Sep
28
Filed Under (Dog Training) by Roger Thompson

Welsh terrier dogs were originally bred as hunting dogs. However, this native breed of Wales soon rose to become show dogs. Breeders attempted to outdo each other by developing the Welsh terrier dogs’ wiry coats and coloration. People often take a Welsh terrier dog as a pet because it is one of the most mild-mannered of terriers.

You might think that this characteristic would make it one of the more boring terriers. In fact, even the most die-hard terrier fan can have fun with this breed. This is because of the reason that Welsh terrier dogs love to play. This makes the Welsh terrier dog a great companion.

Although not as high-energy as other breeds, this dog still is a terrier, which means that it still does contain some high levels of energy. Because of this, it is advised that they be given proper exercise regularly. Another good advice to follow is to properly socialize the dog at an early age. This would help the dog be friendlier towards humans and would help the dog to develop a good tolerance of other animals. It is generally friendly around small kids, provided that the children do not provoke or pester it too much.

The Welsh terrier dog can be trained using different methods. What you need to keep in mind when training a Welsh terrier dog is that you can be firm but gentle. The Welsh terrier dog can be taught to perform a variety of tricks. This breed actually can do very well in fly ball tricks or tricks that involve catching flying things such as a Frisbee.

You should brush a Welsh terrier dog’s hair at least once a week in order to remove dead or loose hair. This would help prevent unnecessary shedding inside the house. Although regular cleaning is not really required, it is advisable that you wipe off dust and dirt from your dog regularly using a damp washcloth.

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Most owners are unfamiliar with the nature of a typical dog pack. They understand intuitively that canines live, and often migrate and roam, in groups. Many people are also aware there is a social order that prevents discord from festering within the pack. This order is the reason canines can live, work, and defend their homes together for years without significant problems. Owners who want to better understand why their pets behave in certain ways would be well-served by exploring how a dog pack works.

Below, we’ll take a glimpse at life within a typical pack. We’ll start with an overview of how canines interact with each other in such an environment, and explore their motivations for doing so. You’ll also learn how your dog’s behaviors are influenced by their instinctive pack mentality.

The Hierarchy Of A Pack

Most groups are limited to ten or fifteen dogs, and are usually composed of both males and females. Research has suggested that such groups follow a clearly defined dominance hierarchy. That is, there are no true peers in the group. Each canine has more authority than the ones below him, and less than the ones above him. Two animals do not occupy the same position.

In groups of mammals, including humans, this organizational structure has been shown to minimize the level and frequency of conflict among members. This is likely the reason there are few fights among those in the same pack. If a dog that is lower in the hierarchical structure challenges one with a higher status, the former is usually punished or driven away.

Life In The Pack

The canine with the most authority of the group is its leader. While this position comes with advantages, it is also one with important duties. The leader enjoys control of the pack’s resources. For example, he gets to choose the best food for himself; he is able to select where he will sleep; and he gets to pick a mate for himself from among the group. The leader is responsible for organizing and leading the group’s migration in the event moving becomes necessary. He must also guard the home and resources from marauders.

As mentioned earlier, lower-status dogs must concede to those above them. For this reason, life in the pack for them tends to be stressful. Researchers claim, however, these dogs tend to do well during migrations since they have learned to adapt to a constantly changing situation within their group.

How Your Dog Perceives Your Family

While canines realize that people are not dogs, they still perceive them through the lens of their pack mentality. Within your household, this means your family represents his group. Strangers represent potential marauders who come to steal resources. This is an important dynamic for owners to understand, especially when children are involved.

Recall that in the wild, the hierarchy is clearly defined. There is no confusion regarding which dog has more status and authority over another. In a domestic home, however, many canines become confused about the hierarchical structure when young children are present. Some begin to think they have more status than kids. If a child behaves in a way that suggests a challenge to the dog’s perceived authority, the pet may react as he would to a subordinate. This is the reason is it critical to establish your family’s authority over your pet.

