Frankly, I would wait until Griffin is rather older. It takes a lot of time and effort to educate a puppy, and raise it into a happy, sociable adult. Bringing a young adult into the mix might work if it were a good role model, fully trained and utterly reliable, but you describe a dog that will himself need time and work to make him a good pet. Two dogs, each needing a great deal of your time and attention, and two children, ditto, sounds like biting off rather too much to me! I would concentrate on Griffin for the time being, and look for a second dog in a year or two.

If you do decide to go ahead, give the dogs an opportunity to get to know each other on neutral territory, and be prepared for them to share and reinforce each other's worst habits!

 

Whoa, your puppy is only 13 weeks? I'd wait until he's at least 6 months before bringing in another dog.

 

I agree, I think you should experience and work on your first spoo. You haven't experienced coat change or the care an adult coat takes, or training and working on behavior problems,that was a major consideration for me when getting a second. One spoo is a lot of work and you have to think about if you can handle a second.

I waited until Bambi was 2 before I got Jaden, by that time I had her coming reliably and our communication was good(tricks, knowing what I'm talking about) and she bonded with me. I know if I had gotten 2 at the same time I would have totally been overwhelmed and had to work not just 2 times as hard but harder because they listen to each other more than they listen to you if you have 2 untrained dogs. And I don't know if it was his smarts but it seemed like Bambi helped a lot in training Jaden when I got him.

 

I agree with everybody else. You didn't say how old your children are, but as someone who had a mini poodle with human babies who grew up alongside the pup, one dog was a lot of work through every stage of my kids' childhoods - and I was a stay-at-home mom for a large chunk of that time period.

You say the new spoo is not accustomed to children or house living, so you also have to factor that in.

I do understand that longing for a second poodle, but look at it this way. You have something to look forward to down the road. For now, you still have a puppy who needs your attention. Enjoy Griffin fully during this special time, because it will pass very quickly. THEN is the time to consider poodle #2.

 

Here's my advice: do what works and feels right for you. You'll be the one raising Griffin and "training" the new arrival, so it's what you can personally handle that counts. Only you know what's right for your situation. How old are your kids? Are they old enough to participate in Griffin's care and training?

As for my own experience, Alex was a year old when I introduced Pippin (who was 12 weeks at the time). Alex wasn't thrilled at first (he weed in my slippers), but it all worked out in the end. Everyone told me "don't do it," etc. and so forth but I followed my gut. I know our situations are different, but I just wanted to suggest you do your research and then do what will work for you personally.

If you decide to go for it, will the adult poodle's owner allow a trial run? Ie., can you let them meet on neutral territory and then have the SPOO live with you for a week or so to see how things work and if it's what you want? That's the ideal solution, IMHO. That will give you ample time to see if, a) Griffin is okay with it, and b) if YOU are up for two poodles in the house, and c) if it's the best match for the adult SPOO. Above all, please make sure everyone in your household, 2-legged and 4-legged alike, is okay with another SPOO joining the pack. You'll need everyone on board if it's to be a success, because obviously it won't be easy.

Good luck! Keep us posted.

 

Multiple poodle syndrome so soon! I'm jealous that your plan includes two poodles in the household. I also want another one but I'm apprehensive because I feel like one is so much work! Although my spoo will be a year old at the end of this month, I feel like he's still a puppy. We still have things to work on. After dogsitting another dog though, I have noticed how it's good to have a stable dog in the household when adding another dog. Dogs influence each other in both positive and negative ways. I feel like raising a 13 week old pup and trying to assimilate an older dog into a new environment sounds overwhelming. Not saying it's bad or anything, the ultimate decision lies with you and your family. Sounds like a lot of commitment!

 

The interesting thing abt a CH that's maybe been campaigned is that he may lack a bit of 'normality' as a pet. He may not know how to walk on a lead, may not know what a ball can do. Or any other toy.

If he's not house socialized he may not be housebroken . . . so u'll need to crate him overnite. At that age, and given a smart dog, this stage may not last longer than a couple of weeks. Pretty soon he will be able to be left out safely.

A showdog of that age will have a great recall . . . to start with. Don't trust it!

