Selections

I’ve searched for a good reference to share with our puppy families that might assist with their selections, most were ridiculous – in my opinion.  Some of the generalizations I read need to be clarified by defining age-appropriate reactions to new situations. The standard for temperament testing is designed to be done with older puppies under very strict guidelines. Temperament screening can be important, depending on the breed of dog, doodles don’t generally fall into that category.  I’m happy to point out any personality traits you may or may not be looking for.

Assess your needs.

• You should ask yourself the following questions:
• What sort of dog behavior is appropriate for my family?
• Are we an active family with bold personalities?
• Do we want a bold puppy who will become a bold dog?
• Do we prefer a gentle, submissive dog?
• Will the dog be spending a lot of time alone during the day?
• Do you need a dog that you can take to various social functions?
• Decide what personality would fit best with your family.

These are questions you should take into consideration before choosing a puppy.

Identify the puppy personalities.

When you greet the litter, do so calmly. Do not deliberately attract their attention. Instead, wait to see how each puppy responds to your presence.

Bold puppies

• runs up and playfully without fear
• are engaging, playful, and social.

Submissive puppies

• only approach after others have sniffed you out to make sure you are okay.
• will likely lie down, or roll on their back, offering their stomach for you to pet.
• are generally first interested in establishing a friendship before playing.

Shy puppies

• will not approach you at all.
• may even scurry away from you or cry when you attempt to reach them.

Pros and cons

Bold puppies require consistency. With consistency in training, you can guide them to shine. Less stimulation during training is a must because their focus can wander. They are easy to train but can get into mischief when unattended for too long. I keep a huge stash of toys and rotate them at bedtime so each day there is something new to drag out of the toy bin.

Submissive puppies’ slow approach to play and interaction may give the impression that a puppy is lazy or unfriendly. This is not true. Submissive puppies are generally easy to train. They walk well on a leash and will conform to the rules of their environment more easily than ‘bold’ puppies. They are often cuddle-bugs who enjoy physical affirmation of the bond they share with family members. They do well in various social settings because of their intuitive respect for hierarchy. They may briefly struggle to establish dominance over children but resume their submissive attitude once the hierarchy has been established. These are the puppies a family with no experience training and/or a special needs family member wants.

 A fearful puppy needs a family with experience raising dogs. These puppies may run or hide when in the presence of unfamiliar persons or situations. However, fearful dogs can be extremely loyal companions. Once they grow comfortable within a family, they may assume a more dominant personality. If the puppy will be at home all day alone, avoid fearful puppies – they thrive with the love and attention of their family but don’t benefit from daily extended periods of isolation. They do well with early socialization by riding in a cart at TJ Maxx. Yes, I recommend shopping therapy.