what to look for when picking up a puppy

Another factor to consider when you pick a puppy is its health. The Timid pup: also known as the shy pup, these guys are not born with a strong sense of self. When choosing a dog or puppy use three criterion to judge how each candidate will mesh into your lifestyle: a) Reactivity and attachment response b) Motion and sound sensitivity c) Touch and restraint threshold Approved. The litter you intend choosing a puppy from should be in an environment that is well-taken care of. While it may be tempting to scoop up the adorable pup in a pet store window, buying a pup this way can be risky. Pick up each puppy, hug and cradle him. By the time a bitch has had three litters, the breeder will know if her puppies tend to be healthy. But with good training and discipline, an eager to please pup can show you full cooperation. Expert Interview. (Here is a helpful weight guideto help determine what is a good weight and what isn't) 2. This helps. “Then lift them as a unit with their spine relatively straight.” It's important to find a pup with the right temperament to suit your family circumstances. Picking your pup from the litter is only the start of the journey to owning and caring for your new pup. Ask the breeder how many litters the mother has had: a French Bulldog should only really have 1 litter a year , preferably only one every couple of years. I really want a Pomsky dog but my dad doesn't like huskies or Pomeranians because he says that they aren't friendly. So if you have other demands on your time or a lot of stress in your home life, the bully pup may not be for you or your family. Check that the puppy walks and runs comfortably during play. No. This blog mini-series is for you! Check also that your pup of choice isn't scratching excessively as it is usually a sign of a flea, lice, or tick infestation. You may be sucked in by the sweet, timid nature of these pups. You should try manipulating their tails, mouth, and feet to see how much they react to being touched or prodded. A healthy, well-cared-for puppy should have a healthy, shiny coat. What to look for when choosing my Bernedoodle puppy. Click on another answer to find the right one... Not necessarily! THINGS TO LOOK OUT FOR: Dogs may have diarrhea and stomach upset because of a change in diet. 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. Tips? It should also not be too skinny or obese. This article has been viewed 381,836 times. One good trick is to pick up the puppy. The ones that cower at the back of the cage may have shyness issues that can translate into fear-related aggressiveness. There should be no pus or feces around their genital area. The first time a bitch has puppies, those puppies' health and temperaments are complete unknowns. 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. Look inside the mouth of puppy’s mouth: to see if the puppy is suffering from abnormal excess of skin inside. We should cull flaws out. You should avoid picking a pup with such traits unless you have the skills and patience to train it from its fearful state into a confident dog. Take a closer look at the Labrador puppies. Try to buy a puppy from a breeder instead of a pet store. Or will this just be stressful? Avoid buying the largest or smallest puppy in the litter. Do not buy those puppies if you want to put an end to such horrible practices. It helps to have someone evaluate the pups with you, as it is a big life decision. ", "Thanks a lot, looking to get a puppy in a few weeks and this info will be super helpful. Pup isn’t scratching excessively The puppy runs and walks comfortably (keeping in mind flopping around a little during play is normal for pups under 8 weeks of age) Legs and feet should be facing forward (look for excessively rotated legs while walking) Work with your vet about particular issues they want to know about for your particular breed The news often highlights the bad stories such as dog attacks, but doesn't always do a good job of emphasizing the positive attributes of dogs generally or certain breeds. Handle The Puppies. These pups are a good match for a home that is stable and calm, possibly with older owners or no children. 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. Here's my first tip for choosing the puppy who is best suited to you: Don't let the PUPPY choose YOU. 3. % of people told us that this article helped them. Walk your dog and play with him as much as possible. 7. An easy way to know well-rounded puppies when selecting is by looking out for the ones that come to you with heads held high and tails wagging. ", "I think I've found all the answers I needed on how to find a good puppy in this article. 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? Timid pups need lots of one-on-one time and attention in a calm environment in order to be comfortable. Pups who respond appropriately to people and dogs when they display pain are more likely to develop into adult dogs with good control over their jaws. She may also try to scale the enclosure or climb on the backs of her litter mates. I didn't realize that it made a difference when they were that young. Be wary of a shy and fearful pup when choosing a puppy. With the breeder's permission, pick up and handle each puppy in turn. Their sights can be checked by placing a toy or a treat on the floor near them to ensure that they can see it and reach for it. Keep in contact with a vet and don’t be afraid to ask your vet questions about puppy ownership. Picking up your puppy can be one of the most exciting things that you can ever do. 