When Canines Become Aggressive

Many owners are surprised when they observe their canines becoming increasingly aggressive with them. In a pack, such dogs are usually the beta group members. They rarely assert themselves against higher-status dogs because doing so leads to immediate retribution. Owners, on the other hand, are often loathe to punish their canines when they demonstrate mild aggression toward them. Instead, they wait, and hope the problem resolves itself. The dog predictably becomes more aggressive when it is clear he will not be punished.

The above discussion is useful in the context of understanding why your pet behaves in certain ways. Much can be traced to his instinctive pack mentality.

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Sep
27
Filed Under (Dog Training) by Trevor Weir

A joyful pup and its mistress once passed me on their walk in the park. The joy in the puppy’s half step half hop was quite evident. To it, every moving blade of grass was an investigative Sherlock Holmes mystery to be unraveled.

The high pitched yip yip yip repeated stops you in your tracks and like everyone else in the park, you turn to see what has happened to the joyful puppy. But your turn isn’t quite finished before you hear the deeper growl of another dog. Instinctively, you wish the puppy well and hope that the situation can be brought under control. You might even move towards the fracas in an effort to help calm the situation down.

In many parts of North America that problem dog is actually a dog that has inherent anger problems perhaps due to an owner who wasn’t loving and caring or problems due to inbreeding and or its part of its gene makeup.

My neighbor tells the story of his dog which is actually half dog and half Northern wolf.

Sometime last year he tied his dog to the back bumper of his vehicle and gave it a 5 meter length ( about 15 feet ) to play with. He remembers hearing a ruckus outside and running out to his front door to find the following scenario.

There, running free of its leash and cutting a line straight towards his big puppy was a vicious pit Bull. He remembers his dog backing up to the vehicle as if to get enough slack in its leash. In no time the pit bull had crossed 30 feet and without so much as a hello, launched itself in the air towards the puppy.

In less than a blink the Pit Bull was high in the air and reaching for his puppy’s jugular. However, his puppy was no longer there at all. Launching itself a split second earlier it was also in the air and much higher than the pit Bull. The pit Bull attempted to twist before it even hit the ground, but the wolf puppy was faster yet and by then had a grip on the throat of the pit Bull.

The half puppy did a very adult thing. With astonishing strength it growled and thew the pit bull about 6 feet away.

What happened next is the stuff of legends. The furious pitbull twisted before it hit the ground. Some say that it never touched the ground before it was instantly airborne again. But the story was different this time. The wolf puppy didn’t wait this time. It timed the rush perfectly and met the pit Bull almost at the end of its own leash. In a moment it was over. The big puppy snapped the neck of the pitBull and it was over.

No one knew how long this had all taken. It seemed to simultaneously happen so fast and then suddenly slow down as if time had been holding its breath. My neighbors big puppy, backed to the beginning of its leash and sat itself down gently, almost as if, all in a days work.

Its not my position to judge as to what was right and wrong about this. We were told however that the pit bull had attacked a youth in the preceding year and that it and or its owner was under some kind of suspension while its case was being decided. Normally, it would have been put down or something, but witnesses didn’t all tell the same story so…

I guess, the wheels of justice move slowly and that sometimes the animal kingdom simply takes things into its own. Afterward, everyone was very certain that the puppy would have stood no chance under the fierce onslaught of the pit Bull, but nature thought differently.

The story of the extremely aggressive pit bull and the half wolf puppy. Discover also how to go about training aggressive an dog This article, Pit Bull Attacks Half Wolf Puppy. has free reprint rights.

Sep
26

Your canine’s nails grow by the same process your own nails grow. Over time, they’ll extend to the point you’ll be able to hear them clicking against the ground. They should be trimmed before this occurs.

