Buy a six month old labradoodle?

[TankGirl97]

After much time spent mulling the pros and cons, we have decided to buy a puppy (our first dog). I have been browsing adverts and have seen a six month old puppy for sale locally. The owners kept her from a litter their older dog had. They have realised they don't have space or time for two dogs and, having spoken to them, I do believe its a genuine advert and they are quite regretful that they've decided to sell the pup.
I just want advice as to whether it's a good or bad idea to get a puppy of this age? It seems to me that if she's trained and well socialised etc it could be great? or am I being naive?!
Any advice on what to look for when I go to meet them? (I've asked to see her at home with mum, just like I would with a younger puppy). Thanks!

Oof, I'm prejudiced by the fact that all the labradoodles I've known are BIG, energetic, bouncy dogs and so a badly trained/socialised one would be a total nightmare, more so even than a smaller breed. Have you got experience with big/remedial dogs or is this your first puppy?

I guess I would be concerned about whether this puppy was truly responsibly bred in the first place (were all appropriate heath checks done on both mum and dad, was dad carefully and thoughtfully chosen to compliment mum) or was it a bit of a hobby job ('we thought we'd let her have just one litter' or similar), or worse a backyard breeder just cashing in on the lockdown puppy trend (the fact it's a doodle does make me worry about the latter, sorry doodle lovers)? Also the reasons for them initially deciding to keep one puppy and now they don't would give me pause for thought, "no time/space" is quite often re-homers code for "puppy is a destructive nightmare" but giving them the benefit of the doubt if the decision to have a litter was a bit spontaneous and ill-thought through, they could be genuine in what they're saying, obviously it's still not ideal but if puppy is healthy and has been really well brought up to this point then like you say it could work out fine.

I think if you are experienced enough with dogs both to spot signs of a badly reared puppy and also to do the retraining to correct this at this stage I would go and see the puppy, try and have a very hard/cynical brain on (do NOT take the kids as they will surely fall in love at first sight!) and ask lots of searching questions both the ones you'd ask about a much younger dog (hip scores, DNA testing etc) and also what socialisation they've done and any issues encountered (e.g. is a factor in their decision that puppy doesn't get on with Mum, puppy might improve in those circs for being an only dog but equally might always struggle with other dogs and/or struggle when separated)... if anything at all rings alarm bells then walk away. I know all too well the impatience you feel when waiting to find the perfect puppy but honestly it's a decision that will impact you for (hopefully) the next 15 years so don't rush it, if you have to pay more or wait longer then so be it, it will be worth it in the end!

The perils of browsing adverts, hearts can rule heads. Especially when confronted with cute doodle pics.

Have you had dogs within the family? Have you had any experience training dogs?

At 6 months this pup is venturing into the teenage dog phase, a common phase for dogs to be given up as they start to forget all that training they picked up and go nuts instead. Doodles are not immune to this, and Labradoodles in particular tend to be verybigdogs, a lot of dog to be chewing on the furniture.

If you do go and look at this dog, as @maxelly advises, if you have kids DO NOT TAKE THEM. Hearts will rule heads. You need a solid head on your shoulders.

If they bred this pup, then they should have full health test results for the parents. Labradoodles are not immune to things like hip dysplasia, if someone was breeding Doodles you would expect them to perform all the relevant health tests (not checks, tests) for both the Labrador and the Poodle parts of the crossbreed. No tests = no dog, walk away.

Remember, if an experienced owner/breeder can't cope with managing this six month old pup, what would you as novices be able to cope with?? It's not fair on this pup if it doesn't work out with you for the dog to be passed on yet again - the more homes they have, the more confused and messed up they can become, especially so young. If you decided you couldn't cope with the pup, would this owner take the dog back? (Or just change their phone number and block you = this is more common sadly.)

Do not rush into dog ownership, always look a gift horse in the mouth. Making a mistake and taking on too much dog will not only destroy your family's confidence in dogs, but will break your hearts and probably several family heirlooms in the house as well.

