Table of Contents
Introduction
Since the pandemic of 2020, I've seen a steadily increasing rise in interest from pet owners and buyers in adult Goldendoodles for sale and trained Goldendoodle puppies for sale.
This interest spans beyond families desiring to adopt older puppies or adult dogs from rescue organizations or local shelters.
Families are seeking potty-trained and obedience-trained dogs from breeders. Their primary desires are to "skip the puppy phase" and to ensure that they're bringing a well-bred puppy or dog home free of behavioral or medical issues.
In this article, I would like to provide insight into why purchasing older puppies or adult dogs from breeders can be an amazing opportunity, how to find these opportunities, and what red flags you should be looking for during the process.
Finding an ethically bred, well-trained, properly socialized adult Goldendoodle for sale is not as easy as doing a Google search. Continue reading to learn more!
Why Is An Older Puppy For Sale?
First, let's address why you may find older puppies for sale.
Most puppies leave their breeder at eight weeks of age. Sometimes, it takes breeders (even ethical breeders) a little bit longer than usual to sell puppies.
This can be for many reasons, including but not limited to:
The breeder is new and doesn't have a large social network yet or the benefit of word-of-mouth advertising
The breeder has not invested enough in traditional marketing and advertising
The puppies are not a breed or type that is popular in the area
The market is saturated with that particular breed or type of puppy and buyers are shopping around
Assuming that an older puppy who is still available has something wrong with it is unfair. As I tell my own clients who ask me, "Why hasn't this puppy been spoken for yet; why is he being picked last?" Well, somebody has to be last, and there isn't usually a reason for this at all other than the luck of the draw.
We choose not to invest very much in traditional advertising and marketing and rather rely on our carefully built network of families to help us spread the word about our pups. We wait very patiently for each puppy to find his forever home. Sometimes, this means we don't sell all of our pups by eight weeks of age.
Newer breeders striving to develop ethical practice may not understand that discounting or giving away puppies is not the best practice. Instead, older puppies should be socialized, trained, and invested in while they wait for their forever families. If you see a discounted puppy from a breeder that seems ethical, don't jump to conclusions. Keep reading to learn more about the red flags you should look for.
There are, unfortunately, many breeders out there who are breeding solely for profit. This means they need all of their puppies to get off of their feed bill as soon as possible. Breeders like this will highly discount or even give away puppies as they age. You will often see them discounting puppies while they are simultaneously announcing new litters on the way! They're clearing out inventory, so to speak. 😡
This is not an ethical practice, and I would advise against purchasing a puppy who is being advertised as "discounted" or "free." If the breeder has been unwilling to wait patiently for a suitable home for their puppy, then it is very unlikely that the puppy has received age-appropriate socialization and training. Bringing home a twelve-week-old or older puppy that has had no socialization outside of the home or kennel and no obedience training or potty training will most likely present lifelong behavioral challenges.
💡 Note: There have been several circumstances where I have discounted pups [privately] from our program for different reasons. However, I NEVER advertise a discounted price to draw in potential customers. Using a discounted price as leverage to move puppies more quickly is not considered the best practice for ethical breeders.
🛑 Here are some red flags that you should look for when considering purchasing an older puppy:
The puppy's purchase price has been highly discounted (or is free). Use even further caution if you see the breeder discounting pups and announcing future litters.
The breeder cannot provide proof (photos and videos) that the puppy has been appropriately socialized outside the home or kennel.
The breeder cannot provide proof (photos and videos) that the puppy has received some potty training and obedience training.
The puppy has not received age-appropriate vaccinations or grooming. Goldendoodle puppies over twelve weeks old should be groomed appropriately and not have a disheveled appearance or hair covering their eyes.
✅ Here is a list of things that you should be looking for when considering purchasing an older puppy:
The puppy is priced accordingly for its age and training level. An older puppy who has received age-appropriate socialization outside of the home or kennel, has received additional vaccinations, and has started potty training and obedience training, is worth more money than an eight-week-old puppy with none of these things.
The breeder can provide proof (photos or videos) of the puppy's socialization and training thus far. This proof is absolutely necessary for you to make a sound investment. This proof should include videos of the puppy being socialized outside the home environment or kennel safely. Puppies older than eight weeks of age should be started on car rides, field trips, crate training, potty training, leash walking, and basic commands such as "sit" and "lay down." They should also have had at least one wellness exam by a board-certified veterinarian.
The breeder can provide proof of the puppy's age-appropriate medical care. By 16-20 weeks of age, a puppy should be fully vaccinated (3-4 series of combo vaccines and rabies). Breeders who do not invest in age-appropriate medical care for older puppies are simply trying to cut their costs. 😔
The puppy is well-groomed. Goldendoodle puppies at all ages require regular nail trims, face trims to clear the hair from around their eyes, and sanitary trims to prevent fecal matter and urine from matting in their hair. Goldendoodle puppies past the age of twelve weeks require full-body professional grooming to maintain a healthy coat as well as for socialization and training purposes. Older puppies should be well groomed and trimmed regularly and have short, filed nails.
