How to Choose the Right Puppy Temperament WISE

As Pawed by Ursa one of Bark Buckle UP's Paw Bloggers and of course with a little help from Camille Adams founder of Mission: P.E.T.S. The temperament of a puppy is vital to the overall peace of your household. Choosing the right puppy will ensure that everyone in the family is happy and healthy. And even though temperament testing can be tricky, there are simple things to look for that can help anyone to spot red flags. Remember, your puppy is shaped by three basic elements: genetic health, inherited temperament and environment.

It's in the Genes... Much of a pup's temperament and health is genetic. By taking a close look at mom and dad (if this is a possibility), you should be able to get an idea of what your pup will be like when he or she "grows up."

Your pup's health will affect his or her overall behavior. The more you know about your pup's lineage, the better to determine whether your dog will have good health. Of course, if you are adopting a pup, you may not have access to this type of information. A health check at your local veterinarian should provide you with answers about your pup's overall health.

In additional to medical inheritance, your puppy can carry on traits from his or her lineage. As you know, no two breeds of dog are identical. Each one has its own set of physical and temperamental traits. Most of the time, as a potential dog owner, you choose a breed based on its consistent behavioral qualities. Some breeds are more obedient than others, some breeds are more active than others. It's important to learn about your pup before you take him or her home...this way, you know if the behaviors of your pup's breed match your lifestyle and desires. If you are choosing to adopt a mixed breed, you can read up about the qualities in the breeds present in your puppy.

But, remember, each pup is different...even dogs from the same litter can have completely opposite personalities and temperament. Breed generalities are just that -- a general rule of thumb to go by when picking what breed is right for you. It's always important to make sure the individual pup fits your household, too.

Nature or Nurture
When choosing a puppy, there are several basic elements to look for in his or her behavior. One way to test your pup's personality is to restrain the puppy gently with his or her belly facing up. It is crucial to know what you want in a dog before you determine what to look for as his or her response. A puppy who struggles to get up may be a good working dog, where as a puppy who stays still and lets you rub his or her belly may be the more relaxed pup that would fit perfect in your quiet home. Keep in mind, a still puppy can also mean he or she is nervous. Another test is to lift the pup up into the air and notice the level of resistance you receive. Does your pup like to be held close to you and snuggle up, or is he or she shaking, fearful? Or maybe the pup is squirming and uncomfortable being held up in the air?

Walk around and notice the pup's level of interest in you. Kneel and call the puppy over. Does he or she respond? This test will show you how interested your puppy is in humans. Do you want a more independent pooch or a cuddle partner? As always, it's essential to know this ahead of time before testing your pup for the behaviors that suit your needs.

Make some noise, walk around, act as you normally would...and notice how the pup reacts to you. Is he or she frightened by the commotion or comfortable with your activity?

These tests should be performed several times in order to ensure accuracy. However, the way your puppy is today when you choose which one is right for you may not be the way your puppy acts months after being in your home. Experiences your pup encounters early in life will shape his temperament just as much as any genetic inheritance, if not more so.

It's important your pup has been well socialized, and that you continue to socialize him or her after welcoming him or her home. This is vital to creating a well-balanced dog; make sure to socialize your pup with people of all ages, as well as with other animals. Take your pup places to make sure he or she can adapt to changes in the environment. This will have a strong effect on the behavior and temperament of your pup later on in life.

The Right Pup for the Right Home
These are just general rules of thumb to utilize when choosing your best friend. Remember, any puppy can be trained and conditioned to behave properly. Environmental factors will influence your pooch's life more so than any other. By providing guidance, consistency, training and unconditional love, your pup -- and your home -- will be well balanced! Enjoy the puppy days...however hectic they may be!

About; Mission: P.E.T.S. (Passion, Education, Togetherness, Salvation) is a FREE online magazine for dedicated animal lovers. Created by Camille L. Adams, to fulfill a childhood dream, Mission: P.E.T.S. is dedicated and solely interested in enriching and saving the lives of animals, together, with YOU. Through passion and education, Mission: P.E.T.S. is sure that we can make a difference. Our mission is to provide knowledge, awareness and fun for our viewers and our readers. We are completely dedicated to the world of animals, bettering the lives of both animals and the people who love them. In our quarterly e-zine, you can get how-to tips from the experts on proper care, safety & training techniques. Learn how to deepen the bond with your companion animals, read about volunteer organizations & rescue efforts, (and find out how you can help). Open your eyes to unique & alternative wellness techniques and so much more! Best of all, this wealth of knowledge is absolutely, 100% FREE! We invite you to share your ideas, stories and photos with us! And check out our online shop. A % of all profits go to animal rescue and other worthy non-profits. For your FREE subscription, please go to: www.missionpets.com/enroll.html and to read our current issue, go to www.missionpets.com/magazine.html.

About: Bark Buckle UP® founder Christina Selter “Pet Safety Lady” works with first responders nationwide teaching pet safety and has buckled UP more then 10,000 pets. Education is the first step to show that pet safety is connected to human safety, which helps to save lives. Christina has been featured in more then 1200 TV, radio, segments including print and online takes it over tens of thousands, Bark Buckle UP received more then 100 MILLION in circulations/impressions in 2008 and she has directed, produced several pet safety PSA’s and created Be Smart Ride Safe-take the pledge Buckle Up the whole family.