How do you pick a puppy? Even if you are not selecting a puppy, a lot of these concepts apply to a rescue dog. I’ve just raised a litter of puppies, and one will stay with me as my next dog, so I’m covering my tips, plus how my puppy chose me!
In the episode you'll hear:
- How our rescue dog Tater feels about living in a family of Border Collies.
- The considerations about what sort of dog is best for you.
- How Tina the Poodle came into our family when I was a kid.
- Why to set an intention about your next dog.
- The three areas I look at when picking my puppy.
- What to consider about structure and temperament.
- What you need to know about puppies and temperament tests.
- About what your heart tells you and why I’m big on the woo.
- Why to trust the breeder of your puppy if you have done your research.
- The reason to not second guess yourself.
- About the adventures that led me to my new puppy.
- Who my next dog is and her name!
Spoiler Alert Puppy Names:
Moira Rose - Say Yes to Inspired Moments - Dream
Alexis - Say Yes to Playing for the Moment - Swish
David - Say Yes to Making the Moments Count - Mission
Stevie - Say Yes to Being in the Moment - This!
Resources:
- Podcast Episode 13: Naming Your Puppy or Dog
- * Book: What's Your Angle: Understanding Angulation and Structure for the Performance Dog by Hellen Grinnell King
- * Book: Picking your Performance Puppy by Helen Grinnell King
- Avidog Website (Search for the word Temperament)
- Book: The Resilience Project: Finding Happiness Through Gratitude, Empathy and Mindfulness by Hugh van Cuylenburg
- "This Is Me" by The Greatest Showman Cast from 'The Greatest Showman Soundtrack' (YouTube)
*Amazon Links Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Susan only recommends products she uses herself, and all opinions expressed here are her own. The link above is an affiliate link that, at no additional cost to you, we may earn a small commission if you decide to buy from it. Thank you!
Here is my story to date. We got a little white dog 3 years ago because that’s what my husband wanted. I envisioned myself doing things with this dog that would fill my k-9 cup as well. I moved forward on each one of my little dreams, whether at home formal training, you name it, and this dog would look at me to say, “yeah, you go ahead, maybe I’ll see you later”. TONS of stories for another day.
I finally decided to get a dog that would truly fill my k-9 cup. Researched and chose my Doberman breeder. We’ve had dobes before and I just love the breed. She understood what I wanted and needed, but I was quite a ways down the list. A year later, still waiting, I found a breeder of DoberDanes. I was so excited and began corresponding immediately with the breeder. A week later I sent her a DoberDane deposit and slept so soundly, knowing I would have second pick of the litter.
I’d had trouble settling on a name for a Doberman, trying to pick something beginning with “B” to alliterate with our little dogs name. Once I settled on the DoberDane I thought, what if I pick a name with any first letter, any first name I want? In about two seconds I knew her name was Pippi. Im not worried about registered names.
And my heart is so at peace. Now after hearing this podcast, I will start talking to her, also. 😁
No need to make apologies for your Woo! Woo is very important, we would all be better off listening to our Woo. Lovely post. I am planning on getting a miniature schnauzer in the spring , no aspirations of agility competition may do it for fun though. Thanks for all the things to think about.
What about breeders in this pandemic that choose for you? Basically it is pay deposit and get what we select for you….I find that unsettling!
Oh Susan, I loved how you chose This! But when you spoke about the shy dog, you broke my heart….but you didn’t tell me something I didn’t already know. When you spoke about the shy…the fearful…the reactive dog…you were describing my Newfoundland dog, Davey. He was shy from the beginning, not horribly, but it has progressed to being very reactive (so far not aggressive) around other dogs. He will be 3 years old in a week. I know I have my work cut out with him, but I love him – he is the sweetest, most perfect dog at home. Socially, not so much. He is the 4th Newfie I’ve gotten from my breeder (a veterinarian who competes in Conformation, Agility and Obedience with her Newfs and Beagles). Like you when you knew This! was meant to be yours, I knew Davey was meant to be mine. I knew! So, I’m hoping your courses will help me build up confidence in this dog. He really is lovely. If you have specific things I should or should not be doing with him, I would be so glad for any advice. Thank you and look forward to hearing stories of This!
Love “This” video! lol. You have beautiful puppies and their new owners are very fortunate to have you!!! I look forward to seeing This! grow up!!!
Dear Susan,
Thank you for sharing your epic puppy journey. I have watched your videos of Momentum since she was a puppy and now she is a great Mom.
When you announced your puppy’s name I was more that a little perplexed. So I started reading the Resilience Project. All has become clear. I can picture the gratitude and happiness of the children who had barely nothing, proudly proclaiming “This!” The perfect name for a perfect little soul. Thank you so much. You bring joy, wisdom and laughter into my life every day.
I also love your inspiration for This’! name. ❤️ It reminded me of this song from the Dreamworks movie, Spirit Stallion of the Cimarron. It is called Here I am. https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=e742m_fJIAw
Susan, This! is so exciting! I will love watching your little girl grow on the blog and podcasts and in Recallers as well. ❤️🐾
I have a suggestion for a topic for a future podcast or blog. What was your journey to becoming a dog trainer? Where did you go to school? What kind of people are fit personality wise to become dog trainers? What kind of dog trainers are out there like service dog, guide dog, scent detection dog trainers etc. What do you suggest is the best route to becoming a reinforcement, game based trainer now a days? I am very interested in this topic as I would love to be able to join the dog training industry, especially as a reinforcement game based trainer. But Dr Google makes things way more confusing, and you’re my most reliable resource for dog training topics. Thanks! ❤️🐾❤️🐾
My favorite podcast. Thanks for sharing “This!”
Beautiful choice. Made me cry for joy! Congrats.
I loved This from the start but didnt think you were choosing her.Happy to be wrong. Best wishes.
❤️ This! So much fun! My fave!
Susan, Congratulations on choosing This! They are all awesome and you’ve done an amazing job with them. How blessed are you and all the other puppy owners to have these great puppies to start your next journey with? Enjoy every moment!!!
So excited for you and This! I knew she’d be the one.
I love This! 💙❤💙❤
Yes to “This!” 🥰
Oh my heart…I LOVE YOUR ‘WOO”! I aspire to find my own! Welcome ‘This!’ to a fabulous home & life ahead! The picture of the three of you (with Momentum and ‘This!’) shows that ‘meant to be’ stuff! Thank you for sharing this story! So, fabulous, inspiring and motivating…yep, ‘THIS!’ Looking forward to watching her grow with you! Exciting!