Interacting With The Breeder

[Kaitlin and Ludo]

Hi everyone,

This is my first post on Doodle Kisses, though I've been lurking around and reading everything for a few weeks!  I am waiting on a pup that is expected to be born early to mid August.  A pregnancy hasn't been confirmed yet and I have received a couple of short updates from the breeder-- when the mom dog would be in heat and when she was bred.  I know that before the puppy is born, there's not a lot to talk about, so no worries there.

One thing I don't know is where I fall in line in the deposit list.  I put a deposit down last October, so I'm hoping I'm towards the top (I'm less concerned about pick of the litter and more concerned about the actual number of puppies, knowing I want a boy puppy), but I've recently gotten myself to an all new (probably obsessive) level of excitement and if I'm really low on the list, I want to try and reign in my excitement so I'm not so heartbroken if there isn't a puppy for me (even though I totally will be, regardless).

My question is-- would it be considered appropriate for me to email and ask where I fall in line or is it something I should just wait on and know will come eventually?  I don't want to be the annoying buyer who can't just ride things out like everyone else.  I also don't want to be perceived as wishy-washy and asking so I know if I should look somewhere else-- that is definitely not the case.  If I don't get a puppy with this litter, I'll wait for another one from him.  At the same time, it's a really big investment, and I should ask whatever questions I have!

Thanks so much for your help.  If there is a puppy from me, I know I'll be back to ask lots more questions!

[Jenn and Bogey]

I am waiting too, but I think it's ok to ask. We just put our deposit down last week for a litter to be born in July. But our breeder told us we are the last opening and she'd be closing the list. We are #5, but xray showed 6 puppies. I think they know how excited we are and are probably used to the questions. :)

[Kaitlin and Ludo]

Thanks, Jenn.  That is kind of the conclusion that I was thinking, but thought I'd get some other opinions because I don't want to make a bad impression.  How exciting for your baby pup! I'll make sure to stop by your page and check out some photos!  What kind of doodle are you getting?  I'm getting an ALD!

[Jenn and Bogey]

We are getting an ALD too! I can hardly take the wait. I can't imagine waiting since last October! What colors are you expecting? The possible colors for us are apricot, caramel and apricot parti. I kinda am hoping for a caramel, but I told the breeder we were open to color and gender, just looking for the right fit for our family. Have you thought of any names?

[Kaitlin and Ludo]

Yay for ALDs!  It wasn't until the last month or so that I REALLY started getting excited, but now, if you didn't know I was waiting until October, you'd think I was getting him in like a month, I have a wish list full of things to buy for him and have been reading puppy books like crazy! haha.  I love apricot and caramels.  And apricot partis are SO cute.  The possible colors for me would be red, apricot, caramel and cream.  I was deadset on a red for a while, but in all actuality, they're all so darn cute that the color really doesn't matter to me.  I know that I want a boy and I've chosen the name Ludo.  It's a bit of a nod to an obscure Harry Potter character, but it means "I play" in latin and I think it's perfect for a dog.  What about you??

[Jenn and Bogey]

I love Ludo! Such a perfect name for a doodle! Currently on the top of my list is Mochi and Finley. I think with both those it would work for a boy or girl. I found some cute ID tags on Etsy so I can't wait til we decide on a name.

[Kaitlin and Ludo]

I love those names!!  Especially Finley! And I agree completely that they are both totally gender neutral!  I've been browsing etsy for ID tags, I found these adorable Friendship bracelet-esque dog tags on Etsy that is a dog tag with a tiny heart cut out of it and the cut out heart is made into a charm for a necklace for a human-- totally cute, but I'm not sure I need to shell out $90 for it!! I found, on Amazon, there are collars with the dog's name and your phone number embroidered on it.  I love that idea!

[Sooner Mom]

Please ask.  I did not and it caused issues.  

[Kaitlin and Ludo]

Thanks for your reply!  I ended up calling the breeder and I am #3 on the deposit list.  I hope the issues ended up working out ok for you and that you still got a sweet fur baby!

[Leslie, Yogi & Maci Bear]

You are definitely entitled to ask where you fit in the choosing of your puppy. You should know as much as possible about
the process, and be comfortable with it. It's an exciting time. Have fun. They are awesome puppies!

[Kaitlin and Ludo]

Thanks, Leslie!  I am so not up on communicating with breeders.  This breeder has done a great job (in my opinion) of explaining the process and keeping me up to date (there hasn't been much to tell yet though).  He used to have the depositor list (with initials) posted on his website but stopped doing that in the last year or so.  I ended up calling him today and it was way less of a big deal than I was working myself up for it to be!  LOL.  I'm #3 on the depositor list, so I'm crossing my fingers that there are at least 3 boys or that the people in front of me only want girls :)

Thanks again for your comment!