Puppy Selection: How I Do It and Why I Didn't This! Time #36

How do you pick a puppy? Even if you are not selecting a puppy, a lot of these concepts apply to a rescue dog. I’ve just raised a litter of puppies, and one will stay with me as my next dog, so I’m covering my tips, plus how my puppy chose me!
In the episode you'll hear:
• How our rescue dog Tater feels about living in a family of Border Collies.
• The considerations about what sort of dog is best for you.
• How Tina the Poodle came into our family when I was a kid.
• Why to set an intention about your next dog.
• The three areas I look at when picking my puppy.
• What to consider about structure and temperament.
• What you need to know about puppies and temperament tests.
• About what your heart tells you and why I’m big on the woo.
• Why to trust the breeder of your puppy if you have done your research.
• The reason to not second guess yourself.
• About the adventures that led me to my new puppy.
• Who my next dog is and her name!
Spoiler Alert Puppy Names:
Moira Rose - Say Yes to Inspired Moments - Dream
Alexis - Say Yes to Playing for the Moment - Swish
David - Say Yes to Making the Moments Count - Mission
Stevie - Say Yes to Being in the Moment - This!
Resources:
Podcast Episode 13: Naming Your Puppy or Dog -
• Naming Your Puppy or D...
Book: What's Your Angle: Understanding Angulation and Structure for the Performance Dog by Helen Grinnell King -
geni.us/whatsyourangle
Book: Picking your Performance Puppy by Helen Grinnell King -
geni.us/performancepuppy
Avidog Website (Search for the word Temperament) -
dogsthat.com/breeders
Book: The Resilience Project: Finding Happiness Through Gratitude, Empathy and Mindfulness by Hugh van Cuylenburg -
theresilienceproject.com.au/s...
*Amazon Links Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Susan only recommends products she uses herself, and all opinions expressed here are her own. The link above is an affiliate link that, at no additional cost to you, we may earn a small commission if you decide to buy from it. Thank you!
P.S. Subscribe to our KZbin Channel so you get notifications of new videos!
- - - - - - -
Dogs That is brought to you by Susan Garrett and the Say Yes Dog Training Team.
Susan Garrett’s interest in animal behaviour started at the University of Guelph where she earned a Bachelor of Science majoring in Animal Science. Since then she has developed into a preeminent dog trainer and canine sports instructor and competitor. Susan is one of the most successful agility competitors of the last three decades. She has won multiple Gold Medals at National or World Championship events with every dog she has ever owned over the past 30 years.
A natural teacher and an entertaining speaker, Susan is world renowned as a leading educator of dog trainers. Her understanding of how to apply science-based learning principles to both competitive and family pet dog training has been pivotal in changing how dogs are trained.
Susan is now helping many thousands of dog owners in 82 countries have the best relationship possible with their dogs. The real joy for her comes from bringing confidence to dogs and their owner through playful interactions and relationship building games that are grounded firmly in the science of how animals learn.
- - - - - - -
Our Website: dogsthat.com
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There’s always something new happening at Dogs That, so if you’d like to be the first to know, visit our website, register to receive updates, and we'll keep you in the loop.
dogsthat.com

[@chericarr4245]

Oops I accidentally hit the down thumb instead of the comment so if that shows up anywhere it's a mistake! This is a total thumbs up! When we got our most recent dog, we knew we were going to name a dog Jessie after my great grandma and after our favorite inspiration cross country ski gold medalist and author, Jessie Diggins. I asked the universe (and my departed relatives who were very much dog people) to send Jessie our way. Completely under crazy circumstances this lovely little rescue dog of four and a half months old, a little mini Aussie but feels more like a border collie, dropped out of the universe and into our laps. She is the perfect dog we are so in love with her. So yeah! Woo! ❤️

[@PamelaDalmatian]

I am listening to this podcast folding laundry and had to come to the video to comment! You don’t want your first puppy to be shy or bite-y… I’m realizing that my first dog [Dalmatian!!!] was that shy puppy, and guess how she turned out? Exactly what you said! Can’t do the fun stuff, reactive, all the common mistakes and exactly what you said. And my second dog? (Who just turned 3 months old yesterday) An Australian Shepard that jumps to bite our face! I really hit that nail in the coffin head on 😂😂😂😂😂 But thanks to you and my dedication to training content, they are both amazing dogs! The reactivity is getting SO much better, and she’s a smart and talented sweetheart. The puppy sleeps through the night thanks to your video on that, like the only time I have ever heard that advice and it works like magic. The two get along great, and the only time the pups biting is a problem is because she’s trying to tell us she needs something, and we make sure all the boxes are checked, and she is good. Although Pams neck is raw from the puppy, yet I see that getting better as Pam corrects her quicker, and I can tell the puppy is learning. I am so excited to start DoggyFlix and Monday, and Thursday seem ages away 😢 Love you Sue! Thanks for your dedication ❤

