Official "Pick" of the Litter Discussion

[Jess & Stewart]

Hi Everyone!

 

I was just looking through the introductions discussion and Whitney inspired me to make an "official" pick of the litter discussion.

 

I'm in a total pickle of a situation; I'm on various lists for litters (F1 & F1B goldendoodles) from my breeder. One female (F1 goldendoodle, so F1B doodle pups) is currently in heat and they'll begin breeding this week, so estimated timeframe is born October, ready just before Christmas. If I pass on this litter, I'll be waiting a long time for this female's next heat (she cycles every 9-10 months, instead of every 6 and the breeder might skip the next heat). Both litters will be the same breeding pair, which I adore. I'm currently #5 on both litters, all 4 individuals above me are on both litters as well, so if they pass on the current litter for any reason, I move up, but stay #5 for next litter. Same scenario if I pass and they take puppies from this litter, I'll move up for the next litter.

 

SO, after that lengthy discussion (hope you all are still with me and not asleep!), my question is about getting to be the first pick. I'm the first to admit I'm a total Aspie and I know what type of personality and look I'm looking for (Shaggy, not too curly goldendoodle, my mother jokes it's because I'm from NJ and we're all concerned about hair!), and I'm very stuck on that, so in all honesty I would like to be as close to the top pick. I am open to gender, but secretly am hoping to find a male with these characteristics, as I've always wanted a male dog and have had "his" name picked out since I knew what a dog was.

 

Any suggestions as to this dilemma over litters and which "pick" I am. Any of you either first or last, that could share any advice?

[Diane, Hurley and Sidney]

A puppy curling up in your lap would definitely be the choice.  It wouldn't make any difference to me where the puppy fell in the ideal Doodle choice list.   I agree with you how do you really know which puppy is for you when you meet them.  But, going back to my first comment - the one that shows you love and looks at you as if he/she belongs to you will probably always be the one you go home with.

[Patti Golden]

I have first choice of the "males" in the litter. I have always had boy pets so never even thought of asking for litter choice (I was first one to put deposit down). This particular litter only has 2 boys so I'm hoping it won't be a hard decision and will be obvious. Knowing me though, I won't be able to make a decision easily. Really hope the puppy picks me instead. I'm enjoying all the stories on this particular thread. I know I didn't help any but after I get my puppy maybe I can add an addendum to this. That won't be until the 20th of Oct. :-)

[Emily & Wispa]

We took the lazy puppy!  And she has totally lived up to that first impression.  You should see her now, her body pushed up against me on the couch, her head half on my leg, half on the laptop!!

And snoring :D

[Shannon and Finn]

Well, I think you will love any puppy based on what you have said. I got to chose my first puppy based on several options and I went with the one that just seemed right. He was perfect. Finn was passed over and was the second to last of the litter ( I wasn't on a list, he just happened to be available and sounded right for me) and he is perfect. I love boy puppies but didn't care much either time and I figure that there is something in how I raise them/ love them to be sweet, lovey, perfect dogs (even when they are/were naughty). I say go with the timing that works for you and it sounds like a boy is what you want so see how you feel about this upcoming litter and go with your gut feeling. There is a lot to be said for how you feel, interact with and train your puppy. I happen to love snuggling and kissing mine but don't put up with the misbehaving! Try to not over think things too much or you might go nuts with all the what ifs, it's a big decision but it is more in the emotion than the details.

[Pat and Traveler]

There were four puppies left when I arrived, and they all looked pretty much the same.  Trav was one of the smaller pups, very happy, curious and friendly.  When the breeder brought the mom in for us to meet, Trav hurried over to her and tried to get a snack.  She was through with nursing pups and told him so in no uncertain terms!  The breeder did mention that he was a very active pup.  There really wasn't much for us to go on in making a choice--they were all adorable and friendly.  I didn't think to ask the breeder which one she thought might work best for me.  There wasn't that instant bonding that other people have mentioned--I wanted all of them!  Now I can't imagine having any other dog. 

