Which puppy do I train?

Question

I have a litter of ten puppies. I need to choose one of them to train for my uncle as a service dog. He will need a dog that can retrieve thing for him, pick things up that have been dropped, Stabilize him while walking, etc. How do I choose the right pup from the litter? They are labs. I am going to keep and train one pup with the basics for the first year and a half, then it will go to a professional to learn the advanced stuff. What I need to know is, HOW DO I CHOOSE WHICH PUP WOULD BE BEST FOR THE JOB?

Answer 1

I'm not experienced in the area, but what I'd suggest is when the puppies get to be 7-8 weeks old, watch them play together.  Avoid one that is shy, and strays away from you or the other puppies, but also don't pick one that doesn't express an interest in you. The puppy should have a healthy curiosity, but not overly hyper or energetic. (: Seeing the puppies play together, and picking from a select few of the ten is your best bet-- you get a feeling for their attitude if you see how they behave with one another.

Another tip, once you have 3-4 that seem to have a good temperament (Not too hyper, as far as puppies go, but not too shy or submissive either), play with them individually and talk to those who knows them most-- the breeder! (: Unless that is you, but if you've been caring for them, you probably get a certain vibe from each of them.

Answer 2

You choose the one that is most laid back, the one that isn't easily excitable. Pick the one that will willing let you put him on his back, play with his feet, his ears, let you open his mouth and touch his teeth. You'll want the most gentle of all the puppies.

In the service training programs, when they are training a new generation, these puppies start their training before they even open their eyes. They expose their bodies to different sensations, they are put on their backs and the trainers play with their feet. They have the puppies experience hot and cold and rough and smooth.

And when they get older they are given the ultimate socialization training. Because they have a certain badge, they are aloud anywhere with those puppies, so they get their own personal guides and are taken to the most common places, like the grocery store, department stores, fast food places, restaurants, movie theaters, doctors offices and hospitals. Anywhere their future companion may need them to go and they need to be comfortable.

So a lot goes into this training, socialization is probably the most important training that the puppy will get. So I hope this isn't something that is just a spur of the moment, lets train a puppy to be a service dog, it takes a lot of time and a lot of dedication. Because if you aren't dedicated, your uncle's life could be a stake.

Answer 3

I'm not sure how you would choose. I would choose one that is calm.

Answer 4

I would choose one who really seems to pay attention to peoples actions and possible mock what there doing. One where its healthy and very communicationable.[if thts a word lol]. thats how i would choose the puppy.

Answer 5

any of the dog can be trained as long as they have a good trainer. As far as knowing which one to pick when they are puppies. You really can tell what there personality will be until they get older. Sorry but good luck.

Answer 6

1. Structure- a dog used for the type of Service work you are proposing should be structurally sound.  Evaluate structure at 49 days (seriously ON day 49) Here is a link with some videos- http://kerlins.net/bobbi/Eriador/links/e...  You should consider having someone who knows what they are doing help you evaluate for structure.  I will assume you've had the parents (as well as the rest of the pedigree) screened against things like Hip Dysplasia.

Out of 10 pups pick the top 3 or 4 with the best structure- set the other ones aside as "pets".  

2.  Move on to "Temperament".  You should have been watching and taking notes on all the puppies from birth.  You should be giving them small "tests" of intelligence.  You should be noting which pups are bringing you things (you should reward with a scratch on the neck or a tidbit of cookie).  http://www.american-bulldog.com/temperam... http://www.volhard.com/pages/pat.php

You choose the puppy best for the job by evaluating what your uncle's needs are.  For instance, with my last litter I was selecting a dog for someone who has a LOT of company over, who would have difficulty doing a lot of grooming, who needs a dog that stays focussed and who needs a dog that is capable of just lying around when not busy.  When I got down to which of two pups to keep to train I decided to keep the one who was more people oriented, who would ALWAYS choose a person over something more interesting and who didn't mind just lying around --- and he was less hairy (not that you have to worry about that).  The other puppy is a great puppy but seems to be more of a one person/one family dog and he likes to DO things constantly .... Had I been choosing for a person who was more active he would have been a great choice.

You really do need to find someone in your area who can assist you in evaluating puppies with an unbiased viewpoint.  

Answer 7

Pick either the biggest, or the one that just catches your eye. :] goodluck.

Answer 8

They can all be trained it's up to you which one you want to pick! Good luck!