How to Choose Your New Puppy

Knowing what to look for in a puppy is crucial for the next twelve years or so of your life. A nipper, hyperactive psycho, or introverted canine are not the best of the bunch. Everyone wants a well-rounded pooch that can accommodate to their personal lifestyle. And here, is what to note when you go to the breeder.

Before you even walk through the door, ask yourself, is this a safe neighborhood? Or do I feel as if I'm in Compton? The location of the breeder reflects his way of life, meaning how he has brought up his own dogs and the puppies for the last 8 or so weeks. A tidy neighborhood and home can ensure you quality puppies, but you can't rely on only that. Using your own judgment, either turn back around or proceed to knock on the door.

Be greeted by the breeder and take a look around, see where the puppies are being held. Try to approach the mother and father of the puppies cautiously and see how the react. Do they look healthy? Do they have scabies? Are they thin or overweight? Dry nose? Take all these things into consideration. Now onto the puppies.

Usually, they are in a pen and are let out when someone comes to the house to buy one. It may be a chaotic seen with puppies on the sofa, licking your face, running with newspaper, and jumping like jelly beans. Observe. See which puppy approaches you first.

We all know that this will be your new best friend, a lifetime commitment, so the puppy has to be exactly what you want; its markings, colors, behavior, girl or boy, everything. But if your "perfect fit" is too energetic or extremely shy, consider the following.

Hyper puppies will literally bring down your house, from soiling every corner to gnawing on shoes and furniture. They have to be active all of the time, and if you are at work most of the times, things will happen at home. Shy puppies look sad and create trouble. They are antisocial and simply do not want to be around you. Not exactly a man's best friend, right? Aggressive qualities can develop in about two years or so.

See how the puppies socialize. Do not pick the one that is terrorizing its brothers and sisters, or the one that hiding under the sofa. See how they walk and if everything is in alignment. Clumsy walkers could mean spinal complications. Make sure their coats are shiny and glossy and that their noses are wet.

The last step to choosing a puppy is checking for friendliness, and yes there is a way to check. Once you think you've got "the one" in your hands, lay him on the ground on his back. At first, the puppy make wriggle and squirm, but then should relax. If he begins to fight back, maybe you should look at another puppy. Robust puppies turn into aggressive dogs.

One sure indicator when it comes to picking your new best friend is simply the one that trots up to you and has interest in you. He licks your face, is constantly wagging his tail, and just seems "right". Usually, puppies that approach humans are warm-natured ones and not the mean and rough-playing puppies.

Don't forget to trust your first instincts as well. Puppies lengthen people's lives and are a joy to be around. Choosing your new best friend should be a piece of cake.