Many owners consider nail trimming to be a part of their dogs’ normal grooming routines. It’s important to realize, however, that a periodic trim is essential for your pet’s health. If you allow his claws to become too long, they can break and cause pain and bleeding. In some instances, they can curl under, and put pressure on the soft tissue of your canine’s paws. For this reason, learn to trim your dog’s claws properly; then, trim them on a regular basis.

This article will first explain why trimming your dog’s toenails may be challenging. You’ll also learn the procedure for trimming them as well as a few tips to make the task easier.

The Challenges Of Canine Nail Trimming

Most dogs loathe people handling their paws. They walk on them all day, and are extremely protective of them. In some cases – especially during the summer – their paws may hurt after walking on hot asphalt. As a result, they’re even less inclined to let others touch them. This is one of the reasons trimming your pooch’s claws may be problematic. Unless he is accustomed to your handling his paws, he may show resistance.

The second challenge is that many people who try to trim their canines’ toenails do so incorrectly. This happens because they’re unaware of the nail’s anatomy. There are nerves and veins that course through part of the claw. If they are cut, your pet will experience significant pain (as well as bleeding). A lot of owners make the mistake of cutting too deeply rather than merely trimming off the edge. A single poor experience is enough to make any dog resistant in the future.

With these challenges in mind, we’ll now explain how to do the job properly.

The Procedure: Step By Step

First, collect everything you need prior to beginning. Use toenail clippers that are specifically designed for canines (ask your dog’s veterinarian for recommendations). You should also have styptic powder available to stop bleeding, if doing so becomes necessary.

Second, look at your pet’s paws to determine how much to trim. Plan to take off anything that extends beyond the pad.

Third, while you are positioned to firmly hold your canine and prevent him from moving, use the clippers to trim the claw below the quick. The quick is the light, pinkish part of the toenail where the nerves and blood vessels are located. The cut should be made at a 45-degree angle. If your dog’s claws are long, make several passes to trim off the edges rather than a single large cut.

Fourth, don’t forget about your canine’s dew claws. Unless they were removed, he will have one on each paw. You’ll find them located a few inches higher than the other claws on the inner side of the paw.

Tips To Make Trimming Nails As Easy As Possible

Get into the habit of trimming your canine’s nails frequently – try to do so once a week. Not only does this prevent them from clicking against the ground and curling backward, but it also helps the quick recede. As it recedes, you’ll find it easier to trim the nails shorter without causing pain and bleeding.

Also, spend a few extra dollars to invest in a high-quality pair of clippers. They’ll last longer, and make the job much easier.

If your canine is unaccustomed to having his paws handled, practice with him each day. Do this before attempting to trim his nails. Hold his paws for twenty seconds at a time, and discourage him from biting you. Praise him and give him treats to reward his compliance. Gradually lengthen the amount of time you hold his paws until he is completely comfortable with the experience. Then, trim one or two nails at a time.

Learning to trim your dog’s claws is simple. But it may take time to acclimate him to the process. The benefit is that you’ll help your canine avoid painful problems down the road.

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Most canine behavioral problems are due to a lack of restraint. Dogs never learn to control themselves, and instead sate their curiosities and desires with little regard for etiquette or meeting their owners’ expectations. For example, they’ll jump on guests; they’ll run outside whenever the opportunity presents itself; or they’ll bark incessantly until their owners give them attention.

Professional trainers recommend making your canine work before you allow him to satisfy his curiosities and wants. For example, if he wants your attention, he must remain silent and seated on his haunches for ten seconds. This helps him develop self-restraint. It also makes him a more pleasant companion for you, your family, and your guests.

In this article, we’ll provide a blueprint for teaching your canine discipline and self-control. Consider the following tips an addendum to your pet’s current training program.

First Things First: Laying The Foundation

Most of the effort you’ll invest with this training will be spent motivating your dog to comply with simple commands. If he has not already learned to “sit,” you’ll need to train him to do so before proceeding. You’ll also need to train him to “stay” or “lie down” when you tell him.

These three commands are essential to helping your canine develop self-restraint. Each requires very little time, and can be done with short 5-minute sessions throughout the day. Repetition and treats will prove invaluable.

