Falling in love with a breed based on its cuteness level or popularity without taking into account the dog’s traits and needs is always a dangerous proposition. The goldendoodle breed has literally exploded in popularity, but because many new owners don’t realize the time commitment or expense associated with owning a dog, many goldendoodles find themselves in need of a new home. Before you make that purchase, be sure to ask yourself, what is a goldendoodle? Is it right for me and my family?
Goldendoodles are well known for their friendly nature and love of play. They are natural family dogs and highly trainable. However, this level of affection comes with a price. Unlike other more independent breeds, goldendoodles should not be left on their own for hours at a time. And just like any other breed, goldendoodles need a great deal of attention from their owners when they’re brought home for the first time. The first weeks may be filled with sleepless nights, lots of trips outside for potty training, and veterinarian visits. Don’t make the mistake of assuming that your goldendoodle will instinctively know how to be a good dog from the word go. Be prepared to take your new dog to a puppy obedience class, especially if you’re a first time dog owner. This is for your dog’s safety as well as your own.
The most important thing is to be realistic about the amount of time you can commit to making your goldendoodle a happy and integrated part of your family. If you can spare the time, you will be rewarded tenfold with a loyal and affectionate pal.
Expense
It’s not just the high price of the goldendoodle that will set you back a pretty penny. The first thing to think about is veterinary bills. While spaying, neutering and micro chipping are one time fees, just as you should have a yearly checkup, so should your goldendoodle. And while you always hope you’ll never need to make an emergency visit to the vet, life is unpredictable and can hit you when you least suspect it. Of course, you’ll also have to think about making your home dog-friendly and buying supplies to create your goldendoodle’s personal space. Crate, leashes, and bowls for water and food are just the tip of the iceburg. Unless you want your goldendoodle chewing on your personal items, you won’t want to skimp on the chew toys, either! Quality food should be purchased to keep your goldendoodle healthy, and treats come in handy for training. Grooming can be expensive too. While you can certainly cut costs by grooming yourself, you’ll need to have supplies on hand.
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