Why Joining Our Waitlist Early Matters

One of the most common questions we’re asked is: “When should we join your waitlist?”

The short answer is—earlier than you think.

For families who are excited about adding a Stannyfield puppy to their home, joining our waitlist well in advance offers the best experience for you, and allows us to stay focused on doing what we do best: raising confident, resilient puppies and supporting our families every step of the way.

Below is an inside look at why joining early is so important, what it means for you, and how the process works.

Why Join Before You’re Ready for Your Puppy?

• You’ll secure access to future litters.
  While timing can vary, it’s not uncommon for two upcoming litters to be fully spoken for before puppies are even born. Joining early ensures you’re part of the conversation from the beginning.

• You’re choosing us for our approach—educational, transparent, evidence-based.
  Our waitlist is made up of families who appreciate our methodical, ethical approach to breeding and raising puppies. Joining early signals that alignment and sets the tone for a supportive, long-term relationship.

• You can take your time preparing.
  A puppy is a major life event. When families join months, or even years before they bring their puppy home, they’re calmer, better educated, and able to make thoughtful decisions, rather than rushing through preparations at the last minute. The outcome is far more enjoyable for both you and your puppy.

• You’ll be part of the process, not scrambling at the end.
  Instead of waiting for a “puppy announcement” and hoping there’s a spot, your place is already secured, and you can follow along with the journey from the very beginning.

Benefits for SFSW (and Ultimately for Our Puppies)

A healthy, established waitlist helps us do our best work:

• We can plan future breedings responsibly.
  Knowing the level of interest for upcoming litters helps us plan thoughtful, ethical breedings that align with interest and with our long-term vision for the breed.

• Our energy stays where it should: raising the puppies.
  Once puppies arrive, our days (and nights!) are fully focused on care, early development, temperament work, and preparing your puppy for the world. A robust waitlist allows us to stay fully present with the litter without needing to “sell” puppies mid-chaos.

• We get to know you.
  Joining early gives us more time to learn about your lifestyle, goals, preferences, and the kind of dog that will be the best fit for your home. This information becomes invaluable during temperament testing and final matching.

• We can support you long before your puppy arrives.
  We can answer questions, offer guidance, and ensure you feel confident and prepared. That support is harder to provide when someone reaches out only once puppies are already on the ground.

Benefits for Our Families

Joining early comes with tangible advantages for you:

• Step-by-step guidance while you prepare.
  Families on our waitlist receive early, dedicated communication and educational support, well before we share any updates publicly.

• Access to our in-depth e-book, Puppy Fundamentals.
  This comprehensive guide walks you through everything from preparing your home to developing a socialization plan, early grooming, expectations for the first month, and so much more.

• Clarity and calm throughout the process.
  Instead of guessing or searching for conflicting advice online, you’ll know exactly what’s coming next and how to prepare.

• First access to litter announcements and availability.
  You’ll be notified as soon as a litter is whelped and given the opportunity to opt in or out based on timing, goals, and personal circumstances.

• A place in the Stannyfield community.
  Many of our families join us years in advance because they know they want a puppy specifically from our program. Over time, our waitlist families become part of a supportive, engaged community that learns together and stays connected long after their puppy goes home.

How It Works

Here’s what to expect once you join the waitlist:

1. Complete our screening process.
   Once we’ve had a chance to meet, learn about your family, and ensure we’re the right fit for one another, you’ll officially join our waitlist.

2. Receive email updates about upcoming plans.
   As our breeding plans progress, we’ll keep you informed every step of the way, including heat cycles, breeding timelines, ultrasound confirmations, and whelping windows.

3. Litter is whelped → you’re notified immediately.
   When puppies arrive, our waitlist families are the first to know. You’ll have the option to opt in for that particular litter or wait for a future one.

4. You choose timing that suits your family.
   There’s no pressure to commit to the very next litter. Many families intentionally wait for the right season, life stage, or specific pairing.

Why Earlier Is Always Better

Joining early isn’t about “getting in line”, it’s about giving yourself the chance to be part of a thoughtful, supported, well-paced process.

Early waitlist families:

• feel fully prepared

• understand our approach deeply

• experience less stress

• build a relationship with us over time

• and ultimately have the smoothest, most positive transition to bringing home their puppy

If you’re considering adding a Stannyfield puppy to your home sometime in the next one to two years, start getting to know us now and if both parties think the match is a good one, join our waitlist. It’s the best way to ensure the right timing, the right match, and the right experience for your family.