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Puppy Pickin |
by Didi Culp |
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| Choosing a puppy couldn't be more fun, more of a challenge, and more worth the effort. There are a number of resources to check out before you buy; you'll want to be well-versed in the the potential behaviors in the breed you've chosen as well as the variations in personality of puppies, called temperament. | ||
Energy level is the first component of puppy personality to consider. You may want to match or compliment your energy level. For example, if you are a laid back, go with the flow person, an energetic, fun-searching puppy might be just right for you, while an active over-achieving person may actually need a very mellow dog. Non-competition clauses can be good between life partners. If you decide to get one of the popular breeds that are known for high energy levels such as Parsons Russel Terriers (formerly Jack Russel) or Border Collies you must understand that you are committing to a couple of hours each day of training and exercise for the dog. Short cuts will result in behavior problems that are your fault. Intelligence or problem solving is the next important criteria to match or augment your life style. A dog with high problem solving skills like a Husky or Poodle will not always be easy to train but they will open the refrigerator when you are not home. Something to think about. Finally, compliance is a key to a dog's companionship. A dog with high compliance will also need you to be around ALL the time. A dog who can stay home alone while you work doesn't really need, or want, your input on all the activities of the day. There are extremes of each and permutations and combinations that will create your perfect match. |
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Resource one is a good breed book. Keep in mind that breeders all think their breed is perfect. But that doesn't make it perfect for you. Read up on the purpose of the breed (hunting, herding, helping, pulling, guarding) and think about its dark side (killing, nipping, clinging, yanking, barking). Guard dogs are suspicious and terriers dig to China. Consider it all. |
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Resource two is William Campbell's pamphlet on temperament testing a puppy. You can get his books at Dogwise.com or buy his BehavioRx brochures directly from him. Worth it. He's been published since the 1970's which is pretty much before most of the famous TV trainers knew what they wanted to be when they grew up. The vet already mentioned the pitfalls of picking the quietEST or boldEST puppy in any group. Stay away from EST. Understand that in a litter of herding dogs, many will be shy of strangers, at first. But they should quickly recover. In a group of terriers none of the puppies will avoid anything new, at first. But they should be able to pay attention for more than a puppy breath to you, or a toy or something very interesting. Of course if you have a particular job in mind for your dog you'll be on a waiting list with a reputable breeder. She or he will help you so much in this area. In fact, you may find when you arrive to "choose" a puppy, she'll tell you which of three you may choose from. Good breeders temperament test puppies early and often. She'll know which one matches the skill set for the work you THINK you want. I still recommend going with moderate skills in case you need a more versatile dog later. I even recommend going with mixed breed puppies for the most moderate selections of all when you need a family pet. So not too shy, not too bold, accepting of all kinds of touch and interested in you. |
Don't be swayed by the one who bowls you over with cuteness and "chooses" you. He'd go home with anyone. Really. It's that simple. |
