I want another puppy & DH is saying no

[Jane, Rooney & Stuart]

and he just adores Rooney.  Takes him to go potty & for walks & we go to the puppy park together.  But he thinks one dog is enough - I'm thinking Rooney would be happier to have a little playmate.  I always thought that Rooney would be an only doodle but now I want another.  Rooney will be 4 months on 12/17 - is it too soon?  I realize that another one would be very expensive but what the dog - I don't want to take it with me.

[Lauria Orr]

My DH felt the same way. We can run with Melody and play with her, but I felt she needed a little more. We just got Morgan a week ago at 3 months old, and Melody is 14 months old. She is adjusting but I think it would have been ideal if we had gotten Morgan a little earlier, as she is used to just us and seems annoyed with Morgan at times. At other times they race like the wind and wrestle, tails flying. I think it is good to have a pal. When I took Melody back to the breeder's,where we had gotten her, and were possibly selecting another Doodle, Melody went nuts, running and chasing with the other dogs. No matter how we try, we don't speak dog! She LOVED that. We had 2 dogs before and they were great company for each other. My husband reconsidered after watching Melody with the other dogs. I know he believes this was the right choice. In the past, I had one dog and when she was 7 months old, I got the other. That worked out very well. A girlfriend of mine got 2 Doodles at the same time this past summer and was REALLY glad she did. They bonded right off the bat.

[Deb, Connor & Simon]

I'm sure everyone has a different opinion on this, but here's mine for what it's worth :-)
Wait. Rooney has not even started into adolescence yet. I would get Rooney through all of his obedience training and into more adult thinking. I got Simon when Connor had just turned two. Connor was totally confident with us, so there was no sib rivalry from him. He was old enough to understand things like "gentle," "settle," "leave it," etc so he was a help with the puppy, not a double headache. Connor is now almost 3 1/2, Simon just turned 18 months and they are like two doodles in a pod. By Connor knowing all his commands, he has helped Simon learn his. My doodle boys are GREAT together and I'm glad I waited until Connor was a little more mature. :-)

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

I completely agree with this. Guinness was pretty much through his training when we got Murphy. I think it would be very difficult to train two at the same time (especially if one is feisty). Guinness was just about one year old when we got his "baby brother". They play and are very bonded, so that age difference is no problem.

[Allyson, Peri & Taquito]

Yes yes yes! I would wait! Peri was terrible (still loved her!) around 6 months until she was a year. She was just trouble trouble. Now that Peri is pretty well trained, calmer and will be 2 in April, I would consider another doodle now.....it would be good timing....
Just my 2 cents :)

[Helen]

I would wait until your current pup is at least 18-24 months. I was told many years ago by a lab breeder that most large breeds mature around 2 years and with a second dog they won't mature until they are around 4 years.

[Lynda Kamrath]

I think I would agree with your DH. Rooney is still a puppy and needs his childhood before he starts helping with a new sibling. I may be coming from a personal point of view as my sister was one year younger than me and we were always in competition with each other. My personal view is that 3 - 5 years difference is best for children and at least 1 year for dogs. Our dogs are about 3 years apart and were very involved with their younger siblings. I did not need to train the younger dogs because the older dog did the training. That being said, it is definitely best for the dogs to have a friend especially for them.

[Jane, Rooney & Stuart]

I think you are all correct - it is too soon but by the time this litter would be born and come home, Rooney would be 8 months old pushing on 9 months. If we want one of those puppies we have to decide now. Hmmmm, have to work on DH. ;)

[Lindsey, Lee, Whopper and Simba]

I agree with the others in regards to waiting until Rooney is a little bit older. We added our second when Whopper had just turned two. They play like crazy and both still have loads of energy, but at least we can rely on Whopper to listen (most of the time) and are not dealing with two dogs going through the adolescent phases, stealing things, testing boundaries etc. Simba learns a great deal from Whopper as well! You may also find that Rooney's personality will change as he matures which could impact the temperament you choose with the second.

[Ann Kendig]

Sheba and Duke are about 3 months apart in age. I got Sheba in Feb. 2009 and Duke in May 2009. I'm glad that I got them when I did. They pretty much grew up together and they get along great, I'm lucky in that respect. Sheba is more laid back and is the alpha, but she lets Duke think he's in charge. : ) I love the fact that they can play together and burn up some of that doodle energy. I am a stay at home doodle mom so I could devote loads of time to them. It took A LOT of work and obedience classes to get them to where they are today. Would I have 2 puppies at the same time if I worked, even part time, probably not. My hubby didn't want one dog, let alone two. He finally gave in and he let me get Sheba for my birthday present. I asked him shortly after I got Sheba how he would have felt if I brought home 2 dogs that day. He said, "Well, I guess we would have 2 dogs." I called the breeder back right away to see if she had any of Sheba's litter mates left, she didn't. So, I started looking for another dog. Hubby didn't say no and he knew I was looking so... along came Duke. Do you have the time to devote to two dogs? Can you financially provide for 2 dogs? (Mine BOTH receive allergy shots and it is expensive!) Mentally, can you deal with 2 high energy dogs at the same time? What will you do if they don't get along? There are sooo many questions you need to ask yourself. I'm glad you are asking this question here on DK but ultimately it is your (and hubby's) decision. I truly don't know if it would be better to wait or get another dog now. I know it worked for me but it may not for someone else. Good luck with your decision, Jane, and good luck getting your husband to agree! : )

[Suzann, Rosey & Bandit]

I got Bandit when Rosey was 7months old and it worked out really well. they are 5 months apart in age. Rosey has a ton of energy and she just loves loves loves playing with other dogs. I felt like I had to get another for her to play with full time. It was the best decision I ever made. We could not keep her entertained and occupied like Bandit does. I work full time so it's nice they have each other at home, but it is more expensive, daycare, vet bills, food, is all twice as much.

[Lauria Orr]

I have one more thing to add. When I spoke with the trainers about having 2 Doodles who needed training, that I wanted to start classes with, she thought that was just fine, as long as both of us came to the lessons. That way each dog had a "handler".

[Ann Kendig]

I was glad that it worked out that my husband and I could both go to the classes together with the dogs. It was a great bonding experience for all of us! We took turns every other class handling each dog so they get used to both of us working with them. Our trainer said we could have probably skipped the basic obedience and went straight for the CGC because Sheba and Duke were ready for the training for the CGC. I'm glad we did the basic obedience though. Every little bit helps!