What puppy to choose? [Archive]

HugAPug

07-11-04, 09:39 AM 07-11-04

xocharxo

07-11-04, 01:03 PM 07-11-04

My family and I were thinking about getting a dalmatian. I've been emailing a breeder that has very beautiful, best in show winning dals. They said that they are breeding one of their dogs in winter, so then the puppies would be ready around spring or summer. (I just hope they'll accept us to get a pup!). But if we are chosen to be on the waiting list, when we finally visit the pups, how will I know which one to get. Alot of people say "let the dog choose you". But I heard that if your dog chooses you they will end up being dominant (which is a bad thing because we're first time owners). Will there be an instant connection or will I have to play with all of the puppies and pick the one that I liked best? I don't want to end up with the wrong pup.
I have another question:
People say that when you get a puppy, whoever's lap it sits on during the ride home, they will be the dog's alpha person. Is this true? If it is, should I try it? I'm not sure if I want to do that, because if I'm that alpha person then it might get jealous when I play with my ferret or pet my cats. If we get it in the summer then I don't want it to be too attached because I'll have to go to school for when it starts.

When we got our first dog, Bitsy, the breeder only had two pups in that litter. I didn't go to pick out the puppy because I was told that "Santa" was bringing "a special something for us". My dad went and picked out Bitsy. With our second dog, Klondike, we went to visit the breeder once- we didn't know that she had puppies then (the same breeder who bred Bitsy; we're really good friends with her because she delivered my little sister at birth). When we saw her, she told us she had puppies. She let the puppies out and we immediatley fell in love. There were 3! They were so so cute! (lol- what puppies aren't?). That week, my sister and I kept begging my dad (hes the one that took us to see the breeder- at the time he took us- we were just visiting- we had no intention of getting another pup). I remember it crystal clear. I was going to be late for school that morning, and in the car on the way to school I started crying hysterically. To make up for it, my dad told me that we could get a puppy, and that we would pick the puppy out that afternoon afterschool (it was my little sister's birthday the next day, and that was going to be one of her presents). When we got to the breeders, my dad was set on getting one, and I was set on getting the other. My dad talked to the breeder for about 30-45 mins about which dog would be best for us. Finally, my dad gave in and let me get Klondike. Our 3rd dog, Muffin, whom we got about 8 months ago was an immediate connection. We bought her from a different breeder that we saw at a polo game and just couldn't resist the puppies. My dad basically told the breeder our situation, and what kind of personality would match the missing puzzle piece to our family. The breeder went over and studied the puppies for a few minutes. He then proceded to bring over a puppy. He told us Muffin's traits, her behavior, stuff like that. From there, my dad and I were able to talk about how or how not the dog would fit in to our lifestyle. Amazingly, Muffin did fit what our family needed! My advice to you in this is not to worry; it will all just come naturally. About the alpha thing, I don't believe (from past experiences) that its true. The breeder that we got Klondike from is about 45 minutes to an hour away from our house, and I rode home with in my lap (the little cutie was falling asleep), and he loves me just as much as he loves everybody else. With Muffin, the breeder was only about 5 minutes from our house, and she was on my lap on the ride home. She loves me just as much as she loves everybody else. Your dog will have a special bond, different than he does with everybody else, with you. Good luck on the doggy! :)