The only Goldendoodle owner I have met recently was a very nice girl with an absolutely gorgeous 8 week old pup she was carrying around to socialise - he was also hairy and enormous, but quite irresistable! I wonder if the people you meet are on the defensive, having bought into the designer dog story and finding reality is somewhat different to the "perfect dog" they anticipated? I think many people are unprepared for what very hard work a puppy or adolescent dog can be, especially a large one - perhaps many of them were struggling to cope and unable to admit it.

On here we accept that poodles are not always easy, that they can have very different temperaments, even - perish the thought! - that they may not be the right dog for everyone. We love poodles, but most of us love other dogs too, and want them, and their owners, to have the happiest lives possible. There again, if someone came on claiming that their Something-doodles were the best dogs ever and that everyone should instantly stop breeding poodles and breed only their particular cross I suspect that you would see some very considerable fireworks. Every forum has its blue touch paper topics!

 

Sadly in Australia as elsewhere groodles and labradoodles are becoming popular. BYBs tout them as the perfect dog. Non shedding and having the best points of both breeds. Also sadly the puppies often disappoint their owners. The promises they were given by unscrupulous breeders are rarely realized. Some are truly sweet. Most of them shed and like all three breeds puppy-hood is a long tough ride with a large boisterous dog that can last three years for some. Though I'm sure occasionally a puppy might inherit the best of both breeds, they can also take the worst too. My vet assures me that labradoodles and groodles often have early signs of hip displaysia and are prone to teeth problems too. People who have paid a lot of cash for the promise of a special dog who turns out a disappointment can be very defensive of their choice. It just another form of denial. The dogs however are often, if properly trained, sweet animals and easy to love. I find other dogs much easier, independent of breed, to get along with than their owners. The kind of person who looks for something different and falls for sales hype can be a difficult person for some.
Eric.

 

I agree with fjm and Eric that many of those owners are probably defensive because they may feel either overwhelmed by a large unruly and disappointing puppy that sheds when it wasn't supposed to along with other issues. In my experience I have yet to meet a nice, friendly golden doodle and I think this is about the people believing that the GR part of their dog will mean it will be nice and not doing great socialization work. A person whose doodle sheds and chose a doodle because they wanted a non shedding dog probably resents the mess the dog leaves all over. Doodles are more likely to be bred from less than stellar lines of both parent breeds since really great breeders who are involved deeply in dog sport, health testing and improving the breed would never knowingly sell to someone who wanted a pup for breeding mixes. Therefore they may be coping with bad hips, poor temperaments and myriad other problems.

OP I know your dog is a mix and I am not predicting bad issues for you. In fact I hope you find this pup to be a fabulous companion and helper. You seem to be very realistic and open. I wish you the best, but think that the points we have raised account for buyer's remorse masquerading as defensiveness of the dog they got that doesn't meet the expectations they had. I am sure that fjm, Eric and I all would be pilloried if we said any of these things on a doodle forum. We love all dogs, hope that everyone has a dog that is a great dog for their wants and needs and will never bash your dog although we will lament that greeders and BYBs perpetuate the myths of what they are producing.

 

I think fjm, Eric and Lily said it all, and well ! I 100% agree with everything that was said.

 

I agree that the Designer Dog Syndrome could be the reason.

I know several people with Goldendoodles who are wonderful owners, the dogs are well socialized and adorable. I don't have much experience, but my daughter has one across the street that spends a lot of time with her rough collie - they are best buddies. She's goofy and friendly and cute as all get out, but she doesn't learn as quickly as her collie or my poodle so it means more time and patience in training. The owner takes his Goldendoodle to work so she socializes with his customers and my daughter takes her along with her dog to the dog park regularly so she is socialized with other dogs.

 

I have met lots of golden doodle owners, and every single one of them has been lovely. Most of them are very happy with their dogs.

 

Yes, I TOTALLY agree with this statement. And me being one of those golden doodle owners........

 

It seems like every other dog in my family neighborhood is a doodle, so I've met a lot of them. The owners are just as likely to be nice as anyone else in town, and I've found the dogs to be very friendly with people and thrilled to meet our pup.

