It’s Time To Pick Your Puppy: Lily x Magic’s Time Wasters
The moment is finally here! Will you be bringing home a little Fiddle Fart or a Dilly Dally! Aren’t you just looking forward to Puttering around the house or Mosey-ing on down the block? Well, lets not Dawdle, Lollygag or Shilly Shally and let us get this show on the road!
I know it definitely feels like time is dragging for you, but for me, it has flown by far too quickly. Now, the moment has finally arrived for you to choose your very own poodle puppy. From those very first wobbly steps to their delightful and playful antics, it’s time to embark on this exciting journey of adding a new furry family member to your home. Take a deep breath, embrace the joy of this experience, trust your instincts, and make the choice that will undoubtedly change your life for the better in so many wonderful ways.
This is a very long pupdate and has tons of great information, so please, take your time and read through everything carefully. Once all deposit holders have made their selections, we will update the Available Puppies page of our website. I anticipate that a few puppies will be available after puppy picks are complete. After all current deposit holders have made their selections, we will follow up with those applicants who we asked to wait until after puppy picks were complete and with other families.
All the gathered data is viewable in the spreadsheet. Push the button below to view the spreadsheet. As we move through the process, I will be highlighting and adding the family’s name to the column for each puppy, as they are chosen. After all reservation holders have made their selection, the remaining puppy(ies) will be made available to those interested.
Alright, so you probably opened that spreadsheet and went “WOAHHHHHH, what am I looking at?!?”. I know I would. You’re probably wondering, what the heck does all this mean? Don’t worry, I gotcha!! Keep reading.
BAB Puppy Evaluations
In the past we have done the Volhard Puppy Aptitude Test (PAT). This was a great test and provides a lot of great information, however, there were a few things in that test I didn’t like and I felt that the test was not the best at honoring the puppies and building trust. One of our primary goals is to teach puppies that the world is safe, people are good, and other dogs are kind. In the Volhard PAT, there are a few steps to the test that work in direct contradiction to that goal. We’ve began using the BAB Puppy Evaluation designed by Jeanette Forrey of 4E Kennels about 3-4 years ago. This evaluation is more thorough, honors and builds trust with the puppy, and tests the puppy in a more “real” setting. I have been very happy with the results I have seen from both puppies and families from this switch.
How Is The Testing Performed?
The tester sits in the middle of the floor, the puppy is placed into the testing area and is given a few moments to wander around, engage with the tester, check out the toys, or just sit and look around. If the puppy hasn’t wandered over to the tester after a few moments, the tester will begin coaxing the puppy to come greet her. After the tester and the pup have built some trust, the tester will begin the test by asking the pup to play with the toys, work on the equipment, walk on a new surface, experience wobbly surfaces, engage with startling objects, handling, and unstable situations. The test is free-flowing and there isn’t a set order for the pups to be asked to complete the activities. If a puppy becomes too stressed, the test may be stopped to allow the puppy to de-stress.
Definitions
Human Assertive - This is not aggression. Assertiveness is the dog’s willingness to invade your space. Highly assertive dogs will be dogs that will sit in your lap, try to steal your pizza, and will likely want to meet most all people. This is a highly necessary trait for service dogs like Diabetic Alert and Behavior Modification/Disruption. Highly assertive dogs will also need firm boundaries and consistency in those boundaries if you do not wish for them to jump on you, your kids, and other people.
Prey Drive/Intensity - This could be something like chasing cats, but that is not the only thing that comprises Prey Drive. You can train away from chasing your kids and cats. Prey Drive could also be called intensity. Does the pup focus on his toys? Does he pick them up and shake them? Prey Drive is an indication of intensity and focus. Dogs with high prey drive will need a way to channel that safely.
Nerve Strength/Resiliency - This is an indication of comfort and ability to recover from new situations and new environments. This is an adjustable trait and can be fostered in a pup lacking this particular trait.
Tenderhearted - This is a big one. This is an indication of how this particular dog will handle big emotions (Huge Family Celebrations, PTSD, Depression, High Anxiety). Dogs that are extremely Tenderhearted will break down if put in home environments with a lot of extreme emotions. These tenderhearted dogs will feel responsible for your emotions and try to fix them.
Examples of big emotions can include things like PTSD, Yelling at the TV during Football/Sports Ball, Loud Family Dinners, Kids Birthday Parties and other examples. It also includes things like extreme anxiety and depression
The Recordings
Rather than uploading the videos directly to this webpage and slowing down the load time considerably, I have linked each video to the cover photo below. Please click the cover photo for each pup to be taken to Youtube where you can view the videos directly. The scores for this test are found in the sections labeled Stable Traits and Adjustable Traits on the spreadsheet.
I am so impressed with these puppies. Overall they tested fairly consistently with all showing great confidence and human focus. These are some super special puppies and I don’t think there is a “bad” pick among them.
