Put it to me straight: Is a puppy from a breeder my only option?

[Kelly Henley]

My husband and I both grew up with dogs, but we are currently looking for our first dog as a couple.  We have 3 boys, 10, 7, and 1.  Is there any way for us to get a doodle?  We would be happy to adopt one, but the age restrictions always preclude us.  Is the only way to get one via a breeder?  We don't especially desire the "puppy" experience.  Also, my husband has puppy sticker shock.  Thoughts?

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

And even with a puppy from a reputable breeder, you still must have insurance. There are all kinds of health issues for which there is no genetic testing, as well as accidents that can occur. I once had a $400 ER bill for torn paw pads.

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

Kelly, Not to confuse you further...LOL...but I wrote this blog a little while ago and you might want to read it. We have a dog trainer that actually helps people go to the local SPCA and evaluate the dogs, etc. and what might be a good fit for your family. Maybe that would be another option. Our first dog was a Lab, no papers, and we were clueless and ended up with a wonderful dog. Our kids were 10 and 8 when I finally gave in to them and let them get that dog. They loved her, but I did all the work....all the work and she really was my dog and as their lives got busier, it was me who had to worry about getting home to let our dog out, running her to the vet, etc.  I love my two Doodles, but they are expensive. I do not groom them, so I pay about every 6 weeks for them to be groomed....$120.00 total. I walk my two twice a day in every kind of weather. My one youngest Doodle is very busy..he takes cat naps and then is raring to go. My oldest likes her naps better. They are active dogs and need training. Good luck, but I would make sure both of you are prepared for the expense, time, training, and life long commitment that goes into any dog. I really hope you find a wonderful dog!!

http://www.doodlekisses.com/profiles/blogs/wanted-perfect-doodle

[Moe]

I tried for 6mo to adopt a doodle. There are doodles on petfinder from a rescue near me for more than a year that were not available when we were looking. I think they just keep the doodles on there so people will go in and fall in love with another dog. The doodle rescue groups turned us down because our yard is not completely fenced according to their standard. We have a retaining wall that abuts the fence that is only 5ft. They require a 6ft fence. I gave up, bit the bullet and purchased a doodle. Best thing I ever did. My kids are older but she is very gentle with my nieces ages 1, 3 and 5.

[Shannon and Finn]

I will also say that even though I have always had a dog, we hadn't had a puppy and kids. I decided to foster puppies as a way to test the waters. I wasn't sure how the kids would be with a puppy after the first few days and I wanted to see if it would be too stressful for me potty training, training, night time waking etc. turns out we are naturals and enjoyed it immensely. That's when we knew we were ready and felt confident. I work from home and my son is in school all day. I don't feel overwhelmed and have plenty of time for training during nap time and when my husband gets home from work. We have a fully fenced yard as well and can play all day, except Finn isn't a crazy puppy, he is pretty laid back and generally curious. Except when he pulls toilet paper through the house and yard when I forget to close the bathroom door! I gate off the house and close doors to manage the stress and keep a close eye on him. This isn't your first rodeo and you have raised 3 boys so I am pretty sure you are "worthy"of a doodle! Keep contacting rescues and think about fostering to up your street credit with the rescues! I found having kids and experience made us pretty desirable to rescues and breeders but you have to build their confidence that the dog will be well cared for. We weren't looking for a new toy, we wanted a new family member and were passionate about it.

[Kelly Henley]

"doodworthy." LOL

[Ron Carnes]

I tried to resue but not much available unless I was willing to travel a long distance. It is my experience to choose a breeder that breeds for temperment.

[Linda, Webber and Seda]

I have two ALD's.  The first one was full of energy so I put him in training and kept him there until he was a TDI therapy dog.  He became calmer as he matured and is now over 4 and very chill in the house.  The second one was mellow from the beginning.  She has had no formal class training, only what I have taught her.  I groom both of them myself.  They have annual health exams and monthly heartworm and tick and flea prevention but I can manage on a fixed income.  Both dogs are from breeders and were $2500.00, the going rate.  It has not been hard.  The BIG difference here is that I am a retired senior citizen and the doodles are what I do.  With three children and a job, having two dogs would be like having two more children under a year, one of them with ADD.  They are the best breed in the world and they don't come calm and adorable.  That is the raising them part.  I wish you the best of luck in finding a raising a doodle.  It is a rewarding experience.

