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]

Kelly, there are two 501c3 nationwide doodle rescue groups, the DRC and IDOG. The DRC will not adopt to families with young children, I am not sure about IDOG's policy on that, but it may be the same.

However, the DRC website also maintains a list of doodles available for adoption through other rescues and shelters throughout the USA, arranged by geographical location. Most public shelters do not have adoption restrictions, and some all-breed rescues are much less rigid in their adoption requirements, too. I adopted Jack from a private shelter when he was just 14 months old. I had my 6 year old GS living with me, so a dog who was solid with kids was non-negotiable. Jack is wonderful with kids. From the moment he came into my home, he has never had an accident, never destroyed anything, never gone into the trash, never taken anything that wasn't his, never put his teeth on human flesh, and never jumped up on any human being. He did come with some baggage in the form of fear issues, but you couldn't have found a dog who is more reliable or safer around kids. Here's a link to the DRC listings for homeless doodles, you may want to follow the listings for your area, they are updated on a weekly basis: http://doodlerescue.org/groups/doodlesinneedinnorthamerica

[Kelly Henley]

Thank you.  That is the type of help I was hoping for.  We really feel well-prepared otherwise.  My husband's sticker shock has a lot to do with the fact that  his relatives and all our friends adopt at shelters for a hundred bucks.  My parents always go through a reputable breeder (with the Danes and later with their Goldens) so the expense of buying from a breeder for health reasons, less baggage, a little more predictability, etc., is something I am more used to.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

He might get sticker shock from the adoption fees for doodles too, lol. It's not unusual for a private rescue to have adoption fees of $500 and more for a doodle.

[Kelly Henley]

Um, blush, yes.  He did indeed, when I told him, but $500 will be easier than $2500 for him to accept.  We did speak with one breeder about a guardian home situation, but I am waiting to hear back from her on the list of 17 questions I emailed her two nights ago.  We really do take this very seriously.  And I home school my children, so we are here most of the time to work with our new dog or puppy, but as I mentioned before, I work on Tuesdays during the school year, so this is the best time for us. There is a lot of dog breed snobbery out there.  We have been looking since January, at least.  This is what I have heard everywhere:

1.) this is the best breed ever
 
2.) you are probably not good enough to own this breed
 
3.) why don't you check out THAT breed?
 
4.) repeat steps 1-3

[F, Calla & Luca]

When I read this I was surprised you had a German Shepherd when you adopted Jack. Then I realized you meant grandson : )

[Lori, Rooney & Zuzu]

Kelly-

Your previous comment made me laugh!  Yes, the "dog world" can be a funny place but most people have their hearts in the right place.

I have three kids myself, although my youngest is 7 so they are not as young as yours.  However, we have had dogs since before our kids were even born so I have definitely done the toddler-puppy thing.  With parents who understand dogs and are committed to training and exercise regardless of family time constraints, then it can absolutely work out just fine. You sound like you have done your homework and have experience with dogs so I'm sure your family would make it work.

Our five month old Australian Labradoodle has the best temperament of any pup we have ever owned.  He is responding to training beautifully and such a joy to have around.  That said, we did go through the nipping, biting stage though and that took real patience and consistency from all of us to help him grow through that (we are 95% of the way there!) I share all of this not to guarantee that every labradoodle in the world will be like Rooney, of course, but to just say that, who knows? I guess just like children, you never know what you're going to get so you just gotta be prepared for all eventualities- and it sounds like that is what you are trying to do.

I'm going to privately message you about an older dog I saw listed on a reputable breeders site that may or may not be of interest to you.  

I really hope your family finds a wonderful furry companion!

[Lori, Rooney & Zuzu]

Kelly- I had to add you as a friend to be able to message you so you will be getting a friend request. :)

[Kelly Henley]

Thanks:)  I will look this afternoon!

[Kelly Henley]

I accept, lol

[April and Zeke]

Just a comment about price sticker shock: my sister fell for a puppy from a backyard breeder last summer. Teddy is 11 months old and just had knee surgery this week to correct a defect known in that breed. Add the $200 for the puppy and the $1000 for the surgery and already now she has a $1200 puppy. Another friend went through a similar experience, $400 puppy who later developed epilepsy and hip dysplasia, a lifetime of medical care. I think paying $2500 to a breeder who has a solid program with health certifications is a bargain.

[Kelly Henley]

Yes I would agree.  I would not go with a puppy unless from a reputable breeder.  For an adult dog, you assume a different set of risks and expenses, for example if the dog is already altered.

[Sherri, Sophie, Winston, & Kitty]

I agree completely!