Choose Your Dog
Are you undecided about what type of dog would mesh with your lifestyle? A puppy or an older dog? A purebred or mixed breed? Small or large? High energy or couch potato?
- Think about breed or mixed breed personalities and what would suit you best.
- Take a good hard look at yourself. What do you like to do for fun? Get a breed or mixed breed who can share your interest.
- How much space and time do you have for a dog? Get a breed or mixed breed that can cope with your lifestyle.
- What's your lifestyle situation? If you have children or pets, choose a happy-go-lucky breed that cohabitates well with others. It makes a big difference!
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Put some serious thought into what personality you would most enjoy living with. By seven weeks of age, puppies have begun to develop a world-view. Each puppy has a unique personality and behaves accordingly. Energetic, bright, and bossy types are highest in the hierarchy. More laid-back puppies are in the middle ground, and more timid types rank lowest.
Which puppy is right for you? A good rule is that you will need persistence to convince a high-ranking puppy of your authority, patience to train the relaxed middle levels, and time to build up a shy puppy's self-esteem. How will you recognize your future family member by their personality? Here are a few signs;
The Top Dog will be playing and wrestling, mock fighting with squeaky toys and she will charge forward to meet you with her tail wagging furiously. She mouths excessively, jumps, and may climb on top of you to show off her confidence. Hint: she will need a companion with the time and perseverance to train her; without this serious commitment, the puppy will become a tyrant and make a difficult family pet.
The Middleman loves to explore, she defends herself in a wrestling match, but competition is not her cup of tea. She will sit calmly, perhaps getting up to follow you around the room. Her energy level is moderate and she is a great dog for laid-back families, having a high tolerance for noise and confusion. Her need for training will not result in a battle for control.
The Passive or Shy Pup will submit passively to other puppies, and enjoy quiet interaction and play, or may show fear when approached by more dominant littermates. These puppies may be content to watch, or sit in a corner. Their companions should use the gentlest handling techniques and be prepared to do everything possible to enhance the puppy's self image, using lots of positive reinforcement. An extremely shy puppy may not be good with children, because loud noises and chaos send her into a state of shock.
Take With You The Puppy Assessment Form-Selecting the Puppy that is right for you. By now, you should know which type of puppy you'd like to bring home with you. Active Puppies are a lot of work, but they're also lots of fun. Spirited and intelligent, they are well-appreciated by those who have the time and determination needed to train them. Neutral puppies are relaxed and undemanding - sort of the "regular guys" of the dog world. Passive and shy puppies appreciate love and support but are fearful of change. They do best in a consistent environment.
Now you are ready to select your pup, or perhaps you have a puppy already and you wish to assess his or her personality. Click here to "DOWNLOAD THE PUPPY ASSESSMENT FORM" and instructions for assessment to determine temperament of your puppy.
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