Adopting a year old goldendoodle or get a puppy??

[Brett3xx]

I'm looking for a goldendoodle or labradoodle, but I can't afford the 1200+ price tag alot of them have. I have found a breeder in the area, that is wanting to get rid if a 1.5 year old female for a really good price. She hasn't been bred and is is suppose to be house trained, but no obediance training. How hard is it to train an older dog, vs a puppy?

I'm also looking at some pups that are from a f1 golden doodle and a golden retrevier. since the mother was bred back to a golden retreiver would this be a bad thing? The mother doodle has a very curly coat and the pups seem to have a less curly kinda wavy coat.

Thanks in advance

[lindamarie]

WELCOME TO THE FORUM!

I can't answer the 2nd part of your question.........but on the first......Why NOT!??
Puppies are awesome, but they are expensive. If the breeder feels the doodle is trainable......go for it! Would they allow you to bring her home and try things out?

[Jac]

Hi, welcome to our forum!

Yes, you can train an older Doodle. They are extremely smart and trainable...but it really depends on the type of home they had, when you are considering the amount of work you will need to put into the training. If the dog was raised in a home, given love and attention, then it will probably have a loving temperament...that is extremely important. Sure she will have bad habits that you will need to work on. Be sure that she is potty trained (sometimes they are not, even at that age) and that she is not aggressive. Once you determine that she is a good temperament and loving, you can teach her the other things. It just takes a lot of patience (but it does with a pup too) and a little time every single day. Consistency is the key.

It will also make a difference if you are going to be home all day with her or if you work and leave her alone. If she is not used to being alone, she could have some issues.

Normally a breeder won't breed an F1 back to the retriever parent because the idea of breeding a Poodle into the mix is to improve the coat. Usually Goldendoodles have lovely coats on the first cross. There is nothing wrong with this breeding, it just isn't done often. You may get more shedding with this puppy.

You can find less expensive Doodles, you might want to look at rescues in your area too.

Best wishes to you! Please let us know what you decide to do, we love to hear the stories and see pictures!

[SamsonsMom]

WELCOME!!!

I received Samson when he was about 6 1/2 months old and Henry when he was about 2 years old. Doodles are very trainable, but like Jac said, will take patience. I'd also have a list of questions for the breeder to answer regarding temperment, personality history, vet history, any testing done for breeding, why she wasn't bred, etc. In my personal experience, it's best to get all the info up front for a few reasons 1) preparation, you'll know what areas you'll have to work on; 2) because you don't always know if the previous owner is going to be there for you to answers questions that might pop up.

I'd also make a list of what YOU expect from the doodle. What things you will not tolerate at all - what things you're willing to work on (regardless of time frame it takes to correct) - and why you want a dog in the first place. It would be horrible if you absolutely can not have a dog that hops a 4 ft. chain link fence only to bring home an older doodle that has a history of hopping a 4 ft. chain link fence.

I am VERY happy with my two rehomed older doodles. I wouldn't trade them for anything. But I will say, takes more preparation, more patience, and you need to know the history of the doodle. Makes for an easier transition between homes and easier for you because you know what to expect from your new addition.

Also, be aware that the transition time between homes can be longer than you'd have with a puppy. Samson cowarded in a corner for about a week after we got him, than another month before he would go around the house without acting like he was walking on eggshells, about 2 months and he was fully out of his shell. Henry on the other hand, picked up our routine and was out of his shell in only 2 weeks.

OKAY a little long-winded I know - and not saying any of the above to scare ya off of rehoming. I think it's a GREAT idea. But preparation is key to a happy smooth transition!!

[Jac]

Very sound advice...from someone who knows!

[SamsonsMom]

I re-read my post and dang I sound a little List Happy. My main reason for getting as much info about history is simple - I have two rehomed doodles, both previous homes gave me the same speech "we'll miss him so much. We need constant updates - and we'll want to know how he's doing for the rest of his life. Need any help, let me know. Doesn't work out, let me know."

The first update for both doodles was answered - second update with question regarding personality, not answered and I've never heard from them again. The constant update, we really care - thing only lasted 2 weeks. You purchase a puppy from a reputable breeder, the breeder will be there for you - plus you're starting with an almost blank slate. You get a rehome, you can't count on the previous owner being there for you - and your doodle has a history, so get as much info as possible. Not saying it's going to be bad history - but it's history that will help you help the doodle transition to your home.

BUT my guys are TERRIFIC! The doodle is an amazing breed, whatever they have gone through - they bounce right back. And they are so smart that they know exactly what you expect from them and start picking up on your rules.

[deepnite10]

its important to understand why you want a doodle..just like children..want the for all the right reason s..and
be willing to pay the price..not so much in $$$..but, in time, patience, love and training..

in our area..i ve just too many dogs given up for adoption or just abandoned cuz they could nt for any reason they
could nt be cared for anymore...i ve got a real bad attitude about people abandoning their pets..

[Mucky1217]

Have you checked local rescues/shelters to find a poodle mix? I adopted my labradoodle in November, I did have to drive several hours to the rescue to meet him and pick him up, but it was well worth it. He was 10months old when we adopted him. He was originally bought from a breeder, but apparently the owners couldn't handle training a dog. He has the sweetest temperament, and is very smart. We've spent many hours training some of his bad habits out of him (mainly jumping and constantly putting his paws on us). Although his previous owners said he played too rough with their children, he is very gentle and clam with my husband's 2-year old god daughter.

When you looking at dogs, just remember that temperament is the most important thing to look for.