To initiate the puppy search, the first thing to do is research the specific dog breeds you are considering. Find out the common habits of that particular dog breed – good and bad. Truly ask yourself if you can deal with them. NEVER bring home a puppy just because it is beautiful or cute.



Too many people choose a puppy because of a current movie that captivated them. For example, Disney's 101 Dalmatians caused a virtual run on Dalmatian puppies. Yes, they can be adorable. However, what most of these family purchasers may not have understood in advance is the fact that Dalmatians are one-person dogs who can be very nasty toward children, the children’s friends, and other strangers (although not always). The individual pups MUST be evaluated very carefully before bringing them home to a family!

Dalmatians are also very high energy dogs. They need to belong to someone who will run with them, run them on a bicycle, roller-blade with them, or run them on a treadmill, because a mere walk will not suffice. They need this a minimum of twice a day. Energy will come out one way or another, and if not released positively, the pent-up energy will finally burst forth as dog destructive behavior or aggression.

Let me stop here and point out that a couple of dear friends of mine have very sweet Dalmatians. However, they went through the proper procedures in evaluating and selecting them, and they understand fully the very special care requirements of the breed. I am not picking on Dalmatians. I am picking on people who give the breed a bad name because of sheer laziness or ignorance on their part.

Fortunately for the Lassie and Air Bud fans, those breeds adapt well to family environments. Collies are versatile, sweet dogs who can be very protective of the family's children, but otherwise very gentle and easy to train. Except for the long hair, they do just fine in a home, thank you. The same can be said for Golden Retrievers, too, so most families will be pleased with their pups from this dog breed if they come from good stock.

You really need to do some research or talk to professionals about the right dog breed for you and your circumstances unless you have had experience already with the breed. Most dog breeds have areas of definite appeal, but it all depends upon your personality, your home and family, your environment, your schedule, your purposes for having the dog (e.g., for hunting, guard-dog, or family pet), and your wants and requirements for your dog.

Once you have selected (or at least narrowed down the list) the suitable and desirable dog breed or breeds or breed mixes for you, then commence your search. You can use newspapers, the internet, or other postings, as well as your local veterinarian or animal shelters. I especially like the local veterinarian, because he or she is familiar with both the people (family or breeder) and animal (dam or sire) involved, and can give good insight into their personalities as well as the physical qualities of the pups.

With your initial targeted list in hand, it's time to make appointments and visit the locations of the puppy litters. Upon arrival at a breeder's home, ask to see the pups in a somewhat natural setting with their litter-mates. It is very important to make careful observation of the interaction of the puppies with their siblings.

As you are attracted to one or more by reason of their personality, physical features, or otherwise, spend yet more time observing their interactions. Is the pup lying care-free in the corner looking bored? That might be a good pup to have around children, because it does not insist upon being in the middle of everything.

Or is the pup a perky rascal who is insistent upon being the boss of all? It looks adorable, but it will be much harder to train and could have some aggression or dominance issues (not always). Be careful!

If a couple of the puppies are clear "alpha-potentials" who keep going at it with each other, they are going to keep trying for dominance with each . . . and then YOU might well be next! It's not so funny when you have a fierce set of teeth and intense eyes coming at you, even from a youngster. I know!

You only need exposure once, or to read about it, to understand the dangers that can develop with some otherwise beautiful pups -- such as destructive dog behavior, aggression dog dominance, and other dog dominance behaviors. Don't be paranoid, but do be aware.

There are some pups who are assertive, active darlings who will make excellent family pets. Don't get me wrong. I have had plenty like that. While puppy training for them has required patience, consistency, and focus, nevertheless, it has been mostly enjoyable and highly rewarding.

For another example, my friend selected the alpha female years ago from an Old English Sheepdog litter and later one from a Golden Retriever litter. Both of them became absolute sweethearts with lots of personality and sporting fun, but with good obedience and balance.

However, my friend's little mixed breed cross (uncertain whether poodle-terrier cross or similar) had some people aggression problems and was very possessive of her "lair." This just illustrates that you must evaluate the particular pup and the temperaments of the dam and sire, as well as any particular personality, treatment, or environmental stresses from the pup's early life.

Adopters need to remember that a placid dog is much easier to train than a dominant one. So, too, a pup which prefers people affection over other canines will be more likely to have a great desire to please you, hence, a readiness to learn and obey. That will make your puppy training task comparatively easy and bring you much joy.

Observation and awareness are keys to your understanding and puppy selection to get the best pet for you. Avoidance of dog dominance behavior and dog destructive behavior problems begins with choosing your puppy wisely, and matching his many requirements and personality to your circumstances, before you even think about bringing new puppy home. Select wisely!