Boy vs. Girl

[Suzann, Rosey & Bandit]

So not to start a debate, but the comments about boy vs. girl in the other discussion got me thinking and wonder what other doodle parents experience has been.  I was told by everyone that girls were easier than boys, definately get a girl pup etc when we were looking for our first.  And in fact most litters only had boys left.  When we went to get Rosey one of her brothers was still there and I was leaning towards him but my husband adamant was that we take the girl.  Then months went by and I craved another for Rosey to have a playmate.  From my earlier post, I was originally going to get a girl, but a last minute email from our trainer about the mixed/same sex relationships completely changed my mind.  And along came Bandit, who is by far an easier puppy.  Not that I don't love Rosey but Bandit was easier to train, minds his mama better, will potty on command, doesn't bark, is so much more calm overall.  He just doesn't need to get caught up in the small stuff!!  again, just curious what others experience is...

[Lynda Kamrath]

I think the second puppy is always easier because the older dog will train him for you. That has been our experience anyway. We have not had to do much training with out last three dogs because the older dog took over. Doesn't seem to matter if it is a male or female doing the training. When our shepherd (female) died about seven years ago, our poodle was devastated and cried until he lost his voice. He was noticably depressed and had never spent a day alone in his life. I got a labradoodle puppy for him and he was delighted with the puppy. Took over the training and adored his puppy. When the poodle was on his last legs, I got another puppy (a goldendoodle) for the labradoodle and the same thing happened. Now we will always have two dogs. They also need their companionship (especially if the family is away from home during the day).

[Adina P]

I hear a lot of people saying the "older dog trains the puppy" but I honestly don't understand it. Yes the puppy can learn things about life in your home...perhaps even WHERE to potty, etc. But I can't imagine how another dog can EVER train a puppy to a high level of obedience. Cass was the first dog in my life that was well trained (not by me, but by Clark...YEARS before Rosco or Thule came along). Her impeccable obedience did NOTHING to help Thule or Rosco obey reliably. Their obedience was in direct proportion to the work we put into training--totally unrelated to Cass' guidance. Then I trained Rosco to a moderate level...still had NO bearing on Thule's obedience.

I'd be curious to know examples of how other dogs have trained the new/younger dogs...because I haven't seen it and can't envision how this would work.

[F, Calla & Luca]

I think people are talking about simpler things like where to potty. But for the short while I was still going to classes after I got Calla, a few times we had both dogs tethered together and she did get to learn to come when called etc. because she necessarily followed along with him.

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

In my case, I would not use the word train, but Vern has definitely learned both good and bad behavior from Fudge. The main thing I noticed is that we did not go through the puppy biting stage with the second as I think he saved that all for Fudge. Sorry Fudge...but survival of the fittest around here:) In the beginning, Vern was not interested in the cat, but Fudge has been since day one. Fudge gets nutty around the cat and Vern has definitely picked up on that vibe. Same with leash walking. Vern is much calmer, but if Fudge gets excited around a squirrel, etc. Vern, who usually on his own could not care less, gets going too.

Also, when we went swimming recently, Vern was very hesitant to go in the water. Fudge charged right in and soon, Vern followed her. This is just an example of how I think Vern learns from Fudge and in my case, I noticed he is much braver when she is around. Does he stop digging because Fudge does not...NO! Does he retrieve the ball and drop it because Fudge does...nope.

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

I don't see it as training really...it's more about "copying". Murphy often wll "copy" what Guinness is doing. Because Guinness was pretty well trained at the point that we got Murph, when he "copied" his bother he was repeating an appropriate response to a command. If I said "come", Guinness would run toward me, and Murphy followed. I think he eventually associated the word with the behavior. I always made Guinness sit and wait for his meals. Again, Murph would see his brother doing this, and so he did the same thing. It works the same way for the "naughty" behaviors too....e.g. barking.

[Suzann, Rosey & Bandit]

Yes, I would agree with the whole copying thing. Bandit has copied good and bad behaviors. I wish Rosey would copy Bandit sometimes:) But it is funny stuff they copy, if Rosey shakes (like when she is wet) Bandit will do it too even if he is totally dry.

[Lynda Kamrath]

Maybe it is really about Hondo's personality. Bruno (poodle) adopted Hondo as his baby and was with him constantly. Bruno was such an elegant old man, and Hondo copied him. Never a problem with house training or responding to directions. Then Hondo trained Groucho Too (maybe G.T. just copied his behavior) and again we had two great dogs. It might have more to do with Hondo come to think of it. G.T. is the dominant dog and that was apparent from the start. Hondo is just so well natured that he has never needed to dominate any other dog but he will get between dogs who are arguing about anything. He does that at the dog park or wherever he may be. His 100 lbs. seems to work for him well with being a peace keeper.

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

My dil's whippets - older male. He was/is far easier than the girl princess pup who walks all over all of the boy cousin dogs and they let her!

[Adina P]

Rosco was an easier dog to train than our late great Thule. Thule was far higher in energy, busier in general, and she really had to think something was HER idea in order to want to do it. Rosco on the other hand was smart enough...but not tooooo terribly bright, seemed to be okay with what he was told and has been generally more chill about life.

[Carla, Lucca and Izzy]

When getting another puppy...Lucca (he) will be 2 by the time we get our puppy. Any thoughts on another boy or a girl this go round? I don't have any feelings either way. I am just wondering if it makes a difference. Lucca is definitely alpha male in this household, even with our 8 year old male Golden.

As to Bandit vs Rosey....Lucca is probably more like Rosey:) ...could it just be the 2nd dog is easier be it male or female!!!

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

I was told the opposite from most of the breeders I talked with...that boys are easier. At least two told me the girls tend to single one person out of the family as their favorite, but the boys like everyone. Not sure if this is true, but it is what they said. Anyway, of course I got a girl dog first :) For our second dog, we got a boy and he is my first male dog. Like you, I found him to be the easiest puppy I have ever had. He wants to please you, make you happy, and is just a joy to have around. I love Fudge, our female, but I am glad I got her first and not the other way around, or I would wonder why she is not as calm as Vern. They are exactly the right combination for me and I LOVE having two dogs.

[Sherree]

I have 2 doodles. Mr.Pierre is 11mo older than Miss Piper (2.5 and 1.5 yrs) I agree with the idea that the older dog teaches the younger only in the idea of comming when called, where to potty, some of the "pack" behavoirs. As far as haveing 2 and to have M or F. Wow, my husband had to have a male and it had to be a spring puppy. So Pierre, male not a spring puppy. He has been VERY easy. He hunts his obedience is top notch and he is wonderful with Piper. Piper is much high strung than her brother. She got up on the funiture within 3 hours of being home!!! She to has hunted and has top notch obedience but has come much harder and slower for her. I love them both and would ALWAYS have 2