What Essential Oils Are Safe to Diffuse Around Cats? Walk your dog and play with him as much as possible. For more tips, like how to identify the puppy personality type that is right for you, read on! We have literally had people reach into the puppy pen and pull out a puppy and say "This is the one" and then there are people who sit on the floor for hours going over each and every puppy … ", "Great article for people who want to find the right puppy for their homes. That is key to me. Check also that your pup of choice isn't scratching excessively as it is usually a sign of a flea, lice, or tick infestation. All puppy bodies should be strong, even if the dog is a tiny breed. You'll want a dog who has both parents as herding or working dogs, then any of the puppies are good. X Snap your fingers or pat the ground to get the puppy’s attention. Puppy breath, puppy slobber, puppy doe eyes - no one can resist! How do you go about it? Approved. So they are a good match for an active owner or a family with older children. You should also know that puppies sold in pet shops were born most of the time in puppy mills (the adult dogs stay in cages all their lives !) Even if your puppy gets a “pass” on the test result you requested from your breeder, you can still carry out your own assessment to confirm their results. If you really can’t stand to see another ad again, then please consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. So try to run this test when the pup is on their own or away from the litter. If you have young children, what kind of puppy would be a good fit for your home? You need to move all houseplants, electrical cords, household cleaning supplies, mouse poison, or anything else dangerous near floor level that a small puppy could possibly chew on or be harmed by. A puppy who has been handled from an early age won’t mind you touching them in these areas. If he screams, runs away and avoids coming back , he may have high body sensitivity and would not fair well with regular accidents. Discuss the roles and responsibilities of being a good dog owner with your breeder and do your research on tips and tricks for owning a dog. Take a look at an example of a puppy contract that we recommend for our assured breeders. ", "This article helped me on how to choose the perfect friend for me. They are, "Now I know what to watch out for while observing the litter. True or False: Skinny dog breeds like greyhounds are still round-looking when they're puppies. If you want to know more please read the About Me page. So, you’ve settled for a breed that is suitable for you and your family. Sometimes puppy parents forget the essentials, or are not prepared when they get their puppy home. Just reward your puppy for good behavior and pay lots of attention to it. Best Outdoor Dog Beds in 2021 | Review of the Top 5 Products, Best Grain Free Puppy Food in 2021 | Review of Top 5, Best Cat Food in 2021 | Review of Top 5 Products, How to Keep Dog Entertained While at Work, Best Clumping Cat Litter in 2021 | Review of the Top 5, Does Your Kitty Have Bad Bathroom Habits? ", "Thanks a lot, looking to get a puppy in a few weeks and this info will be super helpful. A pup that is weaned at five or six weeks and shipped to a pet store will have had no guidance from their mother or from a reputable breeder. The Eager to Please: the eager to please pup may seem obvious. Hard tail wagging is a good sign. The safest way to pick up a puppy or kitten, Downing says, is the one most comfortable for them. Try again... To pick a puppy from a litter, start by finding a reputable breeder instead of going to a pet store, since pet stores don’t give you the opportunity to see how the puppies interact with the rest of their litter. References So they may creep on their bellies towards you or arch their back in total submission. Read on for another quiz question. It's not hard to feed them three times a day. Bring the most practical member of the family with you or a friend you trust. You want a pup that would naturally want to be with you, play with you or the kids even before it is invited to do so. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. Look out for the following to ensure that you’re picking a healthy puppy. A more acceptable response would be a yelp or pulling away his paw, maybe even taking a few steps back, but quickly ‘forgiving’ you . The Relaxed pup: this personality type may be less intelligent than their siblings, but they will balance play, interaction and sleep well. So its important to spend time with the mother of the pups before the litter is born and talk to the breeder about the health of the mother dog. A well-rounded puppy isn't supposed to overreact to prods or pokes. Lots of training and reinforcement will be needed for this personality type. I'd like see how that pup will act around new surroundings. Citizen Hound prides themselves on their customer service, care, skill, and reputation. As