Your dog gets more than her good looks from her momma. Her parents also pass down their personalities. So you need to take a close look at her folks before you take that cute pup home. If you’d like to live with them, that’s a good sign. If not, you may want to keep looking.
Meeting the folks
When you’re deciding whether to take home a pet, ask to meet your puppy’s parents if possible. Take some time to interact with them and pay attention to their behavior toward you. Do they hang back and wait to be introduced, politely say hello, or pounce on you and offer a tongue bath? Worst case: The family greets you with a growling stare-down—steer clear of this pack!
Watch how the dogs play with each other, too. Friendly rough-and-tumble games are OK, but make sure the dogs’ barks are worse than their bites. If you have children, introduce them to any dog you’re considering. Some dogs who act like perfect angels around adults will bully kids.
Getting more background
Try to meet as many of your puppy’s relatives as you can. Watching her littermates can give you a more complete picture of the kinds of behaviors your little one may have inherited. And seeing your pet’s older brothers and sisters can give you valuable information about how your pup may look and act when she gets bigger. Most breeders will be able to put you in touch with people who own other doggy family members.
Your dog’s living environment also affects her temperament, so pay attention to her home life. For example, a dog who grows up underfoot in a busy household will be comfortable around people—and dogs tend to be friendlier when they’ve had lots of human attention.
Picking your pet
If you can’t decide which puppy suits you best, ask for help. Breeders have known the puppies since birth and they can tell you which ones will fit in well with your family. And if you’re choosing a dog at a shelter, staff members there should be able to talk to you about the personalities of the pets in their care.
Your dog comes to you with her genetic makeup set, but that doesn’t mean you can’t mold her personality. Environment and training play a role, too, and your puppy is constantly learning. So make sure she’s surrounded by positive role models. Her good behavior will win your approval, and you’ll both be happier.
