Recommended age to add a second doodle?

[Nicholas Bushey]

My mini Goldendoodle, Charlotte, is now 8 months (17 pounds and spayed) and we would like to add another doodle to the family.  Any suggestions as to the best time to do this?  She is an absolute sweet heart that is house-broken and has a strong grasp of commands.  She is very friendly and does well with other dogs of all ages.  Additionally I have heard that introducing a male may be better.  Ideally I would like to add smaller male to the mix.  Any input/suggestions are greatly appreciated!

Thanks,

Nick 

[Jarka, Monty & Auggie]

I've just added another boy last summer and was worried about the age difference. The little guy is 9 months now and the big guy is 3 years. They get along great. I think since you still have a puppy at home, he would love to have a puppy companion. I think the closer to the age they are, the better. So I believe you should go for it (if you are up to the additional puppy craziness). As far as gender, yes, even our breeder said boy-boy, boy-girl combinations are fine. Girl-girl might create some friction, but I know of several people with females only and they don't complain. I would go for a boy (I'm a bit biased, though).  Have fun!

[Ginny Nightingale]

Sounds like she is ready for a playmate since all the basics are in place--and she might make the second one's training even easier as the pup follows the big sister! I have two females and one dominated the other at first--she is also bigger, but I think it was more of a personality thing--then the bigger female had a litter and I kept a boy and he ruled the roost from day one!

Now that he is two and was recently neutered (long story--decided not to breed him) he seems to have been taken down to the number two spot and the larger momma is again the boss--so my point is, it really depends on the dog's personality. Two girls might be great if neither is dominant and a boy may dominate over the girl or vice versa! You just never know until they are together--but whatever happens, they work it out--as long as you supervise them and make sure any dominance that exists doesn't get out of hand--good luck!

[Nicholas Bushey]

Thanks for the helpful replies!   I was concerned that Charlotte may be too young for an addition.  But now I feel much more at ease.  I am fairly certain that Charlotte will do fine with either a little brother or sister.  Keep the comments coming.  Thanks in advance!

[Heather]

I have a Two year old Female and One year old Male. I LOVE having "2"!!!! My vet also recommended a male with a female and it has worked out Perfectly. The ONLY thing better than "1" Doodle is "2" Doodles!! Go for it-

[Allyson, Peri & Taquito]

Just my two cents - I just have a feeling my Peri would not be good with another girl. We would get a male next.  Go with your gut.   

[Joanna, Zoe & Bender]

Ben and Zoe are 6 months apart. I thought she was young but we had a foster for 2 months and she really really missed her after she left and was sulking for about a month so we decided to get her a brother. Zoe was excellent when he came and really showed him the ropes (even the bad ones). They are best of friends and love each other. I do recommend to get similar sizes tho. Ben is so big and dopey that he can really bully her with his body mass. He knows it too because when we first get home he will try to get all the attention and block Zoe with his big body!!! There are times she bully's him too. I'm hoping he will get better with age and more coordination.

[Lori, Quincy & Frankie]

Do you have separate crates for each pup?  I would love a second on the one hand but on the other it seems a bit daunting.  Our guy is super good so I am afraid I would not be so lucky next time. 

[Sue, Murphy and Bella ()*o*()]

I have two, male is oldest, 4.3 yrs and female is 2.8 yrs so they are about 18 months apart. It really was when we felt ready and had good training down with Murphy before we decided on a second. I like male-female but I don't know any different. These are my first two dogs. They are pretty evenly matched in size and dominance with eachother and take turns being the alpha. I'd definitely suggest the sizes are similar. With the romping and playing they do I'd be anxious if one were significantly bigger.
I don't think there is a recomended time per se for Getting a second dog. Some people get two puppies from the same litter even. If you feel ready, I'm sure Charlotte will be fine as she seems pretty well adjusted already.

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

We like to have several years between dogs so that the 'new' one can get tons of needed attention and the older one doesn't mind so much.

[Gail+Kathleen,(Sydney+Olivia:)]

Sydney, our first Doodle was 10 months old when we brought Olivia home.  The best thing we did:  when we brought Olivia home, we introduced them to each other outside of our house (so there were no territorial issues during the introduction).  We let them become familiar with each other and smell each other for awhile.  When they were younger, they played together quite a bit.  Their relationship has changed as they have aged.  (They are now 8 yrs and 7 yrs).  We sometimes notice some jealousy.  They both want to be the favorite.  Another thing we did that might be helpful (if you decide on a 2nd Doodle):  we always put down Sydney's (our 1st Doodle) food bowl first, then gave Olivia her food.  We always give Sydney her treat first.  This seems to have helped with some sibling rivalry.

[Melissa, Samson & Shelby]

My doodles are 1 year apart and it has worked out beautifully.  I have a male and female, 5 and 4.  My male was very laid back and easy going.  They have gotten along with no problems from the beginning.  You will love having 2.  They are something to see when they play together.  They play games like tag, chase, wrestle and they used to play hide and seek until we took down the play set that they would hide behind.

[Lynda Kamrath]

Three years.  But I recommend the same with children.  A spacing of 3 - 5 years for children and 2 - 3 years for dogs allows them to have their puppyhood or childhood.  It also allows you to enjoy each puppyhood (or childhood).  I think the new member is more appreciated by the older member of the family also.  Just my thinking on the issue.  My first doodle was trained by a female shepherd, and all the dogs afterwards by their older siblings.  Makes it easier for you also.  Smaller?  Better for the house, think about a F1b goldendoodle with a mix between a goldendoodle and a miniature poodle.  You may need to look a little, but not much.