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By Sarah Wilson, GreatPets.com
In many cases, the breeder will pick a puppy for you. This is usually
fine. After all, she knows them best. Occasionally, though, the breeder
may be making her choice based on which puppy is not a good show
prospect rather than which one is a good companion prospect. How can
you tell? First ask her why she picked this pup for you. If she talks
about the temperament being perfect for your needs, that is good. If
she talks about his tail set being a little low and his front being a
bit east-west (don't worry what that means, for your purposes it means
she isn't thinking about his temperament first) that is not a good
sign. He may still be a terrific pup for you, but you'll need to do a
little testing first.
Before we discuss resources for puppy testing, let's talk about the
common ways people pick pups. Here are the top three pups people
select: First: The adorable one with the cute face, markings, ears...?
Second: That quiet one looking so sad in the corner. Third: The bold
one who is growling while he is tugging on my shoelaces - he seems to
have picked me!
All those puppies are appealing but each is the wrong choice. Do not
select by color or markings. Sure, those are easy to get attached to,
but they aren't the least bit relevant in your day-to-day life with
your dog. If it comes down to two equally good pups, then by all means
indulge your whimsy. But it is the last thing - not the first thing -
you indulge.
How about that "sad" one in the corner? Another poor choice. A
companion puppy destined for your home should be happy, relaxed and
confident. Withdrawn pups may have a hard time handling stress, be
genetically suspicious of people or not be feeling well. Any one of
those things is a bad sign. Skip that pup. The bold one gnawing on your
arm - isn't he perfect? Yes, for a competition home that wants an
energetic and assertive dog. Raised improperly, this pup may mature
into aggression. Leave him to the people who have the experience, time,
energy and training skills to direct this puppy toward acceptable
behavior.
Where is your pup? He may not stick out because he is a middle of the
road guy. He isn't climbing up your chest or hiding under the chair. He
comes over happily when your clap you hands and praise him, waiting
(reasonably) patiently or wandering off when you ignore him. He is calm
and relaxed. He is friendly but not cloying, playful but not wild. He
may not win your heart the way his more demanding or neurotic siblings
do, but he is easier to love in your home. We promise. You'll never be
sorry you chose him. Even if you think you want an active dog, choose a
calm puppy. Even the calmest pup is active enough for 95% of American
families.
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