How to choose a puppy
From ArticleWorld
When selecting a young puppy, there are quite several ideas to consider. First, you have to figure out why you really want a dog. It is not the same as determining why you need a cute puppy. Puppies are very cute and fuzzy and great at capturing your affection.
But puppies grow up into real dogs like little dogs, huge dogs, roving dogs, hairless dogs, picky dogs, digging dogs, herding dogs…What that means is, you must also consider your final desires for a true companion versus the breed’s natural characteristics. You will also need to ponder what you are really able to commit to concering dog training in youth and as far as training throughout the dog's life.
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Why do you really want a dog long term?
Think carefully and do good research to learn what you trully desire immediately and what will the necessities for the dog's training be. Will you be the one doing the training or will you have it done? If you are finding a professional, have you figured out if there are qualified dog trainers in your town? Better not begin a thoughtful search for a cute puppy until you have decided on your dog. That isn't to say | don’t start researching, just don’t decide. Resist the urge to give in to your impulse.
Choosing the dog breed
One of the best places to do some research is to communicate with an animal vet and with a reputable breeder about breed and dog traits. Try to keep in mind that the puppy becomes a dog, also communicate with a dog trainer who will teach you about the difficulties of the breed in relation to dog training. If you can find a dog show judge, he can be important. Try to always purchase from a reputable dog breeder. You will realize that the couple of dollars initially may well later eliminate much greater heartache and expenses.
Do you prefer a male of a female puppy
Females tend to be smaller. The female dog training is usually somewhat less time-consuming. She doesn't mark her territory, however her urine can be a bit more potent and if she potties in the exact same area of the garden many times, she could damage the grass. Females come into heat and some are rather untidy which can lead to problems for a family house pet. Spaying could get rid of this situation if you don't want to breed. There are some products at the pet shop to facilitate training during that period if you want to breed the dog.
Don't forget that males always mark their spots in the garden quite frequently and are more difficult to dog training. Males tend to be larger than the females and they grow older more slowly. Dog training could take more time with males. Some of the male dog’s intrinsic traits are to be more dominant and aggressive; and to run-off looking for a female dog.
Neutering will reduce this. Also consider other dogs in the home. Same sex dogs in the house may work out fine… but it can result in one attempting to start dominating the other. You could then without meaning to cause the latter years of a trusting home true companion to become difficult by purchasing one more pet… or you could even be giving more life. Often an older dog can actually assist with dog training.
Choosing the dog breeder
Part of choosing a puppy is choosing the breeder. As soon as you have at least one trustworthy breeder on your list, you can to focus on the individual puppies. Tell your breeder exactly what you are looking for in a puppy. The breeder stayed with them for more than 8 weeks and is attuned to the very individual personalities. Be watchful of how the breeder himself interacts with the puppy. Check on the health of the puppy with the breeder.
Inquire about the vaccination records and other previous treatments such asworms. Ask also to look at the parents to see if the two are available. Ask for names of the owners of related dogs and call them to learn about their dog’s regular behaviors and health and also ease in dog training. If it is a first litter, you may still want to get in touch with people who have dealt with this breeder. Very good breeders are already assisting with the dog’s training during these first few weeks. Be attentive of if the mother is well trained.
Easy tests to help you select a puppy
There are additionally various tests that you could perform while playing with the puppies. Observe the litter for some time. Look for signs of the puppies order. Which one is the dominant or alpha dog? Which is the low man of the group? Without calling them, sit down to their level and pay attention to each one reaction. Is the litter generally fearful, sociable and outgoing or curious? If you see them move back and nervously stay away, this might not be a good litter from which to make your selection. They may not socialize or train easily. It might take some time, but the usual behavior for young pups is to pay attention to your presence and start to get closer to you. Some might be more shy at first, but should show start to interest. Talk softly to them.
Pay attention to which ones focus on your voice and are clearly paying attention. As you may know, the cute little “cock of the head” is done by pups to make you fall in love! This desire to interact and listen with people is a positive sign that they will be much more receptive to dog training and be much more sociable.
Also keep in mind that you first determined why you wanted this dog. Is it as a companion? If so you may want to pick one of the puppies in between the top and the most submissive dog.
Quiet/Shy puppies
If you wish a quiet, timid dog that listens quickly to your voice commands, wants to please, is kind with small children or the elderly people, the ultimate lap puppy, you may want to choose the more submissive puppy. Note that a loud home is not best for this quiet dog.
Dominant puppies
A precaution, unless you are first-class at dog training, you may not want the dominant dog. Dominant dogs might start to train you and take over your home! They take a well informed, patient dog trainer, but can make wonderful dogs. There are also a few tasks for which you may want to select an dominant dog, such as guarding or herding.
Final tests when selecting a puppy
When you decide that you have a good candidate, do a little tests. Take the puppy to a test area where there are no other distractions. Back away from the puppy and call it towards you. Then walk away from the puppy. Does it follow? If it doesn't, this may show independence. Slowly, turn the puppy over on its back and keep it there for 40 seconds to verify the degree of willingness and submissiveness to be controlled by you and then to be more receptive to dog training.