Fiddle Fart - Male
Fiddle Fart is an exceptional puppy with truly impressive potential. He has the temperament, focus, and natural composure that make him an excellent candidate for service work, therapy roles, or other meaningful jobs requiring steadiness and emotional intelligence. He also has the drive and clarity of mind that would allow him to excel as a hunting partner or in a variety of dog sports.
What makes Fiddle Fart particularly special is his combination of confidence and thoughtfulness. He is bold enough to engage, explore, and interact with his environment, yet he never becomes overwhelming or intrusive. His confidence is measured and appropriate—he steps forward when encouraged, but he listens, observes, and responds with remarkable awareness for his age. With clear and consistent boundaries, he quickly understands and respects household rules and the expectations of his family.
Unlike many puppies who move so fast their brains barely keep up, Fiddle Fart stays calm and mentally present. He processes situations thoughtfully, showing a level of emotional stability that is rare in young puppies. His touch tolerance is exceptionally high—one of his standout qualities—and he melts into you with full-body softness for cuddles and snuggles. This makes him especially comforting for children or individuals needing grounding, gentle physical contact, or emotional support.
With his steady nature, adaptable temperament, and affectionate personality, Fiddle Fart would make a phenomenal companion for families with children. He brings a perfect blend of intelligence, empathy, and joy, and he is the type of puppy who grows into a deeply loyal, intuitive, and reliable adult dog.
Dawdle - Male
Dawdle is a wonderfully balanced, easygoing puppy with a naturally polite and gentle demeanor that makes him instantly likable. He approaches the world with quiet confidence—steady, thoughtful, and sure of himself without ever being pushy. His strong confidence, solid nerve strength, and excellent motivation shine through in everything he does, from exploring new environments to engaging with people and other dogs.
He is not overly sensitive, which means he can navigate big emotions, new situations, and the energetic chaos of family life with calm resilience. Dawdle is the type of puppy who can roll with the ups and downs of a busy household, making him an excellent match for families with children or anyone who enjoys an active lifestyle.
Another wonderful quality is Dawdle’s ability to self-entertain. He is perfectly content to occupy himself with toys or simple activities, which makes him very easy to live with day to day. His strong toy motivation also makes training fun and engaging, giving him a natural enthusiasm for learning new skills and behaviors.
Overall, Dawdle is a steady, adaptable, and affectionate puppy who brings a peaceful, happy energy wherever he goes. He’s the kind of dog who fits beautifully into family life and becomes a joy to work with and love.
Mosey - Male
Mosey is the kind of puppy who will form an incredibly deep, devoted bond with his people. He’s the ultimate velcro dog in the making—if you’re looking for a companion who happily goes everywhere with you, Mosey will be thrilled to fill that role. He has naturally high confidence, giving him the courage to explore, try new things, and engage fully with the world around him.
Mosey will be a wonderful companion for families with children; his people will truly become the center of his universe. Because he loves so deeply, it’s important to establish clear boundaries and consistent rules from the very beginning. Just as importantly, you’ll want a solid plan to prevent separation anxiety—gradual independence training will be essential for a puppy who bonds as strongly as he does.
He’s a sweet, earnest boy who genuinely wants to make his family happy. While he may benefit from a bit of extra support in developing stronger nerve resilience, the next eight weeks present the perfect window to empower him with positive experiences, confidence-building exercises, and gentle encouragement. With guidance and structure, Mosey is going to grow into an extraordinary, loyal companion.
Shilly Shally - Male
Shilly Shally isn’t just boldly marked—he is bold. He has a vibrant, forward-thinking personality and displays many of the traits I look for in a strong service-dog prospect. He is naturally assertive, confidently engages with the world around him, and shows a clear human-focused orientation. His desire to connect and check in with people is one of his greatest strengths.
While his confidence is excellent, he will benefit from continued support in building both his motivation and nerve strength. Shilly Shally is a puppy whose brain currently moves faster than his body, which can make him eager, impulsive, and occasionally a bit scattered. Keeping training sessions short, engaging, and varied will help him stay successful—this is not a “100 reps of sit” kind of puppy. Instead, he thrives when learning feels like a game and when accomplishments come in quick, positive bursts.
During problem-solving tasks, he initially became overwhelmed by trying to work out the challenge, but once he understood what was being asked, he was all in. This tells me he is a puppy who needs thoughtful guidance: set him up to succeed, help him reach the finish line, and always end on a positive note. Ensuring he completes his challenges successfully will prevent him from becoming discouraged and will steadily build his resilience.
With appropriate structure, consistent encouragement, and confidence-building experiences, Shilly Shally has the potential to grow into an exceptional partner. He would thrive in an active family environment where he can be included, engaged, and mentally stimulated. His boldness, curiosity, and people-centered nature make him a wonderfully promising puppy with a bright future ahead.
