Selecting my new pup from 2 choices

[Nancy and Georgia Brown]

I will spare you the long post that I originally typed. I go tomorrow to look at the 2 pups. They will be 6.5 weeks old.

I picked my doodle too early. I was kind of upset they wanted me to pick so young and almost walked away. (I know, no need for the lecture now, I do think I am getting a good dog but could probably back out if necessary) They are f1b pups. I am in total love with one of the dogs from the first litter from the same parents. If I could just steal her I would be very happy. The mother is a great dog--a loved family pet, and the pups and conditions are very clean. They all seem like great pups and very well cared for. Just not a professional operation. 

Since I had first pick and had no clue about personality, I picked the pretty one. They told me I got the pick of the litter, the one every one wanted. They told me she is well balanced.

I go back to see the pups at 5.5 weeks and not sure I picked the right pup. She is considered the pick of the litter and very beautiful. But a bit feisty. I had my eye on the runt from the very beginning but was told by various people that the runt could have problems. I know the technical definition of a runt vs. the way people normally describe it and not sure where my pup falls into the mix. The runt is still available. So I will describe the pups with pictures and ask your advice. I am going to spend time with each tomorrow and decide. My heart want the runt. My mind goes for my original pick. Any suggestions as to how to decide when I go tomorrow are welcome.

FIRST CHOICE AND ORIGINAL PICK A: 

I60C7656.jpg, 

Looks: Quite the looker I will say. Most likely to have a shedding coat of all the pups. Her coat could be beautiful or very strange and a mix that might be hard to groom.

Personality: The most important quality for me. She is very feisty. The first to get into trouble. Very smart. When being held she holds herself proud. Doesn't just turn limp in your arms. Anxious to play. Has a definite on/off switch. It's full speed or sleep. No serious aggression or dominant issues but way more interested in what is going on in the world than being held and petted. I kind of nicknamed her Diva, the owners call her Candy Cane.

CHOICE B. 

Looks: will be a bit smaller than the others--a plus. Has a definite poodle coat, which I do love. 

Personality: the runt. Born significantly after the others, they almost gave up on her being born but after a long birthing session and a long wait and her still not coming out they went to bed ready to get up early and get that last pup out. They discovered she was already born. The owner has a special attachment to this pup and has spent a lot of time with her making sure she got her proper share of milk. She loves to be cuddled and when you pick her up she just melts into your arms. She shakes a bit. She tires quickly. She is bullied by the other pups.They owners say she is perfectly healthy and just needs to catch up. I don't think she has had an official vet check. I know the pups come with a health guarantee but I don't want to rely on that. Not sure how they will react if I want a vet approval before getting that pup and they live over hour away from me.

Wow. I thought I was sparing you the original post and now it's just as long.

I go to spend time with both of them tomorrow. I have read all the standard tests and things. I need to relax and trust. The last visit was at the same time as another family with kids came to visit so there was lots of action and stuff going on. It wasn't the ideal time to bond with a pup.

I should add my last and only dog I have ever owned was an adult rescue that came with serious dog aggression issues. I could have purchased many purebred dogs for what I spent in dog trainers and other dog's vet bills. She was the most perfect dog other than that. Super people friendly. Super sweet. Easily trained. Just came with an issue around other dogs, it was kill or be killed. Which is sad since I live very close to one of the greatest dog parks in the  SF bay area.

Nancy plus new doodle

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Read more here: http://www.doodlekisses.com/forum/topic/showPreview#ixzz2kBE5wMIW

[Wendy and Myla]

Remember, the last time you saw them they were only 5.5 weeks old, that's awfully young to make a decision I think - they grow and develop so much in the first eight weeks!  Even if she's trembling a bit, when you bring her home and she learns to trust you that should disappear. As others have said, your lifestyle should play a huge part in your decision - if you have young kids or have young kids in your home often, that might traumatize an insecure puppy but if it's just adults, I think you just have to build her trust.  I would go with your heart!  Myla didn't come to me at all when we went to see the pups (she was chosen for us) but when I picked her up and held her to my chest she made the most awesome sigh ever, like "I love you" - I will always remember that but when I set her back down, she went to a little hole she had dug for herself and burrowed.   I honestly believe that if she is healthy then you just have to train, train, train when you get them home to help them develop into the beautiful dog that they deserve to be - they're just like kids, it's up to you to gain their trust and  help them develop to their full potential.

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

The second one fits my lifestyle and preferences so that is the one I would choose, however your lifestyle and preferences might be different.   I would want her vet checked with attention to the concerns you have - shaking. If she got a clean bill of health then.....  Please keep us informed on your choice.

