Which pup do I choose? Help!

[Melody & Bruin]

I received an email from the breeder saying that the four people ahead of me have selected their pups.  Now it is my turn.  I know I want a black male, but there are four of them to choose from!  And I have to pick asap because there are four people waiting for me to choose so they can.  I am going to visit the pups on Saturday, but I am not sure how you can really choose at three weeks. They are all adorable! Is there anything specific I should look for?  (And I know many of you will think the breeder should wait, and yes I agree, but I knew this going in, so I cannot complain.)  Just searching for some tips or wondering if anyone else has been in this situation and how it turned out.  Has anyone chosen their pup just based on breed, look, and gender?  Not something I really want to do.  Thanks

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

Melody, I think at this point you just choose with your heart. They are all beautiful. When you see them, pick the one that seems (at this point to meet your highest priority).  For example, if temperament is your highest priority, choose the pup that 'seems' to most closely resemble the activity level, friendliness, snuggle requirements you have. If it were me, I would not want the shyest or the most boisterous but the 'middle of the road' pup.  Good luck!  If you are a bit slower (like a few days) in choosing, the pups have that much more time to develop and the people choosing after you will have a better shot at choosing the doodle that meets their wants.

[Melody & Bruin]

I am looking for that middle pup.  Definitely not shy or skiddish, my last experience with my beautiful girl Molly (not a doodle), but the love of my life, did not like my grandbabies, other dogs, cats and pretty much anyone outside of our home.  But it was her or my children and grandchilden.  So I am not feeling very confident, and honestly, quite terrified of choosing the wrong one (again).

[Denise & Sophie]

Hi, Melody, I just got my 4 week pics from my breeder. I am #4 pick and we have to wait until week
8 go and pick. I have my heart set on a female and there are only two so I am preparing for a male (which I will love just as much.) Do you have a name picked? I have always had the females but. Struggling with the males. But looking at your pics I think they are all beautiful and I would pick the one that steals your heart!

[Melody & Bruin]

At this point, not sure if there is much else, what if my heart loves them all - yikes!

[Melody & Bruin]

Our boy's name is Bruin.  Sounds likes a manly name for a BIG black shiny loose curled goldendoodle, doesn't it?  DH is a huge hockey fan (and still plays at the ripe old age of 55, slowly, but he plays) from Boston and since they won the Stanley Cup this year, it was a choice between Stanley and Bruin.  Kids voted for Bobby Orr ("the greatest hockey Bruin hockey player EVER" per DH). We are cleaning up the poop....we get to pick!  So Bruin it is.  Our last two dogs were girls also, a dalmatian, Darla and a border collie mix, Molly.  Still miss them both very much.  Do you have name/s picked out yet?  What date do you pick up?

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

I like the name Bruin, but I like Stanley also.  And Bobby, not so much, but Orr is great. I am so glad that you had to decide and not me.

[Traci -Bexter & Maggie]

Here's my advice and I'm no expert...

First, I would stall for as long as the breeder will let you.

Then, before you are planned to go, I would first ask the breeder when they usually feed.  Since they are so young (too young for any real temperament testing), I would ask that the pups be in the room (or wherever) first WITHOUT the mom.  Then, have the breeder bring the mom in.  I would pay attention to the pup that seems to get to the mom first or maybe pushes others out of the way to feed.  I would avoid any that do that.  I would also avoid the one that comes last probably. 

Other than that, they will all be cute.  I would try to handle each one individually & see which one seems to enjoy your snuggle the most.  Maybe you could try to put them on their backs & see if there are some that just lay there submissively as opposed to fighting you, but again, with them so young I don't even know if that would work.  Doesn't hurt to try.

I would bring paper with each collar color (or however they identify the pups) & just take notes on your observations.  Good luck & keep us posted!

[Melody & Bruin]

Great ideas Traci!  Thanks

[Melody & Bruin]

I am going to try them all if I can.

[Denise & Sophie]

Then I would say you can't make a bad choice. :)

[Denise & Sophie]

Aww, I'm sure you will pick a wonderful loving doodle. Did you have Molly (my grandogs name.) before your grandchildten were born? I watch my grandson who turns
1 in Aug and I hoping they become buddies.

[Melody & Bruin]

Yes, I did have Molly before the babies.  She was very jealous of them and afraid of them.