[@cristiebecker9017]

There is something unique about Stevie/This! She is the smallest but she doesn't know it, she finds a different way to do things, she is definitely trotting to the beat of her own drum. And your voice changed everytime you talked about her - your delight in her was evident.

[@sabinemeyer6108]

This is so awesome. We are rescue people. And when we were ready to add our next puppy (we waited 7 years because middle child pup needed us to put in lots of work for years) this spring, the rescue asked us to help with a litter of eight that was supposed to be drowned and had to be pulled immediately, not with mom. Yikes. 6 weeks w/no mom. We were nervous. They were mixed, the rescue generally works with pure bred dogs. We overnighted and transported all eight. We had a big puppy party with kids that night. We had plans to add a female puppy. We paid close attention. And we selected a girl, and a boy who just was gorgeous in structure and temperament already at just 6 weeks old. We asked the two of them back as fosters. And, guess what? The boy was the one who stole our heart, and he stayed. I am all for that heart!! Thanks for sharing this. So sweet.

[@robinrutherfordcost4748]

Relied on the breeder, but really it was the only male left in the litter. We picked the name and asked the breeder to start calling him by that. It was Red Zeppelin, Zepp for short. Every time I thought about changing the name, a Led Zeppelin song would come on the radio. They handed him to me upside down like he was a baby, Zepp never moved. No fidgeting, etc. Best dog to this day, the best puppy - only ever had one accident in the house. Really makes you want another puppy when you have one that's so good. Zepp is a Therapy Dog too. Not sure how many red Dobes are therapy dogs, but I'm just thrilled. To this day he makes me cry - like tears of joy.

[@DogsThat]

Beautiful words about your Zepp, Robin!

[@lynnmayes4507]

Tater Salads face.. he’s awesome x

[@cautiontothewind9893]

I have a 11 year old beagle mix. I got her from a shelter at 12-15 weeks old, she was bottle raised because her mom was becoming calcium deficient. At the shelter when they were old enough to be adopted they did a temperament test on the litter. She was ranked as likely to be human aggressive and dog aggressive. I didn't look at her paperwork prior to adoption, or even prior to picking her up. Her personality in the kennel was the most human centered(she's a beagle mix remember, I didn't want the full on working hound attitude). She would wander away a little but always came back. She had confidence issues which we worked on and her picture on her file was a very terrified, crouching form of herself. All that said, she's the best dog I've ever had. We've done the work and she's lovely with people, dogs can be iffy only because she was attacked 3 times in one year, each required a vet. None of them were provoked by her. Before that, she was fine around other dogs.

[@inprdcreations1674]

A friend had a rescue who she was fostering, pregnant and due any day. I applied as for one of the pups and was there at their birth and watched them develop week for week. I knew I wanted a female but had my eye on completely different one. Week for week I watched them and would whisper a name I had at the girls. Nothing. At 4 weeks madam opened her eyes and blinked at me and I could clearly hear Selena, not the name I would have chosen. She was the one. From that day on I knew this was my girl and now 5 years later she is the goofball, highly intelligent, happy, amazing Silli babe and she is definitely the one.

[@MtnGirl98]

A shy dog at the shelter where I was volunteering picked me. It was the best thing to ever happen in my life. She's now a confident agility champion. Agility helped to increase her confidence. But I have to say, all of your teachings and games have helped us immensely to increase her confidence even more. We had a couple years of plateaus and shut downs. Homeschool the Dog skyrocketed her confidence and helped me to help her even better. Thank you!!!

[@loisjdegan7885]

I had a shy puppy pick me at a B.C. breeders. She was VERY shy. Agility and Susan Garrett's methods of home training gave her all the confidence she needed and you wouldn't know it was the same dog. She loves the obstacles, is VERY fast, we have a strong bond and she loves people. Because of her speed she is forcing me to become a better handler and I love it.

