The picking process only applies to puppies that are under 7 weeks of age. This process pertains to families who paid a deposit to lock in their place in the picking queue for a specific litter. So for example, they will have placed a deposit and stated that their preference was for a black female. The following process is how that family progresses from specifying their preference to actually identifying the puppy that will join their family.

The Puppy Picking Process (ONLY for Puppies UNDER 7 Weeks of Age)

If you joined the process prior to the puppies being 7 weeks of age, you will most likely have secured a place in the picking queue.

Since Skylit reserves a minimum of first pick male and/or female from every litter born, my speed of picking determines when other families can pick. Typically I do not make my selections until the puppies are 5+ weeks of age. I want to see personalities starting to develop as well as body shape/conformation.

With larger litters, I will sometimes hold back more puppies if I am having a tough time deciding between puppies so that at least puppy picking can begin by the families following me. Usually when I have held back more puppies, I will eventually release those pups.

Typically puppy picks really take off during Puppy Visiting Week (which usually takes place when the puppies turn 5-6 weeks of age and/or are deemed ready for visitors).

Those in the picking queue must complete their picking prior to the puppies turning 7 weeks of age as that is when final payment for puppies is due and I feel it is only fair that families know WHICH puppy is theirs prior to having to pay in full.

I will help all families through the picking process by providing insight and suggestions. If I feel a puppy is not suitable for your individual family situation, I will tell you. Remember, it is important to me that the fit is right. I won't place a puppy that I know will not work with a family whose dynamics do not fit that puppy. It is unfair to that puppy and unfair to the family as well. When you visit the puppies, you are seeing a small glimpse/snapshot of that puppy. I have lived 24/7 with that puppy since its birth and am better able to see the nuances and personality aspects as well as just having a gut feel as to what will work best for that puppy based on previous puppies I've had in the past. Trust me... the process has worked well for the puppy families that have come before you!

FAQs

Do I need to pick my puppy out in person?
No. I understand that it can be difficult for families to make the journey to pick in person. I can help you with your pick by providing insight into the available puppies. My Facebook page has lots of photos but if additional photos/videos are necessary I can often provide those too. Sometimes a Zoom call can help as you can see the individually puppies “live and in person”.

How do I know it's my time to pick and what puppies are still available?
Once picking has begun, all families in the picking queue are kept updated by email. I also post updates on the Skylit Facebook page. When it is YOUR turn to pick, you will be sent a specific email telling you it's your turn and the puppies that are available to you with the latest photo(s) and info about their personality/temperament, best guess at adult colour/build/etc. and any other info that I feel may be helpful to you in the process. If you have questions, please ask.

Will I be able to pick my puppy when I visit?
Sometimes this is possible. It all depends on the order of visits and if those ahead of you in the picking queue have visited/made their picks yet. At a minimum though you will get to meet the puppies and perhaps have a better idea of your own order of preference, puppy-wise.

Once I've picked my puppy, is it guaranteed that I will get that puppy?
Usually yes. There have been VERY rare occasions where something has happened where this has not been the case. At the time of picking, your puppy has not had its full vet examination yet. Something COULD potentially surface at their vet examination that could change that puppy's future. Skylit also reserves the right to refund all monies paid prior to puppy placement should I decide it is not in a puppy's best interest to be placed with that family for whatever reason.

What if the puppy I really wanted has already been chosen by another family when it comes my time to pick?
This is something I truly cannot protect against unfortunately. 99% of the time there are several puppies that I feel would be equally well-suited for a family. If however you do not agree, you are welcome to remove yourself from the picking queue and forfeit your deposit. Remember, this is a LIFE LONG commitment. If you do not feel there is a puppy there for you, regardless of my opinion, I would encourage you to NOT proceed.

I do not typically refund deposits at this stage in the process as I have in effect "held" a puppy on your behalf and removed it from marketing. If however I feel there is not a suitable puppy for your family remaining in the litter, I will certainly refund your monies paid or offer you the option of switching your deposit to another litter.

What if I really want a DIFFERENT puppy from what I originally reserved in terms of gender and/or colour?
You are able to switch what you originally specified when placing your deposit but you will need to go BEHIND any families currently in the picking queue who are already waiting for that gender and/or colour you are switching to.