Any tips on selecting a puppy from the litter?

[Adrienne]

I will be visiting my pup's litter on Saturday and I am seeking advice or tips on how to select a puppy. I don't want my EXCITEMENT to overshadow what I am there to do:  select a pup that is a good match for my family.  I have many questions like "Do I just observe first, do I sit still and let the pups come to me, do I handle and play with the pups a lot, etc???  Any advice would be greatly appreciated.  

[Ginny Nightingale]

You are welcome--and yes, you will want them ALL! Wish I could go with you!

[Kristin and Sophie]

The minute that you choose - whichever one you choose - yes, you will fall in love and you will know that is YOUR puppy!  We didn't get to select Sophie in person, but rather through breeder's photos and videos.  Once we selected her, we couldn't wait to meet her.  I still remember seeing her in person for the first time and thinking that she looked so much smaller in person.  We put her in the car, and she looked up at me, and then fell asleep on my lap.  She won me over quickly!  :)

[Cheryl and Finnegan]

Listen to Ginny :) She's got the best experience here.  A good breeder wants her pups and families to be a good fit. And from the minute you step out the door with your new pup, he/she will be the only pup in the world for you.  It's true :) It's a four footed baby and I think you are going to be a great mom. 

[Adrienne]

Thx Cheryl :))  I am looking forward to walking with you and Finnegan when my pup is old enough.

[Cheryl and Finnegan]

Me too.

[Ginny Nightingale]

Thanks Cheryl! And yes, I agree, Adrienne is going to be a great mom!!

[Adrienne]

Thanks Ginny.  I know that I can always rely on my DK Family to help with my Doodle questions :)))

[Traci -Bexter & Maggie]

AWWW!!  He's so cute!  I'm sure they are all so adorable though!

[Lori, Quincy & Frankie]

He is just adorable and absolutely reminds me of my Quincy.  Quincy is turning a year this week and weighs 51 pounds.  He is an ADL.  

[Amy & Albee]

What an adorable pup!! So excited for you, Saturday can't come fast enough :) Looks like you've gotten a lot of great advice so far. I have nothing to add, as our pup is only the size of a 'gumball' :)

Can't wait to see the pictures and have fun!

[Adrienne]

Thanks Amy.  I remember when my pup was just a "gumball".  The wait was and still is HARD but I read lots of info on DK, absorbing everything like a sponge.  I also became the "DK Stalker" going to everyone's pages and looking at their Doodle pics.  It really helps with the waiting period.  LOL!!

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

Ned was older when we visited so we were able to see more personality. I wanted a red pup - was actually set on a red one for sure.  However, Ned just charmed the socks off us.  He was perfect personality-wise for us, so we ended up with the apricot cutie pie and still feel that he was the 'best of the bunch' which is  the best way to feel about your new little one.