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). Without this guidance, there’s a good chance the pup will become fearful or aggressive, rather than a man’s best friend. 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. First, temperament test the dog. What Essential Oils Are Safe to Diffuse Around Cats? If the litter appears healthy overall, it’s time to look for the pick of the litter. But notice if she steals toys from other puppies or plays rough. I have found one that is super nice, but I don't know how to convince my dad. Snap your fingers or pat the ground to get the puppy’s attention. All puppy bodies should be strong, even if the dog is a tiny breed. After much deliberation, you’ve finally decided its time to add a new, furry member to your family. Your new puppy. Keep in mind it is difficult to pick a deaf puppy out of a pen that is crowded with other dogs. By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. 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. During your visit, don’t be afraid to ask for the breeder’s opinion about the litter. Nope! 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. You'll want a dog who has both parents as herding or working dogs, then any of the puppies are good. There’s a better option out there! Before the pups are born, keep in contact with the breeder. The Independent Thinker: this type of pup is interactive and playful, but also happy sitting or playing with a toy on their own. A simple example is hip dysplasia in German Shepherds. Make sure the puppies are friendly, curious, and trusting around their litter mates and around you. Hard tail wagging is a good sign. When you pick up one of those cute Golden Retriever puppies, he should smell nice. Notably skinny breeds like greyhounds and whippets don't start to get thin until they're about four months old. A well-rounded puppy isn't supposed to overreact to prods or pokes. Do something to attract attention. True or False: Skinny dog breeds like greyhounds are still round-looking when they're puppies. ", "This article gave me a quick understanding of the process: picking up 'the one', a future family member. That is key to me. Don't Get Hung Up on "Pick Of The Litter". Good jaw control means your dog can get into play fights with another dog without causing injury. Keep in mind the breed of the dog will often affect their personality traits and type. A rebel pup is energetic and fun loving without being too aggressive. Kirsten created The Pet Handbook with the aim of sharing her knowledge about pets, pet food, healthy habits, and more. Joley Aire Bernedoodles. They are more suitable for single owners with lots of time for training and attention, rather than a family with children. The Relaxed pup: this personality type may be less intelligent than their siblings, but they will balance play, interaction and sleep well. 4 Choose a puppy based on temperament rather than sex. Take a close look at those parents. Now you need to choose the right pup among the litter, the final step to finding the dog for you. To run a hearing test, clap your hands behind the pup’s head to ensure they react. Never get a puppy from a breeder where their mother is not there, ignore excuses like too aggressive, at the vets, on a walk etc. They may be playful and energetic like a bully pup, but more sensitive and less aggressive. Rebel pups will be personable, without being headstrong. Buying a puppy is one of the most exciting things you can do, but it can also be rather stressful. Puppy who react to your pain will also be more obedient to you as their owner. You can also test their temperament and reactivity levels by holding them down on their backs for about 30 seconds. The contract should contain information about the puppy, as well as both yours and the breeder's details. 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. Take it to the vet for an intensive check to ensure the puppy does not have worms or other diseases. ", 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. I'd like see how that pup will act around new surroundings. So try to run this test when the pup is on their own or away from the litter. Here’s what to look out for to make sure you are choosing a healthy puppy: The pups should be well-rounded and have a healthy, shiny coat. They should crowd at your feet, tug your shoelaces, crawl into your lap, and stare at you. Have a close look at the pups eyes, ears, gums, teeth and rear end. I have narrowed it down to two of them but I still can't choose, I like the both. 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. