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.  

[Sally S Miles]

Oh Adrienne - see how fast time flies.    

Take your time - get your hands on him,  listen to that voice inside.   I'm so excited for you and only regret is that I will not be online to follow for a while, vacation time.      Best to you and your family

[Debb, Lucy & Oscar]

Everyone has given great suggestions, and my only additional input is to make sure the breeder doesn't make you pick your puppy too early. That was the only part of our selection process that was unreasonable. Our breeder wanted everyone on the waiting list to pick their puppy at 3 weeks old. Its nearly impossible to make a good decision at 3 weeks. From Lucy's litter we selected a mellow boy, but when we went back at 5 weeks for a puppy visit I was struck by the connection Lucy and I made. Thankfully, she hadn't been selected by anyone. I've since been in contact with someone else who was initially interested in Lucy, and they gave the same reason we had for not picking her at 3 weeks. She was a squirmy worm and seemed to just want to get away from the person holding her. Guess it was her high spirit showing through :), but by 5 weeks she was very engaging and sweet. So, I had to make the heart wrenching decision to change our pick. I use to wonder what the boy pup's temperament would have been like, but now, with Oscar, I'm pretty sure I know. Oscar is so mellow and easy going. He's a big goof! We never had to pick between the pups in his litter. We wanted the smallest male and Oscar fit the bill. Of course, little did we know his size as a pup was no indication of his adult size and he's already far exceeded the breeder's size expectations (he's almost 9 mos. now). Good luck!

[Adrienne]

That is such a good point.  The pups will be a little over 7 weeks on Saturday.  I hope to be able to see little hints of their character or temperament at the visit.  Although, I now know that things can still change between Saturday and when I bring the pup home at 9 weeks.  The good thing is that I am confident that my family can handle most temperaments, after having a strong-willed Weimaraner who came to us with a bad case of separation anxiety.  (We didn't go through a breeder with our Max).  I believe the only bad fit would be a dog that is not interested in playing or one who doesn't like my kids.  Other than that, I think all else can be worked out.  Side-note:  I was also happy to learn that she feeds "Earthborn" which is on the recommended food list.  Thanks for your input.  I will keep you posted.

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

Whatever puppy "picks you" is going to be very lucky :)

[Adrienne]

Thanks Laurie :)))

[Pat and Traveler]

Oh, this is so much fun!  I want THAT one!   lol

When I got Trav, it was the first time I'd seen the pups.  They were 8 weeks old, four of the cutest little dogs imaginable.  I just didn't have a clue what to do!  Trav captured my heart because there was something jaunty about him--hard to explain.  He was probably the most active pup in the litter, which the breeder might not have chosen for me, being an older, first time dog owner, but we've been just fine together.  He's still jaunty, but he can just hang out if that's what I'm doing. And smart, smart, smart! 

He was very interested in me and the three people who came with me--not a shy bone in his body, and that hasn't changed.

I know you'll find the right puppy for you and your family--and yes, you should have the final say.  lol