Thoughts on getting a second doodle?

[Alissa Edwards]

Hi all!

I was on here a while ago and got great advice from all of you when we adopted Farley - our F1b double doodle. He's turned out to be an amazing dog that everyone of us loves dearly. He's very calm when we need him to be (naps and night) but also playful and fun with the kids, gentle and tolerant, etc.

Here's a pic of him and my daughter. He's about 19 or 20 months now. (2 in Dec.)

I've recently fallen in love with a new puppy at a different, also good breeder. Similar make up f2b labradoodle and the dad looks a lot like my dog, etc.

I'm trying to convince my husband this is a good idea, but I'm wondering if you guys can help me make sure it is and that I'm not just having puppy fever!

Here's our life: 
I stay home and work from home with my 3 y/o daughter Briar Rose, who will be in preschool part-time a year from September. We have two older kids, 6 and 9 y/o boys in full-time school, swimming and tae kwon do, also church activities Tuesday nights and Sundays. My husband works full time as a worship pastor and subs part time. We also have three cats who are very friendly with Farley (we got them as kittens when Farley was 6 months, so they're only 6 months apart. They often snuggle together.)

Here's why I think I'd like another: (and why now)
We love our dog so much, twice the love, right?

I feel like our cats and dog are the age where they would easily adapt/accept a new puppy. But that might not be the case in a year (especially cats).

I see pics/videos of doodles and they seem to love the companionship of another dog.
My kids start school soon, and it will just be me and my daughter home (for training purposes, etc.)
Fall is a good time to potty train (not too cold yet). We would pick up 8/26.

Here's why I'm not sure:

We take Farley everywhere, park, store, etc., weather permitting. He's used to that and we enjoy it. I think it would be more difficult with two dogs. I'd feel bad leaving one home.
I worry that our cats wouldn't adjust as well to a new puppy, since they are adults now. They are very social cats and I'd hate them to become fearful/hide/change.
Our life is crazy as it is.

Farley fits in really well, he's just one of us. I don't want it to be "the dogs" and "the people" (a friend of mine made me feel like maybe that would be the case with two dogs)

Here are my questions for people with 2 dogs:
How did this change your first dog's personality?
How hard was it to train your new dog?
How did it change the tempo of your home (more chaotic? dogs always playing? more barking??)
Was your second dog less attached to the people in your family? Did the addition of a second dog make that the case for your first?
How old was your first dog when you adopted your puppy? 
How did they get along? 
Any thoughts on genders of dogs getting along? Like, since Farley is a male should we get a female? Does it matter?

And any other info you have is appreicated. Including PICTURES OF YOUR TWO DOODLES TOGETHER! :) You know, to sway my hubby. 

[Alissa Edwards]

Wow, that is an adventure. That's kind of my fear. Getting a dog that's so different than Farley (which is my ideal dog). Strange considering the same parents!

[Jessica, Loki and Moose]

Maybe a little strange, but Loki was one of ten and on looks alone there were dogs that looked pure Bernese and some that looks just like black poodles- ie mom and dad. The personalities were all over the place too. Moose was one of 5 and same thing in that little looks and personalities were all over the map. It's probably like kids in a family personaities are all different. You could always look into getting a dog with a personality closer to Farley's? Good luck!

[Nicky, Riley & Boris]

I have two doodles, one is as healthy as a trout, the other has some health issues. They both get on great and I don't regret getting the second one. BUT and it is a big but, we are empty nesters and adding the second did change our lives. It is much more expensive having two. If you believe in good food, preventables, vet fees, pet insurance, grooming, training and day care or pet sitting  do the math and double it. It is expensive. If money is not an issue there is the other big BUT and that is you have two young chidren. I so admire all the young families here who also manage to be great doggy parents, my opinion is (feel free to take no notice Lol)  is that you have one great dog and you are managing fine.  I would hold back on looking at all those adorable puppy pics and park this notion for now.

[Becka]

Nicky! Is "healthy as a trout" an Irish expression? I love it--I am going to start using it all the time!

[Nicky, Riley & Boris]

Yes, it must be either English or Irish !

[Alissa Edwards]

Thanks for your input. I actually have three kids. :) 

Briar is 3, Rainn is 6, River is almost 9 (and has aspbergers).

I definitely see your points!

[Nicky, Riley & Boris]

Ah three children. My apologies. I have three grown girls. They grow up so fast.

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

Alissa, you have gotten a varied bag of opinions, but it does seem that those who are retired, single or have no children, seem to express the most joy in having added a second doodle, but even they have given you the cold hard facts of expenses, added chaios and health or personality issues.

 There is never going to be a perfect answer, but looking at your particular life circumstances, it seems generally just a good idea to step back and rethink this.  I say this only out of concern for not only your family, but for the dog that may or may not fit in and the possiblity of the added stress to the family, or the worse possibility of a re-home down the line.  

Seems to me your plate if pretty full and appreciate how loving and cute all doodles are, but there are a lot of things to consider when you add all your ingredients to a 2 doodle home recipe. Please let us know what you decide. 

[Lucy & AnnaBelle's Mom]

Very wise words spoken here.

[Alissa Edwards]

Thank you! Everyone has given me lots of food for thought. My hubby and I are discussing and thinking it over. :) 

[Amy and Annabelle]

Let us know what you decide. I know for myself I am giving it another year and if I still have puppy fever I will probably give in. I  thought Annabelle would enjoy having a companion to chase around the back yard, but after reading some of these comments I guess I can't count on that.

[jenn D]

Hi. Im late responding here. I am a mom of 2 kids, a 10 year old and a 7 year old. My 7 year old has special needs. We have 4 doodles. For me, the dogs and all the work associated with them relaxes me as I use to be an obedience trainer before I had kids. So even though I get the concern about having dogs and kids with special needs, we make it work.

Given that, I just want to point out the realities of a multiple dog household or at least what I have experienced. First, even though there is always the dream that they will be playmates and romp all day, in my experience this is not always true. Yes my dogs get along but all 4 prefer me versus each other, hands down. These are people dogs not pack dogs (not like the beagles I had before). Second, it increases cost: food, grooming, vet bills, training and boarding on vacation. And finally, it limits where you can go with your dog and even if you can take your dogs on vacation.

So it is more work but I don't see it as a hard thing for me. Its all how you feel about things. We wouldn't give up any of our guys for anything. And we are even going to be doing a interstate move with these 4 standard size doodles.

So it can be done, just need to be aware and ok with chaos at times :)

And lastly, here is a shot of our crew before I start the grooming week (yes I groom all four boys!):