How to Pick a Puppy
Picking a dog with the right temperament and character starts with choosing the breed of puppy that will best fit with your needs and your lifestyle.
Every breed of dog has its own quirks and instincts that are simply part of the way that breed are.
They can't help it - it's quite literally in their genes.
If you want a dog that is easy to train and good socially then don't pick a puppy akita, malamute or chow chow.
You'll end up with the opposite of what you want and need.
If you want a highly responsive dog on a walk don't pick a beagle pup.
If you want a quiet slow and calm dog then most definitely don't pick a border collie.
No matter what breed you think will suit it's really important to do extensive research into the basic genetic nature of the dog.
Be very suspicious of any seller or breeder who won't or can't talk in depth about the bad points of their dogs as well as the good points or highlights.
They should know the breed drawbacks inside out and be able to discuss them in detail with you.
But beyond the basic breed nature you also need to think about the mental soundness of individual dogs.
This is particularly important for very young puppies or rescue dogs.
If you feel uncertain about doing this yourself then take a more experienced dog owner with you when you go to pick your puppy.
You might even pay for help from a dog behaviour expert or dog trainer.
It's a big decision you are making and it's important to get it right.
Or - and this is important too - make sure you see your puppy in his or her litter before you choose.
You should also try to see the father and the mother dog if you can - although with the father dog this is not always possible.
When you pick your puppy you should try to avoid the obvious bully in the litter or the natural victim.
Don't choose a puppy that seems excessively nervous or one that doesn't show interest in playing or interacting with other dogs or people.
Take you time choosing and you will have a wonderful pet to look forward to.
Get it wrong and there's plenty of time to regret it.
Every breed of dog has its own quirks and instincts that are simply part of the way that breed are.
They can't help it - it's quite literally in their genes.
If you want a dog that is easy to train and good socially then don't pick a puppy akita, malamute or chow chow.
You'll end up with the opposite of what you want and need.
If you want a highly responsive dog on a walk don't pick a beagle pup.
If you want a quiet slow and calm dog then most definitely don't pick a border collie.
No matter what breed you think will suit it's really important to do extensive research into the basic genetic nature of the dog.
Be very suspicious of any seller or breeder who won't or can't talk in depth about the bad points of their dogs as well as the good points or highlights.
They should know the breed drawbacks inside out and be able to discuss them in detail with you.
But beyond the basic breed nature you also need to think about the mental soundness of individual dogs.
This is particularly important for very young puppies or rescue dogs.
If you feel uncertain about doing this yourself then take a more experienced dog owner with you when you go to pick your puppy.
You might even pay for help from a dog behaviour expert or dog trainer.
It's a big decision you are making and it's important to get it right.
Or - and this is important too - make sure you see your puppy in his or her litter before you choose.
You should also try to see the father and the mother dog if you can - although with the father dog this is not always possible.
When you pick your puppy you should try to avoid the obvious bully in the litter or the natural victim.
Don't choose a puppy that seems excessively nervous or one that doesn't show interest in playing or interacting with other dogs or people.
Take you time choosing and you will have a wonderful pet to look forward to.
Get it wrong and there's plenty of time to regret it.
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