If he's not house socialized he's maybe been kept in a run somewhere with other dogs. So there may be no more than a bit of adjustment time between the two dogs.

With a run-raised showdog tho, the kids might be the deal-breaker. He'll probably not know what they're about . . . at all!! :ahhhhh: lol

**Prudent advice from all the ladies!

OTOH, some people are happiest when they're busy. If so, with 2 kids and 2 dogs u'll be a happy woman! lol

 

Wow! Thanks for all the advice! I'm glad I posted because you guys have given me much to think about!

Let me give you guys a bit more info.

Griffin is finished with basic obedience. I have a trainer that comes once a week to my house (she started when Griff was 7 weeks old) keep us on track and I have had Griffin since 6 weeks (I know, I know- a whole 'nother issue). He is completely housebroken. After what my life was like a few months back... I'm on easy street!

My biggest problem is his "nipping". Seeing that I picked him up waaaaay to early, he didn't fully learn his manners and I am working HARD to correct him. I am a SAHM and have the time right now. I want Griff to have a partner in crime (ha!) and feel like if I jump on this train right now, it would be tough for a bit, but by summer our family would be ready to go. My kiddos are 3 and 6 and my 3 year old is quite calm for a 3 year old

Country boy- he lived in a house until 6 months (and was potty trained at that point)- since then he has been either on the road or in a kennel with his handler (so he'd have to re-learn). He doesn't behave like a regular dog (like you suspected) like but is well socialized with other people/dogs. Just not littles That is my biggest concern.

 

Griffin is finished with basic obedience. I have a trainer that comes once a week to my house (she started when Griff was 7 weeks old) keep us on track and I have had Griffin since 6 weeks (I know, I know- a whole 'nother issue). He is completely housebroken. After what my life was like a few months back... I'm on easy street!.

I realize you already have the second spoo, but just wanted to chime in so you are not blindsided... my puppy was so great from 13 weeks to about 6 months and then around 7 months turned into the "devil puppy" until about 11 months old. I had to really be strict with him and do a ton of training because he had entered his adolescence and was testing his boundaries like crazy. He is a wonderful dog now, but that time was difficult, I must be honest!

So be prepared, this may or may not happen to your angel puppy when he enters adolescence.

 

As I said earlier, I agree it would be a challenge, but above all, dogs are adaptable creatures. At 1.5 years of age, he's still a puppy himself and chances are he would easily adapt to living inside. Depending on her children's ages and demeanors, he should easily adjust to smaller humans as well.

I guess I'm a 'glass half full' kind of person, and I do like a challenge. I recently adopted a nearly 6 year old stud dog who lived in an outside run his entire life. His sole purpose was breeding. He never had toys, walked on a leash, slept in a bed, or lived in a house. He certainly wasn't house trained or even socialized. Guess what he's doing now? Living in a house with two other MPOOs, walking on a leash every day, sleeping in my bed, is house trained, and enjoying the high life. So anything is possible if you want it bad enough and are willing to work for it.

It's great to point out the potential negative aspects of this situation, but only the OP can decide if this SPOO is right for her household and her life. I still think a trial run would be the ideal test for all concerned.

 

Oh boy! I would not touch that situation with a ten foot pole. I have had plenty of people contact me saying they'd like two puppies. I will not do it. Even if I would lose the possibility of selling one if I refuse to sell them two, I would still refuse to do it. I want people to like me after, not curse me. I think 1 1/2 is a good age to begin thinking about adding another. But hey...different strokes.

 

I bought two standard pups at the same time. They're doing great, but I think looking back the biggest challenge was when they needed lots of exercise but they hadn't had all their vaccinations yet so I had to be so careful of where to take them to let off some steam. Playing in the backyard only goes so far toward satisfying the exercise requirement, especially since one of my girls is very high-energy. From my own perspective, 2 standards are a LOT of fun; lots of work too but it sounds like you have all your ducks in a row. Training is so important, but you have the trainer, and you're a SAHM which is a huge advantage; you have the time to bond with him, train him, and do what it takes to introduce him slowly to how kids are to be treated. As far as I'm concerned, exercise is the key. If you can bike, run, walk or take the 1.5 year old dog somewhere regularly to let him blow off some steam, I'll bet it will all work out splendidly. And we're talking about poodles, a breed that usually LOVES kids! So you're already ahead of the game! Whatever you choose will be the right decision, sounds like you have carefully considered it.