💡 Note: Some breeders may claim that they are unable to socialize their puppies until they are fully vaccinated, which can be between 12-20 weeks of age. This is false and these breeders are not stewarding their puppies well. Please click here to read the "AVSAB Position Statement On Puppy Socialization."
Why Is An Adult Goldendoodle For Sale?
Now, let's address why you may find an adult Goldendoodle for sale.
Some breeders choose to own and house all their adult breeding dogs, whether in their home or in a kennel. When these dogs are retired from breeding, the breeder either keeps them or rehomes them to a new family.
Some breeders choose to place their breeding dogs into Guardian Homes. In a Guardian Home agreement, a family agrees to care for a dog while the breeder maintains breeding rights for that dog for a period of time. This means that when the dog retires, it stays with the Guardian Home, the home in which it has been raised.
We've utilized both methods for retiring breeding dogs from our breeding program: rehoming as well as Guardian Homes. All of our adult breeding dogs are raised inside family homes, whether ours or someone else's and receive one-on-one training and socialization outside of the home. In other words, they are raised and cared for as typical household pets.
Finally, ethical breeders include a "first right of refusal" clause in their puppy sale contracts. This means that any puppy sold must be brought back to the breeder if it can no longer be cared for or if rehoming is necessary.
We have been faced with several owner surrenders and rehoming situations involving dogs from our program. In each case, we are understanding with the owners, and our primary objective is ensuring that the dog ends up in the most suitable home.
So, an adult Goldendoodle for sale could be available for any of the following reasons:
The dog has been a breeding dog and is now entering into retirement, seeking a new permanent home.
The dog has been kept or purchased by a breeder and deemed unsuitable for breeding, seeking a new permanent home. (A dog unsuitable for breeding can be perfectly suitable as a pet!)
The dog has been returned to the breeder for any number of reasons, with the most common reason being its family's circumstances changing, preventing the dog from staying with them.
An adult dog is sometimes returned to a breeder for behavioral or health issues. In this case, an ethical breeder will be very transparent about these things.
Similar to some of the things discussed above regarding older puppies for sale, there are many unfortunate situations concerning adult Goldendoodles for sale.
Dogs who are raised in mass-production kennels or puppy mills will not receive adequate socialization, training, or medical care. They will also not be potty trained and, in fact, likely be accustomed to defecating on surfaces such as concrete and wood. I would advise against purchasing an adult dog (or a puppy, for that matter!) from a breeding operation like this. You are better off adopting from a shelter or rescue.
Unfortunately, many well-meaning breeders who love their dogs are not providing adequate socialization and training to their adult dogs. Purchasing an adult dog that has been well-loved and raised inside a home does not necessarily mean it will have proper socialization outside of the home and proper obedience training. Some breeders have too many dogs to give one-on-one attention to all of them regularly, and these dogs, while living indoors and being treated well, typically live in a dog-pack environment. I would also advise against purchasing an adult dog from this situation.
Remember, animal hoarders who abuse and neglect their pets house their animals inside their homes. The rule of thumb regarding not purchasing pups from mass production facilities doesn't automatically mean that any pup from someone's home was raised in a good environment.
Look for a breeder who treats their animals how you plan to treat your family pet.
🛑 Here are some red flags that you should look for when considering purchasing an adult Goldendoodle for sale:
The dog is from a mass production program or puppy mill. These dogs likely have no training or socialization and suffer from chronic illnesses or genetic health issues. They will also not be potty trained or accustomed to living inside a house.
The breeder cannot provide proof (photos and videos) that the dog has been appropriately socialized outside the home or kennel.
The breeder cannot provide proof (photos and videos) that the dog is potty trained and obedience trained.
The dog is not up to date on vaccinations or grooming. Goldendoodles must be groomed regularly and not left in unkempt, unsanitary hair cuts.
✅ Here is a list of things that you should be looking for when considering purchasing an adult Goldendoodle for sale:
The dog is priced accordingly for its training level. A trained dog is nothing to expect for free or low cost. In fact, it's quite the opposite! If you seek a cheap adult dog, please consider adopting from a shelter. You will then need to invest considerably in training, grooming, and medical care. A well-bred adult dog who has been properly socialized, trained, and cared for is worth its weight in gold!
The breeder can provide proof (photos or videos) of the dog's socialization and training. This proof is absolutely necessary for you to make a sound investment. This proof should include videos of the dog being socialized outside the home environment or kennel safely. The breeder should be willing to meet up with you and allow you to spend time with the dog before you make a decision.
The breeder can provide proof of the dog's medical care. Adult dogs should be fully vaccinated and updated on these vaccines before being rehomed. You should be able to call the vet and confirm that the dog's medical records are accurate.
The dog is well-groomed. Goldendoodles of all ages require regular nail trims, face trims to clear the hair from around their eyes, and sanitary trims to prevent fecal matter and urine from matting in their hair. There is absolutely no excuse for a poorly groomed dog.
