How does puppy pick order work?

I've had a few questions on how puppy pick order is established and why I do things the way I do.  Here is the "why" behind it :)
When we breed one of our females I announce it on our website and/or facebook page.  A waiting list is generated from those that are interested in the upcoming litter.  Once pregnancy is confirmed the spots for first male and first female are opened up and deposits will be accepted.  These are the only 2 deposits that I will accept before the puppies are born.  There is no way to tell what the gender of the puppies will be and I wouldn't want take a deposit on 3 females to have 1 when they arrive.

Puppies at 3 weeks old!  They love to sleep. Snickerdoodle (male) on the left and Sugar (female) on the right.

When the puppies are born and gender is confirmed deposits are taken for the remaining puppies.  The order that deposits are received determines the pick order for the puppies. I contact those on the waiting list to see if they are still interested and ready to put down a deposit to hold their puppy.
Rather than pick out puppies at birth I have the families wait until the puppies are around 5 weeks old.  By this age the puppy's personality is starting to show and families are able to make a better choice on which puppy would fit their family dynamic best.  The families are invited out to visit and interact with the puppies and the mother.  During the weeks prior to this visit I am taking notes and watching the puppies to see who is calm, energetic, confident, playful etc so that I can help you pick out the puppy that has the traits you are looking for.  I have had people think they would pick one puppy based off of photos and then when they meet the puppies they are drawn to another instead. I like to say the puppy can sometime pick you!  I want to do everything I can to ensure you end up with the perfect puppy for you and your family!

Maisey and her 3 week old puppies. They are growing so quickly!

"Sisters make the best pillows" thinks Molasses (male) as he sleeps on Sugar (female).