For anyone who's ever had a dog, as Puppies they're adorable, sweet, and oh so cuddly

A new Labradoodle puppy is yours to work with and develop a clean slate to form and fit into your life. Yours will be the only family they know, as long as you keep your part of the deal.

But first, before you go off to get that new puppy, let's consider the advantages of choosing an adult dog. Grown dogs are typically less expensive and can be found through rescue organizations and are cheaper to maintain, since their puppy shots and worming's are done.

By choosing carefully, you might find a dog that's already house-broken and know basic obedience too.

So why is it more people don't consider an adult dog? The big reason is most people believe an adult dog won''t bond as well with their family as a puppy. That's true if you're plan is to keep your pet in the backyard with little contact with you and your family.

But if you welcome the dog into your life, they're yours as much as the puppy you took from their mother at eight weeks People think the bond is tighter because the grown dog has seen the world and knows how lucky they are to be with you.

A Labradoodle puppy can be an excellent choice as long as if you have the time, patience, and flexibility - not to mention sense of humor - to handle puppyhood and adolescence. There aren't any short-cuts to the business of raising a puppy - it's 1 a.m. walks and chewed shoes, many hours of play and just as many in training.

Puppyhood is a great time, full of surprises, but one you shouldn't take on if you don't have the time. If you don't put in the time, you get a dog who drives you nuts or one you'll drive to the nearest shelter when you can't stand them any longer.

Grown dogs unfortunately have a bad reputation and more often than not, its undeserved. An adult dog up for adoption is really a pet other people couldn't handle. So, is adopting one a good idea? It depends on the dog. Now here's the real plus - While an adjustment period is inevitable with any dog, it's shorter with an adult dog.

A grown dog is beyond adolescence and is settled, and for good or for bad, into their adult personality. That doesn't mean they can't be trained - all dogs, young and old, benefit from training. It does mean you won't be able to influence their personality as much.

If you have a puppy with shy or aggressive tendencies, there are things you can do before they become a problem. If you have a shy or aggressive grown dog, change is more challenging.

For further information on whether a Labradoodle puppy or adult dog is right for you, including excellent resources on how to choose a breeder, training, and detailed information on the seven puppy socialization periods, check out The Definitive Guide to Labradoodles.

It's a comprehensive guide that deals with all aspects of these unique dogs, with all the information any responsible dog-owner could ever want to know about - well worth a look.