How I Choose a Puppy for You

Before I Choose a Puppy for You

Before I choose an Australian Labradoodle puppy for you, we need to get to know each other. I therefore ask you to begin by completing the application form. It gives me an initial introduction to you and helps shape our next step, a telephone conversation. I learn about your expectations and family dynamics so that I can picture a temperament that suits you and a dog who will feel comfortable in your home. Next, whenever possible, we arrange a visit to my home. Distance sometimes makes a meeting difficult — do not worry; in that case, we will find another solution. Both the telephone conversation and the visit give us a chance to build mutual trust and understand each other's expectations.

Observing the Litter and Assessing Temperament

Getting to know you is only part of my work. After Labradoodle puppies are born, I observe them closely throughout the first seven weeks. We carry out temperament assessments on day 49, which usually confirm my earlier observations. They are never definitive, however. I place more value on observing the litter than on test results. Why? Because I believe assessments need to be repeated several times to be reliable.

How the Puppy Feels on the Day

Sometimes a puppy is not in the best condition for an assessment: too tired — often the puppies tested last — too full, hungry or otherwise not quite themselves. Many factors influence the results. I then sit down with the assessments and a good coffee or tea and review everything I know about the families and puppies. Sometimes this takes several days. I may need to contact a few families again to clarify a point or ask for more information.

It is not an easy process, but it is always an emotional one. I need to consider every family and their needs both as part of the whole picture and individually.

People sometimes ask whether they can influence their doodle's sex or color. Some are very specific, even about nose color. Of course I can take certain preferences into account, but I always explain that matching temperament is my priority.

The more trust you can place in me as a breeder, the better. Flexibility matters: it helps your family welcome the puppy best suited to your way of life.

Once the process is complete, each family receives my suggested match, which they are of course free to decline. Nothing is forced.

Observation, connection and temperament

Continue exploring

Reservations — How the conversation, application and puppy-matching process works.

Puppy Socialization — How we prepare puppies for life with a family.

Health Testing — Health, testing and responsibility within the breeding program.