💡 Note: Sometimes, adult dogs are being rehomed for behavioral or medical issues. A breeder should be completely transparent about a dog's history. Be sure to ask questions to determine whether a dog who has been returned for these reasons is a good fit for you, and ask that the breeder include a first right of refusal in their sale contract, meaning that you can bring the dog back to the breeder if things don't work out.
How to Find an Adult Goldendoodle For Sale
To be honest, finding a well-bred, properly socialized, obedience-trained adult Goldendoodle for sale can be difficult! This is because most dogs that fit this bill are happily and permanently spoken for by their families.
But don't get discouraged because there are always great opportunities out there to be found! On the same note, don't compromise on important things just because you get tired of waiting for the perfect opportunity.
The best way to find an adult Goldendoodle for sale from an ethical breeder is to connect with ethical breeders in your area. Ethical breeders network together and help each other out. Letting breeders in your area know what you're looking for and the type of home you offer will signal them to keep their eyes out for opportunities.
📍 Here are a few ways you can connect with ethical breeders in your area:
Join breed and city/state-specific Facebook groups where you can post about what you're looking for, and keep an eye out for breeders who mention opportunities. (Use caution on social media; there are a lot of scammers out there! Don't send anyone payment sight unseen!)
Do a Google search for breeders near you. Reach out to each ethical breeder you find and let them know what you're looking for. Some breeders (like me!) keep wait lists of people seeking adult dogs.
You can also consider adopting a dog from a rescue or shelter. Please keep in mind that in these situations, you are most likely going to need to manage long-term behavioral or health issues.
The sad but simple truth is dogs from ethical breeders don't end up in rescues or shelters.
Ethical breeders microchip their dogs with chips that leave them as emergency contacts permanently, and they are notified if their dogs end up in a dangerous situation. Ethical breeders also include first right of refusal clauses in their sale contracts, meaning clients are legally obligated to return puppies or dogs to the breeders if they cannot keep them.
This doesn't mean you can't adopt an amazing family pet from a rescue or shelter.
It means that, unfortunately, that dog did not come from an ethical breeding program and that you should be prepared for whatever issues it may come with.
The key to finding a great opportunity to find an adult Goldendoodle for sale is having patience. The right opportunity will come along if you're willing to wait!
Conclusion
Purchasing an adult or older Goldendoodle from an ethical breeder can be an incredible opportunity if approached with patience and discernment. By thoroughly researching and networking with ethical breeders, you can find a well-bred, well-socialized, and well-trained dog that fits seamlessly into your family.
Always be cautious of red flags like heavily discounted prices, lack of socialization, or poor grooming.
Remember, a well-bred, trained puppy or dog is a valuable investment in your family's future happiness. Trust your instincts, ask the right questions, and take the time to find the perfect dog for your home. With persistence and care, you'll find a companion that brings you joy for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why would a breeder have an adult Goldendoodle for sale?
Breeders may sell adult dogs when they retire from breeding, are deemed unsuitable for breeding but are perfect as pets, or if a family has returned a dog due to changing circumstances. Ethical breeders will always prioritize finding a suitable home for these dogs.
Is it safe to buy an older puppy or adult dog from a breeder?
Yes, but only if you buy from an ethical breeder who can provide proof of the dog’s socialization, training, and medical care. Be wary of breeders offering large discounts or unable to show evidence of proper care.
How can I tell if a breeder is ethical?
Ethical breeders provide proof of socialization, training, medical records, and proper grooming. They do not heavily discount dogs or rush to sell. They also include clauses like "first right of refusal" to ensure dogs are rehomed responsibly.
Why are some older puppies still available for sale?
There could be various reasons, including market saturation, slower sales, or limited breeder marketing. This doesn’t necessarily reflect negatively on the dog; it could simply be a matter of timing.
What are some red flags to watch for when buying an adult dog?
Be cautious if the dog is heavily discounted, lacks proof of training or socialization, or appears poorly groomed. Avoid breeders who cannot provide vaccination records or demonstrate that the dog has been properly cared for.
How much should I expect to pay for an adult Goldendoodle?
The cost depends on the level of socialization, training, and care the dog has received. Adult dogs that are well-trained and have received proper medical care are typically more expensive than untrained or poorly cared-for dogs. Ethical breeders will price their dogs accordingly.
How do I find a reputable breeder with adult Goldendoodles for sale?
Start by networking with ethical breeders in your area and joining breed-specific groups online. Breeders often collaborate and may know of available adult dogs. Be patient and take the time to find the right fit for your family.
Should I expect behavioral issues when adopting an adult dog?
It depends on the dog’s background. Ethical breeders will be transparent about any behavioral issues. If the dog has been well-socialized and trained, they should transition smoothly into a new home. However, if behavioral issues are present, ensure the breeder discloses them and offers support or solutions.
How long should I expect to wait to find an adult Goldendoodle?
Finding an adult Goldendoodle from an ethical breeder can take time—months or even years. It’s important to be patient and not rush into a decision. The right opportunity will come if you’re willing to wait for a well-bred, well-trained dog.