Choosing A Labradoodle - Puppy Or Adult Dog?
Posted: Tuesday, April 01, 2008
by Edie MacKenzie
If you've ever had a dog, you know as Puppies they're adorable, they're sweet, and they're so cuddly
With a Labradoodle puppy you get a furry fuzzball to work with a clean slate to form and fit into your life. Yours will be the only family they know, as long as you keep your part of the deal.
But first, before you go off to get that new puppy, let's consider the advantages of choosing an adult dog. Mature dogs are less expensive, can be found through many organizations, and are less expensive to maintain, since their puppy shots and worming's are well behind them.
So why is it more people don't consider an adult dog? The big reason is most people believe an adult dog won''t bond as well with their family as a puppy. That can happen if you plan on keeping your dog in a barren backyard with little or no human contact.
However by welcoming an adult dog into your life, they'll be yours as much as any puppy you take at eight weeks Some people speculate the bond is tighter because an adult dog has seen the world and knows how lucky they are.
A Labradoodle puppy can be an excellent choice as long as if you have the time, patience, and flexibility - not to mention sense of humor - to handle puppyhood and adolescence. There aren't any short-cuts to the business of raising a puppy - it's 1 a.m. walks and chewed shoes, many hours of play and just as many in training.
Puppyhood is a wonderful trip, full of surprises and delights, but should only be undertaken if you have the time. If you can't put in the effort, you end up with a Labradoodle who makes you crazy or one you'll drive to a dog shelter because you can't stand them anymore.
Adult dogs have a bad reputation, and its often undeserved. Isn't a grown dog up for adoption a pet other people couldn't handle? Is adopting one a good idea? It depends on the animal, of course. Now here's the real plus: An adjustment period is inevitable with any relationship, it's just shorter with a grown dog.
A grown dog is beyond adolescence and is settled, and for good or for bad, into their adult personality. Now, that doesn't mean they shouldn't be trained - all dogs, young or old, benefit from some level of training. Howver it does mean you can't influence their personality as much.
If you've got a puppy with shy or aggressive tendencies, you can do things to help them before a problem arises. If you have a shy or aggressive grown dog, change is more challenging.
For further information on whether a Labradoodle puppy or adult dog is best for you, including resources on choosing a breeder, training, and detailed guidance on the seven puppy socialization periods, check out The Definitive Guide to Labradoodles.
This guide is a comprehensive resource that deals with all aspects of these misunderstood dogs, with the information any responsible dog-owner should know - and well worth a look.
Edie MacKenzie is the author of a comprehensive guide to Labradoodles that covers, Multi-gens, F1's, choosing a breeder, health considerations, and training and discipline. You can learn more about these wonderful dogs here: The Definitive Guide to Labradoodles
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