How did you know you’d picked the right puppy ?? Did you ever have second thoughts leading up to pick day ? I’ve researched so much, probably too much and have ended up over thinking everything. There’s so much to consider and I keep worrying I’ve made the wrong decision and when people ask what I’m doubting I really don’t know. I definitely want a dog , that I’m certain of it’s just THE dog ?
My 6 year old daughter picked Hunter, when we went to meet the litter he was the only one who didn't jump up on her and that was it, she was in love. And he's been perfect. He does jump on her now though!
I breed them so it's a bit different for me as I know they are from health tested lines, have been brought up properly etc, but actually choosing a pup; that can sometimes be really easy, other times, not so much. With a litter I had in 2016, I was planning on keeping a bitch pup and had no intentions at all of keeping a dog pup, but one of the boys never took his eyes off me from being 3 weeks old. He is still the sweetest boy ever and I'm really pleased he chose me ! From my 2018 litter, I was really undecided, but when someone said they liked the one with the black collar, I realised I couldn't let him go. This one was more of a heart and head choice though, as I thought he'd probably make the best working dog (more confident) than his brothers. Don't worry yourself about it too much. As long as you've chosen a good litter (health tested parents) and you are happy how they have been raised, then I wouldn't worry too much about the individual pup. They change so much from 8 weeks old anyway. The little dog on my picure was a really aloof puppy, but he's grown up to be really fussy and sweet. His sister is the opposite. She was a fussy puppy, but is really independant and aloof now.
Our breeder placed our puppy with us as they had spent the time with the pups, had interviewed the new owners and just knew much more than we did. I'd definitely recommend discussing your desires (do you want to spend months hiking and camping, compete in various sports, enjoy many cafe/pub outings, have young children etc.) With the breeder and ask for their advice.
I would always want a breeder to assign me a puppy. They have known the puppies for 8 full weeks, through all stages of development and at all times of day and night. They know more requirements and they are best-placed to select the puppy that will best meet them. If I choose a puppy, I am just choosing a puppy at that specific place and time. The puppy may be hungry or full, the puppy may be sleepy, the puppy may just have been wormed and be feeling unwell - and so on. I would not want to make a choice for a life time in just an hour or so. Which is why I will always prefer the breeder chooses - and also why, when we breed, we do not allow buyers to choose their puppies. We run an Avidog APET test and thoroughly assess each puppy and then assign each puppy to their owner.
