How to Choose a New Puppy
- 1). Decide on the breed that best fits your lifestyle, living situation and time allowance. Do you live in an apartment? Choose a small breed. Do you like to jog and want to take your dog with you? Choose an athletic breed. Do you need a dog that's good with children? See "Find the Right Dog: Raising Spot" in resources for a list of questions and qualifications you should consider when choosing your new puppy.
- 2). Do more research. Once you've decided on the breed of puppy you want, use the Internet to find approved breeders. Going to a breeder will give you a good selection. The breeder will be able to give you information and advice on the breed and on the puppy you choose. If you'd rather adopt a puppy, do research with breeders, and then check your local humane society for the breed of dog you're looking for.
- 3). Use a weeding-out process and ask some more questions to pick the right one for you. When faced with a litter of adorable puppies, start by looking at the sire (dad) and dam (mom), along with the rest of the litter. Make sure they're all happy, with bright eyes and good temperaments.
- 4). Spend some time with the litter and consider a couple of the puppies. The puppy you choose should be friendly and not shy of you. Check for a clean nose, ears and eyes, a healthy weight and a shiny coat. Don't take a puppy that is sick or coughing.
- 5). Spend some one-on-one time with the puppy when you've narrowed your choice to one. Pick up the puppy and hold it on its back in your arms. If the puppy stays calm, it may a good choice. If it squirms and fights with you, it may mean that the puppy is shy, nervous or strong-willed. That puppy might be hard to train. Use your judgment to gauge the puppy's reaction and your ability to deal with it. If you're happy with the puppy you've chosen, take the pup home.
