Selection day
We typically hold selection day when the puppies are five weeks old. It is always on a Saturday to allow those who are working to attend. We schedule people in one-hour time slots, in order of deposit paid. You can visit on site or by video.
If you come in person, you will be able to meet all the puppies and interact with them. This is the time to keep an open mind and be prepared to fall in love. You may have thought that you wanted a blond female, and you end up choosing a tri-colored male, simply because he came up to you, looked at you with his deep brown eyes, and licked your hand. The visits allow some of that magic to unfold.
If you live too far away to make a personal visit, we can handle selection by using Zoom or Teams. You will observe the puppies interact with their siblings in the puppy pen. Then you will share with us your favorite puppies, and we will introduce you to them one at a time. This will also give you an opportunity to take a closer look at their coat, including color and texture.
No matter which method you choose, be prepared to fall in love.
You will spend the next few weeks getting ready for your puppy to come home. Puppies are ready to leave at eight weeks, but we are happy to keep them until they are nine weeks old.
Selection day is full of anticipation, excitement, and joy. There is nothing better than knowing exactly which puppy is going home with you.
Getting ready
While waiting, you can start preparing for your puppy to come home. Where will the puppy sleep? What will the puppy eat? Will you have some time off to help your puppy settle in?
We will provide you with information about how to puppy proof your home. You will also receive a list of helpful items to have on hand when your puppy joins you at home.
Some of the items you may wish to have on hand include:
- A crate, basket, or dog bed
- Food and water bowls
- A collar (the puppy will arrive with a starter collar so you can also wait until the puppy has grown a bit)
- A leash (if you wish to use a harness, just wait – it will have to fit your puppy exactly)
- A few toys (the tougher, the better)
- Puppy food
The puppies have been eating NutriSource Puppy Food. Cockapoos and F1b bernedoodles eat the Small & Medium Breed Puppy formula. F1 bernedoodles eat the Large Breed Puppy kind. You can find a store near you by clicking on this link:
Please remember that the most important gift you can give your new puppy is time. If possible, see if you can take some days off to be at home with the puppy.
As the going home-day gets close, you may be feeling a mix of excitement and a touch of anxiety. No worries. It will all work out okay. Click below to learn more about taking your puppy home.
This is also a great time to get some books about your chosen breed and about how to raise a puppy.