 

TTUSpoo - it's great that you're considering every angle and it sounds like you can juggle many things. I'm amending my original post. Life's short, and you should do what makes you happy as long as you can handle it, and it will work for your family and the poodles. Good luck!

 

I often don't chime in on these things, but my experience is to wait. My situation was different, I brought 2 puppies into my life at the same time. That was not my plan, the breeder asked if I would please take two, the second at a greatly reduced price because of the life situation she was in at the time.

My family life was a nightmare for two years because of this. In no way would ever take two again. Thank God our parti white boy Luke matured enough to show hope at the age of two.
Even though you'd be bringing in an adult spoo, this dog is new to you, and you being new to it.
The bonding is what most concerns me. It will take great work and time on you and your families part to get that, and the time for that may not be realistic.

I have 3 dogs, so yes I get the multiple poodle syndrome LOL! When I got my 2 puppies, I was a seasoned dog owner, and not new to poodles.
Please, as you read this I do not mean to be critical of you, I guess I'm being more protective of your family life, and the bonding and training that needs to go on with your puppy. Why do you think your puppy needs another dog in its life?

If you choose to add to your pack, good luck. You've been given lots of good advise both ways, only you know whats right. And no worries, I will support you either way, your thinking this through.

 

I often don't chime in on these things, but my experience is to wait. My situation was different, I brought 2 puppies into my life at the same time. That was not my plan, the breeder asked if I would please take two, the second at a greatly reduced price because of the life situation she was in at the time.

My family life was a nightmare for two years because of this. In no way would ever take two again. Thank God our parti white boy Luke matured enough to show hope at the age of two.
Even though you'd be bringing in an adult spoo, this dog is new to you, and you being new to it.
The bonding is what most concerns me. It will take great work and time on you and your families part to get that, and the time for that may not be realistic.

I have 3 dogs, so yes I get the multiple poodle syndrome LOL! When I got my 2 puppies, I was a seasoned dog owner, and not new to poodles.
Please, as you read this I do not mean to be critical of you, I guess I'm being more protective of your family life, and the bonding and training that needs to go on with your puppy. Why do you think your puppy needs another dog in its life?

If you choose to add to your pack, good luck. You've been given lots of good advise both ways, only you know whats right. And no worries, I will support you either way, your thinking this through.

Like I said before, I had always planned on two. I just assumed I would get one puppy, then another puppy a year later. I can't explain why I think Griff needs a friend. It's just something I feel (and so does my husband). The only concrete thing an outsider would see is that he wants so badly to play with other dogs but doesn't know the proper etiquette of how too. Since he is still a puppy I don't feel it's appropriate to take him to a dog park so his only interaction with other dogs is with my trainer (she has two dogs) and when we go on our daily walks. I feel like I found the ying (the new spoo) to my yang dog (they appear to have opposite personalities- both great!) and the new spoo could learn how to play from Griff. I think they would complement each other nicely. I think I am so lucky to find such a wonderful temperament in a dog for sale that is only 1.5 years old.

I'm not too worried about me being able to handle all of this. My biggest concern is the new spoo and my kids. There is no way to find that out how that relationship will fare without a test drive (the breeder is fine with this).

I opened this thread more on the intention on tips to make the transition as pleasant as it could be for the new spoo, how to teach him to be a pet and how to work him in with my kids.

I do appreciate all comments though- you guys are making me dot my i's and cross my t's which is always a good thing. I don't want to make a huge mistake. Please know that this wasn't an idea I had on a whim

 

I agree with Arreau that I would not touch this with a 10 foot pole (two inexperienced dogs coming from such different places at the same time). But I also agree with Rowan that you can and should decide for yourself, and do what you think is best. In fact, I agree with absolutely everything that Rowan has said in this thread--a trial period, sticking to a schedule, dog's teaching each other--all great comments/suggestions.

