Considering a Labradoodle

[mjr]

Hello,

Hoping some of the good folks on this board can answer some questions for me!

We are looking into getting a labradoodle as a family pet. 2 adults and 2 kids (4 and 7) living in a single family home with a good size yard - now for the questions....

- is the labradoodle a good choice for first time dog owners?
- is the breed generally good with kids (and not just those that they get to see every day?)
- would a labradoodle enjoy running with us for exercise?

Thanks for any input,
Matt

[movistar]

yes
yes
yes




I think jac is near you, she will chime in soon I hope and she could probably introduce you to the dog of your dreams.

of course it would be unwise of me not to mention any dog is a commitment and they require time and of course puppies can be and are somewhat rambunctious by nature. good luck!

[NurseLeslie]

Hi. We got our Doodle on July 3rd. He is our first dog and we have 2 kids ages 7 and 10. We chose the labradoodle based on the very questions you asked. He is going to be a great companion and family pet BUT he is also alot of work and requires alot of training and consistancy. They are so darn smart! I suggest you read everything you can about dog training and psychology so you can be in the right frame of mind for your new puppy AND your family will be very happy with this breed. Let us know when you get apup and post pics. You will find this forum invaluable in the months to come. Congrats! Leslie

[lovemydoodle]

Doodles are very good dogs, and I've heard only good things with people who have kids. My dog is very good with my daughter (she is 6) and he is good with my nephews who are 3 and 2. The little one has pulled his tail and smacked him (not that we allow it but its happened) and it doesnt even bother him. Leno even lets him ride on his back. My uncle also owns a doodle (which is how we ended up wanting one) and he has two kids that are 6 and 4. He says the 4 year old rides on their dog, takes food out of the dish when he is eating, and takes toys from him. And the dog doesnt mind it.

They seem to be easy to train too. Leno learned "right paw" and "left paw" in one night. Even when we try to trick him he still gets it right, along with the other tricks he knows.

I've always been a fan of labs, I think they are great family dogs. And although Ive never owned a poodle I hear they are great too. So I guess you get the best of both!

Thats just my experiences with doodles, im sure other people have lots of other good stories to share!

[Jac]

Hello and welcome!
Thanks, M

mjr, yes, Labradoodles are all of those things you are looking for...but, as the others have so wisely mentioned, much of a puppy's ability to bond to a family is due to a few factors:

1) The puppy has been produced by a breeder who specifically selected the parents based on temperament and health, then raised the puppy with lots of love and socialization.

2) You and your family are committed to raising the puppy in a home with proper (and consistent) training, socialization and love.

3) You understand that you are getting a living creature and WILL run into traits that are sometimes surprising to humans...so you have to be willing to understand and appreciate the canine "culture".

Where are you from? I am in northern California. (Willits) If you would like to speak with me or write to me about specific questions, I am happy to help you. Perhaps we could arrange a time for you to meet some Labradoodles before you decide.

I can also put you in touch with families in similar situations as yours and they can explain the good and bad of owning a Labradoodle puppy. (Yes, there are some bad things...if anyone glosses over that part, they are not being honest with you! )

Please feel free to send a private message (click on the PM button below) and I will tell you how to reach me.

[Chesterpal]

I've never had a dog and it took years before I was talked into it. We brought Chester into our family...I was so won over it was my idea to get a second labradoodle...so along came Archie. I think the world of these guys.
Just keep in mind...puppies are A LOT of work and it takes time, patience and training for them to become the dog you want them to be.

[Jac]

I forgot to mention that we are having a northern CA Doodle Romp on Sept. 17...you are welcome to come!

[mjr]

Thanks to all who replied - great information. We are really trying to gather as much
information as possible to be sure that a dog will fit into our lifestyle AND that we can
provide a good home for one.

JAC - I may well take you up on your generous offer to provide more information should be decide to go ahead.

Thanks again!
Matt

[Jac]

I'll be happy to help if I can! Contact me any time.

[Doodley]

Definitely- we recently got a labradoodle at 8 weeks old in the middle of June. Now he can already sit, lay down, roll over, speak, shake with both paws, and this is the coolest one: when he is laying down, you can put a cookie on his paw and he won't eat it until you say "go get it". Labradoodles are very loveable, trainable, and smart!

[dixiedi]

I can't add much to this post, everyone has already spoken of how wonderful this breed is and no matter how wonderful, smart and devoted they are, they don't come trained Like any other puppy, they do require a lot of time, patience and love. With the right training and guidance, I can say without a doubt, the Labradoodle will be the best dog you have ever had