People don't tend to just give away well-trained, well-socialised dogs

If you are set on this breed, please consider the grooming costs. £60+ every 6 weeks

So the dog breeder didn't realise how much work , space and time dogs are? of course that's true

I think you’re being naive. They are a big and bouncy breed and if they had well socialised it and trained it then it wouldn’t be so difficult they would be selling it to a stranger.
Don’t shop from adverts. Go to rescues or approach the breed club of chosen breed if you want a pedigree pup.

A proper dog breeder would know full well if they had the time and space for 2 dogs before deciding to keep a puppy. 6 months old is 'teenage' dog territory when they become absolute thats who won't listen to a word you say and generally try and exert their authority over you. Not a good dog to get as a first dog in my opinion.

I would question why they’re selling it, I definitely wouldn’t take their word for what’s in the advert. If it’s a completely untrained puppy then you’ll have your work cut out starting from scratch. Has it been socialised, house trained, what’s it like with children?
Add into that the fact that they’re very exuberant, boisterous and OTT and you really need to know what you’re doing.

They are dog breeders. They had the dog and several puppies in the house and they have realised 6 months later they don't have room or time for 2 dogs?

Is it also coincidence that there's been rule changes around selling young dogs? This dog is just above the age these rules stop?

I think you are being hugely naive, if you think this is the reason they are getting rid of her.

How experienced were they when they bred their dogs? What health testing, not just checks, did they have done on their dog?

What health tests were completed on the dog?

I have been in your shoes op, a work colleague was moving and couldn't take his 6 month labradoodle, we took her, she was untrained, and tbh a complete nightmare for the first year, she destroyed two sofas.having said that, we love her to bits, she's 5 now and is the loveliest, calmest dog ever. Grooming isn't too much, £45 every 3 months or so.

Thanks all, there's lots of very useful advice here. I suspect they decided to make some money during lockdown from breeding so jumped on the bandwagon. I will ask about all the health tests and checks that have been recommended but I suspect as you've pretty much all advised, that getting this dog is a bad idea.
Up until this point I have been looking in reputable places for a puppy, I just happened across this advert. I suspect they kept her and planned to breed from her, but she has an umbilical hernia and the vet recommended not breeding, therefore they've decided to sell.
I'll take my time and find something that suits us better.
Also, thanks for the grooming info. I know a dog walker and a trainer who both said labradoodles are a good choice because they don't need much grooming - I'll take that advice with a pinch of salt!!

Depends what you mean by grooming.

Professional grooming or home grooming.

Poodle mixes need regular (daily) care and maintenance at home.

Hugely naive imo.

Don’t listen to either that trainer or Walker about anything!

We have a 6mth old labradoodle, although he is a straighthaired doodle so very little grooming required (Labrador with a Mohawk and beard).

We are pretty strict on training and out lad is v chill.

If someone is giving up a 6 mth old I would be concerned. But not old enough you can’t fix it.

I would be worried the dog was either nicked or badly trained.

I would be very suspicious of their story, it’s one used frequently by people selling on stolen dogs.
Please do your homework and visit before deciding, check to make sure there is a microchip and that all vaccinations have been done (double check with vet yourself). Improperly bread doodles can have serious health issues which can cost ‘000s.

I have a one year old labradoodle, she is fun but chilled, not boisterous or OTT as PPs have said. She also has golden retriever type fur so doesn't need to go to the groomers (but does moult). She's the perfect family pet for us and has brought us so much joy. I wanted a labradoodle because of the mini labradoodle in our office who is just the perfect dog - fun, gentle and chilled (he's actually more poodle in that he doesn't desperately want everyone to love him yet looks like a black lab)

There are all sorts of reasons why people re-home dogs and whilst it's good to be cautious, not everyone is a wrong'un. Go and meet the breeders and dogs, be well prepared in terms of what you are looking for, what to look out for and be prepared to walk away if something doesn't seem right. And don't take any children with you on that first visit.

Good luck!