Reassure me... Or tell me it's a terrible idea

[Lindsey Holt]

Hi all,

We currently have a 3.5 year old golden doodle, named Jake, who is a joy and I love so much.  We have an opportunity to get a cockapoo in about 8 to 10 weeks, mom is in labor now.

My hesitation is two fold...

1.  Jake doesn't really love other dogs and hasn't had much experience with other dogs for a variety of reasons.  He had a vaccine reaction so we don't go to dog parks and he hasn't been to daycare, he does have his titers checked and they are fine tho.  The little interaction he does have he is quite uncomfortable, not aggressive, just uneasy.

Can he accept another dog in our house or is this going to be a fiasco?

2.  He is my fur baby and I don't want him to love me less or feel less loved if we bring home another pup.  I realize this is probably crazy, but I just can't help but worry about it.

Reassure me fellow doodle and dog lovers or tell me this is a terrible idea...

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

I'm struggling with that decision right now. Jasper's dam was just bred last week and this is going to be her last litter. So if I want another pup from the same mom (and I do), I'm going to have to bring home a puppy about mid-December. Lousy time of year, plus Jasper is really not where I'd like him to be with obedience training. And the thought of taking two dogs to two different training classes every week and working with them separately is daunting. I've never done it before. 

[Stacy]

You know I vote yes on this. Of course I don't have to live with the decision, so my vote doesn't really count. But I really feel like the more the merrier. And training classes have evolved into my favorite activity. I think you should come show in Rally with us. We could all have so much fun!

[J and Riley (and Luna)]

I mean I guess you have to decide if having a pup from this dam is more important or Jasper's training being super solid.  I'm with Stacey because the training can be fixed over time, you will never have another opportunity to get one of Jasper's siblings from the same mom.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

I don't know yet who the sire is. If it's Jasper's father, it's a no brainer. I'd send a deposit the day the pregnancy is confirmed, lol. But I'm not crazy about the sire she used the last time his mom was bred, so that may be the deciding factor. We'll see.

[Diane, Baker & Oskar]

Hi...you say Jake is uneasy around other dogs...do you have any friends with dogs who you could invite over & acclimate him? See if it helps & then make your decision.

Dogs usually establish their pecking order & then all can be well. Years ago though, we had a miniature schnauzer & then got a yellow lab puppy. As he grew, the lab was alpha, the schnauzer would not submit & the lab bit him many times...we should have rehomed one of them but didn’t...we had to keep them separated & we were nervous 24/7.

If you get the puppy, do temperament testing on the pup to try to minimize personality conflicts...good luck...it will most likely be just fine.

[Laurie, Wally & Charlotte]

You might want to do some obedience training with Jake now, whether or not you ultimately add the cockapoo to your family. Classes would get him used to being around other dogs in a controlled setting, plus you would have the tools to manage his behavior and actions if and when you bring home the puppy. This would be helpful when you are out and about in the world and Jake needs to come in close proximity with other dogs. 

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

This is excellent advice. 

[Lindsey Holt]

If we decide to go ahead...

What is the best way to introduce the new pup to Jake in order for this to be the most successful?

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

If you go to pick up your pup from the breeder, bring Jake along. The trip home in the car is a great opportunity for bonding. 
As much as possible, life for Jake should stay the same as it's always been. That means, don't move his bed, bowls or crate. Keep his routine (meals, walks, bedtime rituals, etc) the same as always. Give him some alone time with you, too. 

Make sure Jake has a place where he can get away from the puppy if he doesn't want to be bothered. 

Try very hard not to interfere in their interactions. Don't force the pup on him, and don't prevent him from putting the puppy in its place when necessary. He won't hurt it, he will "discipline" the same way the mother would. Never correct him for doing that.

Most important: Jake comes first. He gets fed first, he gets treats first, he gets affection first, etc. He's earned that. 

[Lindsey Holt]

So they should meet at the breeders house or the car then, correct?  

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Yes. Maybe in the breeder's yard if possible. Best not to overwhelm him with a million other dogs.

[Maryann,Roo and Tigger]

I am going to rain on your parade, but I think you know the answer yourself.  Enjoy Jake and forget the puppy for now.  If you do go ahead with another puppy, pick one that will be more his size and pick a female.  Males and females get along together better usually.  Be prepared to watch them together carefully all the time for about three years.