Why do Doodle Dogs end up in a Rescue?

guest post courtesy of Garrett Yamasaki; The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the guest author and do not necessarily represent the views of Val Heart & Heart Communications Enterprises Inc.

Doodle dogs are projected to be a famous designer breed, and a lot of celebrities endorse them. They look adorable and are often marketed as hypoallergenic and low-maintenance dogs.

In a fast-paced world, low-maintenance pets can seem very tempting. Other promises that breeders make are – they have a gentle temperament and are perfect for families with children.

Source: Pixabay (https://pixabay.com/photos/dog-goldendoodle-road-hybrid-1677041/)

First let’s ask: so exactly what is a doodle dog?

Poodle mixes are often referred to as doodle dogs; they are a mix between a standard poodle and other breeds. The most common ones you would see in a rescue center are Goldendoodles and Labradoodles, but sometimes you will find other mixes such as Whoodles and Schnoodles. For more information about doodle dogs, visit We Love Doodles.

Why Poodle mixes end up in a rescue?

The first problem is that people often get Poodle Doodle mixes with unrealistic expectations. Breeders market them as low-maintenance and hypoallergenic dogs, like a worry free dog, right? Sounds good!  Not so fast…

The truth is that:

They need training and care just like every dog

The first reason is that, unlike what most breeders promise, Doodle mixes are high-energy dogs and require a significant amount of maintenance. If you don’t give them enough attention or get them sufficient physical activity, they will get bored and become destructive.

Their liveliness and cheerfulness can turn into reactivity and hyper-arousal if they don’t receive proper training in their early years. A Double Doodle needs at least two hours of training and exercising every day.

Most people bring home a Doodle dog to beat their boredom; little do they know that these dogs are not suitable for somebody with a slow-paced lifestyle. All those Doodle dogs that end up in a rescue were abandoned by their owners for not setting aside enough time for them. A person with 12-hour workdays would not be able to give proper care or attention to a Poodle mix breed.

Source: Pixabay (https://pixabay.com/photos/goldendoodle-hybrid-animal-nature-3068220/)

They cost you money

Second reason why there are many Doodle dogs in the rescue center is because of their maintenance cost.  In addition to proper training from early on and keep them from destroying everything in your home, there is another factor to consider.

There is also a need for taking them to a professional groomer every month, which will cost a substantial amount of money. Their coats need special regular care or they can turn into a matted, festering mess.

Health problems

Before cross-breeding, there is a need to perform genetic testing, which many breeders overlook. They see all the money they can make and breed willy nilly with no idea what they’re doing or concern for the long term consequences for the dogs.

That’s why mixing different breeds can produce pups with a lot of health problems. To make sure that physically sound puppies are produced, genetic tests need to be performed. But many shady breeders skip this part, producing litters that are unhealthy and unsound. Hence families who don’t have the patience or resources to take care of a sick pet dump them in shelters.

Why is Doodle Dog Rescue needed?

The popularity of these designer dogs has certainly become a curse for them. Pet lovers are drawn to them because of their excellent looks and teddy bear-like appearance. But these designer dogs are dumped in shelters and rescue homes.

The reality is that these dogs need as much care, maintenance, and training as any other dog. Even the hypoallergenic ones shed fur and require regular grooming.

Some of them, who are said to have a gentle nature, act wild; this is because of irresponsible breeding and poor training. Due to the great demand for these dogs, there are more Doodle dogs being produced than ever before. But these dogs are kept in unhealthy and inhumane conditions by backyard puppy breeders.  A sad, awful situation all the way around.

Several doodle rescue organizations such as Doodle Rescue Inc and IDOG rescues have stepped in to rescue these designer dogs from families who don’t want them anymore and from local shelters. They aim to find these creatures lovely homes and families willing to take care of these homeless doodle dogs.

They connect with volunteer workers and foster homes to help them find a perfect family for these mixed-breed dogs.

What’s Causing Poodle Mix Overpopulation?

Source: Pixabay (https://pixabay.com/photos/goldendoodle-dog-black-and-white-2760241/)

As you can see, the commercialization of designer doodle breeds are due to the market demand which is causing overpopulation. Many breeders and puppy mills are breeding these dogs on a mass scale to sell them and make huge profits. The pups and their parents are kept in horrendous conditions because these sellers’ sole aim is to make huge profits and spend less on their care and maintenance or long term quality of life.

And the sad part is that these helpless creatures end up with owners who think they have brought home a living toy that does not need any care or training. To make matters worse, many owners don’t neuter or spay their pets either… and some get into the breeding game themselves so they can make money too.  Who can resist buying a cute doodle puppy?

And so they become abused, neglected, and abandoned at local shelters or rescue homes. You can learn more at Care Of My Dog.

People who genuinely love dogs, are responsible and capable dog owners, who like the doodle dog breeds, and who want a new family member can adopt a doodle dog from a rescue, local shelter, or a doodle pet group instead of purchasing from a pet store, commercial breeder, or backyard breeder/puppy mill.

This will bring down the demand for badly bred doodles and the horrors of irresponsible over-breeding.

Finally, be sure to put ID tags, microchips and a collar on your pet if they get lost or are stolen. You can also support your local rescue centers and shelters by offering volunteering services.

How Can You Know if You’re Getting a Good Doodle… or not?

Communicating with dogs is a real thing.  Anyone can learn how.  Who better to tell you if the dog you’re considering getting is a good, healthy dog, or one that is in pain than the dog themselves?

They can also tell you what they’re thinking, what their history has been, if they got a good start in life… or not.

Are you having trouble with your Doodle? Help is available – click here to find out how to solve behavior and health problems.

Finding out if they have a purpose with you, and understanding what they need to be healthy and happy will make all the difference in the world.

Start here with your free ebook, Hidden Secrets to Communicating with Pets!

Download my FREE Ebook Hidden Secrets to Communicating with Dogs – just click on the picture below!

Do you have or want a Doodle Dog?  Leave a comment below!

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Did you enjoy this article? Dog lovers might find these interesting, as well:

Adopting Your First Shelter Dog: 4 Tips for a Smooth Homecoming

Buddy’s Story: Our Experience Fostering A Puppy Mill Dog

Dog Games: 10 Fun Ways to Learn & Bond for Puppy and Child