UPDATE: Just Discouraged Facebook "friend" from Buying a Doodle

[Allyson, Peri & Taquito]

UPDATE: See first post below for scoop, but for those of you who have followed, I received a very great email from my friend. She is going to put her schnauzer into training (has never done this) and try to really work with her before making any decisions. She has also decided to NOT rehome her before seeing how the baby and dog react to each other. Sooo, maybe I actually helped in this situation. She also said she would think long and hard before 1) giving her current pup up and 2) adding any other dog to her family. Sometimes advice is taken and I am really happy I spoke up in this case.

ORIGINAL POST: I am posting this on the forum because I thought it might stir some of you, especially those of you involved in the DRC.

A "friend" on facebook saw a photo of Peri recently. You know how those facebook "friends" are - I am closer to DK friends than those people sometimes. Anyway, she was asking me if they shed and many other questions.
I explained that it is never a guarantee that they are non-shed, EVER. Especially with the first generations...I really tried to educate her. I told her if she is that worried about the cleanliness of her house and needs a non-shed dog for that reason (she does not have allergies), go with a poodle or other non-shedding dog like a terrier, etc....
Then she proceeds to say she is going to re-home her Schnauzer next year because she is trying to have a baby. She said he is too used to being an only dog and may snap at the baby. Now I can totally understand being scared about a snappy dog being around my child, but the entire conversation irked me. Do you know what I mean? The whole non-shed thing, child thing, etc...
Isn't this why so many doodles end up getting re-homed? People think they are non-shed, they may not be. People think they are so smart and easy, they are puppies for the first 1-2 years of their lives, for goodness sake!
This is more to vent, but I did think it was worth posting in the forum. Because I really told her she should wait and not rush out and buy any dog before really thinking it through.

I have had a lot of blogs lately, hope you are not sick of me :)

[Michele Barton]

Allyson, we could never be sick of you! Good for you for educating your friend. I sure hope she doesn't give up her schnauzer. Actually, on second thought maybe it would be better for the poor dog if she did...some folks just don't feel about their dogs the way that we do, which is so sad. I hope you got through to her.

[Nina, Phil, Harlow & Lacey]

Allyson you did the right thing trying to inform your 'friend'. If her attitude before even getting pregnant is to rehome her dog, she should have a really serious discussion with herself about having children.

[Tammy & Gracie]

Wow, is all I can say. Sometimes........... To think she is planning to throw away her current dog in a year just burns me up! The dood would probably end up just like the poor schnauzer, rehomed due to some perceived flaw.. Some just don't get it.

[Camilla and Darwin]

I have had numerous people contact me about photos of Darwin they saw on facebook. I have told them the same thing, that they aren't always non-shedding/hypo-allergenic and they have a lot of energy, etc. Obviously I tell them the positives too but I think there really are people who aren't well suited to a high energy lifestyle of a Goldendoodle or Labradoodle. So, I try and be as open as possible about the pros AND cons that I have found.

[Adrianne Matzkin]

This person has no business in thinking about getting a doodle or anyother dog!! That dog will be in a shelter the day she finds out she is pregnant!

You can't imagine how many Doodles are in shelters or need to be rehomed due to ridiculous excuses like hers! I would live in my car if I had to instead of giving up my girls! They are part of our family - not a sofa to be sent out to the Salvation Army when I get tired of them! I did't throw out my human girls when things weren't perfect. OMG - I am so ticked off!

If someone has a Doodle that is not 'perfect' for whatever the reason, it is up to us humans to do whatever it takes to make the situation right!! Just imagine the poor rescued Doodle who is so scared and not given the training and the time that she needs and the family is ready to dump her back at the shelter because she does not fulfill a humans image as to be what he thinks she should be!

How about the advertising that doodles are hypoallergenic! I have seen a few breeder sites lately that state flat out that their doodle puppies will not shed. How can they know that - even with generations of breeding, can't there be a doodle that does shed? Can't a human be allergic to any dogs saliva?

Allyson - I am thrilled you started this discussion. We all need to be reminded that Doodles are people too and have the right to be treated as a family member.

I also needed to vent! Thanks for giving me the place to do it!

[Holly St Pierre]

I agree. There are no guarantee's. Gunner sheds ALOT! Non-shedding was one of the things we looked for in a breed, but it didn't happen, so you adjust to it because you love your dog & are committed to it when you sign up to get a pet. He is like our child. You would never give a child up (I would hope) just because of a flaw. I in no way want to judge, but why is she thinking of another dog, when she isn't even sure she is going to keep the one she has. That really doesn't make any sense. I have a friend who has two VERY SPOILED Jack Russel's & she wasn't sure how they would take to her baby. They are all buddies. So she shouldn't assume it won't work.

[Adrianne Matzkin]

If that was the case both my human daughters would have been looking for new homes years ago! LOL
I kept them with their flaws - even when they and their friends ate us out of house and home!! I would be eating hot dogs in order to be able to feed my girls - I just don't get it! I guess I never will

[Allyson, Peri & Taquito]

If one thing comes out of this discussion, I hope it is that DK members remember that although we love our doods, they (or any dog) may not be best for all kinds of people. Especially passersby that comment on how beautiful they are, smart they are, etc....and inquire about getting one. Instead of just saying "Peri is awesome" they need to know some more info!

[Yvonne N]

You go girl! The Newkirks are very very proud of you.

[Kendra K. Rhoton]

I plan to have a child in the future and you better believe that Remington is not going anywhere! When we purchase him he began a permanent member of our family until the day we die! It makes me so sad when I see people giving up their animals because of children and they are afraid the dog will hurt him or her... well that dog is your child too and deserves to be a part of the family as well! Don't give up your animals!!!!

[Leigh & Allie]

I'm thinking maybe she shouldn't have a child!!! You know they mess up the house and can leave much worse than a few hairs!!

[Allyson, Peri & Taquito]

hahaha! I know! Conor and I both said "if we can't handle another dog, we certainly can't handle kids one day!". Peri is our first puppy to have together and it has certainly taught us a lot :)