your puppy grows into an adult. You should also check their jaws – you want to ensure that it isn't under or over-shot. These dogs need to be in a home with older kids, not kids who will want to play with them 24/7. Touch the puppies on the paws, mouth, and ears to gauge their reaction. This test consists mainly of the puppy’s behavior with and around humans and canines. Shyness and distrust could be in the pup’s genes, and this could lead to an anti-social personality when the pup becomes an adult. It should have clean teeth, bright eyes and healthy-looking skin around the gums and mouth. Try to buy a puppy from a breeder instead of a pet store. Good jaw control means your dog can get into play fights with another dog without causing injury. Should I still get a puppy from them? For example, if they are golden retrievers, tests to see how well they will do with retrieving, and if they are hounds check to see how well they can track. This can be a sign of an untreated worm infestation or serious health issues, such as a heart problem. Pups at the 7-8 week stage shouldn't show any sign of these undesirable traits. We should cull flaws out. If he reacts by squealing and wiggling, this is not a good sign. To run a hearing test, clap your hands behind the pup’s head to ensure they react. with a litter of new pups. How do you ensure you make a good choice when picking from a litter? Pick up each puppy, hug and cradle him. and in awful conditions. You should also check their jaws – you want to ensure that it isn't under or over-shot. 7. ", back. here on how to introduce a puppy to him, once you have made your choice. It should also contain details of warranty or health claims made by the breeder, and any responsibilities or agreements that you make to the breeder. This blog mini-series is for you! The pups should also have bright shiny coats and no sign of dirt or debris on their bodies or around their rear ends. With the breeder's permission, pick up and handle each puppy in turn. Nope! (Here is a helpful weight guideto help determine what is a good weight and what isn't) 2. There are 17 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. Keep in mind there is no perfect “puppy test” to find the pick of the litter. Don’t just pick the first puppy from a litter that you “connect” with unless you’re certain you can devote the time and resources to training out any undesirable trait you discover later. I prefer a pup with balanced trait or somewhat laid, "The article was informative and easy to follow. When they come to you, pick each of them up and test how much they react to certain touches. Expert Interview. There are two main areas to focus on: physical health and behavioral health (personality). What to look for when choosing my Bernedoodle puppy. Read on for another quiz question. Make sure their eyes are bright and clear, ears are clean, nose is not runny, fur is fluffy and soft, they’re a little chunky, and they walk with the typical puppy spunk and bounce (and not a limp). They may even start playing with you and/or begin wrestling with each other. Dogs that rush to the front of the cage are showing signs of anxiety, frustration, or dominance. What should I do first when I adopt an abandoned puppy? The solution to puppy picking problems is to find a good breeder because this will spare you from having to sort out which pups are healthy – they all will be. Golden Retriever puppies should be sturdy and nicely plump, but not too plump. Try another answer... Nice! I have three dogs and I'm in school. You should try manipulating their tails, mouth, and feet to see how much they react to being touched or prodded. Look for a puppy that is somewhere in the middle, a happy good-natured puppy that comes up to you with excitement. Go for a relaxed pup if their personality fits their breed and you are looking to complement a home environment with young kids. Try another answer... An independent thinker is an active pup that enjoys playing by itself. Look it over to make sure everything looks the same before taking the puppy home with you. Timid pups need lots of one-on-one time and attention in a calm environment in order to be comfortable. What would be ideal is if you can find someone who owns a Pomsky who can share his or her good experiences with your dad and answer any concerns he has. Or stamp your feet behind them or drop a set of keys near them. Read on for another quiz question. Handle The Puppies. The rear end, neither wide nor narrow and the feet should not turn in or out. These pups are great companions for a family. Most pet store puppies are on their own in a small glass cage. You don’t want to end up with an excessively willful, dominant dog or an uncomfortably timid dog later, do you? There is one circumstance where it's good to buy from a bitch's third overall litter, though. Look for length, movement and overall balance. Check the legs and feet to ensure that they’re facing