Oh The Decisions!

[Sam&Bella]

Ok so, all these puppy discussions, have me re-thinking the breeder situation, and other problems I am going to explain:

Problem 1- House- More than likely a house that will allow pets, will only allow ONE dog. (we are looking to rent) That means that we will have to push off getting a puppy for a year:(

Problem 2- Florida or Maryland OR Virginia?-  First choice would be Bella's breeder who I love, but 15+ hours away. Second choices, would be a breeder in Maryland and one in Virginia. Now my problem is, WHICH ONE!!

Problem 3- Best age for Bella to be?- Should I wait until she is older, or is 2 okay??

Problem 4-Will they get along?- We want another girl, because...Well, I just do!! Now, not getting a boy has nothing to do with lifting leg and other stuff, because I know with neutering, that will be gone. But will they get along even though they are both females?? I have heard different opinions from some breeders, websites, and vets,  but I would like to hear from experience:) I have also come to a theory, that some breeders say that boys are the best so they can sell them, since more people are partial to females, and they don't want to be stuck with all boys that will not sell.

So what do you think?? I know you can't help me with problem 1, but any comment is appreciated!

[Sam&Bella]

Thank You Jenny! :)

[Donna K & Quincy]

You just know there's a blog about that very thing.

http://www.doodlekisses.com/profiles/blogs/the-art-of-peeing-by-ver...

[Jenny and Cooper]

Thanks for sharing that link Donna! I've always enjoyed reading Laurie's blogs. :) I had a good laugh with this one too and I can't wait to let my hubby read it! :D

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Somewhere here on DK, there is an old discussion about Adina's DH Clark trying to teach Rosco to lift his leg by demonstrating, lol! 

Jack lifts his leg to mark, but for serious peeing, he still squats. And he's 12 years old, and huge. :)

[Sam&Bella]

I will have to find that!! It would be interesting if we made a discussion about how doodles pee.... Sorry if that's weird.... That's how my mind works:)

[Linda, Charlie Brown and Beau]

That is so funny.  A friend of mine's husband had the same thought and was trying to teach their dog to lift its leg.  The doggie never got the message! LOL

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

 Others of our males lifted their legs ranging from never ever to from the beginning; 6 years; and 7 years.  My daughter's Yorkie mix not only lifts her leg but she marks.

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

Problem 1: If you are moving and renting, I would NOT get another dog.  Seriously not.  My daughter has two dogs and has had lots of trouble finding a place to rent, even though one of the dogs is only 9 pounds and hardly counts. This has created lots of limitations in her job hunts.  That negates problem 2 for now.  Problem 3: There is no real best age - like with children.  Bella could be 10 and adding another dog will be fine.  Problem 4: Most dogs learn to get along.  Those who don't probably wouldn't get along with another dog no matter what the sex it. I think studies have shown that a male and a female have the best chance, however I grew up in a multiple-dog home with all the dogs being female. We have a friend who have a mother and her female puppy who have to be kept separate always or they fight.  I happen to have all male dogs who get along nicely.  So.....

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

All great advice!

[Sam&Bella]

Thank You Nancy! That's very helpful:)

We will try to look for some house, but it will be hard, so the puppy will have to be put off:(  The other day we were at a park and saw this adorable goldendoodle, and as soon as Bella and Sadie(that was her name) started playing, I knew that we needed another dood:) It was the most adorable thing I have ever seen Bella do! It was like they knew each other already:) I see how much she enjoys other(calm) dogs, and especially doodles. I don't know if it's just Bella, but do your doodles get along better with other doodles??

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Lots of times, people will get a second dog because they see how much their dog enjoys playing with others at dog parks, day care, etc. Then they are shocked when the dog is very unhappy, jealous, and even fighting with the new dog. Playing with other dogs on neutral territory like a dog park is much different from having to share their people and all of their resources with another dog in their own home, permanently. We've had a couple of discussions posted here recently about this situation. 

In rescue, we always ask if your dog has ever lived with another dog, and if not, or if it's been a long time, we suggest that you ask a friend or neighbor if you can have their dog for a weekend "sleepover". It will give you a better idea of how much Bella would like a sister (or brother?) on a permanent basis. :)

[Sam&Bella]

We actually went to my aunts house, and they have 2 labs puppies, and she got along GREAT with these adorable bricks with teeth! We were there for about 2 days I think. She was looking for them when we got home:) So I know that after the first few weeks she will adjust ok.