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. If possible, have a look at the bathroom areas for the adult dogs and the pups to make sure it is free of waste and filth of any kind. You should also check their jaws – you want to ensure that it isn't under or over-shot. Yet each individual puppy has his/her own personality, and there are better ways to pick your puppy than letting your puppy 'pick you.' There are tests you can do to determine which puppy would be better. You may also request to see the kinds of puppies they’ve produced in the past if it isn't their first time breeding. ", "It helped me to buy a good and perfect dog. Select the pup that will sit and look at you intelligently, not necessarily the dominate, hard-charging personality. It depends on what vaccine. This will ensure they do not have any hip or joint issues that could develop into something worse when they grow into adulthood. Citizen Hound prides themselves on their customer service, care, skill, and reputation. If any of the Labrador puppies respond, take him or her into consideration. This is a normal reaction for a pup. There is one circumstance where it's good to buy from a bitch's third overall litter, though. When you’re choosing a puppy from a litter pay attention to personality type: Bully: On first glance, the bully may seem overtly social and interactive. Taking care of your puppy properly is a big next step. Discuss the pups’ personalities with the breeder to get a better sense of how their breed corresponds with their personality. A big help, thank you! Yeah, you will have time. Go for a relaxed pup if their personality fits their breed and you are looking to complement a home environment with young kids. It should also settle considerably quickly in your arms. Everybody has a different method of picking their puppy. Your assessment is basically an abridged version of the regular 7-week puppy aptitude test that most breeders do. Also, if you can't see the mother for any reason, you should leave - a good breeder will always have the mother available for viewing. If you have young children, what kind of puppy would be a good fit for your home? Please make sure yo do your part by following the above before settling for a puppy. 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. Things you want to check for include their energy levels, their response and ability to settle down after being stimulated and the health of their offspring. Each puppy has a discernable personality that can be judged at 7 weeks of age. In addition to choosing the right puppy, you also want to choose a healthy puppy. But a timid pup will need a lot of time and patience to foster their self-esteem and get them comfortable around others. After all, who doesn’t want an eager and excited pup ? If he comes to you quickly, he may have a strong attachment to people. Most pet store puppies are on their own in a small glass cage. Rebels personable and active, which makes them great companions for older kids, but they will probably still be a bit too overwhelming for little ones. Good to know the possible concerns with a shy dog. ", "The tests helped me when choosing a puppy!". This article received 23 testimonials and 95% of readers who voted found it helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. Midwest Dream Breeders recommends looking for a puppy that is bold, confident, and outgoing. The ones who struggle are very stubborn (still good dogs though!). Is a teacup Pomeranian a good choice if I have a bunch of younger siblings? They shouldn’t be too skinny or too fat. One of the things you pay a breeder for is their effort to minimize the likelihood that your puppy will end up with genetic problems found in the breed. These are signs of determination, smarts, and will power, but the bully personality may not fit your home life. Dog Training Coach. What do I do? 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. Make sure you check how the puppy interacts with the whole of your family and not just one member. Look it over to make sure everything looks the same before taking the puppy home with you. ", "I am getting a puppy in two weeks, so this whole article stood out. It should recognize the signs of discomfort from other pets during play or fights. For more tips, like how to identify the puppy personality type that is right for you, read on! There are 17 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. You want to be sure the parents are compatible before you go to select a puppy. Distended stomachs could indicate a problem with worms. So you can count on her to help you narrow down your choices in the litter. 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. A shy adult dog may be difficult to live with and may even snap at you when he is startled or uncomfortable. On the way home, make sure that someone is either holding the puppy securely in her lap or the puppy is in a crate. Citizen Hound has also been ranked #1 Dog Walker by the SF Examiner and A-List in 2017, 2016, 2015. When Do Kittens Start Using the Litter Box, Best Bark Collar for Small Dogs | Review of the Top 5 Products, A healthy, well-cared-for puppy should have a healthy, shiny coat. Finally, on health, you should consider booking a quick vet visit to be completely certain of your new pup’s health status. If he screams, runs away and avoids coming back , he may have high body sensitivity and would not fair well with regular accidents. Note, however, that it is not uncommon for puppies to flop around a little during play if it is below 8 weeks of age. I found it helpful and reassuring, "Pretty in-depth, especially where the interaction between litter mates is concerned. You want to know that the bitch is capable of producing healthy puppies in general and with this sire in particular. The pups should also have bright shiny coats and no sign of dirt or debris on their bodies or around their rear ends. Look out for the following to ensure that you’re picking a healthy puppy. You’ve done half the work and the other half is picking a puppy from the