for 15+ years. Since we want to get a second dog while he's around...if we wait too long, we're worried he'll be too old to like the puppy and it will mostly be a nuisance to him, rather than a friend. Clark thinks he waited too long in Cass' life to add Thule. Cass was 10 and she really didn't ever play with Thule or interact with her, except competitively. It didn't brighten her day, anyway.
-- Natalie is 7 months old. She'll crawl soon. And yet...we want more kids...and if we waited till all our potential babies were 5 years old...it will be awhile and we might be down to a one dog house again. We WANT two dogs of different ages. Not that this can be always planned precisely, but it's something to think about. It might be better to get the pup now because by the time any future kids come along...it will be surely done potty training and out of nipping stage and more or less have basic manners and obedience down pat. Yes it will take more time to train while I have a babe under 1 year old...but it would take even MORE time with several kiddos around, right?
-- Here I am, an admin of a big doodle site. I don't want to set a 'bad' example...so I feel some pressure.
-- The area that is now our 'mud room' is a great spot for gating off puppy. It is right next to the back door and perfect for confinement away from Natalie and a safe place to slowly acclimate puppy to our home. We have baby gates and crates and expens...it can't be too hard to make it work.
-- Socialization seems relatively a non-issue. I can take puppy many safe places while Natalie is in a front pack that I wear or in her stroller...both able to experience the world.
I'm not a 'newbie' dog owner...so I have a decent skill set at dog care. Am I crazy? One adviser told me essentially "sure you could do it, and do it well...but WHY?" And I don't have an answer other than I kinda want to! And it kind of scares me.
So help me out friends! I don't want puppy cheerleaders giving me the "rah rah rah...get a puppy!" I want sincere, thought-out, advice. Help me sort this out. To get a puppy or not to get a puppy!?
Since losing two of our three wonderful dogs earlier this year, we've thought and talked and pondered the idea of adding another doodle. I've looked and looked at possible breeders...hoping for a chocolate or black F1 (or F1 looking) pup.
I started communicating with a few breeders...with the intention of a possible pup NEXT year. 2011. We were/are looking at one breeder more seriously.... That same breeder has a litter on the ground NOW, ready for the end of July.
So then we thought...well...maybe THIS summer might be better. Who wants to potty train in the winter when you can do it in nice weather? So I collected some opinions and then decided ... no. Why ruin a good thing? There's a baby who will crawl soon that's like a puppy or two in herself. And there's Rosco who is the lowest maintenance dog I can imagine...well behaved, easy-going, loving and settled. Done deal. No puppy. And so I've told myself and others over and over and over again.
But of course...I still looked. And since I was considering this breeder...I still had to visit her home, right? I still had to meet the parents of the 'future' litter and see how puppies live, etc. That's where I went today. My evil husband told me "and if you bring one home, that's okay" (here everyone is trying to convince their husbands to let them get another dood...and mine is trying to ruin my resolve to NOT get one).
Natalie and I paid a visit to a 5 week old litter of reds, apricots, and creams. I flexed my "puppy-resistance" muscles, took my anti-puppy supplement, packed up Natalie and drove 2 hours.
And all was fine. I didn't feel like I *HAD* to leave with one...but there were some cuuuute ones! And in showing Clark the photos we got to talking more about what it would take to make bringing home a puppy this summer WORK.
Here's where we're at though...while there is no 'hurry' here's my dilemma(s) and some positives:
-- Rosco is a big dog...big dogs don't usually last for 15+ years. Since we want to get a second dog while he's around...if we wait too long, we're worried he'll be too old to like the puppy and it will mostly be a nuisance to him, rather than a friend. Clark thinks he waited too long in Cass' life to add Thule. Cass was 10 and she really didn't ever play with Thule or interact with her, except competitively. It didn't brighten her day, anyway.
-- Natalie is 7 months old. She'll crawl soon. And yet...we want more kids...and if we waited till all our potential babies were 5 years old...it will be awhile and we might be down to a one dog house again. We WANT two dogs of different ages. Not that this can be always planned precisely, but it's something to think about. It might be better to get the pup now because by the time any future kids come along...it will be surely done potty training and out of nipping stage and more or less have basic manners and obedience down pat. Yes it will take more time to train while I have a babe under 1 year old...but it would take even MORE time with several kiddos around, right?
