Woof! It’s me, Blake! I want to tell you about a very special day—when I got chosen to be part of my forever family. It wasn’t just any day; it was a day full of sniffing, wiggling, and a bit of puppy drama!

When my human, Captain, came to visit us, there were six of us bouncing around in our little puppy playpen. We were only 8 weeks old! If you want to get a dog you plan to train as a service dog, the earlier the better! We need a lot of socialization between 8 weeks and 16 weeks if we’re going to be around all the sights, sounds, and wonders of the world all the time! But, before 8 weeks and I wouldn’t have been ready to leave my Mom.

Each of my siblings had their own unique way of showing off, and boy, was it a lively bunch! Some of my brothers and sisters were super outgoing—bounding up to Captain and giving her shoelaces a good chew. They were all about showing off their playful side. Lot’s of people like to take these puppies home, because the human thinks its love at first sight!

Then there were the shyer ones, who would quickly scamper off and hide behind the couch. They seemed a little unsure of this new human who had come to see them and needed a lot of coaxing to come out and say hi. Captain, however, was looking for something different. She wasn’t just picking the most playful or the shyest one. Nope, she was searching for the perfect balance.

She needed a puppy with just the right temperament—a blend of cautious but friendly. She wanted someone who would warm up quickly but not be too eager or too reserved. It’s a bit like looking for the perfect middle ground where a pup can be attentive and responsive, but also have the right level of calm and confidence.

It can be hard to tell which one of a litter is the right fit! Captain had spent time not just doing research but also talking to professional trainers before she came to see us that day. Lots of trainers will even go with you to help with a litter evaluation and help you choose the right dog for the journey! It never hurts to reach out to a local trainer and see if they’ll go with you if you’re unsure.

As Captain watched us, she spent time with each of us, noticing how we reacted to her presence. When she finally came to me, she saw that I was naturally a bit cautious but not afraid to approach her. I was curious and willing to check her out, but I wasn’t jumping all over her or hiding in the corner. I was right in between—just what she was looking for!

In the end, it was my perfect balance of curiosity and calm that helped me find my forever human. And now, here I am, ready to start our journey together, learning and growing to become the best hearing dog I can be. I’m so excited to share all our adventures with you!

Paws and wagging tails, Blake 🐾

P.S. This is a good source of information on the right pack member too:
How To Pick A Puppy Service Dog Prospect