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Puppy Selection & Handling Tips

So you've selected the breeder and breed of your dog. Now its time to consider further issues before your final choice is made.  Choosing the right dog or puppy is more than just selecting the cutest one in a cage. 

1. What Sex Do You Want?

You'll need to decide whether a male or female dog will best suit you.  
Females: tend to be smaller than males, wander less, be less dominant. Females should be spayed so they cannot get pregnant. 
Males: will be required to be castrated, which will reduce the males tendency to wander in search of females in heat. Further, they will not feel the need to mark territory and will lessen the tendency toward aggression and dominance.

2. What Temperament, Size & Level of Activity Do You Require?

This is usually driven by an owners desire to have a quiet puppy. If this is important then you'll be wanting a more submissive dog. Even though temperament, size, and level of activity is constant within a breed, there is plenty of room for individual differences.

1. Dog Breeds organized by Temperament
2. Dog Breeds organized by Size
3. Dog Breeds organized by Activity

3. Tell the Breeder What You Want and Get Their Help

Leverage off the Breeder's knowledge. They will know which puppies are dominant and likely to be a handful; which ones are shy and likely to need special handling; and which ones are the most boisterous and likely to get into the most mischief. As you come closer to making a selection, carefully watch each puppy at play with the littermates, with the mother, and by himself.

4. Perform Your Own Tests On The Puppies

Sit on the ground and get the dogs attention by snapping your fingers, clapping. If the pup comes quickly, he may have a strong attachment to people. If he stops to smell the roses along the way, he may have an independent streak. If he doesn't come at all, he may be deaf or have difficulty forming a bond with people. Of course, one such test means nothing. Get the breeders opinion and try to visit the litter a couple of times before making a decision.

5. What To Do When You Get The Puppy Home

There are a few things you can do to assure an easy transition. The whole process can be quite stressful, being taken from littermates and placed in a new home with new smells, sights, and sounds. Consider the following to aid a smooth transition for you puppy…

1. Provide a common place for your dog - this could be a crate, dog bed, or a blanket in the corner.
2. Bring a towel or blanket from his first home - this will add a familiar smell to the new environment.
3. Feed the same food that the breeder used.
4. Ensure adult supervision with a view to prevent bad behavior and toilet training.
5. A good start is important - confine the dog to a crate, save him being yelled at for soiling the floor or chewing the furniture.
6. Establish a relationship with your vet within a few days of bring him home … introduce vaccination and worming records to the vet.
7. Keep the dog at home till at least the age of 12-16 weeks old, so to protect against common viruses and bacterial infections.

 

Related: a-z of dog breeds, small dog breeds, toy dog breeds