Chasing down the pursuit of puppiness.
By Diana Smith, CDPT-KA
Bringing a dog into your life is a commitment. As a professional dog trainer, dog owner, former director of Behavior and Training for the Austin Humane Society and current owner of Hearts and Paws Dog Training, I can help you understand your potential puppy and the ability for you to stay together.
The majority of dogs in shelters and are at-risk for euthanasia are owner surrenders that occur between 6 months to 2 years old. They are not strays or aggressive, but rather adolescent dogs that lack proper training; i.e. knocking over humans, destructively chewing items, escaping the yard. But, these issues can be remedied and could have been managed much more easily with earlier intervention.
The second largest group of dogs found in these environments are simply undersocialized. Dogs have a highly emotional and influential view of their world between 2 to 4 months. Socialization is important during this time to help prevent general fearfulness towards new people, dogs and places.
A well-run puppy class held in a safe environment with other vaccinated puppies and an experienced instructor can turn this into a win for you both. During this formative time, attending a class will help guide your puppy toward a more secure outlook on life. Even if the dog you obtain is older, there are still benefits to a training class.
Your first consideration should be the training and socialization time your dog will need. If you are purchasing a specific breed, ask to meet the mother as her temperament has a huge influence on the puppies out look on the world. For professional advice, check with the Association Of Professional Dog Trainers Trainer Search.
Each breed has specific genetic problems and general temperament sociability levels. Like people, dogs can be introverted or extroverted, active or laid back with gradient expressions within a litter.
Size Type
- Giant: (80 to 100+ lbs)
- Breed of dog: Great Dane, Mastiff, Great Pyrenees
- Pros: Majestic and imposing with low to medium energy. Some are more protective with loyal temperaments.
- Cons: Generally, their lifespans are short, about 8 to 10 years. They need specific feeding methods to prevent gastric bloating.
- Large: (50 to 80 lbs)
- Breed of dog: German Shepherd, Boxer, Labrador Retriever, Dobermans, Golden Retreiver, Greyhound, Collies, Rottweilers
- Pros: Usually eager to learn, with high energy. Good family dogs, if socialized as puppies.
Cons: Working breeds need physical and mental activity or they may act out with destructive chewing/barking behaviors.
- Medium: (25 to 50 lbs)
- Breed of dog: Border Collies*, Australian Shepherds*, Spaniels, Standard Poodles, Basset Hounds, Chow Chow
- Pros: Easily trainable with high amounts of working drive. Friendly, if socialized as puppies
Cons: *High energy herding breeds need tasks to keep their bodies and brains busy or they can be destructive.
- Small: (15 to 25 lbs)
- Breed of dog: Most Terriers, Whippets, Dachshunds, Beagles, Basenjis, Shiba Inu, Miniature Schnauzer, Shetland Sheepdogs
- Pros: Differing training acceptance. Some are more Independent.
Cons: Some are vocal and energetic, others quiet and reserved.
- Tiny: (2 to 14 lbs)
- Breed of dog: French Bulldogs, Chihuahua, Toy Poodle, Shih Tzu, Maltese, King Charles Cavalier Spaniel, Italian Greyhound, Yorkie
- Pros: Very portable, with long lifespans between 14 to 16 years. Often overprotective if
Cons: Often overprotective if not socialized well.
Coat Type factor in weekly grooming time/expense
- Long Hair: Straight long coats without under coat i.e. Shih Tzu
- Brushing/combing out the coat a few times weekly.
- Double Coated: Long outer coat with undercoat i.e Corgi
Seasonal shedding requires brushing/thinning the coat weekly.
- Short Coat: i.e. Labrador Retriever
Frequent shedding requires brushing with bristle brush when dirty.
- No shed: Needs Grooming i.e. Poodles
Continuous coat growth that requires shortening and needs their ears to be cleaned out.
As you make your choice on the best dog for your lifestyle, I encourage you to consider the above elements. Hope this information was useful in your pursuit of puppy!
Founder of Hearts and Paws, Diana Smith, CPDT-KA, is a highly experienced canine behaviorist with over 25 years in dog training. Hearts and Paws provides expert behavior training to strengthen bonds between dogs and their owners. Smith also created Club Pup Kids and Dogs Camp, fostering positive relationships between children and their pets. Her compassionate, science-based approach has made her a trusted leader in the field of dog behavior.