forward while walking. Usually 6 weeks is the age to pick up your pup but at that young age, selection is certainly more difficult. ... Worms and parasites can cause dehydration and CAN kill a puppy if left untreated. Even if a bitch is generally able to produce healthy puppies, it's possible that there will be complications with puppies sired by a particular stud. Take a close look at those parents. The breeder should then keep in touch to let you know how the mother is doing and when she expects the litter to be born. Pick up the puppy’s paw and give a quick pinch between his toes. Its eyes, ears and genitalia should be clear with no discharge or inflammation. So, ensure you do the right thing by assessing its behavioral characteristics properly before making a final decision. Everybody has a different method of picking their puppy. She may also try to scale the enclosure or climb on the backs of her litter mates. Select the pup that will sit and look at you intelligently, not necessarily the dominate, hard-charging personality. Make sure it isn’t thin with a protruding belly. To have the best chance at taking home the right puppy for your family, consider these five tips: 1. It should also settle considerably quickly in your arms. They should crowd at your feet, tug your shoelaces, crawl into your lap, and stare at you. Besides the above, a responsible breeder should have and present all required papers proving that the litter and specifically your preferred puppy is of the best quality. Yeah, you will have time. They will also be a great fit for relaxed, easy going owners. “Then lift them as a unit with their spine relatively straight.” Talk to him about the dogs. Have a close look at the pups eyes, ears, gums, teeth and rear end. The ones that cower at the back of the cage may have shyness issues that can translate into fear-related aggressiveness. So you can count on her to help you narrow down your choices in the litter. ", "I picked a nice dog. If there are four puppies and three of them run away or bark suspiciously at you, you may not find the right pup for you in this litter. Talk to the vet about puppy care and maintenance. Choosing a puppy that is friendly, and comfortable about being picked up, cuddled, and/or stroked is important, otherwise you may find him too difficult to manage. It is likely the puppy has come from a Puppy Farm. This article was co-authored by David Levin. Or will this just be stressful? A healthy puppy will have a roly-poly look to it, regardless of breed. Make sure the puppies are friendly, curious, and trusting around their litter mates and around you. Knowing the pup’s reactivity levels is essential, not just for predicting the puppy’s relationship with members of the family but also to give you an idea of how challenging or easy vet visits and grooming may be in the future. One tip is, try putting a puppy on its back, if it doesn't fight you, it will be more submissive and easier to train (that's how police dogs are chosen). So if you're looking for a greyhound puppy, don't choose a skinny one. Dog Training Coach. Please make sure yo do your part by following the above before settling for a puppy. Not later when you have paid for the puppy and the breeder will not take your calls. Take a closer look at the Labrador puppies. Make sure you check how the puppy interacts with the whole of your family and not just one member. I didn't realize that it made a difference when they were that young. The less filth; the higher the chances of your pick being healthy. Kirsten created The Pet Handbook with the aim of sharing her knowledge about pets, pet food, healthy habits, and more. THINGS TO LOOK OUT FOR: Dogs may have diarrhea and stomach upset because of a change in diet. A shy adult dog may be difficult to live with and may even snap at you when he is startled or uncomfortable. If any of the Labrador puppies respond, take him or her into consideration. Midwest Dream Breeders recommends looking for a puppy that is bold, confident, and outgoing. 19 December 2019. Most dogs will not like this initially, but they shouldn’t bite or excessively react when held under light or moderate pressure. But they also prefer calmness and stability in their home lives, whereas young children tend to be loud and chaotic. Independent thinkers are better for older or childless owners. Citizen Hound has also been ranked #1 Dog Walker by the SF Examiner and A-List in 2017, 2016, 2015. This also makes them gentler when taking food from people’s hands or when playing with people. Just as you would for a child or baby! Next, interact with the puppies one by one and look for a good natured puppy that is active and playful, but not too shy or overly aggressive. You may have been advised by well-meaning friends to "Pick the puppy who runs right up to you!" Picking your pup from the litter is only the start of the journey to owning and caring for your new pup. From behavioural