The Biggest Mistake to Avoid When Selecting a Puppy

The biggest mistake to avoid when selecting a puppy is one that we see well-meaning pet owners make frequently.

What is it?

Prioritizing appearance. 

Yep, as simple as that!

Whether you're going through a reputable breeder or through a rescue program when selecting a puppy, don't fall into the trap of looking for a specific coloring and allowing that preference to take precedent over more important factors.

This is why we strongly recommend to our partner breeders and rescues that they not allow puppy families to pre-select their puppy based on pictures alone. It's easy to fall in love with a photo, when in reality the puppy you've chosen may not be the best selection for your family.

In a litter, there are often a huge variety of temperaments between the puppies, and you can really begin to see their unique quirks and personalities around 7 weeks of age. For that reason, we recommend families consider selecting about at around that age. Puppies should go home between 8-10 weeks of age – no sooner.

So, if appearance should take a backseat when selecting a puppy, what should you be focusing on?

The quality and purpose of the breeding.

This can't be emphasized enough! Be sure your breeder is conducting relevant genetic testing and offers a health guarantee on their puppies. You should be able to see the puppies and at least one, if not both, parents at some point during the puppy raising process. Please avoid commercial pet stores and online pet retailers that will ship a dog to you, sight unseen.

Beyond that, look at the purpose of the breeding, especially if you're looking at a working breed. There's a huge difference in drive, energy level, and mental/physical stimulation needs between a working, field-line Labrador and a show-line Labrador. You need to ensure you're picking the right type of breeder for your family.

If your puppy is coming from a foster home, be sure to meet one or either parent dog (when possible) and ensure that the foster is doing early neural stimulation.

The first eight weeks of a puppy's life, in conjunction with genetics, are two things you don't have direct control over, so it's up to you to choose wisely as to who is in control.

The engagement level of the puppy.

When you do have the opportunity to meet a litter or an individual puppy, the level of engagement you get from that puppy is going to give you critical information about what you can expect in bringing that puppy home.

While it's always fantastic to enlist the help of a professional to help you evaluate a litter, your own gut can often guide you to make the right choice when selecting a puppy (provided you aren't hung up on a puppy's appearance!)

Puppies should be curious about new people and should approach you quickly and confidently.

Concerning behaviors in an evaluation would include:

• Cowering or freezing upon petting
• Running away or hiding when approached
• Barking or growling at the approach of a person (not in play)
• Refusal of food in the presence of a new person
• Fixation on biting and tugging on pants, shoes, hands, unless you're looking for a higher-drive dog (some mild interest in nipping/tugging is fine and normal for a pet dog)
• Relentless rough play with siblings despite attempts from the siblings to diffuse the play (crying out, running away, snapping, etc)

The lifestyle of your family.

We tend to focus so much on the puppy that we lose sight of what we want in a new addition. What does your family's lifestyle look like? Are you looking for a couch potato, or a dog that can keep up on your long hikes?

Be sure that you're matching your prospective dog's breed (or your best guess at their breed mix) and the anticipated needs of that breed to what works best for your family. All dogs are individuals, but genetics and breed have a huge impact on behavior.

Lastly, we recommend selecting only one puppy, and not bringing home littermates.

Questions? Ask away in the comments below. We also offer private and group online dog training that's accessible from anywhere in the world, as well as in-person dog and puppy training if you're in the Atlanta, Georgia area. More details here, or contact us.