How we do picks

good morning doodle lovers. I know its been a long wait and the pups are finally here. I've had some questions about how we do picks and what happens next. So I thought today would be a good time to review what we do and why. I know everyone is excited to know which Puppy they are taking home. And I know everyone keeps asking you which pup is yours. Eyes open between 10-14 days. At 3 weeks I move them from whelping box to a combo play area sleeping area. At this time I allow visits. I'm OK with parents touching pups. I am more hesitant about little ones handling pups. At this age they scratch and nibble. Because that's how they play with litter mates they think little humans play that way too. At 5-6 weeks I start the selection process. I go down through the list. I try to help guide families in the best choice. Its ultimately the families final choice but I won't place a pup I don't feel is the best fit. My worst fear is a pup being returned or re homed because it doesn't fit in. I'm looking out for the best interest of the pups and family. I see too many pups being re homed because of an issue that never should have been an issue. Once a pup has been selected I do contract and deposit. Then at 8 weeks the pups can go home. However, I do this on a case by case as well. Some pups are not ready at 8 weeks to leave momma. And some families are not prepared to handle an 8 week old puppy. An 8 week old puppy can not ne left home alone in a crate all day. 3-4 hours is about the max. So depending on what the situation is some I recommend staying closer to 10 weeks. At time of contract I try to find out as much as I can and go from there. Momma can actually teach a pup a lot those last 2 weeks. So it can be beneficial for everyone if you let the pups leave when they are ready as appose to an exact date. Some are very ready at 8 weeks. So understand I do this again for the best interest of everyone. If anyone has questions, please feel free to contact me. Oh and last. I do stagger pick ups. It has nothing to do with order of picking. It has everything to do on who is ready to leave. Its actually easier on momma to have one at a time go. When we get down to last pup leaving I try to do something to keep her busy. A day trip, a weekend away, something so she isn't missing the pups.