When picking a puppy, it’s important to avoid certain red flags that could indicate future health or behavioral problems.

Here’s what to watch out for…

Excessive Shyness or Fearfulness

• Avoid puppies that are overly fearful or shy, especially if they cower, hide, or seem overly stressed when approached. While some puppies may be naturally reserved, extreme fearfulness can be a sign of poor socialization or past trauma, making them harder to train and integrate into a home.

Aggression or Dominance

• Avoid puppies that show signs of aggressive behavior such as growling, snapping, or being overly dominant with their littermates. While some puppies are just assertive, consistent aggression could lead to behavioral challenges as they grow.

Lack of Curiosity

• Puppies that show no interest in exploring their surroundings or engaging with people may be less confident or healthy. A puppy that is apathetic or seems uninterested in play or interaction may require more time to develop social and mental stimulation.

Excessive Lethargy

• Puppies should be playful and energetic. If a puppy seems unusually tired, weak, or lethargic, it could be a sign of an underlying health issue. While puppies do need naps, persistent tiredness might indicate something is wrong.

Poor Health or Physical Appearance

• Avoid puppies that show signs of illness or poor health, such as…
  • Discharge from eyes or nose
  • Coughing, sneezing, or labored breathing
  • Visible parasites (like fleas or ticks)
  • Unkempt fur or noticeable skin issues These signs can indicate underlying health problems or poor breeding practices.

Lack of Socialization

• If a puppy is isolated from its littermates or appears fearful of humans, it may not have had adequate socialization. Puppies that are not properly socialized at a young age can develop long-term behavior problems, including aggression or anxiety.

Overly Dominant Behavior with Littermates

• While some play-fighting is normal, avoid puppies that are aggressively dominant with their siblings, constantly pushing or bullying the others. This could indicate a strong-willed or overly dominant temperament that might be harder to manage as an adult.

Unwillingness to Be Handled

• If a puppy seems averse or uncomfortable with being handled (e.g., pulling away, whining, or growling when picked up), it may have issues with trust or have not been well socialized. Puppies that are willing to be held and interact are usually more adaptable.

Breeder Red Flags

• Avoid puppies from breeders who are unwilling to let you see the puppy’s parents or the living conditions. If the breeder does not offer health clearances or documents for vaccinations and deworming, or if the breeder is unwilling to answer questions, it’s a serious red flag.

Overbreeding Signs

• If the breeder has a large number of litters available or seems more focused on selling puppies for profit than on the health and well-being of the animals, they may be engaging in overbreeding. This often leads to puppies with health or behavioral problems.

When selecting a puppy, avoid those that show signs of extreme fear, aggression, or poor health. Look for a playful, curious, and well-socialized puppy that interacts positively with you and its littermates. Make sure the breeder is responsible, transparent, and prioritizes the well-being of the puppies.