I have a gentle, five month old Golden Retriever. I am interested in acquiring a Min-Poodle. Sasha is dog and cat friendly and obedience trained. I am a former school teacher. I have experience in obedience training with dogs. I feel that if both puppies are young there will be a greater bond between them. I have three children ages 20, 18, and 15. We would welcome a new addition to our family with loving hearts and plenty of attention and loving care. I am willing to work dilligently to promote the socialization process. Would it be wise for me to acquire a Poodle at this time? I will greatly appreciate your response. Thanking you in advance. Sincerely, Eileen

-- Anonymous, January 16, 2002

Answers

Eileen, Absolutely. Get a poodle. (I prefer Standard Poodle, myself) The important variable here is the temperament of the new addition. With a little perseverence, you can find a good rescued poodle or a new puppy that is social and loving and everything that you could want.

-- Anonymous, January 21, 2002

It sounds like you might be ready to add a poodle to your family! One word of caution: You might want to wait just a few more months for your Golden to mature a bit before you get another puppy. Sometimes getting two puppies at the same time (or one right after another) causes a problem: The dogs will bond so much to each other that they no longer feel any inclination to pay any attention to you.

You, however, know your Golden best. You know better than I if that is a possibility, or an unfounded fear. It sounds to me like you have it all under control, I just like to put all the cards on the table for people. :) If you raise your poodle puppy the way you have been raising your Golden (with obedience training and lots of TLC!), you shouldn't have any problems.

-- Anonymous, March 17, 2002