How to Pick the Perfect Puppy

A friend of mine decided he wanted a "truck puppy" last month. We discussed it on the CB radio as we went down the highway. Yesterday I saw the results of his search for the perfect puppy and thought I'd pass it along to you.

Step One

Decide what kind of dog you want. Do you want a little one that doesn't make big messes? One that doesn't shed? One for protection? One for companionship? What color do you like? Black, brown, white, the colors vary even in a breed.

Step Two

Do you want a pure bred dog, complete with papers from the AKC? Do you want a smart dog? Sometimes the two are mutually exclusive. Inbred dogs from "puppy mills" can be fine to look at, but have the brain power of a rock. Basically you have two options on locating the perfect puppy, depending on which is more important to you. There are good breeders who take great pains to make sure the parents aren't related and bad ones who don't care. Or there are pounds and animal shelters in every town. In a shelter, you probably won't get a papered pooch, but papers and brains are not necessarily the same.

Step three

"Meet the parents." My friend decided he wanted a Doberman. We had a lay-over together in a mid-sized town, and he asked me to go along to help him select the perfect puppy. He went through the Yellow Pages and found a dog breeder. They had a litter of Doberman pups that were old enough to leave the mother. The breeder was nice (and greedy) enough to come and get us so we could take a look at the pups. There are places a semi just can't go. The lady drove us to her home and showed us the litter. The mother was huge and very watchful without being threatening. The father was confined to a porch and snarled ferociously. Good combination for the pups, both watchful and able to show the inch long fangs to good effect.

Step Four

There were six pups, four females and two males. I suggested he get a male because they don't come in heat (which can be terrible in a truck, believe me!) As I watched the puppies interact with each other and their mother, one little guy stood out. Actually, he stood back from the others and watched. It was easy for me to select him, he was a thinker. My friend asked which one I would pick and I told him, and why. It was a male and he chose him. Named him Pete (for Peterbilt).

Step Five

If possible, try to get a pup that is housebroken. My friend wasn't so lucky. So, buy lots of newspapers and exercise your patience. Remember, puppies grow up and become dogs. What you teach them as puppies will last their whole life.

In conclusion, I saw my friend and "Pete" yesterday. The little fuzzy pup has grown long legs and sharp teeth. And it's only been about a month. Whatever sort of dog you want, remember to choose it carefully and be aware that your commitment with last for many years. Train it well and love it. You won't be sorry.