How do you pick a puppy within a litter? *Update in first post*

[*Aimee*]

So I really really want a dog. You might remember I posted about a German Shepherd that fell through a few months ago and I was devastated. Well, after that DH said he didn't want a dog, because he's still traumatized over our other dog biting our sons face.

But I'm so depressed about not having a dog. I've never not had a dog and I absolutely hate it. I don't feel safe (dont need a guard dog just one that'll bark ) I will NOT get a dog until DH is okay with it. He has to WANT one just as much as me, not just okay me to get one, ya know?

So, right now there are puppies everywhere. There were Great Dane German Shepherd puppies at Walmart in the back of a truck the other day. They were 6 weeks old, so I wasn't happy they were being separated from their mother this early or that they were in a truck bed all thirsty but whatever. My friend (I told you all in another post how she allowed her pitbull and lab to mate and has puppies now) there is one that, even though I'm TOTALLY against this breeding and don't like her lab, I love her pitbull and the puppies are SO CUTE.

And then there are these http://boise.craigslist.org/pet/1182373252.html and I want this puppy http://boise.craigslist.org/pet/1182274564.html Oh and this one too http://secure.adpay.com/clicknbuy.as...&pcatid=1080_2

As you can see I'm a bit dog crazy. My question is, when I'm looking at puppies, what do I look for? Like the ones in the truck, a few ran over to me and a couple were not interested, and one they said is always away from everyone just laying down. With my friends puppies, she says one barks at her every morning and runs to her, one runs from her, what does all of this mean?

I'm not thinking we'll get any of these dogs but for in the future, what do I look for? I want a not too submissive, not too dominant, right down the middle, kinda lazy but not so lazy to be annoyed with having 2 little boys playing with it kinda puppy. If we were to get any, I'm sure we'd get one of my friends puppies because we've been "playing" with them from the time when they were 2 weeks old and I know they're handled with toddlers and little ones all day and that comforts me. The one I love is a female named Beatrix who isn't really here nor there with personality.

Oh, and also, does this post raise flags for anyone else?! http://boise.craigslist.org/pet/1181979302.html I'm not interested in another rednose pitbull, but this ad just doesn't look good to me.

Sorry this is all over the place if you've made it this far, thanks for tolerating me, I'm feeling a bit crazy today

The rottweiler people got back to us and have none available, but wanted to put us on a wait list for 6-12 months for a future breeding. We're not looking to wait that long so we've moved on to our other choice, either a GSD or a Dutch Shepherd, depending on which the breeder feels will be a better match for our family. I'm waiting to hear back from him any time now

[Ola_]

I would NOT get a dog from the back of a truck or from any other kind of backyard breeder. Especially if you're concerned about health or temperament.

If you are getting a puppy you should look for a good breeder, hopefully one that puts those two qualities as a priority in their breeding program (and not certain coat colours or other visual characteristics). A good breeder should be the one choosing a puppy, or at the very least have a large say in it. They have a lot of experience and spend time with the pups throughout their life before they've met you, so they will have a lot of insight into their personality.

[*Aimee*]

Oh heavens! I wasn't saying I wanted the puppy just because she was brown. She's not quite six weeks old and I don't think it's possible to quite tell their personalities yet. We almost got a Bernese Mountain Dog, and the breeder said she can't tell personalities until 7-8 weeks. We ended up not getting her (she picks them for you) because DH decided having a dog die in 7-9 years and then having a dog that doesnt handle heat well (it gets in the 100's here in the summer) would be unfair.

I totally understand what you're saying, and I wouldn't get a dog out of the back of a truck either, I was just mentioning it because I was studying the puppies trying to figure out their personalities. As for my friends back yard breeding, like I said I don't agree with what they did but both of their dogs are papered and pure bred, though they haven't had genetic testing. To be honest DH isn't interested in one of their dogs at all, but I love the fact that I know both their parents are good with kids and that they are being raised in a home with young kids around. I really REALLY love their mama dog.

Also, with breeders, some want to pick them for you, some want you to pick, and some let you have picking rights based on deposit, some don't care. So that's why I'm wondering. Also, if we choose to get a rescue puppy I'm not sure which one to pick. In our pursuits we have not found any rescue employees helpful.

And what if there is only one puppy? How do I know if it'll fit well with our family?

[mom0810]

I'm assuming you will go to a reputable breeder (fingers crossed), so I will tell you that you will not have to worry about picking your own puppy. Responsible breeders will TELL you which puppy you are going to get, or will leave you with a choice of a couple of puppies to pick from, depending on your lifestyle, your wants and your needs.

Trust the breeder. We are experts on the puppies, as we have lived with them for 2 months or more, and we are good at getting a feel for a person and picking the puppy that is right for them.

Do they really have puppies at a WalMart? I have never seen or heard of such a thing. Gross.

[Girl In The Fire]

Dont have time to type out a whole post but for now this link should help you quite a bit. http://www.volhard.com/pages/pat.php

[Girl In The Fire]

Originally Posted by mom0810

Do they really have puppies at a WalMart? I have never seen or heard of such a thing. Gross.

