[Paintsmeblue]

So, I would really like to get a sibling for Napa.... what can I say, I've been nipped by the Doodle bug. But, this was the debate with my DBF about getting another puppy. "If you get another puppy, then I want a rifle."


Is it really that easy? I still have to see if we can afford another puppy, but I honestly didn't think that the debate was going to be that easy...

[seazr]

Oh, it can be that easy. BUT whenever you decide to bring a pup into your home, much thought should be given because it is intended to be a forever commitment. Pups can be expensive: food, toys, shots, training, unexpected vet bills, etc. They take a lot of time: exercise, playtime, training, etc. They may require you to make personal adjustments: staying home with them, traveling accomodatons/costs, if you need to move and you rent how hard is it to find accomadating renters, etc. And many other factors I haven't mentioned here. But, if you have taken all of that into consideration and decide the sacrifices are worth it!! Yippee!! Two doodles have got to be double the fun!!!! Good luck with your decision!
_________________
Diane (and Dakota)
http://s42.photobucket.com/albums/e304/seazr/

[Paintsmeblue]

Yup! I'm considering it all! But I never expected Anthony to just give in like that! I'm looking, but I'm still working everything else out, as well!

[lmtoth2]

i think that it would be easier to raise 2 younger puppies together because you'll get all the bad stuff (potty training, etc) out of that way at once. However it's also double the cost for everything. I can't believe how quickly we go through food now (well we also need to fatten up Kirby a bit, but still).

I know Kirby and Dex will entertain each other, but they're older. I would talk to someone who raised both from puppies to see how it worked out (what problems they faced)...maybe try Gene, Annmarie or Lisa? I know there are others too...
_________________
Leslie M

[Paintsmeblue]

That's what I thought of. Since we've already adjusted our lives for Napa, to keep this thought going for a few more months while we wait for another puppy to "grow up" would be easier. Also, then, we can finally keep everything nice and clean the carpets for good, and the whole nine yards. Napa is just out of his puppy shots, and right now, everything could be a hand-me-down, since he's outgrown his thin collar, and his food bowl, and quickly will outgrow some of his toys, as well.

So, has anyone raised two puppies together? My breeder has a litter available at the end of the month (October)- which is probably too early- or more coming in the spring- which would probably be better. So, Napa would have one month of obedience training in before the first set of litters, or would be 1 year old with the other litters. Has anyone raised puppies like this together? I'd love feedback.

[MaxandMe]

I Have 2 doodles Max and Peanut that are 5months apart...i would say that is a good age difference as if they were any closer in age it would have been too hard.

1. two puppies 5mos apart is good but means TONS of walking the separately for many months for potty walks
2. there will be accidents
3. double the amount of food and vet bills and toys
4. i crate them separately still to give them time alone from each other and also to sometimes work/train one doodle alone

5. It's a big decision, and a big committment.
6. 2 doodles= 24/7 wrestling, non-stop antics, sock stealing etc.
7. Training is a must ....both of mine will do half hour or longer "lie downs" separately about 4 or 5 nghts of the week.

8. keep reading my articles and decide if having 2 puppies now is right for you hahhahaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa

9. I have help with my fiance and son otherwise i could not have done it alone.
10. ILOVE having 2 doodles but they do go thru STAGES where you know why some end up in shelters....that's when i make my sense of humor come out more, as they say" pick and choose your battles" hhahaha
_________________
Annmarie, Max,& Peanut
Forum BLOG ARTICLE LINK http://blog.labradoodle-dogs.net/

"Until one has loved an animal, a part of one's soul remains unawakened." Anatole France

[annieG]

I would love to have 2 doodles but because we will be renting for a year..one is our limit. In our area it is really hard to find a rental to allow 2 large dogs..
_________________
AnnieG & Tanner

Dogs are not our whole life, but they make our lives whole. ~Roger Caras

[sessa35]

How is your schedule/routine regarding school with Napa going....I know you are in your final year but think ahead for potential "job schedules".....even grad. school, if that's your second step after this one, requires a different schedule...I know you had struggled with this planning before getting Napa--that is, the dealing with the day to day routine...

I say this because two dogs require are VERY different type of routine/schedule than one....I think Annmarie's advice is really on the mark----I think the most difficult thing is getting each individual dog to regard you as the pack leader (this is done with one-on-one training)....if the first does not, the second will only reinforce it and make it more difficult for the owner to get a handle on both...

