3 Important Things to Consider Before Getting a Doodle Dog

Research

Before adopting or purchasing any type of doodle, ask yourself what kind of lifestyle you have. Are you an active, adventurer person, or do you prefer to stay in? Do you want an active, playful, outgoing dog, or do you prefer a mellow, quiet dog that prefers to stay in and cuddle? Do you live in a house, or an apartment? If you live in an apartment, it's best to get a smaller size dog that is calm, and quiet.

There are many doodle breeds, the most popular being goldendoodles, bernedoodles, cavapoos, and labradoodles. Research all of your favorite doodle breeds, and narrow down your top choices. Once you have narrowed down the breed and size you want, it's time to search for a breeder.

Chose a breeder

There are many new doodle breeders out there, specially since Covid started. Unfortunately, most new doodle breeders have no clue what they are doing. I often see many new breeders asking "What would my puppies be called if i breed my F1BB Bernedoodles to my F1B Goldendoodle", or "Can I breed my doodle in her second heat?". They are irresponsibly breeding without any intent to better the breed, without first doing their research on how to ethically breed, and without taking the appropriate measures.

Breeding is an expensive and hard job. Before I ever whelped my first litter, I worked alongside my breeder mom. Since I was 15, I helped her whelp her litters, raising them on a puppy curriculum, taking the puppies to the vet, and helping her place them in loving homes. I still keep in contact with many of those families. I joined various breeder groups to learn more about genetics, health, temperament, and much more.

Then I started to plan what I wanted my breeding program to look like. I knew I wanted to breed goldendoodles and cavapoos. I started searching for breeders that aligned with my views. That is when I found my golden retriever, Amber. She had everything I was looking for in a golden retriever. Years later I found my cavapoo Bella. She was hard to find, as Cuddle size Cavapoos are hard to find. I also found my co-owned stud Teddy. He is a genetically clear mini red abstract poodle.

I am often asked why my puppies cost the way they do. There are many breeders that charge $500-$1,000. There is also many that charge $5,000-$8,000. Why is there a wide range in pricing? Part of the problem is that there is a large range in the care puppies and breeding dogs receive from their breeder. We have multiple people who throw two dogs together and don't care where their puppies go. They don't do any health testing, or keep their dogs and puppies in good living conditions. Their breeding dogs are just that: breeding stock.

It is important to go with a breeder where their breeding dogs are their pets first and foremost. It makes a world of difference to get a puppy from a breeder that health tests, raises their puppies on a curriculum, and care about their puppies even after they go to their forever homes. Although you will most likely be paying a higher price tag, it's important to invest in your new companion. A cheaper puppy might cost you more in vet bills, training, and heartache.

Be prepared

Although I do my best to start your puppy with crate and potty training, they are still babies. They will have some accidents and cry/whine in their crate. They are being taken away from the home and family they have lived with their entire lives. Puppies will have to be taken outside to potty every three hours, be fed three times a day, be trained, and need a lot of attention and care. If you work outside of home, have someone who is able to take your puppy out to potty when you are not home. If you can't do this, keep your puppy in an enclosed pen with a designated potty area. Be patient with your puppy, and remember that it does get better with time and consistency! Make sure your whole family/household is on board with getting a new puppy before reaching out. It makes it so much easier to raise a puppy if you have people to help.