Help! Puppy pick time is here!!

[Monica And Cooper]

Hi everyone! So puppy pick date is here!!! I am doing long distance selection and was hoping for some advice or opinions. Just received the trainers evaluations of the pups using the Volhard method. Just wondering what your thoughts were in the method and if they helped you in making your choices. For those of you familiar with it, one of my favorites received a 6 in social interactions and following which basically means he didn't come over to the trainer or follow when called. While I want a relaxed pup, also want a guy that will want to interact with us and play with my crazy kids. I guess I just want to know if anyone else had a pup that was not interactive at first and how they turned out to be. Breeder says he's the least energetic of the bunch and thinks he'd be good with the kiddos. I feel so silly looking at these puppy evaluations..... I feel like they are so young and wonder how accurate they are. I'm a newbie and Attempting to add a pic..... If it works.... Do you think he'll be curly or wavy? Breeder said it could go either way. Any feedback is sooooo appreciated!!!! Thanks so much!!!!!

[Three Doodle Life]

Super cute pup! I would guess wavy on the coat. Is this the one that the breeder thinks is the best fit for your family?

Adding your pic:

[F, Calla & Luca]

Yes wavy.

[Laurie, Wally & Charlotte]

I have no personal experience with the Volhard method. I relied on the observations of our breeders to help match us with two terrific dogs. I guess that as long as the puppies were evaluated, I'd wonder about the other categories and how your favorite scored. There are a lot of other factors to consider, obviously, besides social interactions and following. I'd be interested in how your favorite scored in such areas as confidence and nervousness and dominance. If the breeder still thinks that this particular puppy is the best fit for your family, even with the Volhard evaluation, then I'd let her opinion trump the tests. Just wondering . . . did you have a second choice that the breeder also recommended who scored "better" on the behavioral examination?

[Linda, Charlie Brown and Beau]

Our breeder uses a similar test called Bio Sensor Testing and we were thrilled with the puppies she chose for us. We have two doodles (4.5 & 3 yrs.)  I think your breeder knows the puppies' personalities pretty well by now and should be able to guide you.  I am familiar with the Volhard method.  When you go through the results, where does the puppy you are considering stand? - does he have mostly 4 and 3, or ??  Your breeder obviously knows the ages of your children and what you and your family are looking for in a pet.  Is this the puppy she has picked for you, or did you pick this puppy and then she sent the results of the test?  BTW - welcome to Doodle Kisses!

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

I can't wait to follow this discussion to see what pup you end up with.  Was this the pup the breeder recommended?  It seems to me that  the curlier the pup, the curlier the adult; which seems to me that your pup would be curlier than wavy.

[Monica And Cooper]

His scores were pretty varied..... 3 3s, 2 4s, 3 5s and 2 6s. It's my first experience with any puppy testing so I'm kind of clueless.
My husband is making fun of me, saying that I'm being rediculous paying so much attention to a silly evaluation. :)
While I want a pup that is not crazy energetic I do want one that plays with the kids.

[Kaitee and Orwell]

He's a pup. Trust me, he will play with the kids. Perhaps he is just a little shy when he first meets someone. 

I'm sure he'll bond to your family and you won't be able to go anywhere without him following you. 

[Linda, Charlie Brown and Beau]

Have you read the info regarding what the scores mean on the testing? If you do not have the info, let me know and I will forward a copy I have. It appears to me that this pup has as many 3s & 4s as it does 5s & 6s.  I believe that proponents of this system would say the ideal puppy that makes a great pet will have mostly 3's and 4's.  They are usually active but extremely trainable and good with w/children.  I would be curious in what areas this puppy received 5s and 6s and why the breeder is recommending it particularly for a family.  I will be looking forward to an update on what puppy you decide on whether from this litter or another and wish you luck through the process.  I totally agree with Wendy & Myla that a good breeder knows these puppies by the time they are 7 weeks old and hopefully places them with their forever family.

[Ginny Nightingale]

He looks like a wavy to me, but some doodles get curlier as they get older.

I raise pups here in my home and they change SO much from week to week that i can not imagine any evaluation having any value at all--I watch them with each other and with me and know them pretty well by the time the families are choosing between the ages of 6 and 7 weeks--that way, I can give them an idea of which pups will work best for their situation--I think you will be just fine with this little guy.

[Nicky, Riley & Boris]

Riley's breeder chose him for us and she was spot on. I only got to see him for the first time when I collected him  Good breeders know their puppies. 

[Wendy and Myla]

I believe that any quality breeder who does all of the health testing on parent dogs, is also breeding for temperament.  A good breeder knows their stuff and if you have chosen a breeder according to the DK Guidelines, I don't think you can go wrong  with any of the pups in the litter.  If they do the temperament testing, to me it's just fine tuning to match the puppy with a prospective buyer - to make the transition a bit easier when you first get the puppy home.  Our breeder also did the temperament testing and chose Myla for us according to our lifestyle and I couldn't be happier with her choice.  I did ask about another one in the litter that was available as the owner had to cancel and when our breeder looked at the testing said that Myla was a better fit for us as we had told her we had very young grandchildren.  We could have taken the other puppy but she said it would take more time and training to get her comfortable with young children.  I know it's hard, but if you have chosen a breeder who has been doing it for a long time, I would totally trust her opinion on what is best for your family.  I have been on this website for over three years and I can't tell you one person who has had a puppy chosen for them by a good breeder that has been unhappy with the choice!  I cannot stress enough the importance of choosing a good breeder whom you trust!  Good luck and can't wait to see pictures of your new puppy!!!

[Lena Kepler]

I picked my puppy based on pictures because it was also long distance. He was both friendly and reserved for the first few days. He would just lay in my lap and sleep and acted like an infant. After a few days, he became very playful. Most puppies are playful so I wouldn't worry too much. My doodle is also obsessed with kids. I bet most puppies are since they have similar energy levels.