1 – Make Him Earn Your Attention

Dogs love the attention of their owners. They are willing to set everything aside (with the exception of food) to play, be petted, or simply be next to their owners. The problem is, a lot of pets gradually become more demanding of attention. For example, your canine might walk up to you, and nuzzle your hand with his nose. Or he might bark until you respond to him, even if you do so in anger. From his point of view, any type of attention is better than none.

If your pet does any of these things, make him sit calmly for a few seconds while waiting for your attention. Once you give him the command, ignore him while he waits. If he does so successfully, give him a treat and praise him.

2 – Help Him Maintain Composure Before Meals

Dogs love food. It enthuses them in a way few other stimuli ever will. For this reason, your pet may become overly-excited when you prepare his meals. For example, a lot of canines will jump up and down, or turn in circles while they wait. Some may even begin barking impatiently when their owners dawdle. This is poor behavior that should be curbed.

Command your dog to sit. Make him wait until you have placed his bowl on the ground in front of him. If, due to a lack of self-control, he refuses to sit, remove his bowl and food from sight, and leave the room. Return after a few minutes and try again. He’ll quickly learn to comply.

3 – Make Him Work Before Taking Him For A Walk

Canines love to take walks nearly as much as they love food. Being outdoors gives them a chance to see the neighborhood, smell new scents, and meet other pets and their owners along the way. The slightest hint you’re about to take your dog for a walk may excite him. A lot of canines with very little self-restraint will run to the door, and begin barking in anticipation. Some may even start to scratch the door as they wait for their owners. This behavior can – and should – be discouraged.

As before, command your dog to sit patiently and quietly until you arrive to place his collar and lead. If he fails to comply, put both away and return to your seat. Ignore him while he waits, even if he barks. Then, try again after a few minutes. He’ll learn that he needs to obey your command in order to go outside.

These exercises are simple, but play an important role in helping your dog develop self-restraint. Over time, he’ll learn to wait patiently if he wants to do the things he enjoys.

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Agility training is focused upon helping your dog develop the necessary skills to compete with other canines on an agility course. The course includes several contact obstacles (we’ll describe them below) over, through, and across which your dog must race. Each pet has an assigned handler – typically the owner – who is tasked with directing his or her teammate through the course.

The sport debuted in England at the Crufts Dog Show in the late 1970s. At the time, the organizers used a course that modeled the one used for horse jumping competitions. The sport has since become popular on an international scale with competitions held in the U.S., Canada, and throughout Europe.

Below, we’ll provide an overview of agility training, beginning with the type of preparation canines should undergo prior to participating. As mentioned above, we’ll also cover, in detail, the course and the contact obstacles your pet will confront.

Training Requirements For Improving Performance

Any canine in good health can compete, though some breeds will likely be better suited to the competition. Dogs are typically grouped by height to make the race fairer. If your pet is normally energetic, and receives plenty of daily exercise, he will likely do well. On the other hand, a canine couch potato may be ill-equipped for the course.

One of the standard requirements for agility training is that dogs must be at least twelve months old in order to compete. A lot of owners begin to lay the groundwork earlier. For example, they’ll enroll their puppies into professional obedience classes while also taking the time to train them at home. As the pups become more accustomed to responding to basic commands, many owners then enroll them into agility classes.

Obedience training is critical since your pet will be racing on the same field as other canines. He must be able to get along with other pets, and focus on completing the course.

Types Of Obstacles To Expect

A typical agility trial will include several contact obstacles, all of which are completely safe. For example, your canine will be expected to walk across a balance beam; he’ll need to manage an A-frame structure that requires him to walk up an incline, and descend the other side; and he’ll need to traverse a series of jumps.

There are many types of jumps on the field, including doubles and triples (two and three bars, respectively), suspended tire jumps, and long jumps. Before you begin training your pet, ask his veterinarian to examine him for joint problems. Assuming the vet gives his approval, start small and gradually make the jumps more difficult.

