Choosing the best puppy from a litter isn’t always the easiest decision. Here’s, thanks to Blue Fire Pits, how to pick a puppy from a litter and the characteristics you should look for…
How to Pick a Puppy From a Litter: Characteristics to Look For
The day you pick out a puppy is like Christmas, only way better. That’s why 38% of Australian households include a dog. Aussie’s know what great companions dogs can be.
While we’d argue that’s it’s nearly impossible to pick a bad puppy, there are some things to keep in mind. Check out these tips on how to pick a puppy from a litter to suit your family and your lifestyle.
Friendliness
Unless you’re picking out a dog to guard your junkyard, you want a friendly dog. This is especially true if you have children in the house. Dogs are a delight to have as part of the family. But aggressive or unpredictable ones can be dangerous.
Thus, watch to see how the puppies react to newcomers. Does the puppy approach you with exuberance and curiosity? Or does he seem shy and want to hide? Keep in mind that it’s easier to teach an exuberant dog not to jump on people than it is to build a shy dog’s confidence.
Handling
How does the dog feel about being handled? Is he excited to be petted? Does he want to play? Cuddle and handle the puppy all over to see how he reacts to belly scratches or having his paws touched.
A puppy that backs away or gets annoyed if you try to touch him probably won’t make a good family dog. With lots of socialization and training, you may be able to change that, but you’ll have to be ready to commit to a lot of work.
Sensitivity to Sounds
How does the puppy react to a sudden loud noise? It’s normal for a puppy to react, especially for sound-sensitive breeds like herding dogs.
However, if the puppy has a meltdown, that could signify trouble. This usually means that the puppy has not been sufficiently socialized from birth. It’s hard to overcome those challenges after the fact and you’ll have to spend a lot of time working with the puppy.
Health
Check the puppy over to see how it has been cared for. He should have a nice, shiny coat and be neither too skinny or too fat. If you’re concerned about some aspect of the pup’s health, you can always ask to have a vet look at him first.
You can check his hearing by clapping or making small sounds and seeing that he reacts. Try holding up a treat in his line of sight to see if he sees it and makes an effort to get it.
Of course, one of the best ways to ensure that you get the perfect puppy is by choosing a reputable breeder (like Blue Fire Pits who have written this article) or shelter. They will ensure that all their pups are healthy and properly socialized before sending them off to their new homes.
Now You Know How to Pick a Puppy from a Litter
It isn’t too difficult to learn how to pick a puppy from a litter. Just remember not to get too swept up in how the puppy looks and be more concerned with his temperament, demeanor, and health. That’s how you’ll find the perfect puppy for your family.
To learn more about choosing the perfect puppy, feel free to check out more of our blog!
About the author:
Thanks to the folks at Blue Fire Pits for this article.
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