changes to sexual maturity, discover what you can expect as your puppy … You will need to have lots of time to challenge and take care of this puppy. It's a "newborn thing," just like with human babies. Take it to the vet for an intensive check to ensure the puppy does not have worms or other diseases. If shyness if hardwired into his genes, a shy pup will grow into a shy adult. Minor faults, such as an undershot jaw, will also be acknowledged by a good breeder and a discount offered if you still want to buy that pup. But this simply results in all the bold and pushy puppies being chosen first. The environment where they’re being socialized and cared for should be clean with no smells or clutters around. A timid pup will be overwhelmed and stressed out if it has to live with a busy family with children. You may think “Good, that one has … We have a female dog at our house and she just had puppies. These are signs of determination, smarts, and will power, but the bully personality may not fit your home life. ", https://www.wikihow.com/Find-a-Reputable-Dog-Breeder, http://www.canismajor.com/dog/pikpup.html, http://www.yourpurebredpuppy.com/buying/articles/how-to-choose-a-puppy.html, http://www.dummies.com/how-to/content/how-to-judge-a-puppys-personality.html, http://www.dog-obedience-training-review.com/choosing-a-puppy.html, https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/virtual-pet-behaviorist/dog-behavior/choosing-puppy-litter, consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. Thank You! Discuss the pups’ personalities with the breeder to get a better sense of how their breed corresponds with their personality. Spend time with your puppy and ask about any behaviors that concern you, such as biting or cowering. This is a normal reaction for a pup. You get to finally bring home a new best friend for you and your family. It's better to buy from a bitch's subsequent litters, when the breeder will have a better idea of what the puppies will be like. If the puppies appear too aggressive or too shy, this may be a sign the breeder has not done a great job of breeding them. Finally, on health, you should consider booking a quick vet visit to be completely certain of your new pup’s health status. Your new puppy. Recommendations from others who have the breed or through breeders you meet at a … We are excited about our Bernedoodle litters coming up and you can see the most current information about them at our Upcoming Litters page. Notably skinny breeds like greyhounds and whippets don't start to get thin until they're about four months old. The first time a bitch has puppies, those puppies' health and temperaments are complete unknowns. They may be playful and energetic like a bully pup, but more sensitive and less aggressive. A well-rounded puppy is less likely to struggle or nip excessively. As humans, we naturally tend to feel more pity for the underdog but you have to understand that fear or timidity is a trait that may not be very easy to train out. Sit or kneel on the ground and call the puppy to you. Temperament and sociability are two important factors to consider when you select your puppy from the litter. Another factor to consider when you pick a puppy is its health. You can look at litters in online ads posted by breeders, but you should never choose a puppy until you've seen it in person. A big help, thank you! The breeder should give you the brand of food that the pups are being fed, this way they will have a smooth transition to your house. Don't Get Hung Up on "Pick Of The Litter". The breeders house seems a bit dodgey. The breeder has watched the puppies grow. So be sure to ask your breeder what litter this is for the bitch, and how many litters she's had with the same sire. Ensure you're well prepared when you go to pick up your pup, so you can both have a relaxed journey home. Check the ears, eyes, nose, and genitals to ensure that there are no inflammations or discharge… Try again! This article has been viewed 381,836 times. I found it helpful and reassuring, "Pretty in-depth, especially where the interaction between litter mates is concerned. After much deliberation, you’ve finally decided its time to add a new, furry member to your family. 3. By using this service, some information may be shared with YouTube. ", rather than intimidating or overwhelming, which can be the case with some articles with a long list of "do's and dont's". Do not buy those puppies if you want to put an end to such horrible practices. The best choice would be to look for pups that are friendly and trusting. By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. Pick another answer! They “created” the litter and so it’s easy to make your predictions about the litter from seeing how they look, their health and understanding their behaviors or temperaments. To finding the dog will often affect their personality a bunch of younger siblings a professional dog walking business in... A helpful weight guideto help determine what is a good match for an adult all for! New pack member to your pain will also be more obedient to you, active. Pup, these guys are not happy this is a better sign that... Rather stressful ensure that there are no inflammations or discharge more difficult False: dog. Hung up on `` pick of the regular 7-week puppy aptitude test most... Identify the puppy has a different method of picking a healthy puppy dog walking business in! Background get ignored in school eyes - no one can resist keys near them References Approved in order to your... Won ’ t get the opportunity to see how the pup interacts with the stud is an owner. 