Picking the pup that fits my needs. - Page 1

I know this has probably been asked countless times, but please give me your suggestions anyway. I am getting my first working line pup, around april.  I'M SO EXCITED!

I'm hoping to visit the litter as it grows, and to allow the breeder to get to know my abilities (or lack of), so she can help put the pup that suits me best with me.  Her opinions are what I will go with to a large extent, as I trust and respect her knowledge.

I have had showlines in the past.  Very handler soft, and with a prey drive that does not hold up. Medim to low I'd say their drive is.  No defense, or fight drive at all.

What I am looking for is:

More resilency, a harder dog I'd guess you'd say.  One that my mistakes does not put into avoidance.
More endurance.  My showlines quit too easily in my estimation.
A good retrieve drive.
Some biddibility.
More drive,  but I do not like the extreme over the top drive that so many do like.
Some indepedence, a velcro dog is not my favorite.
Boldness, confidance and exceptence of new situations. 
Dominance level not super high, I doubt I could handle a dog coming up the leash with little provacation.
No submissive dogs though.
A desire to work that is always present.  A seriousness in their work ethics also.  Not all play/prey.

Am I asking for too much?  I also did not put my wishes in order of importance, as I'm not really certain which is most important.

As I'm sitting among the litter of pups, what should I watch for.  What puppy behavior will point me towards the dog of my dreams?

As I said above, her recommendations will be very important to me, but I'd also like to learn how to read the pups, and how thier behavior, equals what I desire.   This will be a learning experience for me, and I'm so thrilled to have the chance to watch, and learn about how puppy behavior translates into future character.

Thanks for any insight.
Becky

I would make sure the breeder knew exactly what I wanted or needed,  and ask for their advise on who to choose.  if you are comfortable with the breeder.  the litter may act differently when its just the breeder there,  versus when someone they don't know is there.  The breeder has observed them from birth,  you may just have 30 minutes to an hour of observing them.  who will know more about the puppies?  the breeder

just a little more to add

people need to listen to the dogs breeders more.  if they tell you one puppy isn't suitable for you,  don't insist on that puppy.  I think I have offended a few people this go around selling my puppy cause I wouldn't let them have the one they wanted.  I felt the pup was too much for them versus another puppy in the litter who was a better pick.

Thanks Uberland, I intend to do exactly that.  I'd just like to learn a little about understanding behavior at the same time.  I'd like to hear from people how they look for certain quatlities.  What is obvious you, may not be to me. 

I'm also just so excited, that any extra knowledge and learning I recieve while I'm impatiently waiting is much enjoyed.

never go for the most aggressive or assertive puppy in the litter.  this is generally the pushy one, tail always up, rolling the other puppies ect.  This one needs an experienced home, not always best for first time owners or someone who doesn't want to work their dog.  and don't go for the shy little one who runs from your advances.  go for a puppy that is just happy to be around you, confident, outgoing.  the middle puppy of the litter. 

if you watch the litter long enogh,  you should see some puppies who prefer to go off and do what they please withuot you.  fairly independent,  then their are the puppies who sole purpose in life is to make the other puppies life hell.  then there are ones who generally stay fairly close to you,  or if they do venture off,  they come right back.  that would be the one I choose,  the one who wanted to be near me.  I like dogs who have some independence,  but also want to be with me.  a willing to please attitude is a must,

I want to thank the people who PMed me.  I appreciate the advice and help.

It was suggested that an older dog would be better showing the characteristics I'm looking for.  I realise this, but have my reasons for not wanting an older dog.

I'm not asking for concrete evidence that a pup has all of my desires.  I do know that is asking too much.   I'd think though that
watching them play together, would give an idea of which pup had which tendencies towards my desires.

Resilancey is probably near the top of my list.  But, I have no idea of how to tell which pup will bounce back from adversity.
Retrieve drive I think I  could figure out myself.  Same as amount of dominance and independence, I could hopefully see
myself watching a litter of pups.

The amount of biddibility (I think that's the desire to please?), I also have no idea of what to look for.  Stable, and strong nerves
I have no idea what to look for. 

Could submissive pups show the same traits as a biddable  pup?  Are the two interchangeable?  Can you even have an independant dog, that also has a innate drive to please and work with the owner?  Is this something that only shows up with maturity?

How about the ability to focus?  Is this only a learned action, or is it also genetic?
 

my suggestion, look at the parents,  if they are what you like,  then buy a puppy from that litter.

these are living animals and do not come special order off an assembly line.  I do not think someone will give you the answers you are looking for here.  it can take years of experience to be able to pick puppies in a litter,  then some people are just naturals at it. some people are never able to pick puppies out of a litter.  it just isn't something that is easily explained.

trust the breeder