I have heard a doodle owner express disappointment that her "non-shedding" dog sheds.That's why we decided on a poodle. She still adores her boy, though.

Doodles are trendy and are perceived as the "perfect dog." That reputation may draw in people who might not otherwise have even considered a dog. Then they are shocked by the reality!

 

The one thing that struck me when I read your post was when you said "I love my dog but my experience with the typical owner is starting to effect my relationship with my dog". No matter what others say or do, it shouldn't effect how you feel or respond to your very sweet pup.

 

You are correct. Thanks for noting the detail. I got Lucky not long after my 16 year old rescue passed away. I'm having difficulty bonding with him emotionally. Then all the doodle backlash. Lucky is quite different because he is training to be my service dog. He passed his CGC the day he hit 6 month old. I just got it in the mail YAY! We are working on advanced targeting. He notifies me when the doorbell rings. So far he just touches but doesn't bring me to the door yet. He doesn't learn as fast as my pug, who is very food motivated, but he is very consistent after he gets something. For example: after I taught him target, he does it all day to get food. He also knows to sit before traffic and how to close cabinet doors. My service dog trainer said I really lucked out with Lucky. He is calm, well behaved, and very intelligent. And he is only 6 months 1 week old! It is my failings that I'm letting other people cloud my judgment of him.

 

Oh wow, Lucky is a super pup!!! Passed CGC on his half birthday? I cannot dream of taking Sammy yet . I think he'll fail miserablely in most of the test criteria because he will be way too happy to see and wiggle at everyone. Awesome job on your training!!!

Sent from my A0001 using Tapatalk

 

Thank you!

Thank you guys for the nice wishes about the CGC. We had to temperament test him out of a litter and he was the calmest and was not afraid. We did the clipboard test at the breeder. He was also the only one that didn't jump on me at all. I'm glad to say he still does not jump at all. He is smart but gets bored very easily....I keep having to give him puzzle toys to keep him occupied. His favorite toy is the Nina Ottoson wood block. He loves turning the wood so it aligns and gets the treat out. hehe. I do clicker training with him about 15 min intervals about 4 times a day since I got him at 4 months old.

 

Hi,

I have a gorgeous doodle girl aged 16 months, who is happy, loving and obedient. She does jump about, and runs really fast when out, but this is how doodles are, lively and athletic. When I had an operation on my foot, I cried out a bit one night in pain with it. Sindy came running over to me, then jumped on the bed and rested her head on me for the rest of the night. I don't know any other goldendoodle owners, but a few cockapoo owners, and they are all lovely. Goldendoodles in the UK are not a common breed, unlike the cockapoo.

 

You know, it's kind of been a mixed bag when I met doodle owners! Also, I strongly prefer goldendoodles to labradoodles because goldens are much calmer and more in tune with people IMHO.

 

I think it can sometimes be difficult to bond with a new pup when you have recently lost a beloved older dog, no matter what the breed. There is the fear of being disloyal to the memory of the friend that is gone; the puppy inevitably has everything to learn, and you are used to a dog that has years of experience of living with you and that knows the rules of the house; building a relationship takes time and energy and you may still be worn out by grief. It does sound as if you have a very special puppy there, though - perhaps it is time to forget about breeds, breed prejudice, and everything else and just look into each others' eyes and souls.

 

My 16 year old was the first and only dog I've ever put to sleep. Does it get easier?

I just saw your Milan Kundera quote. He is my favorite writer!!! I took a lot of political philosophy classes in college. I also saw you are from the UK. I worked in London and worked for an MP in Westminster a few years back and it was my favorite city on earth. I would love to move there pending on how the next presidential election turns out. Sorry off topic. I'm always comparing the Goldendoodle to my rescue and he never measures up and I know a lot of it is being biased but the sanctimonious doodle forum does not help. My old dog died from osteosarcoma and I begged and begged my fiance to let me get a Maremma but he said it is unfair if we move to the city and they don't do so well if they didn't grow up with kids. I go on youtube every day looking at Maremma videos and I look through her old pictures and videos and cry. She died July 27 2016. I know I got a new dog too soon but I was hoping he would help with my grief. Now it feels like I'm cheating on him.

