Adding a Doodle to the Family

[Annie Medina]

I have a male Goldendoodle, a doubledoodle actually, named Ike who just turned 2. From the very moment I laid eyes on him I have felt that every person needs a Doodle and every Doodle needs another Doodle to play with. We have two older Cairn Terrier mixes who somewhat play with Ike, as much as 11 and 12 year olds can. But I've always felt bad for Ike on our walks as he wants so badly to play with every dog we come within 30 feet of.

Well, Ike will have a new chocolate Labradoodle brother join our family on December 10th, and now I am starting to feel guilty. Ike and I are pretty much attached at the hip, so to speak. A puppy will require a lot of my time and attention which Ike is pretty much used to getting most of. Doodles have the sweetest personalities in the world and I don't foresee any problems but I'd love to hear any suggestions or advice from those who have added to their Doodle families.

Thanks in advance for your help.

Annie

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

I don't know if you have or had human children, but if you do/did, it is just the same feeling - that "oh-my-gosh-what-have-I-done?" feeling.  It will be fine. Ike will learn to share you.  It is important that Ike still see that you love him and that he has some of your undivided attention, and the new little one will also.  It will be a crazy balancing act for a while, but you, and they, will settle in.  Enjoy!

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

I worried about the same thing, but for the most part it has not been an issue.  My two are really bonded and love playing together.  Every now and then one of them will get a little "pushy" when the other is getting my full attention, but it's really not a problem.  Every now and then I'll take just one of my guys and do something...a car ride or walk.  I like the "one on one time" and so do they.  Congratulations on your new puppy!

[Haley, Yeti, and Phin]

We just added another doodle to the family and I felt the exact same way. The boys love each other so much and they still love me too! It is mildly heartbreaking when I have to put yeti in his kennel to help train phin one on one, but I know it won't last forever. I think you made a great choice!

[Lynda Kamrath]

Actually, I just read your note and a new doodle puppy coming on Dec. 10.  Congratulations!  Yes, I think they need and appreciate having another dog to walk with and play with.  We always have at least two because of the trauma if their companion dies.  And, doodles tend to train each other.  At least my goldendoodle and labradoodle were trained by their older siblings.  The sheepadoodle, not so much, as she is very independent and stubborn.  She now herds the other dogs if they are doing something they are not supposed to be doing (like digging gophers).  Life is interesting.  Enjoy Ike and his new sibling.

[Joyce (Casey & Cody's mom)]

Annie, how is Ike getting along with his new brother? I have 2 boys that are inseparable. I always believed that there should be at least two dogs — so we ended up with 4! We have 2 dachshunds and 2 doodles. A very happy household. 

[Annie Medina]

Hi Joyce, thanks so much for asking! It is going well, the doodles love each other! We named the little one Bernie. Bernie follows me everywhere as does Ike. I still try to give Ike extra attention and our solo walk. Bernie did not come pee pad trained like Ike did so we're working on that but he does well each time we go outside. No regrets at all.

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