[Karen and "Gabby"]

My breeder did a temperament test and emailed the results to all expectant parents as adoption time/ pick time came around. I was #5 out of 6 on the list for a female multigen goldendoodle puppy-  I had the option of choosing from the last two girls. One was curly coat and very active. The other was wavy coat and the shy in the pack.  I opted for wavy and shy-- I didn't want our dog to overwhelm our three cats.  I have been very happy- She really has personality plus with humans, which was important to me...That being said, I would chose personality type over looks.  Hope that is helpful :) Karen

[Debbie Daniels]

I truly do believe that we can have soul mates as our pets , Miss Beasley came to me at a time in my life when I was alone and didn't think I could stand to come home and look at my four walls again, with her here, I can't wait to get home. She came from breeders that lived 5 hours away from me. I found out about the puppies on line, called and the only thing I ask them was, do you have any black puppies, they told me they had 2 black females and that was perfect, the breeder sent me two pic's and I ask her which puppy had the most curly hair and she said Puppy A, I said I'll send you a deposit today and she put a pink ribbon around her next.. I've never had a puppy before and I knew nothing about the important of temperament.  She is perfect, she is sweet, rotten and strong willed but she keeps me on my toes and keeps me busy ( just what I needed ) my kids are grown and I'm single so Miss Beasley truly is the love of my life, she has taught me so much about relationships and people. I hope the puppy picks You .. Good luck and I'm excited to see how it goes for you, I also agree with the person that talked about house breaking, summer is better ! 

[Diane, Hurley and Sidney]

Debbie,

I read your discussion reply and so understand. While we do not have any children at home, but we do have grandkids that do not live far from us,  I am not alone in the sense to living alone like you.  My husband's cognitive Parkinson's does present challenges and does emotionally leave me often with the feeling I am alone.  Our Hurley is 26 months old and he is truly my sole mate and my precious child and companion.   When we decided to get a puppy (we had not had a dog for 15 years) the breeder we got him from chose him for us based on our comments on the documentation we submitted.   He is perfect.  He is gentle and kind, loving and playful. We were doing everything the drs recommended to support my husband ( massage therapy, personal trainer, card and board games, and so much more).  All that was left was having a dog in the family and Hurley is perfect.  He seems to understand and his positive energy brings so much to our lives.  He goes on runs and hikes with me and he seems to watch after Craig.  

When we picked Hurley up at the airport and I opened his kennel he was as far back in the corner he could be. But there was an instant connection between the two of us of love and trust. He came to me and I when I held him I knew I was holding my four legged soul mate.  I will never forget that moment as that is when Hurley changed my life forever.

So my suggestion to anyone deciding how to chose a puppy is to be very articulate in what your life is like and what you would like in your four legged companion.  And, as was stated by another Diane, the one you connect with, the one that you instantly share love and trust with should be the perfect puppy for you.  

[Tina McNerthney]

Hi everyone,

I am interested in getting a pup with a wavy or looser curly coat (vs. coat with tighter curls more like a poodle). I have read that puppies that are born with straighter coats usually transition to somewhat wavier or curlier coats and that puppies born with apparent curls or waves are likely to get even curlier. Based on your experiences, is this true?

The litter I'm picking from was born today. Five puppies, 2 girls (chocolate and cream) and 3 boys (chocolate, black (and curly), and apricot). I'm 1st or 2nd pick, depending on if the breeder chooses a pup to keep. I'm sure regardless of color, I'll be happy if I pick a puppy with the right temperament. I'd like a male that's not overly dominant and it seems like that could be an option. Can't wait to see more photos of the babies and meet them at five weeks. I think someone posted a good video to view to get tips on how to read the temperament of a pup and I'll look for that.

Thanks!

[Leslie, Yogi & Maci Bear]

Congrats Tina. How exciting for you. This 8 weeks will go fast. Read up on the different forums for guidance and your puppy will be here before you know it!

[Tina McNerthney]

Thanks, Leslie. I checked out from Pup to Adult Group and, wow, what a variety of "before" and "after" photos of puppies and their adult selves. Thanks for the tip. I'm excited to see the puppies when they are a few weeks old. Yogi is adorable!

[Lauren and Kona]

I'm going to pick up my puppy on March 1st and there will be about 8 or so left to choose from. Based on the pictures, they're all absolutely adorable and so sweet, so I have no idea how I will choose! Very excited though :)