1. Puppy's personality
The first thing I look at is how much they love people. Do they want to please their owners? Are they friendly towards strangers? These are some of the things I look at when picking a puppy for therapy work.
2. Training
I train them to sit, stay, lay down, walk on a leash, and even play fetch. I teach them basic commands and how to interact with different types of clients. I teach them to not jump on people and to always have their mouth closed while playing with children. I also teach them how to deal with different situations and what to do if someone gets upset.
3. Health
I check their ears, eyes, teeth, and skin. I also take their temperature and weigh them. I make sure they aren't sick or have any parasites. I also look at their hips and spine to make sure they don't have any problems.
4. Socialization
I socialize my puppies with kids and adults. I let them meet new people and get comfortable around them. I also let them meet other animals and pets. I try to expose them to different environments and places. I want them to learn about different cultures and lifestyles.
5. Personality
I look at their personalities. I want them to be outgoing and happy. I want them to have a calm demeanor and not be afraid of anything. I want them to enjoy being around people and having fun.
6. Behavior
I look at their behavior. I want them to know how to behave around different people and situations. I want them to understand what is expected of them. I want them to respect themselves and others.
7. Temperament
I look at their temperaments. I want them to show me who they are. I want them to display confidence and self-assurance. I want them to feel safe and secure around people.
Check out the New Puppy Checklist
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