[Donna Bay & Buzz]

I tend to have a soft spot for the "underdog" and love the personality of that little "runt". Both so adorable but I would prefer the poodle coat. Tougher to groom, my Bay has a very thick but mostly nonshedding coat. I pick #2. Have fun tomorrow!

[Deborah Brown]

Get the puppy you want!  No one else's opinion matters but your own.  

And, as an aside, I have puppy #1 and she is has been real trial.  I think you will also regret getting the "easy" pup that has won your heart.

Deb

[Sally S Miles]

It is a big choice - others have summed well. I am  stumped by the quick choosing - temperament is far more important than looks.

Puppy evaluation begins at seven/eight weeks - a short window, but that's how it's done. Five and a half weeks is a sneak peek and even the savviest of breeders rely on evaluations. Can this be determines earlier? Not necessarily.   

I have a runt - detest the word also, means very little to me.   She was not the runt - but not all breeders/vets are smart.  My little gal is smart as a whip and even if she was the second smallest, she kicks butt in the heart and soul department. She reached out and grabbed me hook line and sinker - could not pass her by and thank heaven every day.

 

Only you can decide - but if you are already a bit frustrated perhaps time to stand back.  What do I look for in a pup? Confidence, amiability, responsiveness, attentiveness, and so on down the line. Take the time to study some pup testing procedures - there is Volhard and a couple of other sorts, easy enough to do in the correct setting and with proper guidelines. Not done in a group - not done in a hurry - not done with sleepy or hungry, tired pups.  Pup #2 sounds like just a nicely balanced temperament and that is critical. Feisty may mean different things to different folks - I love my feisty girl, she takes no guff.

do your own evaluation and take note or ask questions. If your breeder doesn't know or give a funny look - keep looking.

If offered a litter to choose from - I stand back and take the one who sits in the middle of the chaos, refuses to be knocked over, and finds ways to entertain without crowd.  I look for one who will make eye contact, likes hand touch, and all that really matters naught if your heart sings to only one beat.   Little pup could just be overwhelmed - other pup could be the boss - but I do think you are wise to give such deep thought to it, sounds to me like second pup is full of potential and first pup is full of questions.

[Doris]

Go with your heart!  If you get the feisty puppy all of the difficult puppies times will make you think you chose wrong.  Small can be a good thing.  My Bodi is 25 pounds.  Can't wait to hear and see which pup you choose!

 

[BG and Gavin]

My advice is to make sure whichever pup you choose is confident.  A dog can be submissive and confident - which would be my ideal mix.  I think it takes the most savviest of owners to help a dog overcome a confidence problem and fear aggression is very tough to train out IMO. 

[Lynda Kamrath]

I like feisty dogs, especially puppies.  You will have to train her to be the dog you want.  They are both beautiful dogs, so just go with your gut feeling.  The runt looks more cuddly, so if that is what you like, go with the runt.  My choice, just looking at the photos, would be your first pick.  F1b goldendoodles?  I'd say you can't go wrong.

[Nancy and Georgia Brown]

AND THE WINNER IS....

My choice, my original pick and not the "runt".

Thanks everyone for all the help. I did go out there ready to go for the little girl but got a completely different read on this visit. I honestly didn't see any pups demonstrating issues that had me concerned. I did some of the testing with the pups but they all passed with flying colors. None had issues with being handled or flipped over. My original pick was clearly middle of the pack. Confident and curious but not overly nippy or hyper.

Here is a picture of my two pups that I was picking from. The pup supposedly pick on by her litter mates clearly didn't have issues and my girl wasn't concerned that the smaller pup was trying to tear her ear off. 

My first choice has a very well balanced personality. Not hyper and not afraid. She is curious confident and actually was more interested in sleeping during most of the visit compared to her siblings. The smaller dog, I will refrain from calling her the runt, was also great but less interested and seemed to go of and find a corner to sleep in all the time. But not a total shy timid dog. 

I think the smaller dog has a better camera presence than the pup I chose. We will definitely have to work on my girl's modeling skills as we move forward.

[Bonnie and Kona]

Congratulations on making your pick! I am sure you will be madly in love the first day you have her home. ;o)

[Rosemary (Ro) and Enzo]

Congrats! When do you get to bring her home? And do we have a name picked out? Inquiring minds want to know! ;)

[Nancy and Georgia Brown]

I am so struggling with the name thing. But that's the fun part! I have so many on my list. I will get her home for a day or so and then hopefully she will tell me what her name is. I will be picking her up Nov. 21st. 

Love the name Enzo BTW.