In search for the perfect fit.

[Michelle Ashby]

Our family is in search of the perfect fit dog for our family. I would appreciate any input. We just recently had to put down our 9 year old Cairn terrier- male. He was diagnosed with prostate cancer and was starting to have pain. We have a 6 year old daughter and a 5 year old son. Our issues are that my husband and I have allergies. My son has sensory processing disorder. The sensory processing disorder makes him process sensory information differently than most. He is very heavy handed, Loud and doesn't always recognize social cues. I am thinking that an F1b or or possibly F2b is the answer. I personally am really attracted to the chocolates with their light noses. The problem I am having is that most of those that have these puppies have you select them at like 3 weeks. Of course you can't really see what the temperament will be until 7 weeks so I won't know if we have a good selection for our son. An adult that is a couple of years old would be perfect but the reality is that NOBODY wants to part with such a precious dog like that.  Tell me what you think. Where can I find the best fit?

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

Getting through the puppy stage might be a challenge for you because of the time needed to make any breed puppy be a great adult dog so perhaps an adult dog might be a better fit for your family situation.  I would be less inclined to worry about life expectancy and more about temperament (calm, gentle, intuitive).

[Michelle Ashby]

The reason that I worry about life expectancy is because I have some health issues myself and I want my children to have some stability and longevity with their new dog. I am sorry to share such personal information but it might help others understand the importance of my decision.

Michelle

[Lucy & AnnaBelle's Mom]

Michelle -- I applaud you for doing your homework and trying to find the right fit for your family.  I think that most people here are trying to steer you towards an adult dog as GD puppies are a challenge.  I would not worry too much about the life expentency issue with an adult dog.  There are no guarantees.  I remember when we got our girls 5 years ago I stressed as time went by so quickly that if I only have say 15 years with them that time was just going way too quickly.  Then we lost our Sophie at 5 years to Cancer!  If you brought an adult dog in I think that the transition to your family would be much easier for the small children.  They aren't going to be able to hold and cuddle with a puppy.  The puppies are nippy and full of energy that they do not want to be held.  You are going to spend the first 1-2 years getting a puppy to the stage where it is a good fit for the children.  You have to remember that they can be very large dogs and large dogs and children don't mix with a lot of training.   We have a new puppy right now.  I can tell you that those sweet moments where they are all sleepy and cuddly are priceless ... however, those are few and far between.  the rest of the time it is trying to keep them from chewing and nipping etc.  And, puppy teeth hurt   :o)  Just my thoughts. 

[Kimberly Keenan]

Michelle, as you've been hearing there is no guarantee about allergies  & doodles but don't be disheartened because remember Labradoodles & Goldendoodles were breed for the low tolerance with allergies. You may also look at Multigeneration Labradoodles or Goldendoodles. They are usually no to low shedding dogs. Also some breeders do specialize in special needs dogs. It's just going to take some time.

I have too Austrailan Labradoodles, one is a medium to mini & she is 30 lbs. & another that is about 45 lbs & she is big & tough. Her father is being trained & used as a helper dog.

Good Luck in your search!

[Maryann,Roo and Tigger]

I think if you search the internet you will be able to find an adult dog from a reputable breeder.  I would look at golden retrievers, Australian labradoodles, English golden doodles,  labradoodles and golden doodles.  Golden retriever are apt to annoy your allergies the most.

 I also recommend Siberian Huskies.  Generally they cause little to no allergies ( odd - huh, but my husband is living proof).  An adult from a good breeder would be an excellent choice.  You need a really good fence, but except for brushing with a furminator brush they are exceptionally clean dogs, very tolerant of noise, activity, children finger poking, etc.  I adore my doodles, but they are much higher maintenance than the Siberians we had for forty years  all of them were awesome with children.

When you find a breeder with an adult explain your situation and they will probably help you out.  Breeders all know each other within their breed and will help you search.  Ask DK members to private message you with the name of a breeder they trust to help you start their search.  It would be helpful to know where you live generally to get you in touch with breeders in your area.

  

[Michelle Ashby]

We live just outside of St.Louis on the Illinois side. We are certainly willing to drive a good distance to find the right fit. I am up for anybody sending me some info on reputable breeders. It is such an important decision. We have a 5 foot cedar fence so I think we should be okay with a larger dog. Anybody know a Goldendoodle breeder that they would recommend I contact to help me in my search. Send me a private message. Thanks Maryann for the encouragement.

[Traci -Bexter & Maggie]

Sorry to hear about your Cairn terrier.  My mom had a little blonde male Cairn terrier named Dusty.  He was a doll, but very loyal to mostly ONLY her.  He didn't get along well with other dogs and was really suspicious of other people too.  I don't know if that is typical Cairn temperament or not.  I love my doodles (I have two) because they are not like that at all!  They love each other, all dogs, and all people.  We have 2 boys and they are great with them, and believe me, my boys aren't always so quiet either!  I live in Indiana and if you request for me to be your DK friend, I can give you some breeder information.  Good luck!

[Gabby]

Our family recently adopted an F1b goldendoodle puppy. He is now about 4 months old. We have two boys ages 3 and 6 and my oldest also has SPD. Our puppy is a dream. The breeder we chose raised the litter in her living room--she also has 3 small children--and the pups were handled by little hands every day since birth. They got used to regular family noise--and children since birth. I'm surprised that your breeders ask for you to pick out at 3 weeks. Generally its at 6 weeks?? Or maybe that was just our experience... Point being--that you need to keep looking for the right breeder..I think it makes all the difference. I was very worried about having a puppy in the house with small children and I looked for an adult dog for months--through rescue groups, shelters, etc--with no luck. At the end of the day, I came across this breeder who happened to live VERY close to us and we met in person as well as met the parents of the pups.. I brought along both my children since we suffer from allergies too... They played with the dogs for about an hour and when there wasnt any reaction, I was sold and we put down our deposit....
Don't get me wrong, a puppy is a LOT of work.. We are crate training, so we need to let him out every 2 hours for potty or have him tethered to me while in the house... But, with a lot of patience and training it can work. Our Duke has a sweet, loving temperament and allows the boys to handle him in their way with no problem. The worst problem we have had is the nipping or play-biting--and jumping up. I've taught my boys to stand tall like trees and look to the sky with their arms crossed....when he jumps up. And when there is biting or nipping, we also have them walk away, or put the puppy in a time-out pen. It works..and there is MUCH less of it now. We are now redirecting him to his own teeething toys and we have had no problems. If you have any questions--please feel free to email me offline..I would love to talk about our experience with our little goldendoodle..since it has been VERY positive...

[Michelle Ashby]

Aaahhh, someone who understands SPD.  So you totally know what I am experiencing trying to find an adult.  I am going to send you a friend request and you can advise me on the breeder that you had such a positive experience with and give me some tips.

[Gabby]

Sounds good! I would be happy to!  I am new to this site--so forgive me if I miss your friend request..I'm still trying to maneuver my way around.... Will the site notify me?

 

[Adina P]

If you don't get an email notification, just check at the top of the right column on any page.  It will show something next to the section "Friends" under your name.

[Adina P]

To Michelle and Gabby, has SPD affected your child's eating?  I am a dietitian and have never had a patient with SPD but I'm particularly interested in child feeding in general, but also interested in learning more about problems.  Please PM if you have any stories to share!  You don't have to send me a friend request, you can PM me directly.