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]

We do hear of dogs being given up after a baby is born, but statistically, more dogs are given up when they are acquired by people who already have young children in the home than any other circumstance (no kids, teenage kids, etc). That's why rescues won't adopt to homes where there are young kids. There's a logical reason for this. People who get a dog "for the kids" are more likely to relinquish that dog if a problem comes up than people who got a dog for themselves. If the dog was there before the kids, that's a pretty good indicator that the person is a "dog person" and is bonded to the dog. People who are bonded to a dog are more willing to work through issues and less willing to give them up. The dog is like your "first child".

Of course, having a dog who is already calm, housebroken, and fully trained when the kids arrive is also part of it.

Every child born into my family came into a house with dogs, and there was never a problem of a dog being neglected or jockeying for position. But that's just my family's experience.

There are success stories and horror stories both ways. The main thing (the only thing really) is that the adult be fully committed to caring for the dog for life. In rescue, we tell people to ask themselves one question:"If you didn't have children, would you still want to get a dog?" If the answer is no, it really isn't fair to the dog.

 

 

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

Doodles may tend to be high energy dogs but not ALL of them are. I have two - a small multigenerational Australian labradoodle and a bigger adult-rescue goldendoodle.  Both are NOT hyper, do not have to be walked for miles daily.  They have both been through training so while they don't always behave appropriately, they do know the basics. Neither had much experience with children until our granddaughter was born when they were both 2 1/2.  They were nervous around her at first, but now are absolutely fine with her and she with them.  Teaching her dog-manners and the dogs child-manners, is an ongoing process, but one that we are all dedicated to doing.  Our rescue was from a local pet adoption center where the dogs are behavior tested before they are put up for adoption.  The center knows what kind of family the dog needs. 

The down side of a rescue is that you do not know the background, if the dog has issues or triggers.  Our guy is wonderful, but if I had a one-year-old,  I might not want to go the rescue route because of this.  I think getting an older dog or puppy from a reputable breeder might be a better option at this stage in your life.  I would also consider another breed - not because you are "unworthy of a doodle" :-}  but because many other breeds of dogs are also good family pets and require less maintenance and cost less to purchase from a reputable breeder.  Get that doodle as your dog after this one.

[Maryann,Roo and Tigger]

Hi

Boy, everyone has given you a lot of advice.  It is certainly possible to have a one year old and a dog.  My first child was 10 months when we got a three year old husky mix that was rescue.  When my son was not quite two and daughter over four we got a puppy.  Yes - it is a bit of work, but not impossible.  Quite a few of the smaller breeders have children at home so their dogs are generally used to children.  I got both my doodles from Canyon Court Labradoodles in San Diego. Roo is higher energy than Tigger, but neither one has ever needed to be walked miles a day. Coincidentally I worked one day a week with Roo as a puppy and then with Tigger as a puppy.  I was able to work it out okay.  My children were grown though, but I am not sure that made a difference.   A fenced yard is a big plus, though.  For me it would be a necessity.

 The last I checked which was fairly recently my doodles father has been retired and is looking for a forever home.  He has been around their young children and I am guessing is about five.  Google Canyon Court and look.  Another option is to email and talk to a small breeder near you and tell them what you are looking for.  Most of the good breeders all know each other and will help you and each other out to place a retiring dog in a nice home.

[F, Calla & Luca]

I agree. Because of my fenced yard I don't walk my doodles nearly as much as some here do. The dogs can run and fight outside with each other and that helps tremendously. But having a companion helps with that too. When Luca was an only dog he depended on me for amusement in the yard much more than he does now. I could throw the ball but wrestle and run, not so much. I don't think of my dogs as particularly high energy.

[Kelly Henley]

Thanks everybody!  I really appreciate it.

[Maryann,Roo and Tigger]

HI again

I just checked the Canyon Court website and Fabien is still available.  I am not sure where you live, but I bet something could be worked out.  They are a really great family and I think Fabien might be just what you are looking for.

 

I forgot to mention that for grooming I am the shave and grow out sort of Mom.  Cuts down on the time spent grooming, even I could learn to use the clippers and scissor their heads after a couple of tries.  Do they look perfect?  Far from it, but they look cute to me ...... and to lots of other we meet walking.

 

Good Luck