Choosing a Puppy

Choosing a puppy is one of the most joyful experiences we have whether getting a pup from a breeder or from a rescue organization. You’ll decide how active a dog would be ideal, how long and thick a coat it should have, and what sex would be best. You’ll consider whether the pup should be genetically inclined to love any particular activitiy, such as swimming or herding, or doing tricks. All this is a lot to decide, but don’t stop there.

Here are 6 more points to consider when you look for your new puppy:

1. Genetics contribute to calmness and anxiety, which means if the parents are calm it increases the likelihood the pups will be calm.

2. Dogs with erect ears (Border Collies, German Shepherds, Shelties etc) have more “yang” energy forward than dogs with drop ears (Bloodhounds, Labradors) and require different behavioural approaches than dogs with drop ears.

3. Dogs that have been bred to be smaller than their ancestors, such as the minis and toys, may lack confidence and be more anxious than dogs of a standard size.

4. The smallest dog of the litter may be more anxious than the large dogs in the litter. Size is in part determined by growth hormone: the more growth hormone released, the larger the dog; the less growth hormone, the smaller the dog. How much growth hormone is released is partially regulated by the stress hormone, cortisol. The more cortisol is released, the less growth hormone. Thus, the smallest in the litter, with the least amount of growth hormone are often the dogs with the highest cortisol levels, the dogs that have experienced the most stress. These stressed dogs may perceive their world as being more dangerous or it actually may be more dangerous for them.

5. Stressed puppies have permanently different brain chemistry than unstressed puppies, thus they tend toward having more anxiety their entire life. The stress hormone cortisol released when the pup is in utero and during the first few weeks of life signals the developing brain to make more receptors for stress hormones. The more stress receptors a brain has, the easier and the faster the brain picks up on stress.

6. In dogs, as in many species (foxes, cats, rats, & horses) research has shown there is a correlation between coat color and trainability. In dogs, white patches, such as found on belly and feet, are associated with domestication and the ability to be tamed. In contrast, many believe that a red coat is associated with animal that is more intense, flighty, and less trainable.

To prove the correlation between coat color and temperament, researchers showed that shown behaviour is linked to pigment production, and pigment production is linked to hormones & neurotransmitters. Researchers found that the neurotransmitters released when stressed (dopamine, adrenalin and noradrenalin) have the same biochemical precursor as melanin. Melanin is found in the skin and the brain, including brain areas affecting mood.

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