With regard to introducing a new dog, they are both young and so my guess is that they will become fast friends pretty quickly. Maybe even immediately. When Cammie came to live with us, she was 8 weeks and Bob was 10 years. She took to Bob immediately. But Bob was not at all happy with this little bundle of energy bouncing around. It was fascinating to see their interactions, and I pretty much just let the two of them sort it out for themselves. Cammie had to be trained to understand me (clicker training worked wonders). But understanding Bob was something that came quite naturally. She understood every glance, every growl, every snap, every bark. At first, Bob would have nothing to do with her. But she went to work on him, wooing him gently and sweetly. After only 3 days she'd gotten him to the point where he would actually allow her to lie down next to him, touching him! Within a week, they were starting to look like best of friends. She'd crawl all over him, bite him, jump on him, try to steal his treats and he'd set the limits. Now he plants himself in the middle of the living room and she goes flying around the perimeter pouncing on him from behind a chair, from off the sofa, etc. Lots of snarling and the two of them are just happy happy happy. Unlike Sophie (my spoo who died in April), Cammie likes to snuggle right next to Bob when they are eating treats, especially long lasting treats like bully sticks or bones. Bob tolerates this to a point, but he has a low grumly growl when she gets too close to his mouth. Very cute.

My advice for what it is worth: (1) stick to a schedule (2) let the dogs work out their own relationship (3) don't put too much weight on how the dogs react on first meeting. It is likely to change as they get to know each other and to realize that they are going to be living together (4) You may need to separate them for training. (5) Have FUN!!!!

 

(4) You may need to separate them for training.

This is an excellent point - you need to socialise the two dogs separately, make sure they have regular walks each without the other, take them to training classes separately, and train them separately, at least some of the time. Otherwise the least confident dog will take the lead from the more confident, and may always be fearful when alone. There is research that shows that second dogs are more prone to fear aggression and reactivity than first dogs, because they tend to get less individual socialising.

 

I also agree with everyone here... I would suggest at least waiting for a little while. Dogs, of all breeds, do tend to 'forget' basic obedience at adolescences, and having a crazy teen dog and one you're still getting to know will be a challenge

 

So... I am now a two spoo household and I love it so far. I'm actually waiting for something too go wrong because it's almost been too easy. The transition with my kids was seamless. You would think he'd been around kids his entire life. King (new spoo) and Griffin play, play and play.

king doesn't know what to do with himself in the house. He can't relax yet. I have a belly band on him inside to help with potty training. I have taught him to sit (mostly)and he had his first bone today (he had NO idea what to do with it). I'm so taken with him! I plan to take him on his first walk tomorrow. He's so sweet and has blended in unbelievably well. hopefully I can snap some pictures tomorrow.

 

So... I am now a two spoo household and I love it so far. I'm actually waiting for something too go wrong because it's almost been too easy. The transition with my kids was seamless. You would think he'd been around kids his entire life. King (new spoo) and Griffin play, play and play.

king doesn't know what to do with himself in the house. He can't relax yet. I have a belly band on him inside to help with potty training. I have taught him to sit (mostly)and he had his first bone today (he had NO idea what to do with it). I'm so taken with him! I plan to take him on his first walk tomorrow. He's so sweet and has blended in unbelievably well. hopefully I can snap some pictures tomorrow.

This is great news! Congrats!! I can't wait for pictures.

Don't worry--he'll soon settle in. He sounds exactly like Merlin! Restless in the house, belly band, sweet as can be. Our first walk was hysterical though because he attacked the leash as if it annoyed him (he's much better now). Dogs are so adaptable and can make themselves at home pretty much anywhere.

 

Congratulations, so happy to hear things are working out. I'll look forward to seeing pictures, and enjoy!

 

I posted pictures here http://www.poodleforum.com/3-poodle-pictures/16428-say-hello-king.html#post203290

I figured he needed his own intro

 

King looks terrific! Great to hear he is fitting in and that the dogs are playing happily together -- nothing better than two spoos of similar age playing together! I'm so glad that you followed your instinct and went ahead with this!