How To Select The Best Puppy?

Puppy Training

Hi all,
Good day to you.
I received quite a number of request, asking me to give some tips on puppy selection.
Ok, I shall share my experience on .................

How To Select The Best Puppy Out Of A Litter

Once you have chosen a breeder, it is time to pick out the puppy from the available litter. A good rule of thumb is to avoid extremes. Disqualify any puppies that are excessively submissive or fearful, and avoid puppies that are extremely dominant or bullying.

Fierce food or toy guarding, exaggerated barking or biting, submissive urination, and extreme apathy are all bad signs in young puppies. Curiosity, however, is good, as are playfulness and confidence. Above all, do not let the puppy pick you. The big fat one that charges at you and monopolizes your attention may win your heart, but it is very likely the most dominant, and it will be a handful.

Decide which sex puppy you prefer. Males tend to be larger and more dominant, curious, and courageous. They are better workers and are not as moody. They do not come into season and are cheaper to alter. They are also more likely to fight and roam. Females are normally smaller, less dominant and defiant, and more sensitive and moody. They normally come into heat twice a year, but they are less likely to fight and to roam. If you have chosen an extremely dominant breed such as the Rottweiler or Chow Chow, you would be wise to consider a female. A male might be better if you have decided on a less dominant breed such as a Maltese or a Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier.

Do not choose two puppies from the same litter. Litter-mates bond very closely to each other, making it much more difficult for the owner to establish leadership. If you want two dogs, properly raise one puppy first, and then consider another, perhaps two or three years later. The older dog will serve as a role model for the puppy, making your job that much easier.

Observe the litter without interacting with it. How do the puppies look? Are there some large puppies and one or two runts? Do you see any glaring structural problems in any of them? Is there any loose stool or vomit present? Are some puppies very lethargic? If the breeder has classified some of the litter as show quality and the rest as pet quality, ask why. Also inquire as to the number of males and females. If there are only one or two puppies of the gender you desire, you will not have as much of a range of temperaments to choose from. Avoid picking a puppy that is the sole survivor in the litter; it will have missed the early crucial social interaction that goes on in a normal litter.

Next, enter the kennel and interact with the litter. How do they react to your presence? Do some run away and hide, bark and charge, or show playful curiosity? This last reaction is the most desirable. Next, examine each one and look for any overt physical problems. Look for eye or nose discharge, bloodshot eyes, mange, overly dry skin or coat, and fleas. Is the puppy's belly bloated? This might indicate worms, a condition that most puppies have and must be treated for. Look in their mouths to make sure that the gums are a healthy pink and not whitish gray. During this procedure, take note of how the puppies react to being handled. Do they fight and bite? Struggle and then submit? Show great fear?

Ok, that's all for puppy selection, but the key point here is to be a Responsible Dog Owner.
Dog has a lifespan of more than 15 years, meaning that we have to take care of our doggie friends for quite a long time, especially when they are sick and aged.
So, Don't buy the puppy just because they are 'cute'.

Ok, that's all for today sharing, till we 'woof' again, have fun with you doggie friend.

Cheers.


Puppy Training