There are some basic tips to follow when you are looking to add a puppy to your home. There are many places to get a puppy from including, a friend, neighbor, dog pound or shelter, rescue center, breeder and a newspaper ad.

No matter where you go to view puppies there are a few things that may help you decide which puppy is the right one for you to pick.

Research breeds to find a breed that will match your family’s lifestyle before you start looking for a puppy/dog.

Meeting the Puppies

If you see a shy puppy, stay clear of this one, as shy puppies often can turn into puppies that do not like to be around humans and may turn aggressive around two years of age.

Try to meet the puppy’s mom and dad to see what kind of personality they have and how well cared for they are. Observe the adult dogs to see how your puppy may be as an adult.

If there is a litter of puppies watch how well they get along with each other.

An aggressive puppy will stare you straight in your eyes and track you with his eyes.

Stay away from any puppy that is terrorizing the other puppies

Check the Living Conditions of the Puppies

Take a look at the living conditions of the puppies before you pick up any of them to make sure that the living condition is a healthy one. You want to be sure that the puppy you bring home has been in a healthy situation and has been well cared for.

Look for clean water and food dishes; look to see if the poop has been cleaned up where the puppies are. The bacteria in poop can be harmful to puppies if it lies around and puppies are allowed to eat it.

Look at the coat of the puppies to be sure that it is glossy and the skin is smooth and not dry. Puppy’s nose should be cold and wet with no drainage coming from it or from the puppy’s eyes. Watch how the puppies walk. Clumsy or wobbly walking puppies could signal spine or leg problems.

Choosing the Right Puppy

Only after you have checked out all the above things and everything seems ok should you then pick up a puppy.

A good puppy may squirm at first, but should then relax in your arms. See how the puppy interacts with you. If the puppy does not seem interested in you or walks away from you, look for one that seems eager to be with you.

Make sure that you have a vet appointment for either the day you bring your puppy home or the very next day; you would not want to get too attached to a puppy if it turns out to be in very poor health.

Most breeders will have already had the puppies to the vets for the first time and have had the first de-worming and first shots so you are more likely to get a healthy puppy from a breeder. Shelters and pet shops will also usually have had the first vet visit, de-worming and first shots too.