You're on the waitlist. Now what?

Given the demand for puppies (especially during the pandemic), it’s extremely common to be placed on a breeder’s waitlist. That means there are people ahead of you waiting for their puppies. 

There are a couple reasons breeders put their puppy buyers on the waitlist: 

1. Your puppy isn’t old enough to go home with you yet.
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2. Your puppy will be born in an upcoming litter. 

Why do I have to wait eight weeks to pick up my puppy?

Puppies grow and develop pretty quickly. Their socialization period is between 6 weeks and 12 weeks. Waiting eight weeks allows your breeder to start exposing them to new sounds, sights, and behaviors, but still gives you time to help them adapt to your home. 

Even better, your breeder will have spent eight weeks with your puppy and will know them pretty well, so they’ll be an invaluable resource to you as you get started with puppy parenting. (Trust us, you’ll have questions!)

How do I choose a puppy from a litter that hasn’t been born yet?

The picking process varies by breeder, but one thing remains the same: Breeders want to make perfect matches. Picking the perfect puppy for a family is more than just how that puppy looks. Sure, most breeders will take color preferences into consideration, but the most important part of matching is temperament. 

Dogs can be a lot like people in that every personality is unique. In most cases, you’ll fill out a questionnaire about your preferences, lifestyle, experience with dogs, etc. Your breeder will use that and their knowledge of the puppies once they are born and find one that will fit into your life seamlessly. 

For example, let’s say you are very social and want a dog you can take with you everywhere. The breeder is more likely to match you with a curious, social puppy from the litter than with one that is more shy and aloof. But if instead you’re looking for a total snuggle buddy, that shy puppy might just be your perfect match. 

Being on the waitlist is the hardest part of the process of getting a dog. There’s so much anticipation and excitement! But while you wait, there’s a lot you can do to best prepare for your new housemate. Here are a few:

1. Decide on a pickup method with your breeder. Some breeders offer lots of options beyond in-person pickup. Message your breeder to learn what options are available and make a pickup plan. 
2. Start puppy-proofing. A lot of puppy proofing can be obvious, like picking up shoes, hiding cords, etc. But some of it is less top-of-mind, like researching your plants to make sure they’re safe for pets. This is the perfect time to start thinking like your puppy and making some adjustments to your space.
3. Choose a name. Arguably the most fun part of waiting is deciding on your future pup’s name. Since you have a bit of time, make it a team effort. Include friends and family by making Instagram polls or asking for suggestions.