[@beckyoak]

Gosh darn it!!!! Your "This!" story made me teary 😍😍😍

[@petrawestbury5023]

I was holding back the tears on this one, went and gave my dogs a big cuddle and kiss and told them like I tell them every day and night, they are the best, and good dogs, with my arms wrapped around them both.

[@BonnieHess]

Now I have tears in my eyes. I was hoping Stevie, I had a feeling. This. ... how extremely beautiful. She let you know.💗💕💗

[@karlawilson1032]

Well of course. Always expect this.... This...from the Land of Woo. 🥰 Now off you go together in Doo Land!

[@jbam8759]

I just had a litter, and I literally lived this very podcast. My pre chosen name was "Shine". As pups developed, one clearly started to own the name in such a manner that there was no possible way I could let her go. I totally understand the "woo"...even with clarity of vision in structure and temperament. Loved this podcast!

[@dianahunter8170]

Susan, you bring tears to my eyes. I am big on the 'woo' effect and all my dogs have been selected that way. They have never disappointed and I have no doubt that 'This' will bring you much happiness. Thank you for sharing some very useful information but also much of yourself too!

[@lowcountrygirl7779]

Thanks so much Susan. You gave such a variety of tips that i never would have considered myself. Extremely helpful! I don't find anything you teach or say as being wu . My mother always said that I was psychic even as a toddler. I somehow knew things and consistency had dreams which came true. Now I realize that have a sort of prophetic gift . After listening to you for awhile Susan, I. believe that you are very spiritually aware and in tune as well. You have a beautiful heart ❤ S.G. There's a great deal in a name plus great value in the practical, and in the use of one's discernment. You have a great many gifts and talents. Funny that when i first saw you introduce"Tater Salad" , Ron White immediately came to mind . I had to laugh. Matter of fact, I had a good belly laugh about the name , especially when I found out about him being named after Ron White . "THIS!" is a precious puppy indeed . Great name and enjoyed hearing the manner in which you came up with it. Congratulations on your new pup. Susan . What an amazing story . I'm extremely grateful for you and all the great many things you teach along with your stories as well as for your great sense of humor. Blessings !!!

[@sceotend]

I totally loved the process, and the choice. I also realized from what Susan was saying in this episode, that Boris has been the dog I needed to have. His needs, and the direction he's pushed me in my life, have had a very positive impact on me. I'm very grateful to Susan for helping me learn that.

[@tracymateus2102]

Congratulations!!!!!!!!!!! Thank You for sharing. I thoroughly agree, when you know you are getting a puppy from a litter; sire and dam are well researched, all of the puppies are fabulous. Long ago (2001) I showed someone a picture of I think it was 12 yellow lab puppies, I was getting one from that litter. The gentleman's response was, "Well, looks like you can't go wrong." I have been thinking I am ready (as much as possible) for a puppy for several years. The breeder I will be buying from will be picking the puppy for me. As a very reputable breeder, I know I will get a wonderful pup that will teach me just what I need to know at the time. I have tons of names listed. It will be fun to see who and when I get a pup, what color what sex. I have been blessed with so many wonderful dogs in my life. Thanks for helping to grow the relationship with my wonderful Nighty Bear. Enjoy!!!!!!!

[@muppet-fan]

Having never had opportunity to actually select a puppy (I've always ended up with them by happenstance/ones needing rescue) I still found this podcast so very interesting! I'll bank this for the maybe someday down the road if I ever get to set out on a puppy search with intention.

[@keashaorban3543]

Oh my. ..is the one i picked the moment i saw her!

[@sophiesmith5922]

omg! Watching This! playing in the final clip, I would think she is the BEST. She is amazing! Now Im going to have to follow her until her world championship run. 😍

[@carynrobson7299]

I love how THIS! is wearing her exclamation mark proudly on her precious black face. Let the fun and games begin!❤❤❤❤❤

[@RaptorsGirl]

Great observation Caryn!

[@lorencook2912]

Awesome! Love THIS! I love the “normal” Susan, i love when we see your just like us at the end of the day, all your experience and the WOOO! still gets listened too ❤️

[@juliehaller2984]

Yes! I love This! I just knew she was the one from an earlier video ❤️

[@zoeytrenkle7497]

Beautiful, Susan. Just beautiful! Thank you for sharing.

[@ellenpowers8037]

As I’ve discovered your videos, I wondered about how This! got her name. So glad I found this video. I love Woo!

