Positive Dog Training Blog

We are finally getting our new puppy soon. They were born just a few days before Christmas. As they get older we will look for certain things in the personalities of the puppies to decide which is the best for our family.

When picking a new puppy from a litter you want to avoid the ones who are overly shy or who might be overly aggressive or dominant with the other puppies. Just watching them interact while you sit on the floor should tell you quite a bit about them. If the puppy is a singleton (the only puppy) then avoid getting that dog unless the breeder has put it with other dogs and puppies for appropriate socialization.

Now, all puppies in a litter will bite and jump, this is normal. One thing I like to do is squeal a bit when they bite and watch the reaction. If they are overly scared or they get more aggressive, that can tell you a bit about their personality.

Take the puppies you are interested in to a new area by themselves, love on them and then put them down. I prefer puppies who are more interested in me, but who like to explore some. If the puppy wont leave your side, that might be an issue too.

Finally I watch their tails. If its high or mid level that’s better than if its tucked between their legs which could mean they are scared.

None of this is an exact science, and a good breeder will help you. Picking a puppy from a litter is difficult but in the end if you went to a good quality breeder it shouldn’t be hard. Just don’t be tempted to bring home two if you can’t decide!

Share on Facebook

Digg

Stumble Upon

Del.icio.us

Buzz