What to avoid when choosing a puppy

By Isabella Storyclaire

last updated September 16, 2024

Contributions sourced from

What to Avoid When Choosing a Puppy: Tips from Experts

Choosing a puppy can be an exciting experience, but its important to remember that its a decision that should not be taken lightly.

There are many factors to consider when choosing a puppy, from breed and temperament to health and socialization.

In this article, we will discuss what to avoid when choosing a puppy to ensure that you make an informed decision that is right for you and your family.

One of the most important things to keep in mind when choosing a puppy is their temperament.

Its important to choose a puppy that has a temperament that matches your lifestyle and personality.

Some puppies may be too high energy or too shy, while others may be more laid-back and easygoing.

By understanding puppy temperaments, you can avoid choosing a puppy that is not a good fit for you.

Another important consideration when choosing a puppy is identifying responsible breeders.

A responsible breeder will prioritize the health and well-being of their puppies, and will be able to provide you with information about the puppys parents and their health history.

By choosing a responsible breeder, you can ensure that you are getting a healthy puppy that has been raised in a safe and nurturing environment.

Key Takeaways What to Avoid When Choosing a Puppy

Understanding puppy temperaments is crucial when choosing a puppy.
Identifying responsible breeders can help ensure that you get a healthy puppy.
Preparing for a new puppy and evaluating their living conditions are also important considerations.

Understanding Puppy Temperaments

When choosing a puppy, its important to understand their temperament and personality. This will help you find a puppy that matches your lifestyle and personality. Here are some things to keep in mind:

Assessing Temperament and Personality

One of the most important things to consider when choosing a puppy is their temperament.

A puppys temperament is their natural disposition and behavior.

Some puppies are naturally more outgoing and friendly, while others are more reserved and cautious.

Its important to choose a puppy with a temperament that matches your lifestyle and personality.

When assessing a puppys temperament, there are a few things to look for.

A good puppy should be friendly and outgoing, with a wagging tail and high ears.

They should be curious and interested in their surroundings.

A nervous puppy may cower or hide, while a dominant puppy may be overly aggressive or pushy.

Temperament Tests and Red Flags

To get a better understanding of a puppys temperament, you can perform a temperament test.

These tests can help identify any red flags or potential issues with a puppys temperament.

One common test is the Volhard Puppy Aptitude Test (PAT), which tests for social attraction, following, restraint, social dominance, elevation dominance, retrieving, touch sensitivity, and sound sensitivity.

Its important to look out for any red flags or warning signs when assessing a puppys temperament.

A puppy that is overly aggressive or fearful may not be a good fit for your home.

Similarly, a puppy that is overly dominant or submissive may have issues with training and socialization.

Identifying Responsible Breeders

When looking for a puppy, its important to choose a responsible breeder who prioritizes the health and well-being of their dogs. Here are some things to look for when identifying a reputable breeder:

Reputable Breeder Qualities

Breeding Standards: A responsible breeder should have high breeding standards and only breed dogs that meet specific criteria. They should be knowledgeable about the breed and its health issues, and should be able to provide documentation of health screenings for the puppys parents.
Puppy Socialization: A good breeder will socialize their puppies from a young age, exposing them to different environments, people, and other animals. This helps the puppy develop into a well-adjusted adult dog.
References and Reviews: A reputable breeder should be able to provide references from previous puppy buyers and positive reviews online. This shows that they have a good track record of producing healthy, happy puppies.

Warning Signs of Puppy Mills

Multiple Breeds: Puppy mills often have multiple breeds of dogs for sale, as they prioritize quantity over quality. A responsible breeder will typically specialize in one or two breeds.
Poor Living Conditions: Puppy mills often keep their dogs in cramped, unsanitary conditions with little access to food or water. A reputable breeder will keep their dogs in clean, comfortable living spaces with plenty of room to move around.
Lack of Health Screening: Puppy mills often breed dogs without regard for their health or genetic issues. A responsible breeder will always conduct health screenings on their breeding dogs to ensure that they are producing healthy puppies.