This is really the MAIN reason why I haven't succombed to the second doodle yet....I just can't make the necessary "time" changes that we would need to for a second...also, many of the benefits that Mija reaps being the "sole" dog--like getting to go mostly EVERYwhere with us--that would fly out the window with a second....that coupled with the fact that I have firmly decided to wait until Mija is at least 2 to introduce the second....(I'm going for the---one is REALLY well trained and mature enough to show the 2nd the ropes---good behavior not bad behavior being copied!! LOL!!)

good luck with your decision making....as before, it is commendable that you think these things out thoroughly!

p.s. What's up with the bff wanting a rifle---does he hunt? just curious?
_________________
REASON #50, "Why I love my doodle so": My doodle teaches ME new things EVERY day!

[blueteal]

Vanessa, that is absolutely great advice and
my motto as well.
_________________
Sue & Denver
http://blueteal.net/denver.htm
A dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more than he loves himself.
- Josh Billings

[gene]

[annabelles mom]

I raised 2 choc labs together - sisters, littermates, for me it wasnt as bad as we had a half acre fenced in, so there was never a leash issue for potty training, but you have to spend twice as much time training as they do distract one an other often - I would Not want to have had to train them without a fenced yard - they both required "alone" time to be trained and played with, again wasnt as hard as we were fenced in, doing this with 2 puppies on a leash - I never would have tried

Finances are a big consideration - double the cost of food/crate/toys/Vet bills, 2 puppies to be neutered/spayed, you have to consider double the time spent caring/playing/walking etc

I would think if you have 2 and you have to have them on leashes all the time you would have to take them out separately - which is ok if you are both home or come home together, but if you've been gone for a while and come home alone - there are 2 puppies that need to go out and go potty NOW - that can be tricky when they are pups - they are prob gonna wanna play and it could make potty training and just pottying difficult. When we traveled with our 2 labs, there were times they had to be on a leash and we both had to take them out as they woud not potty when they were on leashes together, were too interested in each other, so I would think you would have to walk them separately for pottying - is the other one gonna bark in the kennel the whole time you are out walking the other?

You also need to consider that you are in an apartment - 2 puppies in the same place are gonna be playing, barking, beating on each other - how are your neighbors gonna react to that? and you cant be telling them No all the time, they need to play. Also, having 2 pups together in the apt while you are gone - good chance they are gonna be barking at each other - again, how will your neighbors feel about that.

As far as the apartment goes - will they allow 2 dogs that could be 45-100 lbs in one apartment - many dont allow one , but 2 can really be hard to find a place that will allow - if they do allow - what will you do if you start getting complaints from the neighbors - do you have someplace already picked out that you can move to if it became a noise problem with the 2 dogs, someplace that would allow 2 puppies who are going to be good size dogs?


I think it's great you love Napa so that you'd like another, but I'd seriously consider waiting until Napa is 1yr or 2y and very well trained. having at least one of your dogs under control will make having 2 easier

If you decide to go ahead, I wish you the best, but from past experience, all I can say is BE PREPARED LOL
_________________


Mary & Annabelle
Zippity Doodle, Zippyity ay, My O My what a WonderDoodle Day !

http://www.picturetrail.com/luvlabs

[Paintsmeblue]

Thanks for the advice! I just want to make the right decision. I'm trying really hard to reduce my workload for next semester, which would make training two puppies easier. I'd like to give Napa a playmate. Although we do play with him, I don't want him to become my parents dog who just lays around all the time, which is sometimes required when we both have homework to do.

I know that its a big commitment and I am half-heartedly considering one- partly because our parents will flip out if we told them we were getting another one. So, thanks for all the feedback!

[sessa35]

so wait...

I had to come back to this....I know, I know....nosy budgikins that I am...

Is the BF a hunter?


_________________
REASON #50, "Why I love my doodle so": My doodle teaches ME new things EVERY day!

[Paintsmeblue]

HAHA Umm, no. Its suddenly his passion, or something. He's currently addicted to CounterStrike on the computer- a bang bang, shoot-um up game. So, I'm not sure where the sudden urge for him to go shooting came from, but we've got his grandfather's old rifle here, and what not.

[annabelles mom]