In certain areas of the country people sell/give away puppies in the parking lots.

[*Aimee*]

Thank you for the link!

And the puppies weren't being sold by Walmart, there were being sold by some people. We went to the neighboring city and stopped by a coffee shop next to a walmart to get some drinks. I talked to the lady a bit and she said they live in a trailer park and they have the Great Dane and someone else in the park have the German Shepherd. I let my son look at them. He is only 2 (almost 3!!) and felt so bad for them. He kept saying "those puppies are hot! those puppies want their mama!!".

And I'll tell you, finding a responsible breeder is HARD. Especially when you don't know what breed of dog you want. All I can find in Idaho are little dogs and we don't want a little dog. The breeder we got our rottweiler from is no longer in state. I so want another rottweiler ::sigh::

[mom0810]

Originally Posted by Girl In The Fire

In certain areas of the country people sell/give away puppies in the parking lots.

Gross.

[mom0810]

Originally Posted by *Aimee*

Thank you for the link!

And the puppies weren't being sold by Walmart, there were being sold by some people. We went to the neighboring city and stopped by a coffee shop next to a walmart to get some drinks. I talked to the lady a bit and she said they live in a trailer park and they have the Great Dane and someone else in the park have the German Shepherd. I let my son look at them. He is only 2 (almost 3!!) and felt so bad for them. He kept saying "those puppies are hot! those puppies want their mama!!".

And I'll tell you, finding a responsible breeder is HARD. Especially when you don't know what breed of dog you want. All I can find in Idaho are little dogs and we don't want a little dog. The breeder we got our rottweiler from is no longer in state. I so want another rottweiler ::sigh::

Why do you care if the breeder is in your state? Most times, breeders are more than happy to ship their puppies. We have to. We do it all the time, for many reasons. There is usually high demand all over the country/and the world for puppies from good breeders, so we ship all the time. Shipping a puppy is not a bad thing at all.

Can you decide which breed you want and then research the kennel clubs in your area? Check out breed clubs? I find it very hard to believe there AREN'T breeders in your state... they just don't advertise, I am sure. I never advertise, and I don't have a website, but people have no trouble finding me through the clubs I belong to.

[mom0810]

Idaho Rottweiler breeder...

http://www.vonmarcrottweilers.com/

I did not read much on the website but it took me 2 seconds to find this one... I am sure there are many more.

Google Idaho Rottweiler Club.

[mom0810]

And if you want to rescue...

http://www.bigskyrottrescue.org/

Hope this helps! Of course, you need to decide if you really want another Rottie, but if you do, these two links should get you on your way. :

[*Aimee*]

I knew I could count on you!!

I do want another rottweiler. I love my Gretta so much, she was so fantastic.

As far as shipping, I had been told by another breeder that no good breeder would be willing to ship their dogs. So that threw me off I guess. Also, here it's getting too hot soon (I thought I read they can't ship if it's hot) so that would make pretty much all of summer out for me and well into September.

I want, a rottweiler, or a German Shepherd (k I don't want that but DH does I don't mind them though), a Greater Swiss Mountain Dog, and English Bulldog, or a really really nice staffordshire terrier.

Oh, and if I can't see a breeder in person how do I know they're a good one?

[mom0810]

You'll have to talk to the breeder and get a feel for them. If they show their dogs, do health testing, have only one or two litters a year, then they are probably a safe bet. They don't have to feed raw or not vaccinate or anything like that to be a good breeder. There are plenty of "old school" breeders that feed Iams or whatever and do things the way they have been for 40 years. They have as good of quality of dogs as someone who is more progressive. They just raise their puppies differently, which you can change if you want when you get your puppy, or not.

Different breeders have different views on shipping. Some absolutely won't do it, but most will. I knew one woman who absolutely was against it, and it drove everyone crazy. To breed to my stud dog for example, she drove all the way here across country and brought her dog. It would have been so much easier to ship the bitch to me alone. Same thing with puppies. Shipping is just way easier and less stressful. A two hour plane ride Vs. a 12 hour drive? waaaaay easier on the dog to ship. A lot of times people who don't like to fly themselves are scared to ship dogs. It just depends on the person. But I've never had an issue and it's so convenient. I've sent puppies all over, and so has everyone I have mentored with. You can certainly find a breeder who WILL ship.

You will be able to tell if a breeder is a good one. I think you and I have talked about his before. Showing their dogs (and being able to FINISH them) is a biggie. Also, the health testing. It's okay if they have a kennel, lots of breeders do... but the puppies should have their own room in the house or be in the kitchen or something and the breeder should be starting to housetrain them at 5-6 weeks.

Oh, and you can usually ship in the summer at night. You may be driving to the airport at 1 in the morning, but it will be worth it! :

[Eman'smom]

I agree with what everyone has said about breeders.


