How to Pick the Right Puppy

Getting a puppy is something that will change your life. All puppies are tempting because they are cute and playful. But don't make a decision without thinking it through. The following steps will help you find the right place to search for your new puppy, and then find the right one to bring home as a new member of the family.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Start with your local humane society, animal shelter or breed rescue group. So many wonderful puppies in these facilities need homes and you CAN find purebred dogs in shelters. The great benefit is that most of these facilities have animal behavior experts that have spent time with these little ones, and can give you a lot of information about their breed and personality.

2. Narrow down the places where you want to search for your puppy, then call the ones left on your list before driving all over. Decide which breed you want if that is important to you. Ask the shelter how old the puppies are that they have, how many puppies are available and whether any mothers are available for you to meet. Meeting the mom (and the dad, if possible) can tell you what kind of temperament your puppy will have as she grows up.

3. Always think about how the size and temperament of the dog will fit into your life. All puppies are little and cute, but they grow up! Be realistic about how your new pet is going to look and act as it grows, which only takes a few months. Can you handle a 90-pound dog? Again, ask questions and do your research.

4. Start meeting puppies! Many times, people are drawn to the ones that wag and jump and lick and wiggle all over the place. That is cute but in some cases it never stops. If you are looking at a litter, find the one that is paying attention to you, but maybe not so hyper. Get a stuffed animal or a toy of some sort, and wave it around a little. See which one pays attention: comes forward to you but doesn't jump all over you. This responsiveness is a good indication of a smart dog.

5. Before you make your commitment, let the puppy meet your family. This includes your spouse, children and other pets. See how he reacts to them, and vice versa. It is traumatic for you and the animal if you take him home but then have to return him.

Tips & Warnings

• Puppy-proof your house. Most puppies chew when they are little.

• Plan to take your puppy to obedience school.

• Crate training is recommended by most experts. It helps with housebreaking, and other issues.

• Don't adopt the very first puppy you see; it's tempting but everyone will be happier in the long run if you make an informed decision based on more than impulse.

• Make sure you adopt a dog from a reputable facility.