Need to re-home our doodle puppy

[Lisa & Greg]

Hi all,

We have two 13-week-old female goodendoodles who are littermates and absolutely precious. We love both of them so much. The problem is they really don't like each other - an issue I knew was a possibility but thought with training and attention, it wouldn't happen. But they spend most of their waking hours fighting with each other. When they're separate, all is peaceful and they mind us wonderfully. After a lot of soul-searching and consultations with an expert we trust, we've concluded they just aren't happy living together and should be re-homed as soon as possible.

I contacted the dogs' breeder today and am waiting to hear back from her about next steps. I honestly don't know how we can choose between the two. They are both beautiful and each one has her own special personality. I've never had to make a decision like this but it really is in the best interest of the dogs.

Just starting the discussion here to see if anyone knows of anyone in the Maryland area (Balt/DC and So. Pa.) who is looking for a goldendoodle if our breeder is not able to take one back. We think we may likely give up our gorgeous blonde girl because she may be more attractive to folks wanting that "classic" goldendoodle look. The other one is dark-coated. They are both under a vet's care - regular checkups and recommended vaccines - and we have them in puppy ed classes. Both are already potty-trained too.

Here is a picture of them a few weeks ago:

I have gotten such great tips and information from the folks on this forum but most of all I can tell how much everyone here cares about dogs, so I trust you all and know I can find a wonderful home for our sweet puppy.

Any advice is welcome.

[Jennifer and Jack]

Wow Joanne so Interesting.....I never would have imagined...

[Cheryl and Finnegan]

Lisa, I'm so sorry you are having to go through this.  My sister and BIL had a similar situation with 2 lab pups.  Most unusual because it was a brother and sister. Having spent some time with the pups at 20 weeks, and having to physically get them apart and separate them at several points, it was clear this was a situation that was not going to have a good ending -- but separately, they were sweet dogs.  Happy to say, the little girl found a great home.  Since you've had them professionally evaluated and you feel it's the right thing to do, you're wise to make the choice now rather than later.

[Lisa & Greg]

It is so difficult to make the choice, I just really have to try to take the emotion out of it. But my daughters (22 & 19), who live at home with us, are extremely upset about the prospect of giving either one up, even though they see how impossible the situation is.

[sandy b]

Lisa, I'm so sorry you have to go thru this but after reading the articles Joanne posted it seems it's for the best. Just know you are doing what's best for them.

[Heather]

What a difficult situation to be in Lisa. We have two standard Goldendoodles age 2 & 1. I had my female Ellie first. When we were contemplating getting a second, my vet recommended only a male, and it worked out beautifully. You have Tough decisions ahead of you!! Good Luck~

[Lisa Zezoney]

I am in Allentown PA and looking for a doodle if you decide that one of the puppies need to be rehomed...I could go through the breeder if that would help...I have had both males and females and light and dark colored so it wouldn't matter to me..I work from home and have a doggie door and fenced in yard.

[Lisa & Greg]

The breeder did get back to me and said we could return one of our puppies. We'll likely bring one back next weekend. I am constantly going back and forth trying to decide which one to give up. It's excruciating and to top it all off, my daughters don't agree with the decision even though they see how difficult the situation is AND each one has a different favorite puppy. I have to be the bad guy - I hate that - and I just hope all of us can get over this after some time passes. I also keep thinking that it's the best for the puppies in the long run - harder on us than them.

For those of you who have expressed interest, I will send (or have sent) a private message and we can stay in touch. I think the best way to handle is for you to work directly with the breeder - she's in Southern Maryland. If it's OK with you and her, I'll provide you with her contact info.

Thanks again for all of the support and words of wisdom - it really means a lot. 

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

I'm glad your breeder is willing to take one of the puppies back. If one of the puppies seems to be more confident and outgoing, she will likely have an easier time with being rehomed than a pup who is shyer and less sure of herself. I hope that helps with your decision.

[Bonnie and Kona]

I have been following this post and am so glad your breeder will take the puppy back. I'm so sorry your family is going through this.

[Barbara B., Sasha & Oliver]

Oh how sad :(   You would think that litter mates would get along !!!  I like the idea of having one puppy go away for a week or a few days then re-introduce them on "neutral" ground (park, on a walk etc.).  When I bought my Sasha I new I was going to get another doodle, I wanted to get another dog while she was still very young so she would be more accepting to another dog because she is very attached to me.  When she was 10 months old I got my Oliver, Sasha was involved in the whole process of picking out Ollie and went with us to pick him up which was a 2.5 hour drive and the got a chance to get to know each other on the way home and they have been best buds ever since. 

If this does not work out and you do want two dogs maybe wait a while and see how the dog you keep reacts to other dogs as well.

Such a hard decision to make, I wish you luck !

[Lisa & Greg]

Thank you!

[Heather & Brinkley]

If I wasn't having a new baby in 3 weeks, we'd take her.  We've wanted to a second doodle for quite some time but also know the time isn't right as we prepare for our first child.  I hope you can figure out what to do. It's such a hard decison!!