Waitlist Policy and Puppy Selection Process

March 2009

Up to this point in time, I’ve had the pleasure of matching dozens of families with puppies and adult dogs. I’d like to share with you what I have learned along the way.

When choosing a puppy from a litter the common notion is that some puppies are better than others. Certainly, when dealing with purebred puppies, breeders often want to look for a special puppy that may become part of a breeding program, but this is very different than choosing a family pet.

Personality is a major factor in choosing a family pet. There are as many different puppy personalities as there are family personalities. An active, busy family with several grade-school children would overwhelm a quite or shy puppy, and a boisterous puppy would drive a quiet couple nuts! Blending with other family pets is also a consideration when choosing a new puppy. Understanding “pack” dynamics can guide your puppy choice so that the integration is optimal. Beyond these important basics, your choice of a pet is very personal.

I am almost always asked whether male or female puppies are easier. Often people have a bias based on dogs they have loved or dogs they have tolerated. Interestingly enough, when most people describe why they prefer one sex over another, they describe a preference for particular personality traits. I strongly encourage you to seek a puppy that has these traits. The more the puppy meets your personality expectations, the happier you will be, making a better experience for you and your new puppy. In addition, if you spay/neuter your puppy before the age of puberty (before six months), you will spare yourself the transition through the hormones, behavior, and sometimes permanent changes to your puppy’s brain and body that create new urges and the potential for bad behavior.

Most other reasons for puppy choice are emotional. One frequent reason for choosing a puppy is because he has a color, faces, or attitude that reminds you of a beloved pet. I also frequently get calls for particular puppy colors. Colors are fun, and there is nothing wrong with that. We all want to be proud of our beautiful puppy. With some luck (and more planning), we can get you the color you're looking for while minding the complex issues described above.

Believe it or not (and I can’t stress this enough) when I introduce people to my puppies, every person is attracted to a different type of puppy. I don’t think I’d believe it if I hadn’t seen it over and over, but it supports the idea that personality (of puppy and owner) has a significant influence on the success of the match. As such, “pick-of-litter” or first choice doesn’t have the same importance. What is important, though, is that your match be made in person, if at all possible. Even if you are out of state, the cost of the flight is well worth the peace of mind.

All in all, this means that the families with the first reservations (and therefore first on the waitlist) will be scheduled to come select their puppy first. When we get to the point where there are just a few pups left, if will be up to each family to decide if they would like to choose from that group and have a puppy right away, or instead to wait for the next litter(s) for more options. We will still focus on the personality match between puppy and family, and we will advise you if we think that pup may not be a good fit. As a natural consequence, your flexibility on color and sex may make it more likely that we can match you with your pup sooner than later. Additionally, please understand that while we do not wish to control every detail, we do reserve the right to refuse a match that has a reasonable likelihood of failing.

Additionally, there are occasions that a planned litter doesn't come to fruition. In this circumstance, the families that have made reservations for that litter will be given first option to the next available litter. In the case that we are not able to offer a similar puppy within three months of your originally anticipated puppy pick-up date, we give our families the option to receive a refund on their deposit. We appreciate your understanding that nature has variables that are somewhat beyond our control.

If our matching practices are acceptable to you, we would love to have you join our waiting list. Here are the requirements and business considerations of being on our wait list:

• Non refundable deposit of $350
• Commitment to spay/neuter
• Commitment to appropriate vetting and vaccination

Warmest regards,

Jennifer's Canines