Getting a new pup in the next few weeks

[Missy Strong]

Hello everyone- this is my very first post ever, so I hope I'm doing it in the proper place. My family consists of myself, my hubby (a composer and pianist), my 4 kids (ages 7-13) and our 2 beautiful mini Rex bunnies that we adopted from a shelter 2 years ago. I work as a music teacher during the day, but my hubby stays at home and home schools our youngest 3 (the oldest is in school). Our home is fairly bustling, with lots of friends and family in and out. But we also love to just settle down and watch movies or play games together, too. And of course, there is a ton of music at all times.

I've been wanting a dog since, well, since I was a kid, but have always been told no. However, my husband ( he no man) has finally relented and we have a deposit and are on a few lists for a F1b mini. We're trying to be patient, let the breeder largely guide our decisions, and make the best choice for our family. It's hard!! We are low on both lists, so it's hard to fight that last pick feeling.

Not even sure if I'm asking a question so much as saying hello and wanting to show the pic of our (for now) top choices. There are 2 each from 2 litters. We visit tomorrow and spend time with the most current litter, to see which two puppies are left of the 8, and to also see the 6-week pups who are in the next litter. If we choose from the first, we could take the pup home immediately. If we wait, it will be till January 11 or even early February if we wait for the 3rd litter.

It can feel overwhelming, and I start to feel a lot of pressure to pick the perfect one, but after read several posts here, I'm making myself relax and just enjoy and trust the breeder and

Any tips as we head to the breeders tomorrow are welcome. Our initial desires are a female wavy, not too big, middle of the road temperament so she could play with the kids, but also just chill out and snuggle on the couch. Gender, though, is not a deal breaker, but in general we don't love the super curly pups.

Looking forward to learning more on this awesome site!

Missy

[F, Calla & Luca]

Welcome to DK. I have a male and a female doodle and adore them both. I don't think gender is an issue. My female was easier but I got her when she was four months as opposed to Luca's two months. And I knew much more. Introduce the puppy early to the two rabbits and with luck the pup will recognize the pups as part of the family. To Calla and Luca rabbits are high on the public enemy list and they have, sadly, removed a few from the list.

[Missy Strong]

Ha, yeah, we've had lots of discussions over how best to handle the "dogs love to eat rabbits" reality. Hopefully we will handle it successfully, or our homeschooling lessons might take a very dark turn one day!

I appreciate your comments about gender! My kids, while not hard and fast about it, are of two minds, but they know that mommy makes the ultimate decision..the problem is that I'm not sure myself :)

[Cheryl and Finnegan]

Welcome to DK. All of these pups are adorable! And pictures vary so much depending on angles. The best piece of advice I can give you (besides choosing a good breeder) is take your time when you go to choose. A good breeder will be able to give you valuable insights into the pups' personalities and help you make the best choice, but the final choice is yours. Play with them, call them to you, hold them, and watch them play with each other. Many times, a pup will "choose" you or you'll just know which one is meant for you. Gender, coat type, and color go out the window :)  Don't worry about being the last pick.  You can always go with another litter --but sometimes that last pick is the one you would have picked anyway. He/she's been waiting for you :)  Good luck and post pictures when you decide!

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

We visit tomorrow and spend time with the most current litter, to see which two puppies are left of the 8, and to also see the 6-week pups who are in the next litter.

Do you mean you could take home a six-week old pup?

If so, this is a HUGE NO NO!!!    No breeder would ever let a pup this age leave their home.

It is extremely important pups stay with thier pack for at the very least 8 weeks. 

Behavioral Problems of pups

Taken away to early

Illegal for pups to leave the mother before 8 weeks

A lot more information out there on this issue.

[Lori, Quincy & Frankie]

Joanne-I think she meant she would have to wait for Jan 11th for the now 6 week old to come home.

All four are adorable!  and so are your children btw!

Good advice already about how they choose you!  

Our male was the last of the litter-he was 11 weeks when we took him home.  I still don't understand how come he was not chosen first!!  But I am so glad he waited for us to find him! 

[Missy Strong]

Yes, sorry, they will be at least 8 weeks old at pick up!

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

P.S.  I love my male, super curly pup  :)  

[Cheryl and Finnegan]

PS I have a neutered male and he's a gentle "old" soul. His people are his world but he's friendly with everyone and other animals, even groundhogs, sigh. He's a therapy dog and in the house he's a chill pill and snuggler extraordinaire :)

[Leslie, Yogi & Maci Bear]

Unless it's a really hyper puppy, I think with proper training you should end up with a great companion. They love to be loved.
I agree with others that the color and curl won't matter once you find your puppy. I wanted a light colored, wavy coat male. I can already see yogi's coat is changing to a darker, curly coat. You know what, I could care less, we love him so much.

I would also wonder if you want the extra hassle of a new puppy at Christmas. But if one steals your heart, go for it!

[Christy&Riley]

I don't think last pick is always bad. We got the last one out of a litter of 12 and everyone tells us they can't believe she was last pick. Best natured puppy. Everyone loves her. We just based our decision on how sweet the mother was and that the puppy let me hold her on her back. Based on what I learned on here since then it wasn't probably the best criteria but it worked out for us. Best wishes on your new addition!

[Heather]

We also got the last pup when we got our Ellie. A family had a deposit on her, they Loved her looks, but felt she was too laid back for them. Our breeder had met us and thought she would be a great fit! She talked the original family into a Labradoodle that was more playful and we got Ellie! We felt like we won Lotto! She was the Perfect Fit and MEANT to be with our Family~

[Missy Strong]

Love that pic of Ellie!