Getting a Second Puppy

[Rhonda, Marabelle & Jeriki]

Hi all, So the DH and I have fallen completly in love with Marabelle as you all of course know. She is a 4 month old ALD. We have been both blown away on how much we enjoy her, and only want to inhance the experience by getting another ALD for her, and us.  So I called Barb from Gemstones, many of you know her, she is an active DK member.  Barb is who we purchased Marabelle from.  I told her that we want another pup from her next litter.  Any way Barb has asked me to be a guardian for one of her young male pups. I am sooooooo excited. I said yes of course. What this meens is, I will recieve a beautiful boy as our very own in exchange for him, to stud a few times over the next 3 years or so, when Barb needs him.  When he retires, he "officially" becomes ours. So Marabelle gets a big brother for Christmas.

Does anyone have any Heads up things I should know. You know the kind of things that make you go hmmmnnn I wish I would have known that before I brought him home.

I want Marabelle and the new brother to transition as easily as possible.

 

Rhonda

[AndySharon BoomerShaynaMariner]

.

Congratulations!!!

 

There is a group for Guardian Families

http://www.doodlekisses.com/group/guardianfamilies

It may be a good idea to join.

 

 

[Cathy C. Bennett]

Hi - Congrats, I've got two males, they are fabulous together, two years apart. The first couple of weeks were interesting (smile) but we took it slow and tried to follow "pack rules". You are welcome to visit their blog site: www.groovygoldendoodles.com to know more about their interactions.

Most of all, I doubt seriously if you will regret your decision.

Peace & Blessings

[Cyndi, The Boys & Callie]

Like you, we fell in love with our first ALD (Tank, now 7 months) and in November got another male ALD (Sully, now 4 months old).  The "playing" was a bit intense the first few days but things calmed down (a little) and I came to understand it was actually playing and not fighting. While they had to work out pack rules, they also came to understand that I had house rules and those came ahead of the pack.  They are nothing alike.  Tank never cared about shoes, papers or the corners of my cabinets.  Sully loves all three along with the leaves on my roses.  Tank wants a pat on the head and a hug, then he's off to something new.  Sully is more of a snuggler.  They are now the best of friends and play just like kids do.  They play Fox and Hound, hide from each other and have a grand time.  It is twice the food, vet bills and poop.  But getting Sully was the best thing we could have done both for us (gives Tank a playmate and they are such a joy to watch) and Tank (helps him not be so self centered and dependent on us).  Good luck.  

[Lynda Kamrath]

I take it that Marabelle has been spayed.  You would not want to have an intact male puppy around your female who has not been spayed.  Having an intact male could cause some other problems, of which I am sure you are aware.  Is Barb close enough that you can deliver him when he is needed for a few days?  Some breeders just have you take your dog to the vet and get his sperm and then inseminate the female and the dogs never meet.  It's just another thing to consider.

Personally, I like a little spread between puppies (and children).  Your puppies will be pretty close to the same age, but that can work well for you also.  Are you still working?  Or are you at home with the puppies?  Lots of things to consider as there always is when you get a new member of the family.

[Rhonda, Marabelle & Jeriki]

Hi Linda,

Oh yes she is spayed, Marabelle came home spayed, This was part of the contract of purchase as well as micro chipped etc. My Breeder thank, goodness is an honest to goodness great one. Barb only lives 20 minutes from my house, and we speak frequently.

I do work yes, however I work 2 on, 2 off, 2 on, 2 off etc. My husband does the same opposite of me, this works really well for us.  There is someone always at home each day for the kids. This has been a bonus for Marabelle, as she gets lots of attention. Her big brother (the one I am thinking about) is 9 months old she is 4 months and he is apparently pretty calm and relaxed. 

 

Thanks for your thoughts,

 

Rhonda