[@lynne-sheltiesrock2322]

All of these puppies are so lucky to have had such a wonderful start to their lives. Susan, I wish you and This! all the joy in the world... She has the "look of eagles" - which is how I pick my pups after all the other boxes are checked off. You horse folks know what that is... The intelligence, soul and joy shining out of her eyes.

[@portiesontherun]

This! Has been a wonderful reveal. As I've watched the puppies grow I've thought to myself that Stevie B is going to need an experienced handler. I remember how much challenge Momentum gave you as a puppy and how you were feeling about her at times. The herding instincts that this puppy has shown have been pretty amazing. You are going to have a wonderful adventure with This! puppy.

[@FreyjaVonSpiegel]

Woowoo works for me. My pup is coming home in another week but how she was picked is nothing other than woowoo. Breeder awesome, met parents who are phenomenal and health checked so then it came down to meeting the 3 girls from the litter. I had it down to the pink collar girl and the purple collar girl. I was convinced at 4 weeks I was goin for pink collar as she was already showing confidence and independence. And at 6 weeks those traits were abundant. She was outgoing and exploratory and the purple girl was just a little quieter. Still friendly but a bit more shy. All was great. I was playing and they were both food motivated but I kept saying “I want the pink one” to ensure a confident pup. Then out of the blue purple collar girl looks me right in the eyes and holds my gaze and the thought that went through my head was “are you my puppy?” Purple collar girl is coming home in a week 🥰 as she was the puppy meant for me.

[@DogsThat]

💜 Congrats on your decision and soon to be new puppy!

[@sandrajones5378]

Love This! What an emotional introduction to your partnership xx

[@lynettethom8820]

" This ! " just reinforced to me that sometimes some things are just meant to be... 💖

[@ventoefuracao]

Beautiful, Susan!! And helpful advices .. as always! 🙏🙏✊✊

[@sweetdogstrainingcoaching7628]

Thanks for sharing this personal story. And I love the play on Momentum's name in your Kennel names. Well done and I look forward to watching This! grow. Hard not to be a huge fan when you continuously produce so much great, down to earth, content about dogs and training!

[@gayemacy]

Love this (and This!)! I love that you use all of you to make your choice, drawing on your rational tools and knowledge of structure, needs for agility, or whichever competition you may be going for, the importance of temperament in a puppy - why a shy puppy becomes a fearful, then a reactive, then an aggressive dog. I love that you included heart, and what it tells you. Most of all, I love that you included your Woo Woo, what your body told you, what your dreams said, and how synchronicity confirmed things to you. This was simply awareness, you listening closely to you and to all of the Indra’s net of threads we have out there tying us to one another and the messages we receive. You were open to them, and I’m glad This! happened because of it. Great show! One of your best.

[@lisapeer5310]

OH MY Goodness! This! I am crying! She is SO perfect for you! Can't wait to watch her learn and grow! And I hope to see the others in videos too since they are going to friends!

[@barbwarren]

Yes! This! Is it. Could see it from early on. She’s perfect. So happy to hear you talk about the “woo” as that has consistently been a huge component of choosing puppies that have come into our family.

[@IAMGiftbearer]