 

The difficult end.

My 16 year old was the first and only dog I've ever put to sleep. Does it get easier?

I just saw your Milan Kundera quote. He is my favorite writer!!! I took a lot of political philosophy classes in college. I also saw you are from the UK. I worked in London and worked for an MP in Westminster a few years back and it was my favorite city on earth. I would love to move there pending on how the next presidential election turns out. Sorry off topic. I'm always comparing the Goldendoodle to my rescue and he never measures up and I know a lot of it is being biased but the sanctimonious doodle forum does not help. My old dog died from osteosarcoma and I begged and begged my fiance to let me get a Maremma but he said it is unfair if we move to the city and they don't do so well if they didn't grow up with kids. I go on youtube every day looking at Maremma videos and I look through her old pictures and videos and cry. She died July 27 2016. I
know I got a new dog too soon but I was hoping he would help with my grief. Now it feels like I'm cheating on him.

It never gets any easier. In my experience the grief of losing a family pet can be equal to that of losing any family member. Making the decision to give a dog the grace of a painless death while feeling the loss of a faithful friend is one of the most difficult of life's decisions. Sometimes grief can be exacerbated by guilt. Guilt "did I take a life too soon?" "did I wait too long and make for more suffering?" It takes a mature and stable personality to make these kind of decisions. For myself I once felt guilt in that I contracted someone else (A vet) to do my "dirty work". From that time on I have taken my faithful friends to the vet and asked that I give the final grace. I feel better with this. It would not suit many people but it is my job to look after those I love. My wife (52 years a registered nurse) and I (a trained paramedic) have vowed to give each other the same grace when the time comes. Here it is against the law. Our jails are humanitarian and If I spend the end of my days in one, I will get my teeth fixed and health checked free. To all who have had to make this decision goes my thanks and prayers. No greater love can man have than that of protecting our loved ones from pain.
Eric.

 

I think you need to be kind to him, and to yourself. Loving him takes nothing away from your Maremma - love is not a finite quantity to be rationed, but expands to embrace more people and more animals if we let it. Think of your new puppy as a gift that your she helped to bring to you - everything she taught you about how to love and raise and train a dog will be part of your lives together. Remember her with gratitude when she helps you to get it right, apologise to her memory when there are things you realise that you could have done better with her first time round. Let the warm, living weight of your puppy in your arms comfort you even while you cry for her, and don't resent him for not being her. He is himself, a completely unique living being, and you have the privilege of being the most important thing in his world, now and for years to come.

And yes, it does get better. Very slowly, often very painfully, but it does get better.

 

Remembering Sahara

Eric,
Thank you again for the comforting wisdom. I don't think I'm ever going to forget my first dog. We rescued her when she was considered geriatric at 8 years old. She went through three homes because she snapped at a baby and had accidently temporarily blinded the previous owner's sister. The previous owners said all sorts of things about her that wasn't true- ie she wasn't house broken, she barked frequently, had constant diarrhea. The diarrhea stopped when we switched her off the Science Diet they fed her and onto Acana Pacifica. She only barked when someone came knocking and she only had two accident the entire 8 years I had her.

We had 8 beautiful years together and she lived until to 16 years old (I technically don't know how old she was but her shelter records date back to 2000). She was very sweet with us and had a great sense of humor. We all miss her dearly but she was closest to me...and it has been the hardest for me. As she got older I knew that nothing would ever prepare me for this day. In fact, on her first exam at 8, the vet told that it was nice that I rescued a geriatric dog but I needed to be mentally prepared that I may not have as much time with her. This was the first and only pet I've ever put down but thanks to the sedatives she did look peaceful and happy in the end. Letting go was the hardest thing about loving someone...you know one day it may come to an end. And sometimes I can't believe that I will never see her again. Maybe it gives me something to look forward to in the afterlife.
Most days I'm fine but every now and then I remember. I miss the horse-like sounds when she shakes off, I miss how she comes running to the door when I come home, I miss her trotting footsteps, I miss her happy expressive smile, and most of all her wicked sense of humor. She used to fart in my cat's face and run away looking very happy as the cat scowls. LOL. We had a wonderful ride even if it had to come to an end.

