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

[Melody & Bruin]

my grandson turns one in August too!  (22)

[Debb, Lucy & Oscar]

I was in the exact same predicament as you, only I was first on the list, and had to choose from 9 pups, at 3 weeks old! I too knew I'd have to choose early, but I also knew there's not much you can tell at 3 weeks. So, we went ahead and chose a male pup in the color we thought we wanted. 2 weeks later, after all the others on the list had made their choices, we went back to visit our little guy. During that visit, I made an immediate connection with a little female (I thank my lucky stars she had not been chosen by anyone yet!) and cried all the way home because I felt I was betraying the male pup that we'd put so much emotional investment into up to that point. But, a connection is a connection, and I had to go with my gut. I called the breeder as soon as we got home and asked if I could change my choice. No worries,she said (I think she was terrified at first because she thought I might have chosen a pup that was already chosen). Lucy has turned out to be 'the one'. She is everything we wanted in a doodle, and then some. The point of all this is, things just seem to work out for the best in the long run. You've just got to have faith. (One hint when visiting the 3 week old pups, is hold them individually and only when the mom isn't around... otherwise you'll have a pup that is only interested in getting back to mom). BTW, you really can tell a lot of a pup's temperament, even at 3 weeks old. There will probably be more laid back ones, and other more active, spirited ones. That's not something that will likely change as they mature.  Good luck!

[Debb, Lucy & Oscar]

I wanted to also mention, the breeder helped a lot with possible choices, based on what kind of temperament we wanted, and the lifestyle we lead. Color and coat type played a factor as well. Gender, not so much, although I can say now I love having a female (no leg lifting a dozen times during walks, and no dominance issues whatsoever).

[Melody & Bruin]

I do actually have faith in my breeder.  I have been very specific about "a laid back" pup and if I have to switch from male to female or black to cream, that is not as important to me how we react to one another.  Thanks again

[Melody & Bruin]

Wow...this is so good to hear.  Slowly restoring my faith!

[Denise & Sophie]

We go Aug 19. Here is our luck...we first thought the litter would be born in July and come home Sept but that didn't happen. Our vacation is Aug 26 .. I almost canceled it but its a family tradition. So, the day we pick and could bring home will be sad because we will leave our puppy with the breeder until vacation is over. That is the best for the puppy. I've had the name Sophie picked out since my Sadie died last year. I am not sure about a male name yet. Bronson, Austin and Murphy are on the list...its hard...everyone in my family like a different name... I'm not sure yet..

[Denise & Sophie]

Levi turns 1 Aug 9 th same bd as my oldest granddaughter , Madison who turns 13. They are cousins.t

[Melody & Bruin]

That's pretty cool!  I have two cousins that are brothers, I think they are four years apart, and they share their BD on 8/4

[Julie and Maggie]

Hey Melody, I was in a similar situation as you. My litter was a mix of blacks and creams. I did not want black so that narrowed down my choices. Of the four females, first pick chose one of them. So down to three. There was something about one of the three girls left that was turning me off. Maybe the too light color, shape of the face, stuff like that. Anyway, I visited the litter at 3 weeks to choose between the two remaining girls.

 

The differences are very subtle at this age but they are there. I took a video with my breeder holding both on her lap. My aunt is talking and pointing in the video. Maggie (the one I eventually chose) was way more interactive with us. And then when it was snuggle time, she was extremely content with laying her face right under my chin. I don't pretend to know anything about puppy temperaments, but I took those as good signs. She also had some physical characteristics Iiked: nice color, beginnings of curls, boxier face shape. I am very pleased with my choice. Everything I have heard from the breeder since then has confirmed my decision. 

 

And frankly I think that it is possible to let's say, over-think all the things that go into choosing a puppy. I understand how important it is and don't mean to belittle it, but I think you find yourself in a situation and you make the best choice you can. Then you love the little sweetheart and put your efforts into your own leadership skills. If we are poor leaders then the puppy, no matter the temperament, will not develop into being all that the puppy could be. 

 

 

[Melody & Bruin]

Maggie, thanks so much for sharing.  Nice to know I am not alone.  I am sure once I am there with pups, it will JUST happen and I will KNOW.

[Melody & Bruin]

It was very tough to decide...had my eye on two of three and went with my heart!  Thank you everyone...Bruin the Stanley Pup winner is....

[Julie and Maggie]

Oh he is adorable. What did you like best about him?