Adding a 2nd Doodle

[SamsonsMom]

Well I've been giving it a lot of thought lately - and I've decided to add another doodle after December. .maybe during December...but not before.

I have just absolutely fallen in love with the Doodle breed, and we are waiting until December since Samson is getting neutered at the beginning of October - and he needs time to go through AT LEAST one OB class before bringing in a new member. I decided to wait until after Samson was neutered to begin OB class because I didn't want to get half way through - have to stop for healing - and than begin again.

Anyway - not sure if I'm going to go for a puppy or older puppy like I did Samson. Rescue, rehome or breeder?? Color/coat type/sex doesn't really matter to me. I'm leaning towards rescue/rehome, mainly because I really like the idea of providing a forever home for a doodle that might not otherwise have one. But with all the puppy pictures I've been seeing lately - LOL - I guess I have plenty of time to decide the details.

Just thought I'd share.

[KingstonTodd]

Congrats!! We are a double doodle home as well and its great! Well, dodecadoodle right now, but thats temporary. I highly recommend having the first one trained well before adding the second, so the new doodle learns from the old, and they dont gang up on you in one big blurr of unbehaved doodle. Ther eare some wonderful doodles out there in rescues and some wonderful puppies/breeders, so your search should be fun and filled with lots of options. GL.

[tuffystar]

I am excited for you!!!! We have a house full of dogs but only one doodle and I want another so badly! I can't wait to hear updates as you decide what you want and where you are going to get it. Please keep posting about this!

[Jac]

Hmmmm, it just so happens that we will probably be having a litter in December, if all goes well...just thought I'd put that out there.
There are some great rescues too...and rehomes. Whatever you decide to do, I know that you will be happy with two...they are addictive!

[SamsonsMom]

Oh wow Jac! I'd like to hear more about the litter. But I am really torn between puppy from reputable breeder or a rescue.

Any help??? I know everybody thinks both options are good, rescue or puppy from good breeder. But what's your individual opinion?? I know a rescue brings unknown behavior, health, etc. issues. Puppy I'd know his/her entire history, parents history, etc. HMMM.

[Jac]

Well, of course, I have an opinion...but I think that I will PM...

[sheamusmom]

If you are adding a second doodle I definitely would have the first one well trained prior to the 2nd addition! While I do lots of rescue work, I also see the tremendous value of obtaining a good quality pup from a reputable breeder. If you choose a rescue dog you need to expect behavioral issues and/or health issues. Afterall most rehome dogs all come with lots of baggage. You need to expect to invest tons of time and training courses in the new dog, in order to overcome bad habits or lack of socialization or lack of initial training. And of course, the unknown health issues and unknown genetic issues are always there, and you need to be prepared for the dog to develop hip dysplasia, be heartworm positive or a multitude of issues that bad breeding may bring, it doesn't mean the dog is a poor choice, however a rescue dog is far from a bargain!! My friend adopted a 6 mo doodle rescued from the puppymill Seamus came from, and within the first 6 months had spent >$ 5,000 in vet expenses attempting to return him to a healthy state.
In all honesty, with your situation, I think the easiest choice would be to choose a puppy from a reputable breeder who does genetic and joint testing.

[Jac]

Very nice post, Liz, thank you.

[SamsonsMom]

Liz thank you for your advice. I know a rescue dog is FAR from a bargain - might cost less to adopt, but you're right - you end up spending plenty more on vet expenses, training, and behaviourists.

I lucked out with Samson - so far (knock on wood and cross your fingers) he hasn't had any major health issues come up - and is pretty good overall, just needs some OB training and such. But I know genetic and other health issues will probably pop up because of his background and my lack of knowledge of his background.

[Jac]

As much as I appreciate you, my friends, understanding that there IS a difference...I would also like to say that, as a breeder, I am still so impressed with this "breed" because even those rescued dogs have, for the most part, overcome their tragic backgrounds to become loving, treasured pets.

And, as much as I'd love to agree (completely) with the statement that well bred dogs are healthier...based on the fact that a good breeder does carefully select the parents and they do conduct health testing, I do agree...but it is still Mother Nature we are dealing with, and even a well bred dog can have health and behavioral problems.

