Wondering About Adding Another Doodle to the Family

[Michele, Biscuit & Mo]

From time to time, Hubby and I talk about adding another Goldendoodle to our happy family. Penny just turned four and has been such a joy. Since my husband is retired and I work from home, Penny was raised with at least one of us around pretty much most of the time. Sometimes, though, I think that it might be nice for her to have a playmate.

Just wondering -- have you guys added a new pup into the mix with an adult doodle, and how well did it work? Penny gets a lot of attention and I'm wondering about the jealousy factor.

If we were to do it, I think I'd add another female - is that a good idea? Did you find your new pup trained faster because of having an adult dog around to show it "the way?" In the end, did you find it to be a good decision to add a pup, or do you wish you'd never done it?

I'd love to hear all stories you guys might have - good, bad, horrific, etc. :-)

[Adina P]

The only recommendation I have is be sure you add a second doodle because you and your hubby WANT another rather than for the sake of a playmate =) Then if you can afford the extra time (training, poop pick up, food, vet, grooming, etc) and money for one more...and you want one...GO FOR IT!

Dogs do add some training help for the new pup--but not majorly...mostly puppy may just mimic around-the-house-and-yard behavior. However with three dogs I have not found my best trained two to do anything positive or negative for the obedience level of the least trained dog. It still requires the same individual training as for a single pup. Since Penny is mature and well trained it won't be as difficult to train a pup since you won't have to be juggling the training of two.

The toughest parts for us (with 3) is traveling and lodging (both logistics and cost) or dog sitting arrangements if we leave them behind. I imagine 2 is WAY easier as more hotels, etc allow 2 dogs but FEW take 3 or more.

Depending on how anxious you are for responses .. you might look through the forum for a couple past discussions on this topic (I can't remember their titles though)--also there is an older blog on this too =)

Good luck in your decision..I think it's great fun to have 2 doodles!

[Kelli, Fenway, & Dustin Pedroia]

We are about to add puppy number two so I can't give any advice yet, but like Adina says, there are previous posts on this. There is also a group for multiple doodles that may give you some better insight. I've gotten lots of good advice from some of the members of this group by going to their individual pages and asking them questions. Good luck with your decision! Your current baby is absolutely precious by the way!

[Karen Gaffney]

My black and white doodle Nimbus is 50 lbs and my Apricot and white Cirrus is about 42 or 43 lbs. Check my page for pics I have bunch on there.

[Lynne Fowler-Oodles of Doodles]

Sometimes 2 females, where one or both are Alpha, could lead to trouble. Adding a male might be easier as Penny has been used to being the most important in your lives and might have an issue with another female. As someone who has more than one, however, I'll never have just one again. The playmate issue is just one of the benefits.

[Michele, Biscuit & Mo]

Wow - great comments and advice. Thanks to everyone!

[Debbie and Thomas]

I would add a male puppy to your family. They are just as loving and sweet and some think they are friendlier and even more devoted than females. Itwould be a great mix and tons of fun!

[Michele, Biscuit & Mo]

Thanks, Debbie! I'll keep y'all posted if we go for it!

[Stella]

We just added another dog (nine week old puppy) to our existing 14 month old labradoodle. You can see the discussion "Introducing a New Puppy to an Existing Dog" to chronicle our problems and progress!! If you have a female, you might be better to get a male, I have been told that two females are more likely to fight and to fight visciously than two dogs of the opposite sex. I know that in time, probably six months or so, our house will settle down again, but right now it is pretty chaotic!!

[Michele, Biscuit & Mo]

You are so kind, Stella - thanks for the advice! I'll be sure to check out your chronicle!! Thanks!

[Stella]

You are welcome. Our older dog, the 14 month old, is 70pounds, and the puppy is 12pounds so our biggest problem is when they try to play together. Our older dog gets a bit rough and overpowers him! Our older dog is really well socialised and plays well with nearly every dog at the dog park, but he does like to play rough and prefers dogs that are the same size or bigger than him. So, I think that he just doesn't quite know what to do with this little squirmy thing that is suddenly in our house!! I am looking forward to the day when they are a little more closely matched in size, and can play together safely and be company and friendship for each other. We have only had the new one for a week, so it is defintely a work in progress!!

[Michele, Biscuit & Mo]

Can't wait to read how it all works out for you guys - never a dull moment, right? Thanks, Stella!

[Tamara & Giada]

Our older dog helped temendously with the training of our puppy. It sounds like you have the time, so if it is something you can afford and want go for it. Two are loads of fun!! Both of ours are female, and we have never had issues, so all dogs are different.