Are Goldendoodles Better in Pairs? 9 Pros and Cons

Goldendoodles are one of the cutest dog breeds of all time, they can easily steal anyone’s heart due to their cute looks and adorable character that requires attention and care.

The thing is that even though we always make time for them, there are still some days that they want more attention than you can give them because you are busy with something and all they need is some company so the first solution that comes to your mind is getting another dog but will they do better in pairs?

So, are Goldendoodles better in pairs? Goldendoodles are better in pairs because they are an energetic breed that likes company and they tend to get bored and lonely easily, Goldendoodles get along with other Goldendoodles pretty well, if your Goldendoodle has separation anxiety then getting another one is the perfect solution.

If you are thinking of getting a second Goldendoodle, you really need to know what you are in for and what to expect, and in this article, I’ll cover all of that.

Are Goldendoodles better in pairs?

Goldendoodles are one of the breeds that tend to have separation anxiety and if you are a working parent then getting another Goldendoodle can make leaving them for work easier.

They are also a really energetic breed and being in pairs will benefit both of you. To them, they have a friend that they can play with all day long without being bored and for you, it will save you some time and energy.

Do Goldendoodles do well alone?

Goldendoodles do well alone, they are an adaptable breed and can be really independent when they are the only pet in the house.

They can also be left alone at home for a few hours, however, Goldendoodles tend to have separation anxiety so make sure that you don’t leave them alone for too long because it can lead to them showing destructive behavior and can even hurt themselves.

Whether you have one or two Goldendoodles, they must get proper training and socialization before leaving them alone.

I have a complete guide on leaving a dog alone at home here that is definitely worth checking out. It was written with Golden Retrievers in mind, but I’ve used the same techniques with my Goldendoodles later and they worked the same, so definitely check them out.

The pros and cons of getting a second Goldendoodle?

Just like anything in this world, getting a second Goldendoodle has its pros and cons and if you really consider going through this process, you should know about it properly.

The pros of getting a second Goldendoodle

Keeping each other’s company
Increasing the chance of separation anxiety
Training them can be easier
Doubling the dogs = double the cuteness.
Saving one more life.

Keeping each other’s company

Both goldens and poodles are highly social dogs and the Goldendoodles get along with other animals pretty well.

Getting another Goldendoodle will make everything easier for them because they will always have each other’s company.

If they are bored and you are too busy to take them for a walk or to play with them then they can find a way to entertain each other or if you have to leave them alone for a long period then it’s definitely better to have some company than leaving them alone with their separation anxiety.

Decreasing the chances of separation anxiety

Goldendoodles are prone to separation anxiety and can’t be left alone for long periods and getting a second Goldendoodle can reduce their separation anxiety because they don’t have to worry that much when they are not alone.

Just like humans, dogs can support each other emotionally, probably not in the same way but close enough.

Training them can be easier

Training the second pup will be a lot easier than training the first one because the first dog will help you out by showing them what to do and teaching them the rules of the house.

The new puppy will learn faster because they will watch everything the first dog does and try to copy it.

Even the potty training can be easier because they will just follow the first dog, however, that doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t train them at all and leave it all to your first dog, you still need to walk them through the basic commands and your usual training with the help of your first dog.

Doubling the dogs = double the cuteness

Well, you already expected this one but two Goldendoodles will double the fun, cuteness, and the loving, imagine having a Goldendoodle on each side while you are watching a movie or had a long day, they will cheer you up immediately.

A second Goldendoodle also means that if you are not the favorite person of your first Goldendoodle, it gives you another chance with the second dog and if you have a big family two dogs are better than one so you can all share the love.

Saving one more life

Getting a second Goldendoodle also means saving one more life and giving a wonderful dog the chance of having a caring family that will provide them with all the love they deserve.

Adopting another dog from your local shelter can create some space for other animals in need because there are 3.9 million new dogs added to the animal shelters every year and 1.2 million are euthanized so don’t hesitate when you have the chance to make that big of a difference.

The cons of getting a second Goldendoodle

Needing more space
More mess
The cost
Walking two dogs could be challenging

Needing more space

Well, Goldendoodles are not small and when the both of them are adult and in their full size and playing inside the house can knock down some things and break them, they need their space so it’s better if you’re living in a really big apartment or a house with a backyard where they can play freely.

