Double Doodling Anxiety...normal?

[Donna Bay & Buzz]

We are now at the point of having made the decision to add a rescue doodle to our family and I just can't believe the anxiety I am having. Hubby has none...kids all on board but I am nervous. So glad I have this group to go to. I have read through many of the other posts and now feel at least 50% better. Shooting for 100%. I'll keep reading. My biggest concern is of course how Bay will take to this new dog, and the one we are hoping for is a 2 year old male. Bay will be 2 in May. Should I be going for a dog younger than her? They will be about the same size, the make is taller but weight about the same. Bay has free roam of house. This boy is used to a crate. Is it "fair" to crate one and leave the other one out? Bay wouldnt care if I put her in her crate because she loves it anyway. Maybe we will keep them both crated at night and when we are out to relieve some of my anxiety. Sounds silly but I also try to picture drying off two soaking wet doodles in the house. I wish i had a breezeway or attached garage but my entrances take you right into kitchen and living room. Oh, the mess. Thanks for any input to ease my mind.

[Donna Bay & Buzz]

Heather, thats funny. I work in Sayville and live in Bayport, one town over. Someday we may make a move but nothing planned yet. Glad you are happy! Oh, by the way...our adoption was approved and hopefully we go Sunday for the two dogs to meet. I'm so excited...not as nervous now. Hubby met him and is in love! Hope you had a nice Thanksgiving!

[Heather]

So Happy for you!!! Just saw your post that ALL is well. My Ellie is definitely the Alpha dog, and Oliver knows his place. It's Amazing how you will shortly NOT be able to remember having just one. Keep us updated and Enjoy those Sweet Doodle Babies. Happy Holidays Donna~

[Donna Bay & Buzz]

Thank you for the advise. I will definitely give Bay some extra loving as I know it will be a big adjustment for her to share her humans. We tend to dote over her! Definitely will be crating he seems somewhat passive so iM already guessing who will be little miss alpha!

[Joyce (Casey & Cody's mom)]

Best of luck to you. We have 2 doodles, too. (9 month old brothers) yes, they are a handful - but are SO much fun. Life wouldn't be the same without them.

[Lynda Kamrath]

About having two wet doodles - During rainy weather, we set up a little station with towels at the back door (sliding glass) and they know that they have to have their coats dried off and feet cleaned as they walk through the door.  Front end - paws up and then pass through.  Groucho actually walks between my legs and it makes it easier for me to bend over him to dry his back feet.  We also have a foot bucket out in the laundry room for washing feet by dipping one paw at a time and then squeezing it off with a Shamwow towel.  This is after every walk in wet weather or when there is mud in the yard.  They get used to the expectations and are very cooperative.

About age - I don't think it really matters.  They will work out the status on their own.  Groucho has always been our Alpha dog, even with older and younger dogs.  He just sets the rules and the others obey his rules.  Harpo controls the play and always initiates play.  Groucho always goes out (or comes in) the door first, and he gets his food inside the house.  Harpo eats outdoors.  Harpo will not pass by Groucho when he is sleeping.  We have never used crates for our dogs except for in the car when they were puppies.  We have baby playpens for their beds when they are little and need more control.  After they are completely house broken, they are free to select their own places to sleep.  It will all work out.  But let the other people in your home help with grooming, brushing, feeding, and walking the dogs.  It is a lot for one person. 

[Donna Bay & Buzz]

I love the idea of the shamwow towel. I must invest in one thank you!

[Donna Bay & Buzz]

Double doodle anxiety update: None. All gone. Done. Finito! We did it. We love him and I am a realist so I know there will be new obstacles to overcome but so far, so good. Still not sure who decided they will be top dog. Its only been since Saturday night so they are still figuring it out. It's amusing to watch. My bet is on Buzz but Bay is such a diva and since she was here first, its anyones guess. Anyway, so good to know I have this group and fellow double doodlers to chat with. Oh, and best thing I've bought so far...a microfiber dog drying towel from Bed Bath and Beyond! Dries to wet doodles in no time!!!

[Jarka, Monty & Auggie]

Just found your discussion. I had serious anxiety when we added Auggie, but he was 8 weeks old. It's all good now.

Glad to hear that everything is going well in your house as well! Congratulations. Make sure to post some pics of the siblings.