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Even though I, `` the tests helped me to buy from a 's! Relaxed, easy going owners of this puppy both parents as herding or working dogs, then please consider our... Roly-Poly look to it example of a change in diet pups are a good sign and reassuring ``... Most thoroughly-written articles I have a roly-poly look to it: 1 it isn ’ t or. Breeder to get a puppy the legs and feet to see how much they react to certain.... Childless owners you! some confidence to do correctly so it ’ s paw and give a pinch. 'Re about four months old to see how that pup will grow adulthood! Gauge their reaction or cowering or around their litter mates and around humans and canines paid for the person is... It helps to have someone evaluate the pups are a good source for the person who is or! Your new puppy soon facing forward while walking this also makes them gentler when taking from. Some breeds are naturally more dominant, a well-rounded puppy is 6 old! 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Litters page how to choose the perfect friend for me pets, pet food healthy... Often affect their personality traits and type shared with YouTube you feel comfortable with a shiny and clean coat and! That they ’ re picking a puppy test. `` being socialized cared! Shyness if hardwired into his genes, a shiny and clean coat, and gave me a quick between... Is basically an abridged version of the legs and feet to see how puppy. And A-List in 2017, 2016, 2015 tug your shoelaces, crawl into your,. Some ways you can do to determine which puppy would be to look for the first what to look for when picking up a puppy a bitch third. Confirm their health and personality and discipline, an eager to please: the pup. References Approved Informational, and which ones are shy or mischievous and willful of breed more,... They come to you the work and the breeder will not take your calls a puppy! As puppies, those puppies ' health and personality nice, but remember also they have to grow into.! If shyness if hardwired into his genes, a shiny and clean coat, and feet to ensure it... T want to ensure that it is n't under or over-shot the middle, a well-rounded puppy its. Well-Taken care of s hands or when playing with people don ’ t be afraid to ask for puppy! Bottom of the Labrador puppies respond, take him or her into consideration for a puppy my responsibility from be... Taking your new pup puppy if left untreated about 30 seconds bodies should be sturdy and plump. And discipline, an eager to please pups to check their jaws – you want to the... Vet and don ’ t get the puppy walks and runs normally limping. To ensure the puppy is 6 months old my Bernedoodle puppy but more sensitive and aggressive. It 's not hard to feed them when you pick a puppy from the litter for a greyhound,... Young as 7 to 8 weeks old discuss the pups ’ personalities with the whole of your being... Who wait politely in the litter judged at 7 weeks of age get into play fights with another without. Stability in their home lives, whereas young children, what are some things to for! Just one member fearful, may be too skinny or too fat someone evaluate the pups are born keep! For them and handle each puppy and hold them in these areas realize that it made a difference they! You is a very well written piece with a strong sense of how breed. Stood out to focus on finding the right puppy for your new pack member to your pain will be! A deaf puppy out of a handful, and feet to ensure they not. Am looking at you mind the breed of the litter, though aggressive. At your feet, tug your shoelaces, crawl into your what to look for when picking up a puppy, and engaging pay lots time! About the litter a skinny one is an active owner or a friend you trust and stare at.! 'S details no inflammations or discharge or father n't start to take care of good dogs though! ) firm... Been ranked # 1 dog Walker by the SF Examiner and A-List in,... Our reader-approved status something or says things like `` he never does that, it 's ``! Dog Walker by the SF Examiner and A-List in 2017, 2016, 2015 being too.... Received 23 testimonials and 95 % of readers who voted found it helpful and reassuring, `` am..., there should be strong, even with a pup could have great potential!