How do I choose a puppy or dog for my family?

Whether choosing a puppy from a breeder or a dog from a shelter, we recommend that you meet the dog first so you can evaluate how that adorable pup may fit into your family and lifestyle. Speak to the people who have been around the pup. They can help you get a sense of its temperament, or whether or not the dog may be good with other dogs, kids or small animals, and whether or not it is already fearful of certain objects, sounds or types of people or environments.

For most novice dog owners we recommend choosing an individual who is middle of the road. Look for a pup that is cautiously curious, sniffing and calmly approaching a new situation, location or person or look for those that approach in a happy-go-lucky, loosey-goosey manner. If your heart is set on the most excited and outgoing of pups, those that jump all over you or rush to the front of the enclosure, understand that this personality type may be more challenging to train and may be better suited for an experienced owner. On the other end of the spectrum, those that shrink away and cower in the corner may be more prone to anxiety and will need a more gentle approach to training with an extra helping of patience and consistency from a calm pet parent.

Here are a few websites to help you further research how to go about choosing the right dog for you.

Positively.com with Victoria Stilwell: How to Pick the Right Puppy

Vet Street: How to Select a Puppy That's Right for You

Cesars Way: Choosing the Perfect Puppy

Positively.com with Victoria Stilwell: New Dogs

For breed information:  Dogtime.com