-- Here I am, an admin of a big doodle site. I don't want to set a 'bad' example...so I feel some pressure.
-- The area that is now our 'mud room' is a great spot for gating off puppy. It is right next to the back door and perfect for confinement away from Natalie and a safe place to slowly acclimate puppy to our home. We have baby gates and crates and expens...it can't be too hard to make it work.
-- Socialization seems relatively a non-issue. I can take puppy many safe places while Natalie is in a front pack that I wear or in her stroller...both able to experience the world.
I'm not a 'newbie' dog owner...so I have a decent skill set at dog care. Am I crazy? One adviser told me essentially "sure you could do it, and do it well...but WHY?" And I don't have an answer other than I kinda want to! And it kind of scares me.
So help me out friends! I don't want puppy cheerleaders giving me the "rah rah rah...get a puppy!" I want sincere, thought-out, advice. Help me sort this out. To get a puppy or not to get a puppy!?
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Joanne ~ Spud* on
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Yeah --You New Yorker's want him bad. I worked his event today... ehhhhh. He had a NY Cap on... if this is any hint. He is from my home town.
I think the puppy thing is more exciting. Oh if my neighbors only knew they would disown me.
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Permalink Reply by Nancie & Gracie Doodle on
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Hi Adina...my husband and I waited 6 years to have our first baby. It was always "when my husband makes enough money and I can quit my job and be a stay at home mom". Well, we had it all planned out and I quit my job one month before our son was born. Six months later my husband lost his job! We recovered just fine and then wanted to buy a house with a yard for our son to play in and were making plans to have a second baby. The price limit we set for our house was very unrealistic. We ended up with a house that was $30,000.00 over our limit...pros/cons...we bought it and are still in it 35 years later. I postponed the second baby by 6 months because we were moving into the house and I didn't want to lift heavy furniture, paint and do all that stuff. Everything was always based around "when we can afford it"...if we had listened to those "cons" we never would have had our children nor our house. Some way you always manage to afford it and I think having another puppy with a crawling baby and a future second baby is a natural thing to do. Clark is awesome with dogs...I witnessed that when you were at Bev and Willy's house. With the baby gates and a game plan for training I think it would all turn out just fine. We have new puppies on our street right now and it is amazing how the older dog in the family does sort of train the pup. After 40 years of marriage I have learned that if the "heart says yes" then listen. I know your heart is saying "do it"...just "go get it done"!!!!
If you feel like a road trip or a flight down to San Diego, my breeder has a black momma who's litters have been half black and half apricot/golden. She does NOT ship. She has four children ages 10 down to 1yr and all the kids are in the whelping box when the babies are born. The pups are handled by all the kids and are in the house with them...not out in a cage or kennel. These puppies are so comfortable around kids. I have three friends who have Doodles from her and they are all really good Doodles.
Nancie and Gracie Doodle
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Permalink Reply by Allyson, Peri & Taquito on
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Nancie I think your insight is right on the money. I am always thinking "when x happens, then I will do x". Sometimes you just can't wait on things and NOTHING is ever perfect in life. Your advice is something I probably need to take to heart - it is inspiring for us younger DKers to hear. Thx for sharing.
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Permalink Reply by Nancy & Bisbee on
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I have been reading, smiling and remembering. Time and years go by so quickly, never a right time, always saving for the special something at just the right time, well, I think your mind is already made up, don't wait. And about getting that black or chocolate pup...I wanted a chocolate girl and came home with a black boy pup! Chemistry... you just know. Someone else said it, the pup will pick you! Plus, I read your profile and in your own words....
"Clark later added Thule to his pack shortly before I got Rosco and let me tell you at first having 3 dogs to take
care of when he was away now and then was a nightmare. It seemed impossible to manage so many canines and
all the dirt and mess that followed them.
But now? It's a breeze! I LOVE multiple dogs"
Canines/babies .... you're a natural. Go for it....the 3rd doodle will be the BIG decision. All the best to you and your family, furry ones too. We all will be watching :o)
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Permalink Reply by Teri on
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I have one doodle, Gordon who is 2. I would love another one, and I will get one as soon as I get out of this apartment and get a house with a yard. My plan is to have a baby and get a puppy while I am on mat leave. I work full time as a nurse in the ER. I think the reason my pup is so awesome and was so easy to train is because of the fact that my boyfriend was unemployed when we got him and he was never alone for long periods of time. I plan to have a baby and when the baby is about 6 months old get another dog! Call me crazy, but I think being home for a year is a great time to get another pup.
