A second goldendoodle!

[Mary]

Hi everyone,

Our current puppy is a year and two months old. We are thinking of getting a second puppy in winter, that's the time I can work from home for a while. Our current girl is sweet, energetic, playful, and a people dog. She is a standard goldendoodle, about 67 lbs. But she hates being left alone but obviously we cannot be with her all the times. She goes to daycare and loves playing with other doggies, big and small.

We were thinking of getting a mini goldendoodle so that they can both fit in the car together! Do you have more than one dog? Do you recommend it?

I've done some research and it seems that it's better to get the second dog from the opposite sex, is that right?

Thanks a lot everyone

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

Your doodle is darling.  Some dogs are better as only dogs and some enjoy being part of a pack.  I have three doodles.  I think any of mine could have been an only dog at one point, but they would not be happy being that now. Some dogs with some separation anxiety do better with another dog companion they have bonded to (notice I said bonded to because if they aren't bonded to the other dog, it's like leaving two dogs home alone).  We had a Springer Spaniel who had severe separation anxiety.  He  wanted his people, or any people in a pinch.  He bonded to the older dog we already had when we got him and was fine when left alone with him.  When that dog passed, he tried to rely on our younger dogs.  The Springer  was fine at our home with them but when we traveled in our RV, he wasn't fine being left, even with his 'brothers.' 

Our dogs happen to be all male - just ended up that way.  They all get along.  When I was growing up we had all females who all got along. I think it is often advised to get opposite gender dogs.  But who really knows. Most adult dogs accept a puppy of either gender, then as that one matures, they work out who is in charge.

[Mary]

Thanks a lot for the info! 

[Hannah & Pepper]

Hi Mary,

Have you had more thoughts about this?  I am pondering getting a friend for Pepper but have never had two dogs before.  I really thinks Pepper would like a friend, but not sure if two dogs is overwhelming or is not much more work than one dog?

Thanks!