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| You're ready for a family pet, a puppy.
You have done the research and evaluated various breeds (or combinations of breeds) and have a good idea which will suit you and your family. You have found a reputable breeder and perhaps had to wait for a litter to be the age when they can leave their mother. Now you go to look at the puppies. How on earth will you know which one is for you? First, do not take the whole family to look at the puppies. Go by yourself or with your spouse or partner. View the puppies as they play. Are the quarters and the puppies clean? Icky as it seems, watch if any of the puppies relieves himself. You are checking to see that things appear normal. If the stools are runny or if the pup is straining, do not be afraid to leave and come back another day. It may be that the pups are simply off that day, or there could be a more serious problem. Try not to take home a sick puppy. Next, watch the pups interact with each other. Take your time. Look them over. Which one seems more aggressive, which one too timid. Is there one still sleeping through all the commotion? He could simply be sleepy, or he may be deaf. Some breeds are more prone to deafness. Make a little noise, like a whistle. See if they are alert, which one notices first. Do any spy you and dash right over, do any hang back? Is there one who runs to the corner furthest away from you? Generally, you don't want the most forward or aggressive pup, nor the timid one. You want one that notices you, studies you a bit, then comes toward you, curious and confident, yet moderately cautious. Touch and pat the pups. Notice their reaction to your touch, if they are afraid or comfortable. Do any play and bite, do any slink down? Beware of both. It's easy to be drawn to the sweet little pup in the corner, the one watching you with big brown eyes, but he may be too timid for you later on. Pick up the puppies, carefully, one by one. Feel them for firm and healthy muscle tone and weight. They should neither be thin or overly fat. A nice, rounded feel is good for most breeds, though the greyhound family and other thinner breeds are naturally on the slim side. Check the coat, Is the hair shiny and clean and free of parasites. Are the ears clean? Eyes bright. Tongue pink? Also check for protruding belly buttons which may indicate hernia. And, check the teeth to see if they are reasonably aligned, the uppers only slightly outside of the lowers, though an even bite is acceptable in most breeds. A pup you like, if it has genetic or structural problems, will not make a good or sturdy pet. Pick another. Lastly, find one that has markings or color you like. But, color and markings should be your least concern, health and attitude being most important. It goes without saying that, unless this is a neighborhood mutt litter, most breeders have given the puppies their first shots and they've been vet checked. Ask about guarantees when buying registered dogs. They cost more, and there should be some assurance you are getting a healthy pup for your money. Also inquire if you should take the pup to your own veterinarian and if there is a problem can you bring the pup back for a refund? Most reputable breeders will already have that in their contracts. Mutt or pure-bred, your puppy will be a member of your household for many years. Taking the time to select the right one, even if you have to pass up those in the first litter, will make your choice much more satisfying in the end. |