Our Reservation & Puppy Selection Process
- chrishinck
- May 30
- 5 min read
Updated: 2 days ago
Finding the Right Puppy Starts Long Before Selection Day
One of the most common questions we receive is:
"How does puppy selection work?"
At Teton Bird Dogs, we use a reservation system that allows families and hunters to reserve their place in an upcoming litter before the puppies are born.
This process helps us plan for each litter while giving buyers the opportunity to secure a puppy from a specific breeding they are excited about.
Most importantly, it allows everyone to enjoy the process without feeling rushed.
Finding the right puppy isn't about choosing the cutest puppy in the litter.
It's about matching the right puppy to the right family, hunting goals, and lifestyle.
Our reservation system was designed to give families time to make informed decisions while allowing us to learn each puppy's developing personality before selections begin.
Reserving a Spot in a Litter
Once a breeding is confirmed, we begin accepting reservations.
Most reservations are placed before the litter is born.
Because many of our breedings are announced in advance, families often reserve a position based on a specific pairing they are excited about.
Reservations are typically offered separately for:
Male Puppies
1st Pick Male
2nd Pick Male
3rd Pick Male
Female Puppies
1st Pick Female
2nd Pick Female
3rd Pick Female
We typically accept three to four reservations for each gender.
With average litter sizes of eight to nine puppies, this approach provides families with meaningful choices during the selection process while allowing flexibility should litter sizes vary.
A reservation secures your place in the selection order and allows you to follow the litter's development from birth through selection day. Many litters fill these reservation spots before the puppies are born.
Reservations are secured with a deposit that is applied toward the purchase price of your puppy.
Current pricing and reservation details can be found on our Pricing Page.
Why We Use a Reservation System
Young puppies change dramatically during their first several weeks of life.
A puppy that appears calm at two weeks may become the boldest puppy in the litter by six weeks.
Likewise, puppies often develop unique personalities as they gain confidence and experience.
Rather than assigning puppies immediately after birth, our reservation system allows families to make more informed decisions once individual personalities begin to emerge.
This creates a better experience for both the puppy and its future owner.
Reservation Timeline
While every litter is unique, the process typically follows this timeline:
Before Birth
Reservations are accepted for male and female pick positions.
Families secure their place in the selection order.
Approximately One Week Old
Families are notified once the litter has arrived.
Puppies complete their first veterinary examination.
Weeks 1–5
Families can follow the litter's development through regular photos and videos posted to our social media channels.
We begin observing temperament, confidence, curiosity, and personality development.
Weeks 5–6
Puppy selection begins in reservation order.
Families are welcome to visit and make selections in person.
Weeks 7–8
Puppies receive their first vaccination and third round of deworming.
Puppies begin going home with their new families.
📸 IMAGE PLACEHOLDER #3
Puppies interacting, playing, or exploring
Suggested caption:
Individual personalities begin to emerge as puppies gain confidence and experience.
What Happens After You Reserve?
One of the most exciting parts of the process is watching the litter develop.
Once your reservation is secured, you'll be able to follow the litter's growth through regular updates, photos, and videos.
As puppies mature, you'll begin seeing their personalities emerge and gain a better understanding of the litter as a whole.
Many families tell us this is one of the most enjoyable parts of the experience.
Watching the litter develop week by week allows future owners to build a connection long before their puppy comes home.
Selection Day
At approximately five weeks of age, families begin making their selections based on reservation order.
By that point, we have spent countless hours with the litter and can often provide valuable insight into each puppy's developing temperament and strengths.
As puppies mature, we begin identifying differences in:
Confidence
Curiosity
Human engagement
Independence
Energy level
Adaptability
While every puppy has tremendous potential, certain puppies may naturally align better with:
Hunting homes
Active families
First-time GSP owners
Experienced handlers
Selecting Your Puppy
Families are welcome to make their selections in whichever way works best for them.
Families may choose to visit in person between five and six weeks of age to meet the puppies and make their selection firsthand.
For those that live too far away to visit; the selection is made remotely.
For remote families, we're happy to discuss the litter, share additional photos and videos, and provide our observations on each puppy's developing personality, temperament, and strengths.
While reservation order determines the order of selection, we are always happy to share our insights and help guide the decision-making process.
Whether you're selecting in person or from across the country, our goal is to help you feel confident in your decision and excited about the puppy you're bringing home.
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Families visiting puppies or selection process photo
Suggested caption:
By five weeks of age, reservation holders can begin selecting their puppies.
Bringing Your Puppy Home
Puppies typically begin going home between seven and eight weeks of age.
By that point they have benefited from:
Daily socialization
Human interaction
Exposure to household environments
Age-appropriate challenges
Early confidence-building experiences
Our goal is to send home puppies that are prepared for the next stage of development and ready to thrive with their new families.
Getting Your Puppy Home
Families may choose to pick up their puppy in person or coordinate transportation with us. We regularly work with buyers from outside our immediate area.
Depending on location, transportation options may include personal pickup, meeting at a mutually convenient location, or coordinating with a trusted transportation service.
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Pickup day photo
Suggested caption:
The beginning of a lifelong partnership.
A Relationship That Continues Beyond Pickup Day
When you purchase a puppy from Teton Bird Dogs, you are not simply completing a transaction.
You are becoming part of our extended family.
We remain available to help with:
Crate training
Housebreaking
Puppy development
Hunting preparation
General questions throughout your dog's life
Our goal is to support both our puppies and their owners long after they leave our home.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I reserve a puppy before the litter is born?
Yes. Most reservations are placed before the puppies arrive.
Are deposits refundable?
Because reservation spots are limited and often prevent us from offering that position to another family, deposits are non-refundable.
Do I choose a puppy immediately after birth?
No. Puppy selections typically begin around five weeks of age when personalities are more developed.
Can you help me choose the right puppy?
Absolutely. We spend extensive time with each litter and are happy to share our observations.
What if I don't know which puppy to choose?
Many families arrive at selection day with a good idea of which puppy they prefer. Others appreciate additional guidance.
Because we spend so much time observing the litter, we're happy to share our insights and help identify puppies that align with your goals, experience level, and lifestyle.
When do puppies go home?
Most puppies go home between 7 and 8 weeks of age.
Interested in an Upcoming Litter?
If you're considering a Teton puppy, we encourage you to learn more about our breeding program and upcoming litters.
Related Resources
How We Raise Teton Bird Dog Puppies
How We Match Puppies With Families (coming soon)
You can also visit our Available Puppies page to see current and upcoming litters or contact us to discuss future reservation opportunities.
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