[Allyson, Peri & Taquito]

The link Karen posted in here (a ways back) for the DRC "Doodles in Need" - that list other shelter doods that are probably not in immediate danger of needing the DRC to step in - that would be a great place to find one.  I wish you the best of luck in whatever you decide.  And I know what you are talking about with the problems getting a doodle with kids. Husband and I have already talked about what we will do in 5 or so years when we are wanting another doodle for the family.  I told him we would probably have to go the puppy route again because of age restrictions with adoption agencies.  Or we can try the shelter route.  GOOD LUCK.

[Lynda Kamrath]

I'm glad you are really thinking about pet ownership and how a doodle will fit in with your growing family.  The 7 and 10-year-old will be delighted to have a puppy and can help with puppy care and exercise right from the start.  The 1-yr-old may take a little more consideration.

Keep checking out everything and your husband should be happy that you are working so hard on making the right choice for your family.  Just take your time and the right puppy will come along. 

My last puppy was an over-aged pup from a breeder.  Most puppies have their forever homes between 8 and 12 weeks and my puppy was over that age so I got him for a very good price.  IDOG referred me to this breeder and I was not too particular but wanted a smaller dog because my other two were very large (105 and 90 pounds).  A little older dog does come with a lot of the practical stuff (spay, shots, chips, etc.) already taken care of.  You can put in applications or talk to the IDOG and DRC people and tell them just what you are looking for in a family pet.  You may find an appropriate pup that has been turned in to these very caring organizations and will fit your needs.

My recommendation is continue doing exactly what you have been doing.  Be open, maybe even fostering may be an option for you with a little older dog who is good with children.  That might be a good way for your older boys to see what is involved in caring for a dog.

[Amy, Cubbie & Ollie]

Lynda, DRC does not adopt out to families with young children.

[Traci -Bexter & Maggie]

I got my first doodle (Bexter) from a breeder, so he was expensive.  I got my second doodle (Maggie) from a breeder as a GUARDIAN, so she was FREE.  If you are worried about the initial expense of the purchase, this may be a great way to go for you.  However, of course, toys, food, grooming, etc. cost money.  I also have pet insurance, which is a cost, but I'm hoping that if anything ever happens with my doods, it will come in handy!  I had a dog (miniature dashchund) BEFORE kids. She had to be put down when the kids were very small.  Then, we were dogless for a while.  Then, I got the doodles obviously AFTER the kids.  From my personal experience, I love having the kids FIRST.  I have found that a lot of the time it seems that people who have dogs, when they have kids later, the dogs get pushed to the side & it is hard for them because they are used to having the full attention.  They tend to compete with the kids for the attention/affection/pecking order, etc.  They aren't used to kids around their food, etc.  If you have the KIDS FIRST, I think it is better because the dog will know right away where they fall in the pecking order (last).  I absolutely love it!  Now, my youngest is 6 and yours is 1 so you may still have a hard road ahead, but I think the dogs that grow up with the kids are more tolerant than those who get the kids later.  This is just my experience!  Doodles are awesome dogs!  Just be prepared for grooming (depending on the coat they end up having, it could be a lot or a LOT LOT).  Also, be prepared for training.  Just because they are smart and typically good-natured, doesn't mean they are already trained at birth!  In my opinion, if you want a dog, then there is nothing better than a DOODLE!  I'm glad you found the "breed!"  I would contact some breeders for either guardian opportunities OR older puppies or retired breeding dogs.  Good luck and keep us posted!

[Kelly Henley]

Thanks for that!  Kids need to be trained, right?  I have spoken with one breeder about a guardian arrangement, and she actually was the one who brought it up when I called to ask about her older puppies.  Waiting to hear back on my list of questions.