New puppy worries

[Stephanie]

I guess now its official that I am getting a Goldendoodle I am starting to worry about everything. First I was worrying about the maintenance of the coat but after everyone's input on DK I feel better. Now after just browsing around in here and reading various discussions, I read one on a puppy being very aggressive towards kids and the puppy was given back to the breeder. I have 4 kids my youngest just turning 2, and now I'm getting paranoid. I previously had a golden retriever who didn't have an aggressive bone in her body. The reason I decided on a Goldendoodle this time is to still have a golden retriever but smaller. When I researched it also said poodles were great with kids. But now after more research I'm seeing that the smaller poodles might not be the best with young kids. My puppy's poodle dad is a moyen/medium poodle 20lbs. I know any breed can be aggressive. But I just feel its very unlikely for a GR to be except in rare situations.
The breeder states that the poodle has an excellent temperament and she also has 4 kids the dogs and puppy's are always around. Also I read about the smaller poodles being more aggressive towards strangers and other dogs. Tell me am I just getting cold feet and being paranoid?? I was so confident in my GR with kids, strangers, other dogs.
I am getting an F1 moyen/medium Goldendoodle. I know as far as temperament a standard might be better. But the shedding/allergies is not an issue for me, so then I would just get another GR.
Sorry for ranting for so long. But thoughts and experience???

[Candice & Bailey]

My last dog was a poodle/pomeranian/american eskimo mix. He was 20 lbs full grown and was the best dog I've ever had. SO good with my two kids growing up, and when I got remarried and had two new babies, he was so good with them. I really think it depends on the dog, how you are with the dog while it is growing, and making sure that the children have a healthy respect for it. If they give a dog a reason to be afraid, pulling hair, yelling at it, I think it would make any dog nervous. Just be there, and closely monitor the puppy as it grows with the children.

[Dawn B. Roy]

Stephanie,

Sometimes too much research is well, too much research.  Every dog like people, haa their own personalities.  We have

two Shih Tzu's and are getting our first Doodle in about three weeks.  Our children have grown up with dogs.  Temperament is for us the most important quality.  You have made a great choice in breeds.  Many great qualities in both the Golden and the Poodle.  Now, relax, buy the needed puppy supplies, have a family meeting on what to name the little darling.  Bringing home a new member of the family is so exciting.  Good luck with everything.

Dawn

[Stephanie]

Hi!

I too have a F1B Goldendoodle w/ a medium / moyen parent.  She doesn't have an ounce of aggression in her!   I would work with your breeder, express the temperment that will work best with your family. Also SOCIALZE!   from the beginning, from the day we got her, 8 weeks  old -  I had my son put food in front of her, take it away, put his hand IN the food while she was eating - we ALL put our hands all over her...  ( gently- not hurtful)  but enough to have her VERY accustom to kids all over her.  We tugged on tail, put our fingers in between each paw, and always let her meet new people & kids constantly.  I honestly have never even heard her growl.  We worked with the breeder to make sure the pup we went with was not the dominant pack leader,  but not skittish / frightful of everything either. Every family needs something different! DOn't get me wrong - sh'e might pupppy rambunctious, and LOVES to play & wrestle ,  BUT  it's not a dominant / aggressive way that is ever threatening to the kids or anyone else.   She thinks she weighs  5 pounds and can sit in your lap! Who doesn't want a 55 lb lap dog!   LoL!

[Anne G.]

Out F1 is an absolute sweetheart. As you can see she's like a small golden retriever - 40 pounds. We don't have to have her groomed but she does shed. As far as temperament sometimes you can get a clue watching how they behave in the litter, and also the breeder may be able to help. No guarantees though! Good luck, have fun!