Dilly Dally - Female
Dilly Dally is a fun, lively, and wonderfully engaging little girl. She naturally offers moments of politeness and has a gentle, thoughtful approach when she’s calm. However, she’s also full of personality—and if high-energy behavior is rewarded, she will happily dial it up and become a lot. With consistent guidance, though, she strikes a beautiful balance between enthusiasm and manners.
She brings excellent confidence and solid nerve strength to every situation. Dilly Dally approaches new environments and experiences with curiosity and excitement, rarely showing hesitation. Her energy is vibrant and infectious, and she has a strong desire to interact and connect with her people. Training sessions with her tend to be fun and dynamic because she genuinely loves being part of the action.
Importantly, she is not a tenderhearted or overly sensitive puppy. She tolerates big emotions—whether from children, other animals, or busy environments—extremely well. This makes her adaptable and resilient, capable of handling the natural ups and downs of an active household.
Dilly Dally also demonstrates promising problem-solving skills. When presented with a challenge, she dives in with determination and works through it with surprising focus for a puppy with so much drive. With thoughtful structure and consistent boundaries, she will grow into a capable, confident, and delightfully entertaining companion.
Overall, Dilly Dally is a smart, spirited puppy who thrives with engagement, guidance, and plenty of positive outlets for her zestful energy. She’ll shine in a family that enjoys an active, interactive lifestyle and appreciates a dog with a playful, expressive personality.
Lollygag - Female
Lollygag is a remarkable puppy with the potential to excel in show, service, or sporting homes. She is highly human-motivated and thrives on connection and interaction. When she feels supported and within her comfort zone, she is enthusiastic, focused, and incredibly eager to work. However, when stress exceeds her threshold, she tends to “nope out” and withdraw—an important signal for her future family to recognize and respond to with patience and thoughtful guidance.
She shows decent toy drive, though this is an area that can be strengthened with playful, positive experiences. What truly stands out about Lollygag is her assertiveness. She is bold, opinionated, and not shy about expressing herself. Because of this, “don’t reward the crazy” will be a crucial theme in her early months and even into adulthood. Clear boundaries, consistent routines, and calm reinforcement will help her channel her assertive nature into productive, confident behavior rather than chaotic energy.
Emotionally, Lollygag is moderately tenderhearted. She is the kind of puppy who notices when her person is having a hard day and wants to comfort or “fix” things. While this makes her incredibly endearing, it also means that constant big emotions or continuous emotional pressure would be unfair and overwhelming for her. She does best in an environment where feelings are acknowledged but not projected onto her.
Lollygag has excellent human focus, strong confidence, and plenty of motivation—all essential ingredients for a dog destined for meaningful work or sport. With a balanced approach of structure, encouragement, and emotional steadiness from her family, she will grow into a brilliant, dedicated, and deeply connected partner.
Putter - Female
Putter is such a delightful little girl with a wonderfully balanced temperament. One of her standout qualities is her excellent off switch—she can shift from playful and energetic to calm and composed almost instantly when asked. This ability to regulate herself is rare in young puppies and will serve her exceptionally well in both family life and training environments.
She approaches the world with an eager, inquisitive attitude, always ready for whatever comes next. Putter is the puppy who looks up at you as if to say, “Okay, what are we doing now?” This forward-focused mindset makes her engaging, fun to train, and naturally attentive.
She also demonstrates an impressive level of forgiveness and resilience. If she experiences handling that feels overwhelming or “inappropriate,” she quickly rebounds and returns with a willingness to re-engage. This emotional flexibility is a strong indicator of a puppy who will learn and adapt quickly with the right guidance.
Putter is a highly assertive puppy, and because of that, she thrives in a home with firm, consistent rules and clear boundaries. Structure will help her channel her assertiveness into confident, appropriate behavior rather than pushiness. With that guidance, she will flourish.
She is confident, motivated, and shows excellent nerve strength—qualities that allow her to handle new situations, challenges, and the everyday chaos of life with steadiness. Her strong human focus means she connects deeply, checks in often, and values partnership.
Overall, Putter is a smart, resilient, and eager puppy who, with consistent leadership and plenty of constructive outlets, will grow into an exceptional companion and partner.
Picks will be done in order of deposit received/commitment to the litter. As a reminder, the order is as follows.
Betsy Peterson
Kaersten Anderson
Ryan McClure
Thorne Warner
Open
Open
Open
Following puppy picks, I will be circling around to those who are “waiting in the wings” and then we will be opening puppy picks to newcomers on a first-come basis.
Following the receipt of this e-mail, I will begin reaching out to individuals to discuss and confirm their selection. This could be as simple as an e-mail stating “I want Mosey, please” or a more complex phone conversation. Please plan to have an appointment within the next 36 hours. The document that tabulates all the testing details is changeable on my end. As puppies are chosen, I will mark them as unavailable on the master list. I will also make announcements on the Valaurah Farms Facebook and Instagram as well regarding chosen puppies.
I will be reaching out to figure out our go-home schedule. It is always nice if we can combine trips to the various places with multiple puppies. But in the meantime, check out the survival guide.
