A dominant puppy in a litter is typically the most confident, assertive, and pushy individual, often observed controlling resources like food or toys and initiating play by acting as the "predator" in chasing games. They may display bold behavior, such as being the first to approach visitors, and are often, though not always, the largest or most vocal puppy.

How do you tell if you have a dominant puppy?

Most dogs assume a neutral or submissive role toward people, but some dogs will challenge their owners for dominance. A dominant dog may stare, bark, growl, snap or even bite when you give him a command or ask him to give up a toy, treat or resting place.

Which puppy to pick in a litter?

If the breeder offers you a choice, aim to pick a puppy that falls in the middle of the litter, especially if this is your first dog. A puppy that seems disinterested or unresponsive might be a nervous dog, which can lead to high-level behavioural problems later in life if not raised by an experienced owner.

Can a dog have more than one father in a litter?

Dogs can experience superfecundation, where a single litter has multiple fathers if the female mates with different males during her heat cycle. This results in puppies with varied genetics and appearances. Identifying mixed paternity requires genetic testing.

What to do with a dominant puppy?

Roughhousing games (like tug of war, wrestling, etc.) teach your dog that challenging you is fun. When your dog wins, he thinks he is stronger than you; and stronger dogs are always higher in the social hierarchy of the pack. In addition, do not allow your dog or puppy to “play bite”.

How to Pick from a Litter of Puppies | Personality Types | Part 1

What is the 7 7 7 rule for puppies?

The "777 Puppy Rule" (or Rule of Seven) is a guideline for early puppy socialization, recommending exposure to 7 different people, 7 different locations, 7 different surfaces, 7 different types of toys, 7 different challenges, 7 different food containers, and 7 short car rides (or similar experiences) by around 7 to 12 weeks old to build confidence and prevent fear, with each positive experience paired with treats and praise to create a well-adjusted adult dog.
 

What is the survival rate of inbred puppies?

At 8 years old, more than 80% of dogs with low inbreeding are alive, while only 60% of dogs with inbreeding > 6.25% survived to this age. In dogs with low inbreeding (< 6%), 80% survived at least to 12 years old; only 30% of inbred dogs survived to that age.

Do puppies take more after mom or dad?

Puppies inherit half of their genes from each parent. However, size is not determined by a single gene, so it's impossible to guarantee a specific size. The puppy could end up being larger or smaller than either parent, depending on how the genes from each parent combine.

How long can female dogs have puppies?

Age is not a certain form of contraception in dogs. While it is not likely that a 10 year old female will conceive easily, it is also not impossible. Unfortunately, pregnancies late in life are associated with numerous risks in dogs. You should absolutely avoid breeding a dog older than 8 or 9 years old.

What is the 10 minute rule for puppies?

The "10-minute rule for puppies" usually refers to either a potty training method (10 mins outside, 10 feet space, 10 mins supervision, repeat if needed) or a training/exercise guideline (short, focused 10-minute sessions to prevent overload, or 10 mins of exercise per month of age). It emphasizes consistency, short bursts of activity to match a puppy's limited attention and bladder control, and positive reinforcement for success, preventing frustration for both pup and owner.

How to tell if a puppy is alpha?

Jumping and scratching – Alpha dogs are likely to jump on you and scratch you. This is their way of being pushy and attempting to challenge your authority.

How to pick a submissive puppy?

The very submissive pup will have to be coaxed and is likely to follow in fits and starts; he may roll onto his back each time you stop or bend down to stroke him. Look for the puppy that is happy to follow – yet – does not chase or tug your clothes nor trips you up.

What age do puppies show dominance?

12–18 Months. Somewhere during this period, your dog will reach emotional maturity; sooner, with small breeds, and later for large dogs. At that time, dogs with tendencies toward dominance will begin to assert themselves, hoping to raise their status in the pack (your household).

Which parent determines puppy size?

The best and easiest way to determine the future size of your puppy is by looking at both parents. Generally, whatever the parent's size and weight is, you can bet your puppy will be as well.

What is the 7 7 7 rule for dogs?

The "7 7 7 rule" for dogs is a puppy socialization guideline, originally by Pat Hastings, suggesting exposing puppies to 7 different people, 7 different locations, and 7 different surfaces/objects/sounds/challenges (variations exist) by about 7 weeks old to build confidence, resilience, and prevent fear or anxiety as adults. Key experiences include meeting diverse individuals, visiting different places like a vet's office or friend's house, walking on various substrates (grass, tile, carpet), and encountering new objects and gentle challenges (like tunnels or boxes).
 

Which parent decides skin color?

Your baby's skin colour is a polygenic trait

Genetics determines melanin, which in turn decides your baby's natural complexion. The more melanin, the darker the complexion. Your baby's skin color is not determined solely by the genes of either parent, but instead by a mix of both.

What is the 90/10 rule for dogs?

The 90/10 rule for dogs primarily means that 90% of their calories should come from a complete and balanced dog food, while treats, chews, and table scraps make up no more than the remaining 10% of daily caloric intake to prevent nutritional imbalance and obesity. Some training contexts also use the rule for behavior, meaning 90% of the time you're practicing a command (like a solid "stay") and 10% of the time you're rewarding it, or for leash walks, 90% structured heel, 10% sniff time.

How long does 1 hour feel to a dog?

An hour for a dog doesn't pass like it does for humans; due to their faster metabolism and perception, a human hour feels much longer to a dog, with some suggesting it's closer to 7 minutes of their time, making a work day feel like days, and explaining their intense excitement when owners return from seemingly short absences. They sense time through routines, smells, and body changes, not abstract clocks. 

What to avoid when choosing a puppy?

Your chosen puppy should also be bright, active and friendly. Avoid a puppy that appears timid or afraid, as you may well find that they experience behavioural issues later in life.

What is the hardest month with a puppy?

The "worst" month of puppyhood varies, but common tough stages include 3-4 months (intense biting/teething, potty training issues, sleep disruption) and the 6-12 month adolescence period (rebelliousness, boundary testing, increased energy/independence, "terrible teens"), with the biting often peaking around 13 weeks. While teething (4-6 months) brings destructive chewing, adolescence brings behavioral challenges as hormones kick in, leading to disobedience and independence.
 

What is blue dog syndrome?

Color dilution alopecia (CDA), also known as Blue Dog Disease, is a hereditary condition that causes patches of thinning hair and itchy flaky skin in dogs with a 'dilute' coat color. Dilute coat colors include fur considered blue (diluted from black) or light fawn (diluted from liver or chocolate-colored coats).

---