Choosing the right puppy from the litter is your next step in the process of bringing your new dog home…
Seeing the puppies with their mother in the place where they were born will help you to get a feel for the puppies characteristics and personalities. Always choose a puppy that has been bred in a family home, as opposed to a barn or outbuilding. This is because puppies that have been bred in a family home will be used to a busy household environment. Puppies that have not been bred in a family home are much more likely to be anxious and develop behaviour problems.
Our Story
The pups are almost 5 weeks old now and Jase and I have just come back from our weekly visit. They have been venturing outdoors now for a week and are eating solid foods. Now that they are exploring the big wide world, their little personalities and temperaments are starting to come out.
Choosing a reputable breeder means they will actually care about which home their pups go to. They will want to make sure that each pup’s temperament will suit the home it will be going to. David and Kerryn have been amazing with this. They have been getting to know all of us who are getting one of their pups and assessing our personalities and our lifestyles to try and find the best pup to suit us.
Although Jase and I both work full time, we are both very active and will make sure we take our pup/dog out twice a day. Plus, when the pup is a bit older he will spend two days a week at our parents places with other dogs so he isn’t left home alone too often.
Male or Female?
Some people just have a preference. Jase and I have decided to get a male. Jase has always had female dogs and wants a change and I have always had male dogs and want to stick to that! It has nothing to do with us liking boys anymore than girls; it’s just our personal preference right now.
It is important to know that there are some characteristics that are common in females and other characteristics that are common in males. Before choosing your puppy it is important to evaluate these characteristics and determine which sex would fit in best with you and your lifestyle. Additionally, if you already have another dog at home, choosing between a male and female is also important. So make sure to have a chat with the breeders about this and if you are unsure on which sex, they should be able to guide you.
How to tell if a puppy is healthy
Make sure the puppies have clear, bright eyes and clean ears that don’t smell. Look for clean teeth and pink gums, shiny, soft fur, a clean bottom and no sign of fleas.
So what are we looking for?
We would love a pup that is ok at being on his own, is not the most outgoing pup in the litter, but is also not the most timid pup hiding in the corner. We want an even temperament – a pup that is happy to play with us and happy to be left alone and will come to us when we try to interact with him.
It all depends on what you are after, but generally I think that middle of the road is best and that is what Jase and I are going for.
Here are five tips for you to use when trying to find the pups that fits in the middle…
Pup comes to you when you interact with it
Pup cuddles up and likes being patted, climbs onto your knee or sits next to you
Pup lays on its back with some struggle and eye contact but can relax
Pup is happy to interact with you again after you let it up
Pup is happy and relaxed when elevated, will look around the room
Today David and Kerryn have told us that ‘Brown Man’ – the pup wearing the brown collar will be our little man!!
We are over the moon! He is actually the pup that has been in my weekly photos. We already love him to pieces and can’t wait to bring him home!
21 sleeps to go until we bring our little man home…
Disclaimer: Cooper and Kids will not be liable for anything that happens to you, your dog or children by following the advice and tips in this article. If you have real concerns or worries about your dog and/or safety of your children, please seek out a professional to come and assess the situation asap.
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Comment (1)
Lisa Klibansky September 10, 2012 at 1:13 am
Congrats Mel and Jase!