I just recently went through this process and since I was doing it through videos it was so much more difficult than it would be in-person. I had my heart set on one male and then it turned out that he had something wrong with him that made him unsteady on his feet, and although he was improving they still did not know for sure whether it was ataxia of some genetic source or a reaction to a worming medication. The woman was reserving the puppies rapidly at one point and so I had to make the decision within a about 24 hours to pick a different one, as I don't want one that will ultimately be unable to be agile, because I want one to do obedience, agility, and dog dancing (all which require being able to keep balance, and maneuverability). I also did not want a dog with special needs the rest of its life, as my last dog was a fixer-upper and although she tuned out to be a great dog I had to go into debt, and delay training her in order to get her well first, and I lost alot of time during formative stages that would have been on track had I not had those obstacles to deal with. My next favorite at the time was a female. She was affectionate from what I could tell, and the coloring I was looking for, but there was something about her facial expression that just didn't grab me, so I reviewed all the videos from when I'd contacted the person. Then she posted one more video and I saw this other male with his ears up looking like a little fox just sitting calmly amongst all the others that were doing things like jumping up on the fence, and the female I'd been considering 2nd was grabbing her bed and shaking it violently, and I found that she had become much more dominant with her littermates indicating she probably will have extremely high prey drive. I knew that I don't really want that, as that can be more difficult to channel when training for obedience and is better suited to a bite dog; I have been clear in my mind that I want a dog with enough drive to do what I ask quickly but not so high drive that it can be reactive to other dogs or small animals and block out my commands. These are Belgian Malinois, so I knew I had to choose carefully so as not to get a fearful one nor an over-exuberant one, but instead go for one that is calm, observant, and focused whose energy can be focused on what I'm asking more than the outside world. Well this second male with its ears up was sitting in the middle of all the chaos of his littermates with dogs bumping into him constantly. He kept his ears up and didn't move but didn't lash out at them either. Later in the video there were two puppies play fighting, growling and snapping at each other. The male that had his ears up sitting in the crowd sauntered elegantly over (trotted, just like you said), jumped up onto the dog bed beside the two tussling and calmly edged them aside with his tail raised and ears up; not intimidated by the fray, but also absolutely non-reactive. He had a commanding presence about him that stopped them from what they were doing and they didn't turn their aggression towards him but seemed to be diffused by his gentle confidence. I thought "That's the one!" In addition to that he had a lovely profile, and lovely facial expression, and all that combined clinched it for me.

[@allisontraynor2870]

This! is awesome. She was the one I was always drawn to in the litter even though they were all cute. Full of character. Looking forward to following your journey together. Sometimes you just know when they are born which puppy is yours. The first litter I ever bred I knew right from the start which one I would keep. My heart told me. As for your choice of name I have a friend who has named his border collies “Please”, “Don’t” and his latest is “Just” so “This!” fits right in 😊❤️

[@carolehodes8637]

Susan, As a breeder , I am so impressed with this podcast! You hit the important points on picking a puppy. I too think it's very important to pick a dog with what you would like to do with him/her in mind, As Susan said- as for walks, playmate for kids, etc. I also picked a breed I loved, and, the male for the qualities I most wanted - health, personality, intelligence, size, and for my last litter- with agility in mind. Everyone looking for a puppy should watch this video and Susan's excellent advice! Carole

[@ElaineHorsley]

“This!sy girl” is awesome! Love this heart-felt podcast. Susan, you are truly a gem and although I have never met you, I feel like you are a good friend that I trust completely. I can’t wait to get a new puppy and train her (hopefully) in the Susan Garrett way. I feel confident just because I know I will have you and all your awesome staff right by my side the whole way. Thank you for all you do to make us better humans.

[@ATREASUREOFGOLD]

Wow what a heartwarming video / potcast ’ This !’ Was! Thanks for sharing and being so open

[@dalestorm5248]

I originally thought Stevie B was yours but later thought Moira Rose. This! is perfect! We foolishly got our current two puppies sight unseen, but they have turned out to be perfect for us ... power of positive intent. I'll be more discerning next time thanks to you and this podcast. THANK YOU!

[@oliverstein100]

THIS! Made me tear up just a bit! 🥰💐

[@trudymoffat1572]

Love it, great story!! Don't poopoo the woowoo!

[@Loridressage]

Congratulations Susan! So happy for you and your new puppy! She's a keeper for sure!

[@dianadoolittle9179]

Yes to This! She was my pick from the start. Just loved her antics and her confidence

[@jenniferbellini7130]

Awesome. What an exciting addition to the family!

[@gayleperry2803]

You brought tears to my eyes Susan, I love your heart, thank you for your Wisdom. Love This!

[@mandydavidson987]

Such a pleasant surprise and I loved hearing your introduction❤️Congratulations and really looking forward to seeing your newest growing up xxx

[@elizabethglick3925]

What a beautiful podcast! Thanks for sharing!

[@brendanoren5047]

YAY! My favorite from the beginning!

[@elsielouisepfleider6300]

I love This! She’s perfect. What a great reveal!!! They’re all wonderful of course and the families are so lucky.

[@sassysenior6116]

Heartfelt, intelligent, wise and loving. Thank you for THIS!

[@janepenninck4098]

So pleased for you Susan and This! Have a super happy, fun filled life together

[@susancrawford7528]

I could not be more happy about your decision!!!!!! Congratulations. I too was WOO about her!!

