Choosing a Puppy

1. When you pick your puppy up from the breeder ask them to give you a piece of cloth that has been used by the litter and the dam and still has their scent on it. You can take a piece of cloth from home and ask them to rub it on the dam and other litter mates, too. Be sure the breeder’s scent is on it, too. This will help make your puppy's first nights easier. The same applies for shelter puppies.

2. When choosing a pup from a litter,  don’t let the pup "choose" you. You need to pick the puppy with your head and not your heart. Ask the breeder which puppy would fit best in your situation. Breeders spend a lot of time with the pups and can tell you which one is most friendly, independent, hyper, etc. and help home you with the puppy that best fits your needs based on your lifestyle.

3. When choosing a puppy, get down and play with them! Wear old clothes so you won’t be afraid to get dirty. Get to know each pup and take notes if you have to. Walk around, see which pups follow. Throw a ball to see which ones go after it. Watch them interact with each other to see which one seems dominant, which submissive. When you know you don’t want a certain puppy, ask the breeder to put that puppy back. Narrow it down to a few puppies and choosing one will be easier. Don’t feel like you have to hurry and choose. Take your time. This is a life long commitment here!

4. Don’t take a puppy home until he’s at least seven weeks old. Puppies need seven weeks to develop internally and to get proper time learning from their mother. Before seven weeks is too early to know how each puppy’s temperament is. Most reputable breeder’s won’t allow a puppy to leave until seven weeks of age. Same goes for mixed-breeds.

5. Be sure the puppy you’re choosing was handled often by the breeder. You should be able to pick up a puppy and handle him without him throwing a fit.

6. Don’t want to housetrain a puppy? Consider getting an adult dog. Your local animal shelter probably has many adult dogs waiting for a new home.

7. If your puppy is the only puppy in the litter highly socialize him/her with other puppies.

8. Check the puppy you choose to make sure his eyes and ears are clean and free of any debris. His coat should also be clean and free of parasites.

11. Here’s a list of things you should have before you bring your puppy home. Food and water bowls, collar, leash, crate, toys, puppy food, grooming tools (brush or comb, nail clipper, any other tools recommended for your breed).

12. When looking for a mixed-breed puppy, first check your local animal shelter. If they don’t have what you’re looking for, check the newspapers, call veterinarians, or ask friends.

13. Ask the shelter personnel for any information regarding the puppy or dog you have chosen. For example: Why was the puppy given up? Is he good with children and other pets? Did he have any behavior problems? Is he house trained? The answers may give you a better idea as to if the puppy will fit into your family.

14. Be sure you see the the sire and the dam if possible- in this day and age many times the breeder doesn’t own the sire. Breeders often go outside their own lines to  a male that can bring something they need to their breeding program. Note the mother’s health and temperament. What her and the father look like will most likely be what your pup grows up to look like.

Copyright © 2008 Angel and Liz Gutierrez. All rights reserved. Do not duplicate any photos, graphics, or text without written permission from Angel or Liz Gutierrez. Updated 05.27.2008