litter you are looking at. By using this service, some information may be shared with YouTube. Last Updated: September 10, 2020 The Bully: the bully pup may seem very social and interactive at first. Look for length, movement and overall balance. X Sometimes puppy parents forget the essentials, or are not prepared when they get their puppy home. All of her advice is based on years of her own experience with her pets, and feedback that she has received from grateful readers about her tips. It's a "newborn thing," just like with human babies. Research source THK: In picking a healthy puppy, what are some things to look for in a breeder? There are two main areas to focus on: physical health and behavioral health (personality). Usually 6 weeks is the age to pick up your pup but at that young age, selection is certainly more difficult. The mother of the pup will have a big impact on your pup’s health and personality. Or stamp your feet behind them or drop a set of keys near them. Jerry Klein: Find a breeder who is knowledgeable about their breed and that you feel comfortable with. Check the ears, eyes, nose, and genitals to ensure that there are no inflammations or discharge… But, make sure you also do your own checks on the puppies to confirm their health and personality. A well-rounded puppy is less likely to struggle or nip excessively. A poor bitch will likely produce a weak litter, even with a strong sire, or father. A more acceptable response would be a yelp or pulling away his paw, maybe even taking a few steps back, but quickly ‘forgiving’ you . 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. That can be great if you have a lot of time and energy to train it, but if you have little kids, your home is probably too stressful for a bully to thrive. Just reward your puppy for good behavior and pay lots of attention to it. I prefer a pup with balanced trait or somewhat laid, "The article was informative and easy to follow. How do you go about it? Try again! If shyness if hardwired into his genes, a shy pup will grow into a shy adult. Even though I, "This is a very well written piece with a great deal of relevant information. Touch the puppies on the paws, mouth, and ears to gauge their reaction. Instead, look at the litter size -- generally, the more puppies in the litter, the healthier they will be. They're not as willful as their siblings, but they balance play, sleep, and interaction well, and they're able to take the unpredictability of small children in stride. and in awful conditions. Just Google search "(their breed) puppy ability test.". After narrowing down to two or three puppies, take those aside separately to check their vision and hearing. For example, your puppy should be OK with being rolled over and climbed after climbing on top of another pet. The best choice would be to look for pups that are friendly and trusting. When they come to you, pick each of them up and test how much they react to certain touches. You may have been advised by well-meaning friends to "Pick the puppy who runs right up to you!" These pups are great companions for a family. ", "I will be picking up my German shepherd puppy next week and I found your information very helpful. So you won’t get the opportunity to see how the pup interacts with his litter mates. 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. The environment where they’re being socialized and cared for should be clean with no smells or clutters around. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. It should also not be too skinny or obese. Check the legs and feet to ensure that they’re facing forward while walking. Feed them when you wake up, when you get home from school, and when you go to sleep. It is a good source for the person who is just starting to learn, "Thanks for sharing. ", "This article helped me on how to choose the perfect friend for me. You can check their hearing by clapping, dropping something, or clicking behind them to see if they respond. For more tips, like how to identify the puppy personality type that is right for you, read on! While you’ve already prepared your house for the new arrival, here are Good Dog’s recommendations for what to have on hand when you’re actually in the process of taking your new puppy home. Don’t let the breeder laugh off the puppies’ shy or aggressive personalities. Golden Retriever puppies should be sturdy and nicely plump, but not too plump. To have the best chance at taking home the right puppy for your family, consider these five tips: 1. This article was co-authored by David Levin. :)", "Informational, and gave me some quick tips I was looking for. ", going to be comfortable in familiar surroundings. 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. But you will need to be a direct and firm owner with eager to please pups. Check the ears, eyes, nose, and genitals to ensure that there are no inflammations or discharge. Read on for another quiz question. To run a vision test, roll a ball within the pup’s field and vision and notice if he reacts to it by approaching it and playing with it. 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. In this post, we go over 6 things you should know when picking out your new puppy’s breeder. Try another answer... Nice! 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. We have a female dog at our house and she just had puppies. 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