The trials also include tunnels. Dogs normally find them intuitive; they know what they are supposed to accomplish. During training, start with a short tunnel through which your pet can easily see the other side. Then, lengthen them. He may be hesitant initially, but treats will provide the proper motivation.

There will also be at least one teeter-totter on the course. A long plank measuring up to twelve feet will be balanced by a pivot. Your dog will be required to run across the teeter-totter, completing it as the far side descends.

Weave polls are common, and may include up to twelve poles. Your dog will be expected to weave through them without skipping poles or knocking them down. The polls may be spaced as closely as twenty inches. This, of all contact obstacles, is often the most difficult.

Most agility trials will also involve a pause box. This is a simple, small square marked on the field. Your canine must arrive at the box, and remain within it for a set time before proceeding to the next obstacle.

Agility training can be a fun experience for many dogs and their owners. As mentioned earlier, prior to getting involved, make sure your canine’s veterinarian approves of his participation.

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Your canine wants to please you. The problem is, there is no way for him to know what behaviors you consider acceptable or unacceptable until you inform him. Essentially, he must be trained. This is the reason professional breeders strongly recommend enrolling dogs into obedience classes. There, they will learn how to behave in ways that please their owners.

A lot of people choose to train their pets at home rather than paying for professional classes. The right approach can be very successful. This article will share the “laws” of dog training that have proven effective for millions of other owners. With these guidelines, you’ll be able to teach your pet how to be a more pleasant companion.

Start With The Basic Commands

The simpler your command, the more motivated your pet will be to respond. Save those that are more complex for later. Begin with the basics: sit, heel, stay, and come. Once he has mastered these commands both on and off his leash, move on to more difficult ones. For instance, teach him to “drop it,” “go to your place,” and “look at me.”

Always Use Positive Reinforcement

Many owners assume they must either reward or punish their pets based on whether they respond correctly or incorrectly (respectively) to commands. Avoid punishing your canine. If he responds properly to your instructions, reward him with praise and a treat. If he fails to do so, withhold his reward. That alone is sufficient punishment, and will motivate him to succeed.

Make The Sessions Enjoyable

You want your canine to look forward to the training sessions. First, keep them under ten minutes; short sessions will help you retain his interest. Second, end each session by giving him a command he has already mastered. This gives you an opportunity to end by praising him and giving him a treat. Your pet will look forward to the next time he can earn both.

Practice With Distractions

Your dog may be able to easily respond to commands he knows well in the relative silence of your home. The environment might pose few distractions. After he has mastered certain commands, practice outside where people are walking and cars are passing. Doing so trains your pet to ignore things that are occurring around him, and instead focus on you. This skill may one day become valuable if you need to get his attention quickly.

Shorten Your Commands

Brevity is important since your canine can become easily confused with longer commands. Whenever possible, use single words. For example, tell him to “sit” rather than “sit down.” Tell him to “stay” rather than “stay right there.” The shorter, the better.

Train Him To Be Patient

Training your dog to “stay” for extended periods teaches him to control himself and remain patient. Begin by telling him to stay for ten seconds while you stand nearby. Once he has done so several times in a row, increase the time to twenty seconds, and stand a few feet away. Continue to do this until he can remain calmly in his spot for sixty seconds while you stand ten or fifteen feet away from him. Also, establish a word that releases him from his spot (e.g. “Done!”) so he’ll know when he has responded correctly.

Provide His Reward Quickly

Your dog must be able to recognize the reward he is receiving (e.g. a treat, praise, etc.) is due to a particular behavior. If you wait too long, he may fail to associate one with the other. Provide praise and treats within a second of his correct response. This helps ensure he’ll connect his actions with the rewards, and respond correctly in the future.

Training your canine is essential to helping him become a better companion for you and your family. It’s the only way he’ll know how to please you. Even if you enroll him into professional obedience classes, take additional time to train him at home.

