Decision Time - Questioning Myself

[Patti Golden]

Saturday I'm supposed to go pick out my "Goldendoodle" puppy from two males in the litter.  Now I'm having doubts if I'm doing the right thing and have chosen well.  Is this normal?  I've never visited any breeders so have nothing to compare these puppies with.  So a friend and I have made an appointment to visit another breeder tomorrow (Friday).  At least I will have something to compare with then.  And now another quandry.  Why do I do this to myself (keep reading)?  I keep searching ads and have found a "Labradoodle" puppy I simply adore!  And he is still available.   No time to see him before Sat. when I pick my puppy up.  In the back of my mind I keep thinking I don't have to take one of the two puppies I'm supposed to choose from if I don't like them for some reason.   Am I just being a fickle female?  I want to KNOW when I see my puppy that it's right.  Does that make sense?  And I keep telling myself I do NOT need two dogs.  haha  I think I'm just nervous and venting here.  Didn't know if anyone went through this too.

[Patti Golden]

[Lori, Daphne, Lucy & Pippa]

You're right. He is adorable! But I'm sure that "your" puppy is just as adorable if not more so! When picking out puppies on line it is very hard! Pictures can be very deceiving. Some days in a different position, different angle this pup might not look as cute as yours. You are lucky that you get to visit the breeder to see them for yourself. My puppy was shipped to me and I picked her from a picture. She is an absolute treasure and I adore her! But I'm sure that any puppy that came to me on that flight, I would have been in love!

[Kaytlin and Cooper]

first of all, i would not consider getting a dog of any kind from an "ad". A good breeder does not need to advertise in ads in papers, craigslist, kijiji etc

Also, any good breeder will be able to tell you the different personalities of their pups and be able to match you up with one perfect for you

check out our what to look for in a breeder post if you havent already

http://www.doodlekisses.com/notes/What_To_Look_for_In_a_Breeder

[Patti Golden]

Oh, maybe I used the wrong word.  I've been searching websites of breeders.  I posted a photo of the labradoodle.  He's supposed to be really mellow and laid back.  But I'm hoping after I see "my" puppy on Saturday that all this anxiety will end.  :-)

[Lynda Kamrath]

Yep.  We all go through questioning ourselves, and if you have a significant other, they will add to the questions.  It kinda reminds me of when our principal said he was going "to look at a baby".  He and his wife had been selected by another couple as the adoptive parents for their newborn.  I just laughed and said "If you are going to look, you have a baby."  How in the world could anyone say no to a new baby or a puppy?  So, I guess you have two.  You may not NEED two, but it rather sounds like you will have two.

[Patti Golden]

Oh great!  Well you're no help.  hahahaha

[Sue, Murphy and Bella ()*o*()]

Since I seem to be full of advise this morning, let me just say, I for one think its very normal. And what's also normal is that there will ALWAYS be another dog that is cuter, bigger, smaller, softer, less shedding, friendlier, cuddlier, smarter, dumber, more aggressive, less aggressive, well behaved, impossible to train, healthier, sicker, quieter, more verbal, more anxious, less anxious, more calmer, more lazy, more active, on and on. You can keep looking for years and never find the "perfect" dog. So do your research, find a breeder you trust and you can establish a relationship with. As you will probably need to speak to them on occasion, prioritize the characteristics you must have ( big, small, calm, friendly, etc, then color, sex, etc) and pick one, or let it pick you. You will then have the "perfect "dog for you by what you put into it. So that's my last post for the morning as I have to get on the floor and brush my two now.

[Patti Golden]

Sue, you are so right.  I could keep looking for years if I keep questioning myself.  And just think of all the time I'd miss that way by not adopting one sooner.  As it is now, there are two that get to choose from since I get first choice of the males of the litter, so hope one of them picks me.  And back to Lynda, yeah I may end up with two dogs eventually but trying not to do that just yet.  :-) 

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

In my experience, which is considerable, the best breeders do not have "ads". Any available puppies are on their websites, and that's where you have to go to see them. Litters are usually sold in advance, too.

How can you "adore" a puppy you have only seen in an on-line photograph? In what ways does that one appeal to you more than the puppies from the breeder you have chosen?

I don't understand the logic in going to visit another breeder in order to have something to compare. Compare in terms of what? The way they look, the way they act, or what? I don't understand how seeing another breeder's puppies is going to help you in your decision on Saturday. What do you know about the breeder you are visiting on Friday? How do you know if that one is any better or worse than the one you are dealing with?

Either one of the two males will appeal to you or they won't. I don't think seeing 5 or 6 or 1000 other puppies before then is going to make a difference. I would stop looking at "ads" and I would not go visiting other breeders. I would make a commitment in my heart that my dog will be waiting for me on Saturday, and just be excited to meet him.

[Sue & Lily Grace]

100 percent agree. More looking = more confusion. If this is the breeder for you accept their knowledge of their litter and choose your puppy.

[Nicky, Riley & Boris]

I'm with you on this, am going also on Saturday to pick my puppy too who will be six weeks old.  I have developed a good relationship with this breeder but am so nervous as I haven't actually chosen like this before.  I'm full of doubt...lots of what ifs.  Riley was picked for me and that was nerve wracking for different reasons.  It's all about temperament for me.  I'm wishing that for both of us whatever we decide will be the right decision.

[Sue & Lily Grace]

Nicky, you will be so happy to finally meet him. You are so invested already. Good luck.