The difference, and I think it is an important difference, is that if you buy from a good breeder, and if something tragic like this happens, you have someone else who loves your dog as much as you do and who will hold your hand through it all. Often, the health warranty for this pet will pay for expenses to treat or cure health issues. Sometimes the breeder is not obligated by a contract but, because of love, will help financially too.

So, while a well bred dog is not a guarantee of good health or even longevity, it is stacked in your favor and, if the worst happens, you can recoup part or all of the money you spent on the dog and apply it to treatment for your beloved pet. You don't get that with a rescue...but you could, very easily, get a rescue that has no health problems and that is a loving, intelligent and dear companion.

I think that the value in this type of discussion is that we are able to point out the pros and cons of both options and maybe help people make a decision...either way, a life is at stake. The life of a puppy. None of us take that lightly. And I am extremely proud to be a part of a society where that matters.

[sheamusmom]

Amen, Jac.

In one of the doodle rescue groups I volunteer with, there is a gorgeous sweet 6 month old LD puppy who apparently was purchased from a breeder, without a health guarantee. At 6 months of age, this adorable pup now has shown signs of congenital hip dysplasia, and by his 1st birthday will need a hip replacement!! And, now we are faced with having to either adopt him to a home knowing he will need this costly surgery, or keeping him in foster care and seeing him through the surgery, and after rehab is completed to again look for a new family for him. A tough situation for all involved.

It is good to be able to look at the pros and cons of this important issue.

[SamsonsMom]

Well you're right. I think it's a very important part of making the decision on bringing a new member into the family.

I really appreciate the breeder prespective to this issue. I was able to get plenty of information on why to adopt over purchase. But you can't find that much information readily available that points out the great pros on purchasing from a reputable breeder. I really think both sides have equal value and good points and it's important to look at both.

Bottom line and my ultimate goal though is to add a new doodle that fits with us and we fit with him/her.

[Jac]

Hear! Hear!! And, to that, I say...let's focus on the fun side! Can't wait to meet your new baby...!

[KingstonTodd]

I'll pipe in some 2 cents that you dont hear often in the breeder/resuce debate. Now, I am obviously biased, being a breeder, but we do have a rescue as well. It started out altruistically, to save a dog from a bad situation, but another emotion has become the dominant one with regard to our Gus. He has his faults but we wouldnt trade him for any other. When he sits on my lap and kisses my neck, I think of where he came from, being neglected, and it makes ME feel good because he is happy and I did that. It then kinda feels selfish because he makes ME feel good about myself because he is happy, so I am happy we rescued him, less and less for what we saved him from, and more and more because of how he makes me feel about myself.

I can't really get into the more standard pro's/con's of breeder vs rescue because we are a breeder and my argument woul dbe biased, but I though I would share that feeling since you dont see it much in this debate.

[MaxandMe]

i am a 2 doodle mom that are 5mos apart in age......both i got from a breeder but MAX the black one in avitar was the puppy no one wanted
i got him around 13 to 14wks old........peanut as a 9wk old puppy and later had a 3rd doodle puppy all only a year apart i age!

I think doodles while they are people dogs are also meant to have another dog companion or maybe some dogs are.
Either way i am an advocate of 2 doodles..........when they are both mature it does get alot easier
(unless you read my post on how one dog poops and they jump in it while U open door thus it gets all over half the house)

other than that...........rescue dogs are alot of work, i've fostered on and off for 30yrs but will say DOODLES that get lots of love
attention/training etc..well as rescues if you get the WHOLE story can be worth the effort
and YET i say get a puppy from a reputable breeder taht grows into your family and doodle easier yet puppie are alot of work

I say write up a PROS/CONS list on puppy vs rescue if you can't decide.
while I love rescues i'd say raising my own puppies i was able to avoid issues yet having helped foster 2 doodles
i also able to work withthem to get then their new forever homes where 2yrs later they're doing great! but one took 2yrs to get over
certain issues.