Puppy Placements

At the point of visits and before placement decisions, I hope I can ask for your grace because this is topic is on my heart at this point with each litter born on our farm. 

When we first start talking about applications, and an upcoming litter, I am upfront about not placing puppies based on markings or on color, but on temperament.  The markings of a dog might not make for a lifetime placement. The temperament of a dog will factor in so much more, in any placement of an Evening Song pup.

As I watch the litter grow, I am taking note of bossiness, submission, how the pups individually react to loud noises, stress, or commotion, how they react to other dogs, or kids, or being scooped up by an unfamiliar person, or how they might cringe or boldly charge forward as a new area is discovered. If they are content to stay back by my chair, or charge forth with their mother, that comes into consideration. 

When you come to visit, I am observing which puppies might be drawn to you, or which puppies are indifferent. Sometimes a pup will snuggle in on your lap or camp out under your chair. A pup who hangs off of a toddler's pant leg despite correction will gain a mental note, as well as the pup who settles nicely next to that same toddler's leg an takes a nap. I play out scenarios in my mind, for different pups in different placements.  There are typically more than one pup in any litter who could be a good match to any given request. 

I will be honest with you after your visit and during the phone call to discuss things afterward, about which pup or pups might be good considerations for what you've described, and also which pups I cannot consider for your farm or family. There will be some pups who draw every single person in, with their looks and photos and outgoing personalities, but those pups would not do well in all of those homes as a permanent placement.

The usual process that has worked well in the past, is:

Week 4 and 5 are for visits for those who have sent in deposits. Week 6 is for any visits that could not happen earlier, and for the phone calls to each family that has sent a deposit.  I will answer any of your questions, and also discuss different pups.  I'll ask for your first, second, and third choice.  The same consideration is given to each family, before I settle in to make sense of the pieces of this puzzle. By week 7, each family has been able to accept or reject the pup that seems best suited to what they've written on their application and noted in visits and phone calls.

It is complicated, and exhausting at times, but also very rewarding. I do try to be fair and upfront at every step of this process. It is rare that I've had to give a deposit back, but it is something I offer, as we get to the placement stage. If you ever feel that the right pup for you is not in this litter, or that you are not happy with the pups I'm suggesting based on our communication and visits, please let me know.  

Before the pups are 8 weeks old, usually all have definite placements. If not, it is because I am looking for a fairly specific placement for a pup that is either pick of the litter, or needing an experienced English Shepherd placement.

Thanks for hearing me out!