Stray Thoughts Fall 2017
Ask the Trainer How to Choose the Right Puppy for You !
Bringing home a puppy is an incredible and exciting event ! My goal is to help you choose the right dog for you . Believe it or not , there are a lot of potential pitfalls when choosing a dog . As a professional dog trainer , I often see clients that choose either the wrong breed or the wrong dog for their lifestyle and I want to steer you in the right direction . While this article is focused on helping you pick out the puppy that is right for you , some of the same thinking can also be applied to adopting an adult dog .
Choosing a Breed
The first thing you need to do to start your puppy search is evaluate what you want out of a dog . Do you want a protective dog that will help guard the house ? Are you looking for a hiking buddy ? Or do you prefer a couch potato ? Picking a dog breed is generally based upon this type of question . Here are some examples :
If You are Looking for : I Suggest :
Purchase or Adopt
After you have decided on a breed , it is time to decide where to get the dog . Should you purchase a dog or adopt one ? Both rescue groups and breeders can be great places to find a dog . Even if you have your heart set on a purebred dog it is still a good idea to check local shelters and rescues . There are often breed specific rescues that specialize in various breeds and can help you find the puppy of your dreams !
A protective dog to fit your active lifestyle
A protective dog with a more low key temperament
An active dog that is easy to train and instantly welcomes all guests into your home
German Shepherd Doberman American Bulldog
Mastiff Bernese Mountain Dog Greater Swiss Mountain Dog
Goldendoodle Bernedoodle Golden Retriever
Previous dog experience should also influence your decision . Certain dogs do not make great pets for first time dog owners . If it ’ s your first go around , you may want to avoid breeds like Siberian Huskies , Border Collies , Chow Chows , and Akitas . If it is your first time and you do choose one of these dogs it is not the end of the world . You will just need to expect that you will have more work on your hands than if you choose an easier breed .
Also keep in mind that you don ’ t need to choose a purebred . When considering mixed breeds simply research each breed that a particular dog contains to see if the breed is appropriate for you and your lifestyle . This will help you make an informed guess of that dogs future tendencies . My biggest piece of advice when picking a breed is to do your research and not pick a breed solely based upon looks or how they act on television .
Whether you decide to buy a puppy or adopt one , you should do your research . Meet with the owners / managers and discuss what you are looking for in a dog . A good rescue group or breeder will be able to help you determine if you are looking at the right breed . If you don ’ t like the vibe of a specific facility , there are plenty of other ones out there . Don ’ t feel like you should purchase a dog from someone simply because of dog bloodlines or championship pedigree , etc . For the average dog owner this may not be very important information .
If you do decide to get a dog from a breeder , you should evaluate the breeder carefully . Good breeders will allow you to meet the parents of the litter so that you can evaluate their temperaments . Just because the parents of a litter have a good temperament doesn ’ t guarantee that the entire litter will , but it is certainly a good sign . Most breeders will be open about their breeding history , so feel free to ask questions if you suspect inbreeding may be an issue . I would also inquire about Orthopedic Foundation for Animals ( OFA ) certifications and other health information on the parents . Having some knowledge on the health of the parents ’ hips , eyes and knees will certainly give you insights on the likelihood of the puppies being healthy .
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