Is A Doodle For You?

Before you get a Labradoodle or a Goldendoodle, do your homework. Make sure that you are not getting a doodle because you recently saw a show on television that had the most adorable doodle on it. It is a commitment of at least 15 years to a live breathing being that will look to you for it's needs. Don't take the decision to get a doodle lightly.

What you NEED to know: (This section will provide you with all of this information.)

• How much time it takes
  
• The expenses involved
  
• Learn if a Labradoodle or Goldendoodle is suitable for your situation
• Understand the differences between the different generations.

You will also NEED to know:

• What to look for in a breeder (see Selecting a Breeder section)
  
• What questions to ask a breeder (see Selecting a Breeder section)
• What to look for in a puppy (see Selecting a Puppy section)
• Size, color, sex, and other attributes of the puppy (see Selecting a Puppy section)

Timing

The first year of a puppy's life is full of training and socialization. When the pup first arrives, expect some sleepless nights, frequent trips to go potty; veterinarian visits, training classes and some depreciation of the furniture/rugs in your home. Being realistic of the time you can devote to a puppy. The amount of effort and training you put into the puppy this first year, will pay off ten fold as the dog matures.

If you work long hours at the office, or you enjoy taking long weekends at your favorite bed and breakfast, how will a puppy fit into your life? Are you ready to modify your lifestyle to care for the puppy?

If you have several children and you are so busy with ballet classes, football practice and school functions, how will you have the time to also properly socialize and train a puppy AND also train your children the proper ways to care and handle a puppy?

Facts: There are two primary timing related reasons people rehome their doodles. 1.) "I don't have enough time for the doodle. I feel bad leaving the dog all day alone and he would be better off with more company and socialization than I can provide." 2. "The puppy nips and scares my kids. I don't have time to take to a training class and now that the dog is older, he is even harder to handle."

Be sure to check out The Times and Life of Fred. This will give you an acutal account of what type of effort and expense it takes for the first 24 weeks of a puppys life.

Expense

The expense of getting a doodle should not be taken lightly. Purchasing the doodle is just the tip of the iceberg!

There will be veterinary bills: immunizations, spaying or neutering, micro chipping, flea and tick preventatives, worm preventatives. There may be emergency care vet bills too.

The puppy will require some equipment and supplies. Crate, collars, food and water bowls, leashes, chew toys, fetch toys and so much more.

The puppy will require food. Can’t skimp on getting a quality food. Don’t forget treats for training.

The puppy will require grooming and other health supplies. Nail Trimmer, scissors to do quick trims, good brush, ear cleaner and shampoo.

Be sure to check out the Puppy Preparations section for more details.

Be sure to check out The Times and Life of Fred. This will give you an acutal account of what type of effort and expense it takes for the first 24 weeks of a puppys life.

Labradoodle or Goldendoodle?
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Even though both are referred to as doodles - there is a difference. There certainly are many similarities, but there are many differences as well.

Labradoodles - will carry traits from the Labrador Retriever and the Poodle.

The Labrador Retriever is a loving, affectionate, lovable, patient dog. Highly intelligent, loyal, willing and high-spirited. Lively and good-natured, they love to play, especially in water. They have an excellent, reliable, temperament and are friendly, superb with children and equable with other dogs, keeping in mind that Labrador puppies are full of energy. They crave human attention and need to feel as though they are part of the family. Labs are easily trained. Some may be reserved with strangers unless very well socialized as puppies. They can become destructive if left too much to their own devices. Train Labradors early not to pull on the leash, as they have very strong necks. Show lines are generally heavier and easier going than field lines. These dogs are watchdogs, not guard dogs. The Labrador Retriever is not an aggressive dog, but it will bark to ward off strangers. The Labrador retriever has a stable temperament and adapts to new surroundings easily. Labs are a bit more dominant and independent than the Golden Retriever.

Goldendoodles - will carry traits from the Golden Retriever and the Poodle.

Golden retrievers are powerful, energetic dogs, and are loving and eager to please. Highly intelligent, the dog is easily trained and can serve as a guide or service dog or a great family pet. They are gentle and patient with children, although they can be rambunctious and chewy when young. Golden Retrievers are friendly with other dogs and other people. They can be good watchdogs, they may bark loudly to signal a stranger's approach. Golden Retrievers are highly talented and love to swim. Renown for its reliable temperament and their beauty and their “zest” for life, the Golden Retriever makes a good family pet.

Yogi - backcross mini (f-2) goldendoodle
Roxi - mini (f-1) goldendoodle