Such thing as "perfect" time to add a doodle?

[Stephanie and Ragley]

I have been thinking about adding a second doodle for a long time, but with life changes, pending relocations, and Ragley still being pretty young, I knew that the right time had not come along yet. I told myself that I would wait until my boyfriend and I were back in the same city so we could share the duties, I felt financially ready for all of the expenses, and until I felt that Ragley’s training was pretty much complete. In the meantime, I have found a breeder that I really like, met her and some of the dogs, and have placed a deposit to be on a waiting list just to get the process going with a reputable breeder.

Now that Ragley and I have achieved our goal to be a registered therapy dog team, I have moved, and am pretty settled in my new job, I can’t help but wonder if the time is right. Our number is up on the waiting list and I have already passed on a couple of litters, but there is one due very soon that I am tempted to claim a puppy on. Puppies are a ton of work, but I know that with the way our schedules line up, we would have the time to take care of a puppy. My boyfriend, however, is a little hesitant about whether the timing is “perfect” now. Ragley was such a perfect puppy and continues to be so unbelievably wonderful and easy that I think he gets nervous that our dynamic will change with a new puppy. He also doesn’t have too much experience with raising puppies so it is a little new to him. I understand his concerns and definitely have concerns of my own, but I still really think that now could be a great time to add another doodle to the mix. I would love another dog and I know Ragley would love to have a companion. Although I know there are better times than others to make this leap, I’m not sure that there ever will be such a thing as a “perfect” time to get another puppy like he is looking for.

For those of you with multiple doodles—or those who decided against adding another—did you feel that there was a perfect time? Were there any factors that played a major role in your decision?

Family picture for fun :)

[Joyce (Casey & Cody's mom)]

Only you can make the decision if the time is right for you. I will say, that for my family, there is never that perfect time. However, we have a house full. The new pups always fit in and it works. They become our priority.

[F, Calla & Luca]

Lovely portrait. It's just like it is with babies. There s no perfect time but you decide you're ready. I got Calla when Luca was 14 months old but she was already 4 months old and a few months makes a huge difference in a puppy.

[Lucy & AnnaBelle's Mom]

I started with two liter mates at once so I'm probably not the brightest bulb in the box.  However, having said that I've also learned a lot and added another puppy after loosing one of the liter mates.  The second one was much easier because she just followed the lead of the older one.  I think that what's more important than the right time is are you really ready for two vs one.  That means financially and time wise.  Two doodles can be a lot of work and can cost a lot of money.  It sounds like you have thought the process through, but just be sure you are ready for it.  You are young, careers seem to move around in this day and time and circumstances change.  There are also no children in the equation yet.  If you are planning on adding those, keep in mind that two large dogs and small kids can make for a crazy environment.  If it is truly what you want and you are prepared time wise and financially, both now and in the future, then when really doesn't make a lot of difference.  Other than depending on what you career is.  For a teacher I would say the summer because potty training would be easier if you can be home with the puppy for a little while initially.  Best of luck with your decision.  We look forward to puppy pictures when ever you decide is the right time.

[Stephanie and Ragley]

I am a nurse and my boyfriend graduates from law school in May so he will be spending the summer studying for his exam in July. Although this will occupy a lot of time for him, he will also be studying from home and thus be around for a puppy. Right now, I work night shift three days a week and he has classes for a few hours only four days a week which leaves time open. That is part of what makes me feel like this might be a good time. There are still a lot of factors to consider, though, you are right.

[Lynda Kamrath]

Yes, the thing that made me get another dog was that our remaining dog was so depressed without a companion.  Since we started with doodles we always have at least two dogs.  When our goldendoodle passed away (cancer) I had wanted to wait until I got my sheepadoodle, but since that would be at least a year, we put out the word that I wanted another dog to adopt for Harpo.  I got three in one week.  We decided (actually Harpo decided) that he wanted the little Jackapoo.  So, this summer, when I get my sheepadoodle, we will have three again.  Anytime is the perfect time, really.  But once you have had more than one doodle, you will always need to have a companion for your doodle.

[Stephanie and Ragley]

Yes- and I really do think that Ragley would enjoy having a companion in the house during those times when I am not home and also for playing and exploring. 

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

First of all there never is really a "perfect time"  for anything in life - there are definitely  'bad' times and 'pretty good' times, but never perfect (except in retrospect).  I think it sounds like you are ready to get a second dog, if you want one.  Yes, it will change the dynamic, but that is not necessarily 'bad.'  The best thing you can do with the second pup is to keep reminding yourself that it is a different dog with different strengths and weaknesses and NOT a clone or repeat of Ragley; not to dwell on the  negative differences but to celebrate the good ones.

[Stephanie and Ragley]

This is an excellent point and I am glad you brought it up. There is no other Ragley, but the next puppy will be just as special in his or her own way. I will definitely have to keep that in mind

[Lori, Rooney & Zuzu]

What a cutie! Looks so much like my Rooney (who is also a big guy!)

I don't know if there is ever a perfect time, but I'm hoping it's a good time for us because we have decided to add a second doodle, too! Our little guy or gal will hopefully be coming home by the end of April. Rooney is 4 years old which means he is past a lot of his youthful behaviors but still young enough to be playful with a pup (we hope).

So, I know that doesn't help you except to say we will be in the same boat and hoping for the best!! 

[Stephanie and Ragley]

Thanks! Can't wait to see pictures! That is something I considered as well- I don't want to wait too long and have Ragley be older and be bothered by the puppy. I think 4 should be a fine age and Ragley will be about 2.5 when ours would come home so I'm thinking that would be a good age as well.

[Julie, Eloise & Beasley]

I agree with the others, there's no perfect time - but I knew it was the right time when I added Beasley.  It sounds like you've considered all the important factors and that you're ready - as long as you and your BF are both on board with the decision, any time will be the right time.  A new puppy will change the dynamic, but generally I expect a puppy to "come into the fold" and fit into the existing family as he/she matures.  My biggest deciding factor for "when" was having Eloise trained to the point I wanted her to be, since she'd be modeling behavior for the new puppy, and from reading your posts I know Ragley is there, too.  She'll certainly play a huge role in how the puppy learns to be part of your household. 

Like Nancy said, it's best just to remind yourself the new pup isn't Ragley #2 and there will be differences; celebrate the good.  That keeps me sane with Beasley - she has the sweetest temperament and is a really good puppy/dog overall, but she can be quite a little hellion bulldozer at times, too.  Sometimes I do wonder if Eloise is thinking, WTH Mom?  Lol ;)  (B's just a rough and tumble girl - but also the biggest cuddler ever).  Once Beasley was home, I couldn't imagine life without two doodles - I think the only thing better than one doodle is two!

[Stephanie and Ragley]

I agree- I will have to keep them separate in my mind. I know it will be essential for us both to be on board, though, so that is something we are still carefully talking through.