Frequently Asked Questions
We know bringing home a new puppy comes with lots of questions, and we’re here to help! Here are some answers to help you feel confident and prepared.
How often do you have litters?
Every 2-3 months
Healthy pawrents
All pawrents are thoroughly health checked by Westwinds Veterinarians and are healthy. We carefully select our pawrents with health, personality, and overall well-being in mind.
What is Choosing Day?
Choosing Day is when people choose their puppy. This occurs at 4-5 weeks of age. The order in which you choose your puppy will depend on the order in which applications are received and approved. Choosing a puppy can happen in person or over FaceTime. Puppy families will have oodles of images and videos to enjoy over those first 4-5 weeks while awaiting Choosing Day!
How is the order of Choosing Day set up?
The choosing day google sheet shows the order of choosing (first person who chooses was the first person to have their application approved and put a deposit down) and then second…third… etc
What are some factors to consider when choosing a puppy?
When choosing a puppy, some people focus on whether it’s male or female. Others are drawn to colouring or size. Personality always comes up, too—and while there can be small differences early on (like a pup being a bit more shy or a bit more outgoing), a lot of that can change quickly once they go to their new home and start experiencing a different environment.
The biggest influence on personality really comes from the breed itself. That gives you the general traits to expect. But beyond that, a puppy’s personality continues to develop based on what they’re exposed to and how they’re raised.
There’s also strong evidence that puppies take on a lot from their new families. Their confidence, behaviour, and overall temperament are shaped by the environment, consistency, and energy of the home they grow up in.
Tell me about the Cavapoo? What is expected for this breed?
The Cavapoo is one of those dogs that tends to win people over very quickly because they combine the affectionate, people-oriented nature of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel with the intelligence and lower-shedding coat traits of the Poodle.
That said, there is a realistic side people should know too — they are adorable, but they are also deeply companion-focused dogs that thrive best when treated like part of the family. Click here to view other information about Cavapoos
Does the personality of a puppy come only from the pawrents?
A puppy’s personality is shaped not only by genetics, but also by the environment they are raised in during those important early weeks of life. Puppies are incredibly adaptable and often grow to reflect the rhythm and energy of the home around them.
A puppy raised in a busy household with children, activity, and lots of interaction may naturally become more social, confident, playful, and outgoing. On the other hand, a puppy growing up in a quieter home with a retired couple or a calmer lifestyle may develop into a more relaxed, gentle, and easygoing companion.
This is one of the beautiful things about dogs—they learn to connect with and adapt to the people they love. With proper socialization, positive experiences, and a nurturing environment, puppies can thrive in many different types of homes and lifestyles.
And what about the genetics of the pawrents and personality?
The genetics and personalities of the pawrents also play a very important role in who a puppy may become. While the environment helps shape and guide a puppy’s development, a puppy is born with certain natural traits inherited from their parents and family lines.
Temperament can absolutely be passed down genetically. Calm, confident, affectionate, social, gentle, and intelligent dogs are more likely to produce puppies with those same tendencies. Likewise, anxious, fearful, overly reactive, or high-strung traits can also be inherited. This is why responsible breeding focuses not only on appearance and health, but also on temperament and personality.
For example, if both pawrents are loving, stable, friendly, and adaptable, there is a strong chance their puppies will naturally lean toward those qualities as well. Then, the environment the puppy is raised in helps nurture and shape those traits even further.
You can think of it as a combination of both nature and nurture:
Genetics provide the foundation
Early experiences and environment help shape the puppy into who they become
Every puppy is still an individual with their own unique personality, but thoughtful breeding paired with a loving environment gives puppies the best opportunity to grow into confident, well-balanced companions.
Can Fur Famlies choose their puppies in person too?
Absolutely. We would love for you to come and meet the puppies in person if that’s something you’d like to do.
That said, many of our puppies are chosen from afar. We make that easy by sharing lots of photos and videos in your private Timberland Acres group, along with FaceTime calls, so you can really get to know them.
What can you tell me about their personality?
I spend a lot of time with the puppies and will be able to share with you more about the puppies individual personality as far as if there’s one that’s very shy or one that’s very boisterous. I find most of the time the puppies personalities are all very, very similar in how the interact.
When do we start to see some of their personality?
Because they don’t start moving around or interacting until they’re three weeks old, some of this is not seen until a bit later 3-4 weeks.
If I am at the top of the list for choosing, can I choose early?
Sometimes Choosing Day begins early. If their is only one puppy that fills the desire of the puppy family, they can choose early. Remember though, once you choose your puppy, you CANNOT change your mind.
When do puppies go home?
8-10 weeks - Delivery to your home is often chosen
What kind of support do you provide?
As much as you need. I’m always here for questions and do my best to respond quickly. Bringing a new puppy home can come with a learning curve, and I want you to feel supported every step of the way.
We also have a small, private Facebook group for each litter. It’s a great way to stay connected, share updates, and be part of a community with families who have littermates.
Whenever possible, we also try to organize annual reunions in different areas—it’s such a fun way to reconnect and see how everyone is doing.