More mess

Cleaning up after two dogs is more work than cleaning up after one and I don’t just mean about the poop but the mess they can make while playing, more hair will be on your furniture, and grooming and taking care of two dogs can be more challenging.

There is also the mess they can cause if they ever fought but Goldendoodles are friendly and will get along just fine, however, to make sure that you avoid any fighting, you can get them the opposite genders and avoid getting a second dog the same age as your first dog.

The cost

As you already expected, parenting two dogs is going to cost more than parenting one dog, however, it will not cost as much more as you expect it to be.

It will only cost more on the vets’ appointments, the food supplies will cost just a little more but the other things they can share together such as shampoos, conditioner, clippers, brush, and toys.

So overall the cost is not going to be that much more. To learn more about the costs of raising a Goldendoodle, check out this post on whether Goldendoodles are high maintenance here.

Walking two dogs could be challenging

You know how your Goldendoodle’s energy can be a little too much sometimes especially when they are excited during their daily walk, well, imagine walking two energetic dogs at the same time.

However, there are tools that can make walking two dogs easier, you can check this one, two reflective retractable pet leash.

You can check my recommendations for the best leashes and collars here, there are a few recommendations for multi-dog leashes in there that you will definitely like.

Do Goldendoodles need a playmate?

Goldendoodles need a playmate because they are energetic and playful and need another Goldendoodle to match their energy if you can’t match it.

Their playmate needs to be an energetic dog as well, such as another Goldendoodle, golden retriever, Labrador, collie, or Australian shepherd.

Who shouldn’t get two Goldendoodles?

You shouldn’t get two Goldendoodles if you live in a small apartment.
If you don’t have any time for them because even though they will keep each other’s company, they still need care and attention.
If you can’t handle their high energy.
It’s probably better not to get a second Goldendoodle if you barely have enough time to clean after your first Goldendoodle and to groom them because Goldendoodles are high-maintenance dogs.
They can be expensive.
If you have allergies but you work it through with your first dog then it’s probably better to not get another one.
Goldendoodles are prone to certain medical conditions and if you are not experienced enough or don’t have enough time for a regular check with their vet then you shouldn’t get two Goldendoodles.

Who should get two Goldendoodles?

You should get another Goldendoodle if your first Goldendoodle has separation anxiety
Space isn’t a problem for you
If you have a big family then two Goldendoodle are better than one so you can all share your love with both of them.
If you are looking to save another life then getting two Goldendoodles is one of the best possible options.

Steps to add a second Goldendoodle (and introduce them to the first one)

When you are getting a second dog or a second pet in general then you need to introduce them to your first pet properly because one mistake could lead to them being aggressive with each other or hating each other, so here’s how you can introduce them to each other step by step.

When you get your second dog, make sure that your first dog is accompanied by someone in the house to help you out.
You can keep your first dog in a room so that the new dog can explore the house freely so they can be comfortable enough to meet your beloved pup.
Keep an eye on both of them and watch their body language, once they are both relaxed you can put them in the same room.
Introduce them on the mutual ground and by that I mean don’t introduce them in the first dog’s territory, you can take them both for a walk.
Let them walk side by side and watch out for any signs of aggression and keep enough space between them so they can’t interact.
Take a break and allow them to approach each other but if you notice any signs of aggression such as growling, showing teeth, trying to put their head on the other’s dog shoulders, or silently staring, separate them immediately and keep walking.
Keep repeating the last step till they are both completely calm while approaching each other.
Once they sniff each other calmly, you can take them both home.
Let your first dog walk in the house first so they can welcome the new dog.
Still, you have to watch them both closely for the first 24 hours and then monitor their interactions and don’t leave them alone till you are completely confident that they are safe together and can play peacefully.
You can separate them at first by baby gates; it will prevent unwanted interactions between them.

For even more tips on adding a second dog to the family, check out my guide to adding a second golden retriever here, you can use the same tips and tricks used there with Goldendoodles as golden retrievers and Goldendoodles are very similar in personality.

If you liked this article and found it useful, you can share it with your friends and family if they are also struggling to make a decision about getting a second Goldendoodle.

Also if you have any questions, please, do not hesitate to contact us.