how to pick the right puppy at a shelter?

Question

I was just wondering some general things I should look for..I'm going to get a puppy tomorrow but there are 4 siblings and I want to make sure I pick the best one since they are all so cute. How can I tell which one will be the healthiest, relatively calm (not as much barking, etc), etc? Is there anything I can check for on the dog to see how healthy they will be or anything like that

Answer 1

Most important is to pick the breed that matches your lifestyle. Do you want a lap dog/couch potato or a running mate . . . a high energy dog which will require lots of exercise or one which will be happy with a couple of walks a day?

Ask the shelter people to help you - they should be knowledgeable.

All puppies are rowdy - you are the one who teaches them to behave. Rowdy puppies are healthy. Look at their eyes- there should be no discharge. Smell their ears - should not smell yeasty or have any black 'dirt' in them (ear mites). Check the fur - should not see any fleas or flea dirt (looks like coffee grounds). Check the gait when they run and walk - no limping, awkward gait is good. Check their gums - should be very pink - pale gums mean sickness - maybe just flea/tick infestation but still - not good.

If the puppy siblings ARE the breed you want then look for one who is bold - one who is curious - comes to you to see who you are. Hold him on his back like a baby - does he let you do that or does he struggle? (if he lets you that is good) Open an umbrellla - he should not freak out but maybe jump then be curious and come see what's up. Thow some keys on the floor - does he run to investigate? You don't want the timid dog who hides and will not come out to play. If they're ALL wonderful and amazing then you'll have your job cut out for you. Pick the one who falls in love with you the most. Make sure you are prepard to be a dog guardian for at least 10-15 years (average lifespan). Don't be willing to give the dog away if you move, your housing situation changes, you have children or go to college, etc. If any of those things might happen then don't get a puppy. It's just not fair to either of you. It's a lifetime committment. Happy puppy.

Answer 2

as far as health issues, there are a few things.. if they have clear eyes, damp nose, healthy looking belly button, ears are clean..no skinny body with big belly (unless they have just eaten), pads on feet look good (no cracks) and just general activity and how they other litter mates react to it.
Please do not pick a pup because it's "cute".
take extra time to spend alone time with each pup you may think about getting. (they should have a room you can go in with the pup.
it should NOT act aggressive to litter mates, some chewing on you is ok, but not allot. hold the pup, does it fight to get down? cradle it and while doing that, roll it over,,it should skwirm, but soon calm and relax. do this again, on the floor.. roll pup over and hold it on it's back. if it fights madly to get up and away, chances are it is an "alpha" or dominate in the litter and it will need a FIRM hand in training. next, startle the pup, with something...a toy, umbrella can. It should spook at it but then be interested and want to check it out. If it runs and hides, does not go near it, it is a very submissive pup and will shy from MOST everything...even eventually "fear bite"
that is about the basics for choosing a pup.. good luck and many happy hours with the new baby

Answer 3

All of my dogs have came from the shelter and have been healthy. They check them and give shots etc. I can tell you from experience.... The one you bond with the most will stand out from al the others. We were looking for a male dog and didn't find one so decided to look at females while we were there for fun and saw a dog we loved. After they got him out of cage with 4 others guess what? He was a male!!!!! Go figure. POUND PUPPIES MAKE the best dogs of all. Enjoy and good luck. MY preference is males.

Answer 4

When a dog is in the shelter they are nothing like what they will be when you get them home cause in the shelter they are scared and confused. So ask if you can take the dog out for a walk and spend some time with every dog and go from there

Answer 5

Congratulations. If you don't have a male/female preference, then just ask the shelter person to bring you one. Tell him/her you want a calm one. I never could go in and see the critters if I actually intended to adopt one. I would just go in and say, "Bring me a kitten that needs me".,or something like that. Sometimes a critter that is next in line for euthanasia might be the biggest diamond in the rough, but not knowing you might opt for a cuter, younger, different animal and the first would never have a chance to love you!

Answer 6

Make sure you take time to look at the dogs. If possible, play with them each a minute. Watch how they interact with you and the other people there as well as the other pups. But make sure the shelter has a health policy anyway. And take the pup to a vet as soon as you can to get an initial independent opinion.

Answer 7

Do not make eye contact with the dog at all when you go in the petting room. Crouch down calmy so the dog is to your side. If the dog jumps on you then it is too hyper. If it approaches you with cautious curiosity then that's probably a good one. Any mounting, growling, barking, ruffling fur, or showing of teeth, is unacceptable. Once the dog approaches you pet it gently and talk in a soft voice. Try to get the dog to lie down and roll over while you pet it's stomach. If that works, you probably have a good one. You want to get the dog who calms down the fastest when you are calm. Good luck. KEEP THE KIDS AWAY until you have narrowed it down, they will work the dog up and you will not be able to judge its temperment.

Answer 8

you can go on a nice day. there will be lots of cute dogs there. but u need the one thats right for u. find a girl dog though so u wont have trouble with u no what. i'd go for a little dog like a yorkie because you can fit them into a carrying case and can take them anywhere you go. bigger dogs can sometimes cause lots of troble. they play and sometimes get to rough and play bite to hard. so find a dog whose good enogh for you and make sure its the one you really whant.

sincerly,
aphrodite

Answer 9

Pick the dog you think is best and that you will get along with well enough, and the people should let you get to know the dog before you decide to buy one.

Answer 10

God your a great person. My wife and I have rescued 3 dogs from the shelter. Trust me.. You'll know when you walk in the door where they keep them. A rescued pet will, and I truly believe this, will realize you saved there live and will be the best pet you could ever want. Trust me !!!!