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Permalink Reply by Adina P on
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I think you and the other gal who mentioned a year of maternity leave must live in Canada. We only get 12 weeks here so I've been back to work for over 3 months!
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Permalink Reply by Sue, Murphy and Bella ()*o*() on
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Adina,
WHENEVER you get another puppy will be the RIGHT TIME. Because there is no PERFECT TIME for anything in life. There are ALWAYS going to be other factors or other reasons, or other expenses or other commitments. Only you know your limits, not any of us. You need to "TRUST'. If not yourself or your decision making abilities, then in the universe putting you and Clark and Natalie on a path to find, or not find a puppy that is right for you, and at the right time. It will happen if it's meant to irregardless of the timing. A rescue, a lost doodle at your door step (okay, not likely), a breeder mentions a litter, etc. At this point, I like the coin idea. However, I have always let the coin drop, check it and make my decision depending on my initial feeling when seeing the results. Heads=a puppy, Tails=no puppy.....I toss, I check, AWW MAN, it's tails, DARN IT! Then I have my answer. Or, Phew....it's tails....THANK GOD, I'm so glad.....Then I have my answer......As a matter of fact...I think I will go do that right now...trying to decide on a second myself.
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Permalink Reply by 3vhuvmrs0mqxx on
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Since it is a Doodle you are considering I would say GO AHEAD! I have two and they have been the easiest creatures to train! They love our grandchildren, our Guinea Fowl, our horses, our cats and even a little finch who flies around inside our house! They have made the life of our 20 plus-year-old terrier mix new again. They play with him gently (although loudly) and he now acts like a puppy himself. They are not destructive, they potty train by almost just thinking about it! These dogs are so close to human they train themselves. I have a Labradoodle and a Goldendoodle and they are the most amazing family members anyone could wish for. If I were you I wouldn't hesitate for a second. And if your breeder is anything like our breeder she handpicked the puppies that were perfect for us. My list was: non-hyperactive, low energy, very sociable with man and beast, and somewhat self entertaining. I didn't even care what they looked like, I just wanted personalities that would fit our lifestyle. As puppies they never chewed anything up and they never peed in our house! Amazing! I will forever only have Doodles in my life. So go for it, because there is no WRONG time to bring a Doodle into the family. LuAnn
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Permalink Reply by JoAn Ellsworth on
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Sorry I am a puppy cheerleader... and you've already decided that this is a perfect time anyway... puppy wins. .... And we will have new puppies in Aug.
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Adina,
You are sooo funny. the Dood ALREADY has a home...YOURS!
I raised three kids with 11 dogs. Our kids teethed on dog ears (and milkbones).
It doesn't hurt either puppy or child to grow together. Child thinks pup is another toddler, puppy just hinks baby is one of the "pack:.
Yes, my daughter did pop an errant accidental turd, in her mouth ONCE! Yes our German Sheperd DID have some missing fur on one ear, for a few months, all three childrens' bottoms hit the floor on a "sit" command!.
We did have that one day where a 200 lb Newfie sat on a 35 pound child and almost made said child "Paul the dead son".
However, once again, all survived and flourished!
Our dogs were devoted, to the children, and the children learned gentleness , patience and loyalty from the best teachers.
I say, if DH is for another puppy, go for it.
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Permalink Reply by Maryann,Roo and Tigger on
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Oh for heavens sake, Get A Puppy! For all of the reasons you listed and more. You and your DH (that is important) are both experienced and capable "dog" people. If you are thinking about it and then driving with Natalie to see the puppies, you are ready. There are lots of reasons to not get a puppy now and lots of reasons to get one now. I am "older" and not necessarily wiser, but there are some things life teaches you. Life is not a science experiment, it is not repeatable. You only get one chance, make the most of it. There is never a "perfect" time to do anything.
You know about raising a puppy, you are learning about raising a child, you even planted a planter in your front yard. You are at the time of your life that is perfect for babies and puppies, as many of each as you both want.
Let us know what color and name.
Hugs Maryann
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