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	Ask the breeder to remove all of the opposite gender from the whelping box. This will help to narrow things down quite a bit. First and foremost take some time and discuss the remaining pups over with your breeder. Explain to them what you are looking for in a gundog and family companion. Remember, they have spent seven weeks with these pups socializing and watching their behavior patterns. You are only spending an hour or so with the pups. The breeder should be able to shed some more light on each pup for you to make your final decision. The pup that stays in the corner sleeping while all the others are running around very well could be the one suited for you! That youngster may be overtired from earlier roughhousing or possibly could have overeaten from it’s recent feeding. Ask the breeder to suggest which of the pups from the litter might be suited for your specific needs. Naturally, by all means make sure that the appearance of the pup is satisfying to you, as well. Many folks will let the pup choose them! A pup may come over wanting to be with you instead of investigating other activities that are going on in the area. The pup that shows he has that “want to be with you attitude” can be an easier one to handle. Others will show a very independent and outgoing attitude. These pups can tend to be just that when they mature and come of age. Those pups will require more of a watchful eye and a firmer hand while being trained. One test that I like to do once I have narrowed thing down is to roll the pup over on his back. Place a hand on his belly holding him down. The pup that fight frantically trying to get over onto his feet will tend to be strong headed, bold and a very independent dog. That will be the difficult one to train and could require someone that has some experience to school him. This type of outgoing personality can tend to be too much dog for the average person. You will find that some pups will struggle to get over and onto their feet but after a few seconds settle down and accept the fact that they must remain restrained on their backs. These pups show some independence however, also show that they will accept training. Others will just accept the fact that this is the way things will be and it is okay with them. Both these pups that accept this test should be flushing dogs that will take correction and training fairly well with little retribution. Other folks will additionally choose to do a final test and check to see how the pup will respond to a live clipped winged pigeon. This test will only show those in the litter that are more dominate and courageous in personality than others. It is very difficult to choose a pup solely on the live pigeon exam. Things may change dramatically as these pups mature. However, the format laid out above in conjunction with the live pigeon test should stack the deck in your favor on picking your new prospect. Once you have selected your new family companion and gundog prospect, spend some additional time with your breeder and get some solid do’s and don’t about starting your new pup off on the right foot. It will be especially helpful gaining good advice for those who are getting a pup as a family companion as well as a gundog. Good luck shopping! About the Author: David Krassler is a native New Englander, who resides in the Berkshire Mountain Range of western Massachusetts. David and his wife, Marcia, have owned and operated Citari Kennel since 1985. Together, David and Marcia offer clients an impressive 35 years of professional breeding and training experience. As a professional trainer, active seminarist, and a member of the New England Outdoor Writers Association, David consistently strives to take the mystery out of the training and breeding top performing field dogs.
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