Can I firstly say a huge thank you to all the people who have answered my queries over the past weeks.  It is my first litter and I have loved every minute of it.  Sadly it is drawing to a close and it is nearly time for them to go to their forever homes.  How is it best to do this? eg a puppy every day? a couple a day? there are 11 puppies. One is staying with us and one has an extra week. Also is it best that the Mum sees them go out of the door with the family or for me to take the puppy out or for her to be out of the room when this happens?  Obviously I want it to be as less traumatic as possible. thank you

I can only say what works for me bearing in mind that I have never had as many pups as you.  I would understand if you let two go on the same day.  But I find that people stay so long that it is very tiring (and you still have all the doggie chores to do when they've gone.)  Although I do have an awful lot more dogs than you, all living in the house.

Once you have discussed all the paperwork with people, and answered any last minute questions (there is always something) I find half a day has disappeared.  And it would be rude not to offer beverages to people that have come a long way.  However, I always let folk see any remaining pups playing with their chosen puppy, along with mum (who usually gives a last minute comfort suckle.)  I do take mum out of the room at the last minute though.  If people have given me a name early enough I have already started training recall for them and give them a chance to see pup running up when called.  It is surprising how fast time goes.

Be prepared to feel some loss, I know I'm not the only person who sheds a tear for my beloved little ones, even though I know I can't keep them all.  Well sometimes it does look as if I've done exactly that! 

I'm sure others will be along to give you their take on things.

Although not such a problem this time of the year but I also try & get my puppy owners to be here relatively early & leave so they get home in plenty of time, so the pup has time to explore some of its surroundings before its dark.

With 11 your probably going to have to do 2 on one day...don't envy you. I have had 9 but I kept 3 & mine went at a very slow rate....

I had 11 last year, they went over a few days. Some owners were able to collect on the exact day they were 8 weeks (Thursday) and the rest went over the weekend. Most were collected early in the morning, so pup could get home and settle in. As we were keeping 2 their Mum didn't really seem that bothered....

Not a breeder, but this is what the breeder did when I got my latest dog two years ago.

My pup was from a litter of ten. They kept three of the puppies (had only wanted one, but there you go) and each of the seven remaining pups were allocated a day to leave and in the morning so that they would have time to settle in the new home.
The previous day, the pup that was going to leave would be brought back into the house to get used to being indoors again. They had spent the last two weeks in an outdoor run because it was so warm even at night - they are a large Gundog breed. The night indoors gave them the oppourtunity of living with the older dogs including mum and being taught a few lessons in acceptable behaviour.
When we arrived to pick her up, she was very relaxed. The older dogs were gradually taken from the room, including mum and we had the final handover etc. When we actually left, it was only the humans that came out for final cuddles, photos and a few tears.

My litter last year we had 12, I let 2 go per day, one in the morning and one in the afternoon, once they were 8 weeks old. I gave preference of times to any families who had further to travel and it all worked out great. Good luck, it is hard letting them go though x

I'd agree that ideally you don't want to have more than two going on any day because of the time needed with the people, doing paperwork etc.

I did three once and it was a nightmare. 

This time I did have three go on one day, but one was someone within my breed (in fact they owned my foundation bitches Mum 8 generations ago).

It really pays to have all paperwork (Signed Registration document, Pedigree, Tattoo and or Microchip paperwork, Worming details and timings, advice on feeding training, grooming advice, breed club application forms etc etc) completed in a folder with just the contracts to sign, have the owners details so as you can do the Insurance cover on-lien a day before.

I've had 4 go in one day.....it wasn't too bad actually.......they'd all gone home by lunchtime! we had timed slots & all the paperwork was in order ready for them to sign, they were as keen to get their bundles home as I was to see them go

Last litter we had 10 puppies and these went over the course of a few days........

Obviously me and my puppy owners, who have often come a  long way like to have more of a chin wage, cups of tea and play with the other dogs. 

I found it hard to keep people to time slots as with long journeys and variable traffic, they often came in wrong order, overlapped etc.

Now I wonder if it's me, chatterbox extraordinary that causes the time it takes

I usually try not to have more than 3 leave in a day. As others have said it gives time for a chat, those with the furthest to travel go first. I have found Mum does not care at all seeing pups leave, they stand with me and wave their babies off and then carry on as normal. However I am usually keeping a pup for myself so she is never left with none.
By 7 1/2 - 8 weeks my Mums are happy to see the back of the little monsters and their pin teeth !!
Aileen

> Now I wonder if it's me, chatterbox extraordinary that causes the time it takes

No it isn't Barbara, I agree with your post entirely.