Health Considerations

When choosing a puppy, it is important to consider their overall health. This includes not only physical health but also their medical history, vaccinations, and deworming. In this section, we will discuss some health considerations to keep in mind when choosing a puppy.

Spotting Health Problems Early

It is important to be able to spot any health problems early on in your puppys life.

This can include issues with their eyes, ears, nose, skin, or any limping or abnormal behavior.

Look for any signs of discharge, swelling, or redness in their eyes or ears.

Check their nose for any signs of discharge or congestion.

Make sure to inspect their skin for any bumps, rashes, or signs of irritation.

If you notice any limping or abnormal behavior, it is important to bring this up with your veterinarian.

Importance of Veterinarian Visits

Regular visits to the veterinarian are crucial for your puppys overall health.

During these visits, your veterinarian will be able to check for any potential health problems and ensure that your puppy is up to date on their vaccinations and deworming.

It is also important to provide your veterinarian with your puppys health history, including any previous medical conditions or treatments.

The Importance of Puppy Socialization

As future pet owners, we must understand that socialization is an essential part of a puppys development.

Socialization is the process of introducing a puppy to new experiences, people, and other animals to help them learn how to interact with the world around them.

Socialization with Litter Mates and Humans

Socialization with litter mates is crucial for a puppys development.

Puppies learn important social skills from their litter mates, such as bite inhibition and communication.

Furthermore, socialization with humans is equally important.

Puppies that are not socialized with humans may become fearful or aggressive towards them.

To socialize a puppy with humans, it is important to expose them to a variety of people of different ages, genders, and ethnicities.

It is also important to expose them to different environments, such as parks, busy streets, and shopping centers.

Socialization and Future Behavior

Proper socialization during a puppys critical period (between 3 and 14 weeks of age) can have a significant impact on their future behavior.

Puppies that are not socialized may become fearful or aggressive towards other animals and humans.

This can lead to behavior problems that are difficult to correct later in life.

On the other hand, puppies that are well-socialized are more likely to be confident, well-behaved, and happy.

They are more likely to enjoy interacting with other animals and humans, making them better companions.

Choosing the Right Breed for Your Lifestyle

When choosing a puppy, it is essential to ensure that you select the right breed that matches your lifestyle.

A dog is a long-term commitment, and you want to make sure that you can provide for the puppys needs and that the puppy can fit into your lifestyle.

Matching Energy Levels and Activities

One of the most important things to consider when choosing a breed is matching the energy levels and activities of the breed with your lifestyle.

If you are an active person who enjoys hiking, running, or other high-energy activities, you should consider a breed that matches your energy levels.

Breeds such as terriers, retrievers, and shepherds are high-energy dogs that require a lot of exercise and activities.

On the other hand, if you prefer a more relaxed lifestyle, you may want to consider a breed that is calmer and requires less exercise, such as a Basset Hound or a Bulldog.

Considering Your Living Environment

Another important factor to consider when choosing a breed is your living environment. If you live in an apartment or a small house with no backyard, you may want to consider a breed that is smaller and requires less space.

On the other hand, if you have a large backyard and live in a quiet neighborhood, you may want to consider a breed that is larger and more active. Additionally, you should consider the noise level of the breed.

Some breeds are known for being loud and may not be suitable for apartment living, while others are quieter and more suited to living in close quarters.

Evaluating the Puppys Living Conditions

When choosing a puppy, it is important to evaluate the living conditions of the breeders home or kennel. This will give us an idea of how the puppy has been raised and the environment it has been exposed to.

We can make a more informed decision about the puppys health and temperament by taking the time to assess its current living conditions.

Visit the Breeders Home or Kennel

We recommend visiting the breeders home or kennel to see how the puppies are being raised. This will give us an idea of how the puppies have been socialized and what kind of environment they have been exposed to.

When visiting the breeders home or kennel, we should pay attention to the cleanliness of the living conditions. A reputable breeder will have clean and well-maintained facilities.

