hazelpseudoblue
Active member
Hey everyone,
I'm currently embarking on my search for my first Cavalier..I've done all the background research, met adults, talked to owners, read everything I could get my hands on, etc., and am sure that this is the right breed for me .
The problem is, I know that every puppy is not the same, and the only thing I keep hearing that stays relatively the same is that it's important to choose a puppy that fits your family and your lifestyle..I just have no idea what to look for!
I met a litter of seven week old puppies, from a small breeder who has papers, only breeds his dogs once, maybe twice a year, and both the mother and father were not only on site, but mingled with the puppies, and were extremely wonderful dogs- sweet, calm, intelligent and very attached to their people- including the couple's eighteen month old son (you know how kids can be with dogs). But, while the puppies were absolutely beautiful and sweet (though the girls were a bit into biting my toes, lol) I didn't really feel a strong pull towards any of them.
In addition to that, I performed the few things that I have been told by all the owners I spoke with- I gently touched their faces, their ears, their little bellies, their paws (including squeezing VERY gently and touching between their toes). They were very tolerant until I got to the last test: when you flip them onto their backs and basically hold them like a baby. They all, every one of them, fought it.
The thing is, I was told that if the puppy fights being on their back like that, that means that they're going to be a 'dominant' dog..But, the truth is, I am so, so lost..
There is so much info out there, and it all conflicts and is vague and leaves me even more confused..
I'm lost! What things should I do to determine whether a puppy is 'right' for my family, for me, for our lifestyle?? I was looking for that 'falling in love with a puppy' experience..is that unrealistic?
I hope that, if any of you have words of wisdom, you'll pass them on. I'd certainly appreciate any help!
Thanks so much!! >^.^<
I'm currently embarking on my search for my first Cavalier..I've done all the background research, met adults, talked to owners, read everything I could get my hands on, etc., and am sure that this is the right breed for me .
The problem is, I know that every puppy is not the same, and the only thing I keep hearing that stays relatively the same is that it's important to choose a puppy that fits your family and your lifestyle..I just have no idea what to look for!
I met a litter of seven week old puppies, from a small breeder who has papers, only breeds his dogs once, maybe twice a year, and both the mother and father were not only on site, but mingled with the puppies, and were extremely wonderful dogs- sweet, calm, intelligent and very attached to their people- including the couple's eighteen month old son (you know how kids can be with dogs). But, while the puppies were absolutely beautiful and sweet (though the girls were a bit into biting my toes, lol) I didn't really feel a strong pull towards any of them.
In addition to that, I performed the few things that I have been told by all the owners I spoke with- I gently touched their faces, their ears, their little bellies, their paws (including squeezing VERY gently and touching between their toes). They were very tolerant until I got to the last test: when you flip them onto their backs and basically hold them like a baby. They all, every one of them, fought it.
The thing is, I was told that if the puppy fights being on their back like that, that means that they're going to be a 'dominant' dog..But, the truth is, I am so, so lost..
There is so much info out there, and it all conflicts and is vague and leaves me even more confused..
I'm lost! What things should I do to determine whether a puppy is 'right' for my family, for me, for our lifestyle?? I was looking for that 'falling in love with a puppy' experience..is that unrealistic?
I hope that, if any of you have words of wisdom, you'll pass them on. I'd certainly appreciate any help!
Thanks so much!! >^.^<