So you’ve picked the breed you’d just loooove to own, and the litter has been born, and it’s just a matter of choosing the right puppy for you. But how do you know which puppy is right?
You dream of a puppy that will one-day fit into your family life just perfectly, but how do you choose that puppy when you’re given choice out of six little babies who all appear equally adorable?
You might be asking:
“What do I do when I go to see the litter for the first time?”
“How is it possible to choose between a whole bunch of four legged fur bundles?”
“How do I know which one will be right for my family?”
Well, here is an easy step by step guide to make you feel ready for that all important moment!
First thing to think about is…
1. What Is Your REASON for getting a puppy?
Most people will answer that this way: “I want a lovely family dog.”
OK. That’s great. But it’s VERY vague!
Let’s get more specific…
- Do you want a dog who you can one-day take running with you?
- Do you want a dog who your children will be able to walk and play with, without the dog being over the top?
- Do you want a puppy that’s going to be calm around your cats or chickens?
- Do you want a dog who will be able to go to cafes and pubs with you?
- Do you want a dog you can take hiking?
- Or a dog who can co-exist calmly with your senior dog?
You see my point! 😉
You need to get down to the details. Write out a list of the REASON you want a dog and what you intend for them to do.
2. Temperament
Now that we have the purpose of the puppy sorted out, let’s think about their personality.
Whatever you do, DO NOT walk into a litter and see a sweet little shy puppy that creeps up to you and sits on your feet and say: “This is the one! It
Don’t let your nurturing instinct get the better of your sensible side!
- You need to know that the cute shy puppy is going to stay shy unless you pour expert training into its upbringing.
Shy dogs become >>> Fearful dogs which become >>> Reactive dogs which become >>> Aggressive dogs.
- This doesn’t mean you must disregard the sweet shy puppy! But check yourself. Is it going to fit your specific REASON for getting a puppy? If not, it’s not the right one for you.
- Depending what raising methods this puppy has had before you bring it home, it could easily be a dog that will be hard for anyone – even a trainer – to train.
Also, don’t see the pup who is rushing crazily for your shoe laces or the edge of your pants and locking on with its little needle teeth, and think: “Ooh spunky little dinosaur. I like this one!”
- That is, unless you want a puppy who is going to be pushy, bitey, mouthy, over-the-top, jumpy and not great around elderly people or children for at least a few weeks if not months.
- If your ideal is for the pup to grow up to be a calm family member who kids will not be wary of, maaaybe this isn’t the right one for you.
A good rule of thumb is:
If you’re new at raising a puppy, or if you’re wanting a calm, steady dog, don’t go for a dog on either end of the spectrum – shy or over excited.
Somewhere in between will be much better for you!
3. Consider Physical Structure
If you want a dog for sports, or for taking running with you, or for going hiking, consider their physical structure.
This can get complicated if you don’t quite know what to look for in a puppy’s bodily makeup.
So, on the most basic level, if the puppy trots or bounces when it walks, you have a good idea it has good physical structure as it moves smoothly. Whereas a dog who walks without trotting is less likely to do so.
This doesn’t mean it is a puppy who is going to end up with all sorts of issues, but it will just not suite things like agility as well.
Do be aware of breed differences though. Some breeds trot less than others…think Lab vs. Border Collie.
4. What Does Your Heart Say?
What? After all I’ve been saying about being wise in your decision, what do I mean?
Well, to a large degree, you do have to suppress your nurturing instinct, otherwise if you’re anything like me, you’d come home with them all!
But there is a balance.
You do need to passionately love the litter bundle of fun in front of you. Having a dog is a lifelong commitment, and trust me, raising a puppy is NOT easy. So if you’re looking at a puppy and you feel absolutely no connection with it at all, yet your head says: “This one would be a wise choice” – don’t do it! It won’t be a wise choice!
You need to feel attached to that puppy!
5. What Does the Breeder Say?
For those of you who have decided to get your puppy from a registered breeder, the biggest advice I have is to trust their advice!
Good breeders take time to analyse and interact with their puppies, so they know what personalities there are and what types of personality will fit what type of family.
So…
- Be clear and express all your worries and dreams when talking to your breeder about your purpose for that pup.
- Ask as many questions as you like about each puppy.
- And take time to listen to what your breeder says about each one.
6. Extra Note…
It’s tempting to want the best puppy of all. But remember, you want the best pup FOR YOU – and that is the best puppy.
Everyone will get the best puppy for them. And there’s no real way of measuring which is best overall.
Whew! Now you’re ready to go and meet the litter! Best of luck, and remember – Use your head AND your heart. 🙂