Assessing the Puppys Current Environment

We should also assess the puppys current environment. This will give us an idea of how the puppy has been living and what kind of care it has been receiving.

When assessing the puppys current environment, we should look for signs of neglect or mistreatment. We should also observe the puppys behavior to see if it seems healthy and happy.

Preparing for a New Puppy

Getting a new puppy can be an exciting time for you and your family. However, it is important to prepare for your new furry friends arrival to ensure a smooth transition.

In this section, we will discuss some essential supplies and training tips to help you create a welcoming home environment for your new puppy.

Essential Supplies and Training

Before bringing your new puppy home, it is important to have some essential supplies on hand. These include:

A crate or carrier
Food and water bowls
Puppy food
Collar and leash
Toys
Chew toys
Treats
Training pads or newspapers
Grooming supplies

In addition to supplies, it is important to start training your puppy from day one. Begin with basic commands such as sit, stay, and come.

Use positive reinforcement techniques such as treats and praise to encourage good behavior. Consistency is key when it comes to training your new puppy.

Creating a Welcoming Home Environment

Creating a welcoming home environment for your new puppy is essential. Choose a quiet and private area of your house for your puppys bed and crate. Make sure to include soft blankets and toys in their space.

It is also important to puppy-proof your home by removing any hazardous items such as chemicals, electrical cords, and small objects that your puppy could swallow.

When it comes to diet and exercise, consult with your veterinarian to determine the best food for your puppys age and breed.

Provide plenty of opportunities for exercise and playtime to keep your puppy healthy and happy.

Final Considerations Before Choosing

When it comes to choosing a puppy, there are a few final considerations to keep in mind. These include reviewing puppy contracts and pedigrees, as well as understanding animal welfare and legal responsibilities.

Reviewing Puppy Contracts and Pedigrees

Before making a final decision on a puppy, it is important to review the puppy contract and pedigree. A puppy contract should outline the terms of the sale, including any health guarantees, return policies, and breeding restrictions.

It is important to review this contract carefully and ensure that it is fair and reasonable. Pedigrees can provide valuable information about a puppys lineage, including the breed standard and any potential health issues.

It is important to review the pedigree carefully and ensure that it is accurate and complete.

Understanding Animal Welfare and Legal Responsibilities

As dog owners, we have a legal responsibility to ensure that our pets are well-cared for and protected from harm. This includes providing adequate food, water, shelter, and veterinary care.

It is also important to consider animal welfare when choosing a puppy. This means choosing a reputable seller who prioritizes the health and well-being of their animals.

The RSPCA provides a printable checklist for choosing the right puppy, which includes factors such as activity level, appearance, and temperament.

When meeting a potential puppy, it is important to observe their behavior and body language. A curious and playful puppy with their tail up is generally a good sign, while a withdrawn or anxious puppy may have underlying health or behavioral issues.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the common indicators of poor health in a puppy?

Its important to be able to identify the common indicators of poor health in a puppy before adopting one. These indicators include:

lethargy
loss of appetite
vomiting
diarrhea
coughing
sneezing
discharge from the eyes or nose

If you notice any of these symptoms, its important to bring the puppy to a veterinarian for a checkup.

How can you tell if a puppy has behavioral issues?

Behavioral issues can be more difficult to identify than health issues, but there are some signs to look out for. These include:

excessive barking
biting
growling
destructive behavior
fearfulness

Its important to spend time with a puppy before adopting it to observe its behavior and temperament.

What are the warning signs of a disreputable breeder?

There are several warning signs that a breeder may not be reputable. These include:

selling puppies at too young of an age
not allowing potential adopters to see the living conditions of the puppies and their parents
not providing health guarantees or vaccination records
having a large number of puppies for sale at one time

At what age is it too early to separate a puppy from its mother?

Puppies should not be separated from their mother before they are 8 weeks old. Separating them too early can lead to behavioral issues and health problems.

Its important to make sure that the breeder you are working with follows this guideline.