Pets - http://maxpages.com/germansheperds/info_on_pets_and_getting

How do you know which puppy is the right one when you're looking at a litter in someone's home or at an even larger group of puppies in a shelter? So many choices, and making the right one is very important.

How can you decide? By doing as good breeders and shelters do, by observing the puppies and by testing them. Testing is meant to get an early indication of a pup's aptitude in three critical areas: dominance, sociability and trainability.

People tend to be drawn to the boldest or the shyest pups, even though these are rarely the best choice for most situations. Dominance -- or lack of it -- is important to consider because a dog who's too bossy or too shy is difficult to train and to live with. In the cases where a dominant pup is allowed to become an aggressive dog, the problem is more than "difficult" -- such dogs are dangerous!

Sociability is important, too. Some puppies are more dog-oriented or really don't care much about anything at all. A puppy who's not curious and interested in people -- perhaps because of little or no socialization -- isn't a very good prospect as a pet.

Trainability is related to the other two qualities. It's not really about intelligence as much as it's about willingness. A people-oriented pup who's confident but not too bold is going to be easier to train.

So how do you figure out which pup has the right stuff? Take each of the puppies you're considering to a safe, secure area away from the others. Observe how each puppy reacts to the change. Tentative exploration is OK, but beware the puppy who's so terrified she won't move. Look, too, for how busy a puppy is. Playfulness is fine, but full-out go-go-go is maybe a little too much.

Does the puppy want your affection? Praising and petting are integral parts of training and communicating with your dogs, and finding a puppy who wants affection is important. Talk to the puppy lovingly and stroke him, but let him decide whether he stays with you or not -- don't hold him. The medium puppy will probably lick your hands and be glad to stay with you. Rolling over is OK, and don't be surprised if he urinates a little. Called "submissive urination," this gesture is kind of a canine compliment, a recognition that you're "top dog." A puppy who bites hard is probably dominant and unsocialized, and the one who wants nothing to do with you probably isn't people-oriented enough. Stay away, too, from the one who's terrified of being touched.

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Page Updated Sat Sep 25, 1999 6:28pm EDT