Picking a pup

[Ballymac]

Not sure if this is the right place to post this but here goes. My springer has had a litter of seven, and I intend to keep one or maybe two to train up. How do I know which is the pick of the litter? is there such a thing or does the dog pick you rather than you pickin it.

 

I realise that there should be little difference between the pups and it is all down to training and socialising that will shape them in the future.

[UKPoacher]

As you are the breeder you will have a better idea than most when it comes to picking the best one. You will probably fall in love with one of them and that is the best way to select your pup. It's a psychological thing. Don't fight it.

 

If I were picking a pup from a litter I knew nothing about I would spend a few minutes standing quietly near to the litter until they forgot about me and carried on doing their business. Then, once they were all settled I would clap suddenly. Some will run away and some will turn and bark or show a bit of puppy aggression. Some will look, assess the situation then carry on. Those are the ones I would select for the second test.

 

Round two is a retrieve test. Use a rolled up sock and taking each pup individually tease the pup until they show interest then throw the sock. Any that run up to the sock pass the test. If they pick it up it's a bonus. That's the one to pick.

 

This method was used by the American Guide Dog charity back in the 60's. They were frustrated by having so many dogs failing the course so they tested each pup in lots of ways and recorded the results. After a while they discovered that they only needed two tests. Pups that passed those two tests were 96% sure of becoming Guide Dogs. We use the first test in selecting police dogs and many shepherds also use it to select working sheep dogs.

 

But, as previously said - pick the one that your heart says is your favourite. You'll pick the best.

[Ballymac]

very interesting that. was the type of advice Iwas looking, as the wife and kids have their own favourites which are based on shape of ears, colouration or just cuteness

[butcherboy]

very interesting that. was the type of advice Iwas looking, as the wife and kids have their own favourites which are based on shape of ears, colouration or just cuteness

 

 

It's not the worst way to pick

[TJ91]

Runt o' litter for me!

[bigt1754]

As you are the breeder you will have a better idea than most when it comes to picking the best one. You will probably fall in love with one of them and that is the best way to select your pup. It's a psychological thing. Don't fight it.

 

If I were picking a pup from a litter I knew nothing about I would spend a few minutes standing quietly near to the litter until they forgot about me and carried on doing their business. Then, once they were all settled I would clap suddenly. Some will run away and some will turn and bark or show a bit of puppy aggression. Some will look, assess the situation then carry on. Those are the ones I would select for the second test.

 

Round two is a retrieve test. Use a rolled up sock and taking each pup individually tease the pup until they show interest then throw the sock. Any that run up to the sock pass the test. If they pick it up it's a bonus. That's the one to pick.

 

This method was used by the American Guide Dog charity back in the 60's. They were frustrated by having so many dogs failing the course so they tested each pup in lots of ways and recorded the results. After a while they discovered that they only needed two tests. Pups that passed those two tests were 96% sure of becoming Guide Dogs. We use the first test in selecting police dogs and many shepherds also use it to select working sheep dogs.

 

But, as previously said - pick the one that your heart says is your favourite. You'll pick the best.

 

 

Very interesting

 

bigt

[Benellimelody]

I always pick the mental one

[kent]

I saw a vidio of a yank choosing a pointer. He gently pinned each one the ones that submitted easily were taken and thrown a partridge wing those with the most intrest were then selected, might try this myself next time. The above clap test etc is worthwhile you don't want a nervey one but you also don't one that will chellenge you every step of the way

[lewis]

Runt o' litter for me!

 

 

Same for me too

[magman]

Not sure if this is the right place to post this but here goes. My springer has had a litter of seven, and I intend to keep one or maybe two to train up. How do I know which is the pick of the litter? is there such a thing or does the dog pick you rather than you pickin it.

I realise that there should be little difference between the pups and it is all down to training and socialising that will shape them in the future.

 

 

done this with my last pup and she has done me proud