Choosing a new puppy is a big decision to make and it’s important to be led by your head and not your heart. We have lots of advice on our website and will come and help you choose your puppy, meet its mother and chat with the breeder
Why I love my job!
I had a lovely evening recently, helping a friend choose a puppy.
The plan was for me to do some temperament tests on the puppies, but they were very tired when we got there and just wanted to sleep, so I couldn’t do everything I’d planned to.
Be prepared and do your research!
We’ve got a whole section on our website that you can read and learn from before you get your puppy. How to decide which breed is best for you, what to look for and much, much more. We are always happy to come with you to help you choose, too – just ask.
My friend had decided she wanted a German Shepherd puppy. She had heard about this particular litter and gone to see them when the pups were only 3 weeks old. The mother, Millie, had such a sweet nature and Millie’s mother was the same, though sadly she passed away very soon after that initial visit.
What to look out for when choosing your puppy
The breeder met all the key requirements – the puppies were kept in the house and had met lots of people from the start, including children from baby to late teenage. They showed us pictures of the sire and the pedigrees of both parents, although that is not an essential to have, had had all the puppies checked by their vet and were honest about vet findings – one of the pups had a heart murmur. These will often settle during puppyhood, but they may not, so any potential buyer needs to know.
The mother’s personality and temperament are the most important things to look at when choosing a pup. They should be friendly, happy to let you come in, see and handle the puppies. If the breeder shuts the mother away, or she shows any aggression or mistrust, or barks and barks when you arrive and doesn’t stop – walk away.
Temperament tests on puppies are not infallible but can give you a good idea of what the pup’s personality is likely to be. Before these puppies collapsed into sleep, I was able to do a few of the tests, which they passed with flying colours. One off tests can always potentially give false results – perhaps the puppy was off colour, or too tired, or just having an off day. I’ve given a copy of the tests to the new owners so they can repeat them if they want over the next few days.
I’ve asked the new owners to keep great records and take lots of videos. Watch this space!
I love my job – especially when puppies are involved!
Keep training and stay safe,
Carol
