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So you’ve decided to embark on the exciting journey of getting a puppy – congratulations! The bond that you share with a dog that you have raised since puppyhood is truly unique. Your lifetime of love starts with a very important step: finding your new best friend! Here are some recommendations on how to choose a puppy that is perfect for your life.

Remember that breed plays a role

Your puppy’s breed will shape their personality

Every dog’s personality is going to be shaped primarily by two factors: their breed and their experiences. Socialization and positive exposure to new situations when your puppy is young will have a significant impact on their adult behavior. However, please note that no amount of training may be able to completely cancel out the instincts of their breed. These are the product of hundreds – in some cases, even thousands – of years of selective breeding. A Beagle was bred to bay when they caught a scent on a hunt. If you bring home a Beagle puppy, you should be prepared for them to bark.

One way to think about it is to imagine it like buying a computer; your dog’s breed is their hardware, and their experiences are their software. You can install all sorts of helpful programs, but they may not work if the hardware is not compatible. Similarly, just because a program can run does not mean that it will come pre-installed. A Newfoundland may naturally be drawn to the water, but they’re still going to have to learn how to swim!

Consider your life

Before adding a furry companion to your life, think about what your life looks like right now and what you want it to look like in the future. How does a dog fit into this life? Some factors to consider:

Your Family Members

What does your family look like? Do you have children, or are you planning to have children within the puppy’s lifespan? If so, you should consider choosing a breed that is friendly with children. Do you have frequent visits from your elderly grandparents? Perhaps it would be wise to avoid breeds that are most likely to jump up on legs in greeting. Remember to consider furry members of the family as well! A home that includes cats would probably not be a good fit for a high prey drive dog breed.

Your Living Space

Dog, house pet and cute animal on a carpet in a living room, apartment or home with love and care. Playful, curious and happy Spaniel breed walking with tongue out in lounge to relax in room.
Some dogs are quite content in an apartment

Where do you live? Is your space big enough to accommodate the breed that you have in mind? If you are anticipating moving soon, will your next residence also be suitable for your dog? Do you have to adhere to any breed restrictions? These are all worthwhile questions to ask yourself as you consider your new pet.

Your Time

What sort of obligations do you have in your life? If you have chosen an active breed, are you going to have enough time to go on extensive walks? Will you have time for a breed that requires daily brushing? Do you have any reason to believe that your availability will change dramatically in the near future?

Excited young woman and man making a high five and celebrating finishing a running race with their dog
Are you a couch potato or a fitness junkie? Your puppy should match your lifestyle!

Life is full of unexpected surprises, and no one can say for certain what the future will hold. By considering what you know about your life right now and any changes you know are coming will help set you and your puppy up for success.

What does having a dog mean to you?

What do you picture when you imagine life with a dog?

Perhaps the important thing that you can as you consider how to choose a puppy is to reflect on what having a dog means to you. Owning a dog is not a one-size-fits-all experience. Some people are looking for a guard dog, while others want to show off their new puppy to all their friends. Are you looking for a dog to curl up with on a lazy Sunday morning or a running buddy? Do you want a playmate for your children? Do you want to do specialty activities, such as agility, hunting, or obedience trials? Take a moment to imagine your ideal life with your new dog. It will serve as a guide as you move onto the next step – meeting some puppies!

Communicate with your Pet Specialist

At Puppies ‘N Love and Animal Kingdom, we are committed to finding matches for life! Our stores have puppies that can cater to a wide range of lifestyles, and our Puppy Specialists are here to guide you in your search for your doggy soulmate. This is where the groundwork that you have laid in previous steps is invaluable. Communicate openly and honestly with your Puppy Specialist about your lifestyle and your hopes for your future with your dog. Your Puppy Specialist can then make recommendations about which puppies would suit you best, based on their breed and individual personalities.

Get to know your puppy

In our private meet-and-greet rooms, you’ll have the opportunity to get to get acquainted with your puppy. This is not just an opportunity to ask your Puppy Specialist questions or to play with an adorable puppy – this is your chance to see if this particular puppy is a good match for your household! Here are a few quick experiments that you can run to help give you an idea of the puppy’s personality.

Calling the Puppy

Have a family member or your Puppy Specialist place your puppy on the floor on the other side of the room. Call the puppy in an excited voice and observe their behavior. A puppy that comes rushing back to you is probably going to be more social. A dog that cowers or hides will need a gentle owner with a patient heart. Finally, a puppy that sniffs around and ignores you may be more independent-minded – great news in terms of separation anxiety, but may not be a cuddle bug.

Picking the puppy up

Some puppies will tolerate being held like this; others will squirm away!

Cradle the puppy gently in your arms on their back and see how they react. The more quickly the puppy calms down, the more likely they will be open to being a cuddly puppy. On the other hand, those puppies that squirm like crazy are not going to be your lap dog, but could become your adventure buddy! Remember to conduct this test carefully, and if possible be seated on the floor. Some puppies are under the mistaken impression that they can fly!

Noisy sensitivity

If you have a noisy home, try making a loud noise such as clapping your hands or dropping your keys. A puppy that is startled but investigates the source of the noise or recovers quickly will probably fare well even in a noisy environment. Conversely, a puppy that yelps, hides, or is visibly upset by a loud, startling noise will have a harder time adjusting to a loud household. As for the puppy that completely ignores the noise? Well, they probably won’t be unduly stressed – but you better be prepared for them to ignore your commands from time to time, too!

Handle your puppy

Try handling the puppy’s ears, look at their teeth, or hold their paw. See if the puppy is tolerant to this behavior. While this tolerance is something that can be improved with training, this test is important if you have small children around who may not always respect the puppy’s boundaries. A puppy that reacts poorly is likely not a good match.

Leave the room

Leave a toy or two on the floor, then step out of the room for a few minutes and see what happens. Does the puppy cry when you leave? Do they start playing with the toys? A puppy that does not choose to entertain themselves may be more likely to suffer separation anxiety. How do they react when you reenter the room? Do they come over to greet you, or do they ignore you in favor of the toys? This speaks to their independence and sociability.

 

Please note that while these can be insights to a puppy’s personality, many behaviors can be taught, and they may behave differently in a relaxed, home environment. Learn more about puppy temperament testing on the AKC website. The right home exists for every type of puppy described above! It simply boils down to owner experience level, how the puppy would fit into the owner’s lifestyle, and the family’s desires for a dog. We are committed to helping you find your match!

Choose the puppy that chooses you

Sometimes, true (puppy) love is obvious from the start!

Sometimes, there is just no other way to describe it… your ideal puppy will pick you just as much as you pick them. They are enthusiastic about your presence and get along well with all family members. All we can say is, you will know this feeling when you experience it. Assuming the puppy that you are meeting fits your lifestyle in the other aspects outlined above, this could be a sign that it is meant to be!

Whether it is puppy love at first sight or if your bond with your dog builds slowly, we hope this guide has provided some insight into how to choose a puppy. A lifetime of happiness awaits you both, and we are so happy to help you take these first steps!

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