I've attached the photo of her and I will never forget her beauty and the joys she has brought into my life.

 

Eric,
Thank you again for the comforting wisdom. I don't think I'm ever going to forget my first dog. We rescued her when she was considered geriatric at 8 years old. She went through three homes because she snapped at a baby and had accidently temporarily blinded the previous owner's sister. The previous owners said all sorts of things about her that wasn't true- ie she wasn't house broken, she barked frequently, had constant diarrhea. The diarrhea stopped when we switched her off the Science Diet they fed her and onto Acana Pacifica. She only barked when someone came knocking and she only had two accident the entire 8 years I had her.

We had 8 beautiful years together and she lived until to 16 years old (I technically don't know how old she was but her shelter records date back to 2000). She was very sweet with us and had a great sense of humor. We all miss her dearly but she was closest to me...and it has been the hardest for me. As she got older I knew that nothing would ever prepare me for this day. In fact, on her first exam at 8, the vet told that it was nice that I rescued a geriatric dog but I needed to be mentally prepared that I may not have as much time with her. This was the first and only pet I've ever put down but thanks to the sedatives she did look peaceful and happy in the end. Letting go was the hardest thing about loving someone...you know one day it may come to an end. And sometimes I can't believe that I will never see her again. Maybe it gives me something to look forward to in the afterlife.
Most days I'm fine but every now and then I remember. I miss the horse-like sounds when she shakes off, I miss how she comes running to the door when I come home, I miss her trotting footsteps, I miss her happy expressive smile, and most of all her wicked sense of humor. She used to fart in my cat's face and run away looking very happy as the cat scowls. LOL. We had a wonderful ride even if it had to come to an end.

I've attached the photo of her and I will never forget her beauty and the joys she has brought into my life.

Do please see:
http://www.poodleforum.com/37-pet-memorials/194450-do-we-really-lose-them.html#post2245834
Eric

 

She was such a beautiful dog. For a Maremma to live sixteen years is pretty amazing, isn't it? Thank you for sharing with us. :love2:

 

Thank you Eric!

Thank you Eric for sharing that link. As I read through it, I cried and cried and cried....but in the end I felt at peace. I really really truly love that poem. Did you write that poem? It is so beautiful. Thank you so much for sharing it. I think I'm going to copy and paste it on my phone and look at it when I can- I cannot think of a more accurate way of describing the whole experience.


"That day we met, My eyes were wet
I knew I’d found my one
The one that would, so be my friend
That special need now gone
I never knew I had a space
So much in need of filling
A space you found, then filled with love
Your heart so very willing
Then to you, I sang
A heartfelt, quiet ovation
You came to me, and then I knew
We two, had found our station.

I cleaned up your mess, then washed my dress
It seemed to take forever
But soon you learned, the work was less
So very clever, you now were my teddy
Now you could share, my home with me
Every place, now could be yours
My healed heart, was yours already
And we would, not now be alone


The years went by, and with a sigh
I saw a time to come
A time when we would part
Time came! and with a start!
My eyes, again were wet
I bade a quiet goodbye to you
In time we'd meet, get set!
I would see your little face again
In some playful, peaceful place
A space for us, we would find
No parting, no need to fret
Forever and together
With others of our kind."

 

Thank you Eric for sharing that link. As I read through it, I cried and cried and cried....but in the end I felt at peace. I really really truly love that poem. Did you write that poem? It is so beautiful. Thank you so much for sharing it. I think I'm going to copy and paste it on my phone and look at it when I can- I cannot think of a more accurate way of describing the whole experience.


"That day we met, My eyes were wet
I knew I’d found my one
The one that would, so be my friend
That special need now gone
I never knew I had a space
So much in need of filling
A space you found, then filled with love
Your heart so very willing
Then to you, I sang
A heartfelt, quiet ovation
You came to me, and then I knew
We two, had found our station.

