How To Pick A Dog, part seven of seven

Puppies v adults

Picking A Puppy:

What does a healthy puppy look like?
A healthy puppy should have white teeth, clear eyes, and no discharge coming from the eyes or nose. The coat should feel soft and look clean and glossy not gunky and greasy or dull. The skin should not have sores or lesions and be free from dirt or insects. The skin should not be excessively itchy. Stools should be firm and formed. Urine should be yellow to clear.

A healthy puppy should not cough or sneeze frequently. 

How does a healthy puppy behave?
Some breeds are more aloof, some breeds are more energetic and outgoing. Some are more prone to mouthing/nipping. Nevertheless, any healthy puppy should be friendly and curious and show some deference to you and your children. No puppy should make you or your children feel afraid or threatened. Do not consider any puppy who makes you feel threatened or who has little interest in engaging you. If you have children, look for a gentle puppy who seems interested in your kids. 

Test your prospect: 
Contrary to what you may have heard, do not put a puppy on his back and stare into his eyes. This among the worst advise anyone has ever been given about dogs. All you will do is frighten the puppy.

You don't want to force the puppy to defend himself, you simply want to see how he responds to gentle but firm restraint and physical handling. 

Make yourself comfortable on the floor and cuddle the puppy in your arms. While you have him in your arms, gently handle his feet, ears, mouth, tummy. Alternatively, you can stand the puppy up on the floor and gently lift each foot, one at a time, check each ear, open his mouth, run your hand down his back, touch his tail, touch his belly. 

If the puppy stiffens his body and never relaxes, if his eyes become hard and you can see the whites of his eyes, or if he growls, bares his teeth or tries to bite you then you don't want this puppy. 

Assuming these handling tests go well then for your last test simply hold him against your body, quietly and firmly for about 30 seconds. 

You can also try a little light brushing with a soft brush. Any big objections from the puppy, like growling, baring teeth, snapping or biting, indicate you should look for another puppy.

You do not want to over-stimulate the puppy so keep the handling tests brief, to about 2 minutes.

If possible, see the whole litter so you can see how they engage with each other. The play should be balanced and appropriate for the breed. For example border collies should play stalking/herding/chasing games, while Labradors will play wrestling mouth games. Any puppy who bullies the others or who is constantly being bullied should not be considered.

Some sniffing around the room is normal. However, puppies or adult dogs who show little interest in you and, for the most part, ignore you in favor of sniffing around the room or looking for a way out of the room should not be considered. This is not a good sign, and could indicate that that particular dog or puppy is not particularly interested in people or children. 

Picking An Adult:
Determining Health:
The same criteria apply to evaluating the healthy appearance of an adult dog as to puppies.

Adults should definitely be pretested for suitability as a pet by a knowledgeable person before being placed for adoption. Assuming that the dog has passed its temperament test you want to see the same types of behaviors listed for puppies. Exercise more caution when handling an adult dog. 

If you have children it is especially important to pick a dog who shows gentle interest in your children. Dogs who bark at your children or are forceful with your children should not be considered.

Good luck! Happy shopping.