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Sep
23
Filed Under (Dog Training) by Vivian Summers

If you own a dog that is not well trained, you obviously have a lot of headaches dealing with its constant barking, right? You are not alone. Most dog owners who haven’t taken the time to learn how to properly train their dogs are also suffering from the problem of barking. If your dog is properly trained, it won’t be barking as other untrained dogs do. One of dog training techniques that work for barking in particular is the crate for punishment technique. Many who have used it say it works very well for them.

One of the biggest reasons why you absolutely have to learn how to train your dog is to ensure it has the right potty-training. Your dog can be and needs potty-training to ensure it behaves accordingly in this regard. Most of the dog training programs include potty-training in the mix because of its extreme importance. And the good news is that if you follow the training instructions, your dog will be much better for it.

Dog training, to be done effectively, entails possessing a lot of patience. Dogs are not humans and so can’t hear you when you speak. You have to teach your dog how to understand you when you speak and by what you say or the gestures you use. So, you can’t succeed in training your dog within hours or even days. It takes time and a great deal of patience. But when it’s done, it’s done. When properly trained, you can rest assured that your dog will remain properly trained

From time immemorial, that is from way back in history, dogs have always being referred to as “man’s best friend”. Even nowadays, it’s dogs that get the best attention from man than any other animal, especially on a global and general level. To get the best from your dog’s companionship, you should spend the time and money needed to train it very well. A well trained dog will bring a lot of joy, not just to the owner, but to the dog itself.

The training that you give to your dog requires that you have a good grasp of how to properly train dogs. There are specific things to do and others not to do, when training your dog. If you don’t know exactly what you need to do, then perhaps you should learn from a successful dog trainer or coach, to guide you in the training process. If and when you master it, you will certainly achieve good results from the entire process.

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Sep
21

Bringing a new dog home, and introducing him to your other pets, can be challenging. If your current pet has lived alone with you for years, he may dislike the idea of now being forced to share “his” space with another animal. On the other hand, if you have recently brought home a young pup, he may look forward to having the company of another canine. Every case is unique, and should be approached accordingly.

Below, we’ll offer a few tips that will help make the transition as smooth as possible. The following suggestions will minimize the likelihood of confrontations between your new dog and resident pets.

Buy Necessary Supplies In Advance

By the time you bring your new canine home, you should already have a bed, crate, water and food bowls, collar and lead, and toys waiting for him. These will make him feel much more comfortable in his new environment. Make sure you keep your resident pets away from these supplies prior to the arrival of your canine. Otherwise, they’ll leave their scent on them, which represents a claim on the property.

Wear The Scents Of Your Current Pets

When you pick up your dog to bring him home for the first time, wear clothing that has your current pet’s scent. The reason for doing this is to prepare your new dog for what awaits him at your home. He’ll understand that he’ll be sharing space with another pet.

Also, leave your resident pets at home when you pick up your new canine. This will give him a chance to become accustomed to their scent. It will also provide an opportunity for him to spend time with you without your other pets vying for your attention.

Allow Your Current Pets To Smell Your New Pet’s Scent

When you arrive home, have a friend remain outside with your new dog while you go inside to greet your resident pets. You’ll have the canine’s scent on you, which gives your current pets a chance to get acquainted with it. They are unaware they’re about to gain a new “friend”; smelling his scent is a valuable first step.

Next, confine them behind closed doors while you bring your new dog inside your home. Let him explore his surroundings at his own pace. After a half-hour, place him in his crate in the center of your living room. Let your current pets into the room, and supervise their behavior. They will be able to smell your new canine’s scent, which will already be familiar to them. Likewise, your canine will be familiar with their scents.

Making The Introductions

Don’t encourage your pets to interact with each other. Sit down nearby with a book, and pay attention for any signs of aggression. Let them investigate each other in their own way.

