Adding a 2nd Doodle... Any advice?

[Debb, Lucy & Oscar]

Our 3 yr old, F1b, standard labradoodle, Lucy, is the sweetest, most gentle, playful doodle we've ever seen. We're considering a medium male labradoodle to add to the family. After reading posts about alpha status and possible fighting I've become a little concerned. I don't believe Lucy has a dominate bone in her body. She loves smaller, playful dogs, and as long as they have a similar playful energy (and not aggressive playfulness) she gets along wonderfully with the other dog. Since she's matured she seems to put out a kind of invisible signal to dogs she knows wouldn't be a good match to her play style (she can sense their energy), and those dogs respect the signal and leave her alone. When she was younger she didn't have this capability and dogs often hounded her with their aggressive play styles. She'd run away with her tail between her legs, seemingly helpless to deter them. Now that she's become proficient at signaling her disinterest she's really come into her own.

Lucy is all about play. She's exceptionally smart and pretty well trained (she does have a bit of a stubborn streak, which my husband would say she gets from me... lol), and when she likes a dog you could say she loves him/her.

Any advice on how to make the right pick of puppy? I definitely will be referring to the breeder's expertise in identifying the right energy type to complement Lucy's play style, but is there anything else I can do to find the right fit? The breeder has the prospective owner choose at 5 weeks, and I don't know yet if she'd allow Lucy to accompany us in the process. I don't know, either, if Lucy would know that much about a puppy at that young age, so it may be a moot point.

Any suggestions/advice on making this a win/win for everybody?

[Debb, Lucy & Oscar]

I heard back from the breeder. He said both the parti females are multi gen labradoodles and are considered non shed, and should shed no more than normal (like human hair). He said he's never experienced the different colors shedding more than another. I think the hair I've noticed of Lucy's in the form of dust bunnies in the edges of the room are from normal hair shedding. I've only rarely noticed her hair on my dark clothing. All that in mind, I will be testing the pups' coats as you suggested.

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

I wouldn't worry about gender as much as the temperament match you want.

[Phyllis Kandul]

i added a 2nd doodle when Eloise was about 14 mos. we drove to North Carolina (4 1/2 hours up and 4 1/2 hours back) to pick him up (out). Eloise helped. they were 8 weeks. i had planned on getting another girl, but got talked into getting a boy. was told they were more lovable and easy to train. anyway, bottom line, i'm not sure what people are calling fighting, but mine wrestle all of the name, they are best buds. Eloise acts like a big sister and tries to keep him out of mischief. LOL! They are now 2 1/2 and 14 mos. and are perfect playmates. Of course, i still had to go thru the puppy stuff with Sam.

[Debb, Lucy & Oscar]

Good to hear things worked out so well for you in the end. Another reason for getting a 2nd doodle is the exercise they'll offer each other. We don't always get out every day in the wet Pacific NW (although, surprisingly, there aren't that many days we don't). On those days it will be good to know they've got a way of burning off excess energy. Lucy tires from playing with other dogs about as much as a long, brisk walk.

All the puppy stuff is still fresh in my memory (training, housebreaking, etc.) that now is the perfect time for a 2nd doodle. Any much longer and I'm sure it would start to fade. I think we did a wonderful job with raising Lucy, making her well socialized, well mannered and happy-go-lucky. I can only hope the 2nd doodle will turn out similarly. I'm particularly looking forward to puppy romp sessions with other pups under 5 months old, and obedience classes. I'm particularly looking forward to the joy that comes with a new pup too. Bringing Lucy home was one of the most joyful days of my life... right up their with my wedding day, and giving birth to my daughter. There's just no greater high than the feeling of joy.

[Lynda Kamrath]

Three years is the perfect age to go for another dog - especially a puppy.  She will probably think it is her special pup and will take charge.  I think a male puppy is perfect.  They seldom will try to dominate a female, especially one they see as their mother.  When we got our first male (standard poodle) pup with a three-year-old female, she was beyond herself with glee.  She took him on as if he were her own and showed him everything.  We did not need to train this dog.  She did it all.   He followed her around everywhere and they were inseparable.  She died (old age) many years later and he was beside himself with grief.  That is how we got started with doodles.  And the rest is history!

[Debb, Lucy & Oscar]

What a sweet story. Thank you for sharing it.

[Mimi Linna, Lilly and Lolly]

thank you for asking this question. I am a few months behind you and interested to see what others are saying.