When you are deciding on a new puppy it can be difficult given all of the amazing options available. When you see advertisements that say lab puppies for sale, it can be easy to get excited and choose the first dog you see. But it’s best to take a second before you actually choose the puppy, otherwise, pet ownership can become complicated.
When picking out your puppy, it can be overwhelming to decide which one is the best fit for you. There are so many options, and since is still young, it can be hard to know its real personality.
Think about your needs
Before even seeing the puppies ask yourself what kind of dog will be best for you and your family. Knowing what kind of personality will work best for your needs before seeing the adorable pups can help relieve a lot of pressure.
If you go in knowing you are looking for a more gentle and easy-going puppy, you can focus more on finding the right fit once you see the puppies.
This is also an excellent time to ensure that you can get a pet right now and that getting a pet right now is actually a good idea for you and your family.
Check temperament
If you can, go see the puppy. Watch it interact with the other puppies and see how it plays. A good puppy should be playing with others. Make sure the puppy doesn’t seem too shy. This can signify that this dog will always be skittish.
If you can get up close. See if it seems curious and trusting. You want a puppy who seems naturally curious and playful. Play with the puppies until you find one you really connect with.
Observe puppies as a group
You will want to see the entire litter together. See if you can find the one at the top and the bottom of the chain. The top puppy will likely seem bossy and take toys and attention from the others. The bottom puppy will likely seem most timid, and the others may pick on it.
This can be a good way to see what a puppy’s personality will be like when you bring it home. A bossy puppy who wants to win the games will probably remain that way. The timid will probably be shyer and take longer to get out of its shell.
Play with the puppies one-on-one
The only authentic way to know how you will interact with a puppy is to see how it interacts with just you. This can help some puppies to show their true personality since they don’t have the group with them.
Some puppies get more open and playful, while others may show that they are timider away from the group.
Inspect the puppy’s body
Sometimes signs of health issues can be present in. Inspecting a puppy’s entire body to make sure it looks healthy and doesn’t appear sick is a great idea.
You also want to make sure the puppy looks like it can walk properly. Puppies are clumsy but should still hold their weight evenly and shouldn’t limp.
Discuss with the breeder
Since a breeder has seen the since they were born and has likely taken them to a vet, ask them if there are any health issues present. You can also ask about what different temperaments and personalities they have noticed in the puppies.
This is also a great time to ask the breeder about what vaccinations and other services they provide before you bring the puppy home.
Consider training
Some breeders offer training for puppies before you even take them home. For others, the training is entirely up to you.
Knowing how much training is needed for a dog and seeing how well behaved they are with a breeder can be a huge factor. Every dog will need training, but a more stubborn dog can make training even harder.
Don’t be afraid to take a step back
Sometimes the best thing to do is to give yourself some space to think things over. It can be hard to have a clear head and good judgment when playing with all of the puppies. Especially when it seems the cute puppies are all begging you to take them home.
Giving yourself some time away to think without the pressure of the puppies right next to you and asking for advice can help you make the right decision.
Final thoughts
Puppies are adorable, and adding a furry canine to your family can be a great idea. Still, ensuring you pick the right for your needs is crucial.
Considering your personal needs along with a puppy’s personality, health, and training needs is a great way to make sure you pick the right pup.
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