Every pet is unique. Some will display enthusiasm for the new addition to your family. Others will seem confused and hesitant, but will slowly become more comfortable. If your new dog and current pets interact well together, provide treats to encourage that behavior.

After forty or fifty minutes, let your new dog out of his crate. By this time, all of your pets will have become acclimated to each others’ company, and had time to gain a level of comfort. Be observant of their interaction, and stay ready to respond to the first indication of aggression. Otherwise, step back and let them mingle.

They may attempt to play with one another; they might ignore each other for awhile; or they may investigate further through close-up sniffing. Let them interact at their own pace. As before, stay nearby so you can intervene if any of your pets show aggression. There’s minimal chance of this occurring, however, since they have had plenty of time to grow accustomed to each other.

It’s important to avoid favoring your new canine. During the first few weeks, you’ll want to spend time with him in order to establish a bond. But take care to make sure your other pets don’t feel ignored. With the above approach, your pets will eventually see each other as friends within the same “pack.

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Sep
21

When you visit a professional breeder to choose a puppy, it is important that you know which selection criteria are important. Given that the pup you choose will be your companion for the remainder of his life, you’ll want to select wisely. Just because a particular pup is “cuter” than his littermates does not mean he will be a good match for you. There are many other factors that are more important.

Below, we’ll explain how to choose a puppy from among his littermates. You’ll learn why it is important to make the right selection, and some of the traits that suggest a particular pup will make a good companion. The following discussion will assume you have already considered which breeds offer the right fit for your lifestyle.

Why Choosing Carefully Is Important

As already mentioned, the puppy you select will spend the remainder of his life with you. For this reason, it’s worth spending time to look for signs that suggest an improper match (which we’ll explore in more detail in a moment). If you choose him based solely on cuteness or playfulness, you are essentially gambling with regard to his suitability for your lifestyle. Neither characteristic suggests anything about the adult canine into which he will develop.

All puppies pose a certain degree of developmental uncertainty. There’s no way to be sure regarding the type of dogs they will become down the road. That said, identifying hints of health issues, or extreme behavioral challenges, proves valuable since both tend to become more pronounced with time. Identifying them now will prevent unpleasant surprises in the future.

For example, many owners adopted their puppies only to discover they needed perpetual – and expensive – veterinary care as they grew older. Others adopted puppies that showed signs of extreme shyness or fear, and watched them develop into fearful and aggressive adult canines. This is the reason it is important to carefully choose your puppy. The following suggestions will help.

Watch A Pup’s Interaction With His Littermates

As your puppy develops into a full-grown adult, you’ll want him to be sociable with other pets and people. A friendly canine makes a better companion. The manner in which a pup interacts with his littermates is a good gauge of his social skills and future affability.

For example, does he play well without barking? Is he comfortable with his littermates on top of him? If not, it may suggest he’s uncompromising. Does he enjoy their company, or does he seem to prefer being by himself? Also, take note of the pup’s reaction when his littermate yelps at him. Puppies from the same litter do this to inform each other when they are playing too roughly. If a puppy disregards his littermate’s yelp, it may imply he’ll do the same with others when he is an adult.

How Does The Pup Treat People?

Next, pay particular attention to the manner in which a pup interacts with you and other people. Does he seem overly shy or fearful, or is he willing to approach people and remain near them? Dow he wander away when you encourage him to come to you? This may suggest he is self-reliant, and has an independent nature (an ideal match for some owners, but not for others).

Also, take note regarding how relaxed the puppy is when you handle him. When you slip an arm underneath him, is he willing to follow your lead, or does he scramble away? Are there areas on his body where he dislikes being touched? Try to gently restrain him for a few moments to test his response. Does he remain calm, or become aggressive? If the latter, this may be an indication he’ll be aggressive as he grows into an adult.

You can improve the likelihood that you and your pup will enjoy each other’s company by watching him at the breeder, and making your choice based on your observations. This is the best way to ensure your puppy will make a good companion throughout his life.

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