I cleaned up your mess, then washed my dress
It seemed to take forever
But soon you learned, the work was less
So very clever, you now were my teddy
Now you could share, my home with me
Every place, now could be yours
My healed heart, was yours already
And we would, not now be alone


The years went by, and with a sigh
I saw a time to come
A time when we would part
Time came! and with a start!
My eyes, again were wet
I bade a quiet goodbye to you
In time we'd meet, get set!
I would see your little face again
In some playful, peaceful place
A space for us, we would find
No parting, no need to fret
Forever and together
With others of our kind."

I did write it. The middle stanza is hopeless and I re-wrote it but could no longer edit it on PF. Now I can't find the edit!! I would be grateful if one of our PF poets could re-write it to read better. It belongs to PF.

In my 70 odd years of dogs I too have felt the grief and loss of my most faithful and loving friends.

I try to remember and celebrate the lives they led and the joy they gave me, rather than grieve my loss, which takes away their important contributions to my life.

I truly believe that our departed ancestors and relatives look over our lives as guides and helpers. We need only to listen to them. I also believe that dogs who have left me help in the same way guiding and helping my new soul-mates to know their place in our world and make them the supportive and calm dogs they can be given this help and mine.

Eric.

 

This poem is perfect just the way it is. I think this poem can do a lot of good for people who are going through grief and loss. It has helped me.

 

Here is the new second stanza. I will post the whole in: http://www.poodleforum.com/37-pet-memorials/194450-do-we-really-lose-them.html#post2245834

I cleaned your mess
I washed my dress
It seemed to take forever
But soon you learned
The work was less
You were so very clever
Now you could share my home with me
All places now were yours
A place was there to hide your bone
A place to rest your paws
A place within my heart I see
Where we would share our home


Eric

 

As a professional groomer, I have met tons of doodles. I have acouple of great doodles with great owners, but 8 out of every ten I meet, I can't stand! Very much for the reasons stated already. One think ice noticed most of them have in common(I'm directly speaking about the ones I've encountered) they often times have to state how much they paid for the dog. First of all, that doesn't impress me. Especially when your bitching that my starting price is 85 for grooming and you think I'm overpriced.
I also have to bite my tongue because I would love to respond with "I'm so sorry you were ripped off for paying that much for a mutt"

Another thing I can't stand about these doodle owners is the fact they often wait until the dog is a yr old, because their breeder said too, and then the dog is un-socialized, terrified, and a solid pelt. Which of course I'm expected to brush out because they want their dog fluffy like the picture their breeder sent home with them as the "breed standard". They also argue with me that their dog isn't matted because their breeder told them doodles don't mat. I'm either lazy or want to charge them even more money.
I think someone above nailed it on the head though. It's their way of justifying the amount of money they paid for a "glorified mutt" that they ended up being disappointed with.

 

Say what? doodles totally mat. When we found Red (our best guess is cockapoo but no way to know for sure without a DNA test) he had clearly been on the street for awhile and was so matted the groomer had to shave him basically naked. OMG he looked so funny...I thought it was the wrong dog!! Fortunately his hair all grew back.
But even if we wait too long his hair can start to mat, usually that can be fixed by brushing him out, and fortunately he's really good about getting brushed and will just lie there soaking up the love.
I guess a cockapoo isn't the same as a doodle but I wouldn't be surprised if doodles matted too. What an odd thing to say!

 

My best friend's mother's dog was the first Goldendoode I've ever met. She had two. The older one was the nicest dog I've ever met. It is calm, sweet, and very obedient. Then a few years later, her mom imported a Goldendoodle puppy from Canada. This dog was insane, mouthy, and hyper. She complained about having to accompany this one to the groomer because he gets matted often and when he goes she was afraid he would bite the groomer. This is an 85 lb puppy so I'd imagine that is quite scary!

 

How many Purebred Poodle owners in this forum want these Doodle threads to end?

 

If you don't like the topic then don't read the thread. No one is making you look here.

 

Relax man, just responding to grooming issues.

 

How can I relax with a couple of new members who are blind to requests from senior members. How nasty, rude and blunt do we have to be 'til you catch on? I'm beginning to see why you were hated in other forums. You just don't get it.