Puppy Pick Up

[Sherry]

Hey Everyone,

Sorry for being high maintenance this week!

We currently have a 16 month old mini goldendoodle, Milo.  We are going back to the same breeder this Saturday, where we got Milo, to pick up Milo's sister, who is 8 weeks old.  Milo and his sister Mia will have the same Momma.  We are the first pick on this litter.  Do you think it is appropriate to ask the breeder to take Milo with us to pick out his sister?   Milo loves all dogs but there are dogs that he connects to more and some that he ignores.  Any thoughts or suggests ???

[Laurie, Wally & Charlotte]

My immediate reaction is to leave Milo at home and pick the puppy that seems right for you and your family. I'd also speak with the breeder in advance and ask for his/her suggestion as to which girl meets the criteria that you've set for what personality would be the best fit. What fun!!! Milo will adjust as long as you manage the introduction well.  

[Stacy]

I think I would ask. The worst they can do is say no. Rescue always wants the two dogs to meet before the adoption. I know it's not exactly the same thing with an 8 week old puppy, but it might be nice for the breeder to see him. Or it may be total chaos. I'm not sure.

[Ginny Nightingale]

If it were me and I was the breeder, I would say no--first of all, they have no idea how Milo will act with a bunch of pups--sometimes the pups try to nurse and it is quite upsetting to a dog, especially a male! Pups could be injured in the process of introducing them--at home, you will have more control over the situation.

I agree with Laurie that you should pick a pup you feel good about and let the rest solve itself. 

[Deanna & Desi & Cori]

We had a similar situation in that our two are half siblings, but sharing the same dad. Desi was almost nine months old when we went for the puppy meet and greet (when the puppies were just six weeks old). Desi was with us but stayed in the RV while we chose “pink girl” to be our Cori. Two weeks later, Desi once again went with us to pick up Cori - he saw the breeder but away from the puppies. Desi and Cori met in the RV and had the five hour drive home to get acquainted. Well, they both mostly slept on my lap!

Good luck with your new little girl!

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

It's been 9 years, so times have probably changed.  We met Ned's breeder at her mother's house where she brought all the male puppies from the litter.  She allowed us to bring our current dogs in - leashed to meet the puppies.  These puppies were all 3 months old and she was fairly anxious to get them sold, so that may be why she allowed it. In our case, it was perfect, because we  chose the puppy that was most friendly and curious (Ned) and wasn't at all intimidated by being in a strange yard and meeting strangers - two- and four- legged.

[Lynda Kamrath]

My personal preference is to take the dog along.  But, we also took the dog along when we picked up our babies from the hospital.  First baby, he was very interested, second baby, he ducked away and seemed to say, "Ahh, they went to the baby farm again."  Even if you make the selection without him, he will be there to introduce himself to the puppy as soon as you bring the puppy into the van.