I am so excited!!! I'm going to the animal shelter tomorrow to look at 3 puppies. They are all lab mixes. The one I'm most interested in is a 4 month old named Max. I saw his picture last week and have been thinking about him ever since.
Licorice was fairly easy to select from a litter because he stood out as so friendly and easy-going. I've never had experience with looking at a single dog before. I plan to spend ample time playing with Max and the others, and asking questions of the people who've worked with them. Does anyone have any suggestions of what else I could to do ensure that I'm going to bring home the right dog?
space opera
Posted by TMedina (Member # 6649) on :
Good for you.
Unfortunately, there isn't a hard and fast rule of thumb for determining which dog or mix is best.
Go with your instincts - the puppy behavior will give you a good idea of what to expect as they grow older.
If you can tell, you might make your choice based on the reputation of the breeds - some are prone to being more tempermental than others.
Best of luck, Trevor
Posted by Allegra (Member # 6773) on :
One thing to watch out for, I picked out a puppy once that seemed very quiet and sweet. We brought it to a vet to get all of the necessary shots and things. It turns out that it was just sick. Once the illness cleared up it was very loud and wild. So basically watch out if it seems too good to be true.
Posted by Space Opera (Member # 6504) on :
The shelter has vet checked all these puppies. They have had shots, wormed, and are altered, so hopefully no hidden problems will appear. *crosses fingers* I'm still so excited!!!!
space opera
Posted by BannaOj (Member # 3206) on :
These aren't hard and fast rules but these temperment testing lists could help you out. Use them as guidlines don't try to follow everything to the letter.
I think you are fairly prepared. The 4 month old has just hit his "teens" in a sense. He is starting to feel puberty so there is a chance that he might play a little rough, perhaps be a little too mouthy. As long as he does not seem overly dominant this is normal and can be worked with.
Good luck! Michelle
Posted by TMedina (Member # 6649) on :
A female will be less prone to Alpha Male problems, although as long as you have a firm hand, it shouldn't be a problem.
-Trevor
Posted by Kwea (Member # 2199) on :
All my dogs have been females, and were/are great.
Then again, Penney use to lift her leg to pee, and monts other dogs....so she is confused....or something like that, anyway...
Kwea
Posted by TMedina (Member # 6649) on :
And for the love of dogs, please change the title.
"puppies torn" is just a bad visual.
-Trevor
Posted by Space Opera (Member # 6504) on :
I promise I'll change the title if I end up bringing our new dog home today.
space opera
Posted by Space Opera (Member # 6504) on :
40 minutes before I leave for the shelter. I cannot believe that I'm this insanely excited/nervous. If the pups at this shelter don't work out, I located a high-kill shelter in southern Indiana that I'll visit next. Looking at all of the pictures has been heartbreaking.
space opera
Posted by MichelleEly (Member # 6737) on :
And they call it puppy luuuuuv. :::waiting:::
Posted by Farmgirl (Member # 5567) on :
Darn you Michelle! Your post somehow got the Muskrat Love song stuck in my head for the rest of the day....
Farmgirl
Posted by MichelleEly (Member # 6737) on :
I refuse to take credit - or discredit - for Muskrat Suzy or Muskrat Sam!
Posted by Christy (Member # 4397) on :
See, I was trying to figure out why she was asking Tom for advice! Torn is just sad.
Posted by PSI Teleport (Member # 5545) on :
Actually, when I see this title I keep wondering why Tom would have any special qualifications for choosing Space's new puppy.
![[Big Grin]](biggrin.gif)
![[ROFL]](graemlins/rofl.gif)
![[Frown]](frown.gif)
![[Smile]](smile.gif)
:::waiting:::