I got both our dogs from the shelter so there were no breeders involved. I googled puppy personality test and such and got a good feel for different tests and what they test for as far as personality. I then did the exercises in on of the meet and greet rooms.

[Sailor]

Go the rescue route, or (as everyone else eloquently put it) go the responsible/ethical breeder route. Otherwise, (and I'm sorry there is no way around it), you're paying into an industry that is responsible for 99/9% of the shelter dogs, and of the dog deaths in shelters. It's an industry that kills. It's an industry that abuses. It's an industry that exploits. It's an industry that cares nothing for the life of an animal. Whenever I see those puppies for sale in front of Walmart or other stores ... it's all I can do to control myself. I just get so angry that people would force animals into such situations. It really makes me sick.

Sorry for the tangent. But, I work in rescue ... and it's just heartbreaking.

I have a GSD ... I grew up with GSD's and Dobermans. I absolutely love Roark (my dog) ... oh, how I love him. I went through a fantastic breeder, he was out of state, but I drove all the way over there to check things out for myself and because the breeder would not take any reservations for the puppies unless he met the prospective owners in person. He was hardcore, but he knew so much, and I have unlimited support from the breeder. My dog is 3, and I can still call the breeder up and say "listen, I have a problem, what do you think of this?" and he will take the time to help me, no charge.

I actually drove up there several times - once to meet the breeder, once to see the puppies, and then the third time to pick up Roark. He was so worth it!

Your best bet in choosing a puppy is to speak to the breeder. Be VERY clear about what you want, etc. The breeder knows his dogs best, and can evaluate puppies far better due to his/her experience. I didn't choose Roark - the breeder chose him for me. He knew best due to his extensive experience. That's what breeders do, after all.

Conversely, a breed specific rescue does the same thing (or should) - we match you with the best dog for your family. And we're VERY careful about this because we really want a forever home for the dog. So, we take everything into consideration and really evaluate the dogs.

Make sure to think about everything when it comes to the type of dog. For instance, GSD's don't have a shedding season. They shed ALL year long. I could spin yarn from my dog's coat, lol. Brushing daily is a must, as is a good vacuum.

[Ola_]

Originally Posted by *Aimee*

We almost got a Bernese Mountain Dog, and the breeder said she can't tell personalities until 7-8 weeks.

From what I've heard from breeders, this is not true at all. A good friend of mine is an awesome GSD breeder and she spends a LOT of time working with and socializing her pups. She says that you can get glimpses of personality as soon as they're born and as they grow you see more of it, but it usually just confirms her initial impression.

but both of their dogs are papered and pure bred

Honestly, this means nothing to me. Look at good breeders who select their dogs based knowledge of 3 or more generations, their personalities and health tests. Even these breeders will sometimes get a dog with dysplasia or other health issues pop up in their breeding. I'm not into showing dogs but I think there is huge value in health testing (not just the parents but several generations before) so that you can have more assurance of a healthy dog who will live a long time and not require $$$$ in vet costs. IMO that is the benefit of getting a dog from a breeder, if you don't have that then I would adopt from a rescue.

Also, if we choose to get a rescue puppy I'm not sure which one to pick. In our pursuits we have not found any rescue employees helpful.

For adopting I found that the book "Successful Dog Adoptions" by Sue Sternberg is a good one. It talks a lot about personalities and things to look for/avoid.

[mom0810]

Yes, even pet store dogs are "papered and pure bred". This means nothing. If someone puts their pos AKC Lab together with another pos AKC Lab.... they are going to get a litter of papered, purebred, POS Labs! Papered and purebred is not an indication of quality and in fact a breeder who is advertising as "papered and purebred" is someone you should run from. Fast.

[*Aimee*]

I'm so sorry if I gave the impression that I was going to get a walmart puppy. That is most certainly not true. I was just watching them and studying their behavior.

All my past dogs have either been rescues (DH and I had a pitbull rescue for a few years before we had children) or from very responsible breeders. As far as my friends breeding, my number ONE goal is the safety of my children. I was just so relieved to see how good the parents were with my friends kids and that the puppies would be handled by children daily. We will not be getting one of their dogs though. DH has said he will only get a German dog, so that's what we're going to do.

As much as I'd like to be able to drive far (I love road trips ) with 2 kids I wouldn't be able to drive farther than a few hours either way. So if anyone has any breeder recommendations I'd love it I really want a rottweiler, but DH really wants a GSD, so we'll see

[mom0810]

How far is the nearest airport?

[*Aimee*]

Only like a half hour, maybe 45 min with super heavy traffic.


Oh and I have to tell you, we went to the coffee shop by Walmart again today, and someone was selling an IGUANA! in the parking lot with a big sign...craziness over there I swear.

Oh and my DH has said that he doesn't want one of the show GSD with the 'slouchy bums". I'm not sure that matters at all, but thats what he said. The guy I wanted puppies from has 2.5 week old pups now (remember him?) but I agree with your assessments of him.

I have an inquiry email into the rottweiler people...just waiting to hear back!!