Watching puppies interacting together will perhaps help you to choose the right puppy for your family and lifestyle.  Also puppy testing (how a puppy reacts to certain things and situations) can be a way to decide which one is best for you.

The following are a few indicators you can use:

Tip! Test one puppy in the litter at a time and if possible have a friend make notes about the puppy’s reactions.

Most puppies are curious by nature, however some puppies can be shy or nervous.  The best way to approach a puppy (or any dog) is to get it used to your scent.  Take a little stroll at a slow pace around the yard or room and avoid making eye contact, talking to it/them or touching it/them.  By moving around this will arouse the puppy’s curiosity and eventually it will approach you.

Begin by lifting the puppy in the air with both of your hands under its ribcage

Reactions;

1 - Persistent strong wriggling

2 - Quite accepting (just wriggles a little)

3 - Cries and tucks its tail in (may urinate)

4 - Persistent strong wriggling and also tries to turn around to nip you

Place the puppy on the ground and roll it onto its back, hold your hand gently but firmly on its chest

Reactions;

1 - Struggles against you all the time

2 - Initially struggles against you but then gives in and lies relatively still

3 - Cries and tucks its tail in (may urinate)

4 - Struggles initially and then stares at you or looks away

Set the puppy upright and walk away, without calling it or making eye contact

Reactions;

1 - It follows you and gets under (and over) your feet

2 - It follows you

3 - It crawls toward you on its belly

4 - It ignores you and may head off in a different direction

Move away from the puppy, crouch down and call it enthusiastically

Reactions;

1 - It follows you immediately when you move away from it – not needing to be called

2 - It responds to your call and comes to you wagging its tail

3 - It approaches you cautiously, perhaps even crawling on its belly

4 - It completely ignores you

When the puppy is close to you gently throw a ball

1 - It brings it back to you but holds on to it and doesn’t let you have it

2 - It immediately chases after it and brings it back to you

3 - It chases after the ball but won’t pick it up

4 - It chases after the ball, picks it up and runs off with it

Results – remember there are no right or wrong answers.  A dog suitable for a single, very active person, living in an urban area may not be suitable for a family with young children living in a suburban or rural location and vice versa – these tests are simply guidelines and not always 100% accurate.

Mostly 1’s

This puppy will develop quite a dominant personality and is best suited for someone with a strong character, with plenty of time to devote to dog training (perhaps dog agility classes).  This dog will love having a job to do and is an excellent candidate for working with police, customs officers and farmers – depending on the traits of its breed.

Mostly 2’s

This puppy typically comes from the middle of the pack in terms of personality – not the most dominant but not completely submissive either.  It will fit well with a family with children as it will enjoy the company.  It will however need a strong pack leader, especially during adolescence (6 – 18 months).

Mostly 3’s

This puppy is more likely to have a fearful and nervous disposition and will require a quiet, calm household.  Best suited to a single, quiet, adult home as they can be quite clingy and be a one-person dog.  This puppy would not be ideal in a busy, noisy family home and due to its nervous disposition may be prone to become a fear biter and is therefore not the best mix with children.  It will require a quiet and patient owner and lots of positive reinforcement when training.

Mostly 4’s

This puppy rarely suffers from separation anxiety as it is quite independent.  Suitable for homes where the leader is absent for several hours at a time, however it will need to spend lots of time with you to develop a deep bond.  Due to its independent streak it will probably require calm, non-threatening correction during training along with lots of positive reinforcement.

Back to Choosing a New Puppy...