When Choosing Your Pup

Research

Make an informed decision.  Once you have decided upon your favoured breed, go to the

library or use the Internet and read about your choice.

 

Health

When you have found the pup that you want, try to see both of the parents if possible.  Request to

see certificates, for hip scoring and eyes (and heart where appropriate)

 

Behaviour

See how the mother behaves towards her pups.  How is the mother towards you?  Is she

welcoming or aggressive?  Avoid choosing a pup from a litter where the mother growls or snaps

at you upon greeting.  The mother’s influence will affect her pups’ attitudes.  How does the pup

react with the mother, litter mates and you?

 

Environment / Noise

Find out if the pups are reared in the family home.  What are the family like with the dogs?  Look

and listen carefully.  Are the pups used to house noises?  Your home noises will be different to

what the pup is used to. 

‘Remember Fight, Flight, Freeze or Submit.’

 

You will need to introduce your new pup to noises carefully and provide an escape route if

necessary.  This also applies to an adult dog; for example, when your appliances change so will

the noise level.  Treat each change carefully and give your dog the freedom to move away should

noise worry him/her.

 

Choosing the right pup for you

After you have read all about your preferred breed, have contacted a breeder, are happy that the mother dog is happy with her pups and that the home conditions are good and the breeder is caring, you have to decide how to choose which pup would be best suited to your personality.

You need to bear in mind the time of day you visit; for example if the pups have just been fed they may be sleepy.  You really need to see the pups at play.  How are they interacting and does this match your own personality?

·          If you are quiet and sensitive and in need of a gentle companion then a ‘middle of the road’ pup is for you.  This pup will play but does not dominate the play.  This pup will not mind being held in your arms and may bite, but not too hard.

·          If you are a person who is outgoing and robust then the pup that dominates the play, chews at your shoelaces, tugs at your trousers and bites down on your hand might suit you very well.  If you chose a dog like this you will need to seriously instigate the pack leadership and early training will be a must.

Please do not choose a dog by its colour or because it’s cute.  If you choose a compatible pup, you will hopefully have a wonderful companion for years to come.

 

Time of year to get a young pup

If you decide to have a young pup, think carefully of the time of year.  It is no fun having a  pup in the winter, who doesn’t want to go out in the cold or does not like wet or long grass.  A black dog is hard to see in torch light.  Under no circumstances must you try to hurry your pup when toileting or sound annoyed, because ‘you’ are wet and cold.  If you do, you can put the pup off and you will be out there for ages.

Spring time is best because you have warmer, lighter days to come.  With spring you have all the benefits which come with summer and autumn too.  By next winter you will have an obedient, toilet-trained dog that will be obliging and be back very quickly when you open the door and say ‘busy’. 

 

Collecting your new pup and the first days

It is best to collect your new pup in the morning as he/she has the rest of the day, before dark, to settle in.  When bringing your puppy home for the first time, have the pup on an adult lap in an open cardboard box, lined with plastic underneath paper with something soft to lie on.  If your pup cries ignore it, stop talking and stroking it.  Resume contact as soon as the pup is quiet.  Make sure you have paper towels and bags in case your pup is sick. When arriving home allow pup to toilet in the safety of your garden before being taken indoors to explore.                

 

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