[@Briteandme]

Loved this - and This! 💕

[@Shastabailey]

Great story about your new puppy! I had an inkling it was this one :)

[@jennyjohns721]

What an awesome podcast and thank you for sharing, I cannot wait to watch the new journey you and This! are about to embark on. All the puppies were super cute, but This! showed so much more spark and spunk from the start and I thought she might have been your choice.

[@pascaleburnet7583]

Susan you made me cry! Love your story love all the puppies but This! had my heart since the first day. Cannot wait to see her grow.🐾💕 cannot wait for the next podcast too.

[@smerdes]

I'm SO happy for you!!!! She's the one for sure, I felt it from the first - she is perfect for what you need right now.

[@jennifersorum7475]

Congratulations!! So awesome!!! One idea for podcast, helping older dog or dogs and puppy learn to live together.

[@dianesullivan4511]

Beautiful podcast! This! Is adorable. Love ur selection process. Thank u for sharing! (Truth be told, I was rooting for Moira.). Love the added woo approach too. What a very lucky girl she is & already begun in the Land of Do. Welcome to the family, This! Have tons of fun.💕

[@vikingojabonesydetergentes6351]

Congratuliations!!! I love This!!!! Great name by the way!!!

[@maryvw]

Lucky Girl This! Great podcast😍

[@sallyherndon3258]

This! Is beautiful Susan, thank you for sharing your story with us! And I feel that my dog is the most wonderful match for me, made even more wonderful by Say Yes!

[@drclincoln]

She’s a beauty! It can be all about the woo - at least some of it needs to be in my book. Love it Susan. Congratulations!

[@chrisrakauskas5131]

I KNEW it!!! I had a strong feeling about her after watching that video you made of her trying to get the others to play when all they wanted to do was nap, and you were narrating it with her thoughts ("Are you awake, David? Is that your foot? . . . I got new teeth today!"). That was hilarious!!! :-)

[@nancyhooper1742]

I loved that video too and was hoping she would pick her and so Happy she did 😊❤❤❤❤⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

[@leeshelton5233]

Well, I really thought it was going to be Alexis, ha ha! Congratulations, little This! It will be fun watching you grow up and become a fabulous agility dog and pet!

[@Hou8nd]

THIS! Oh my Goodness, such a lovely podcast!!!!

[@pamelagoldsmith7249]

Beautiful story. This! Of course, seems so logical after listening to this amazing podcast!

[@gailshapiro3422]

Mazel Tov! It's going to be so much fun to watch This! grow with you.

[@ksuozzi]

I love This! episode!!

[@wendygallagher1572]

This! is it. Congrats. To all, everyone gets a great pup.

[@milbrymcdowell2600]

I'm not crying, you're crying! Lovely episode...and someone in a prior comment stole my idea: "Love This!" Can't wait to see her grow with you and for the inspiration that you'll provide as we follow your journey! ❤

[@BreeBenRiva]

Great points for someone new to dogs. Beautiful puppies can't wait to see them grow, this would have been my choice if I was looking at that litter.

[@sharongibbs3097]

This! Is fabulous...looking forward to the epic life of This!

[@quickdogz]

Congrats, Susan! This! is clearly what's meant to be - I know because you listened to your heart. Enjoy the ride! I know you will!

[@gandrpaints]

So awesome! Glad you picked her the way you did! All of my dogs were picked because they talked to me! A couple I never even met in person but I just knew they were the one! I’ve never regretted any one of my dogs! Congratulations on your pick! She’s a great pup but I will say I was hoping for Moria which I’m sure I spelled wrong! She will be a lucky pup for her owner to! And glad you’ll get to see them all as they grow! So awesome!!

[@lindaschreiber704]

And thanks for sharing great podcast 🥰

[@nlane8047]

Perfect! A little bit of THIS! for DogsThat!

[@katielandis1677]

Love this story!😀

[@jeanwilson1014]

Just love the way you have chosen your puppy and her name 🥰

[@dianemoore4526]

This was a great podcast. I truly loved it and it was emotional to me! Thank you Susan Garrett for providing us with such insightful info. You never under deliver! Of course not!

[@nicolewain8879]

love this podcast, made so much sense about how to pick a puppy. woohoo i picked Stevie B too. she is such a character

[@ionicamermaid1141]

I also like to hear about the stories of your dog training journey! Thank you 🥰

[@petrawestbury5023]

What a lovely episode, all the best with your new puppy, love the video she is devine and on the ball. I guess your puppy would say I am " this! It is me I know I don't have enough white on my head, but don't judge a book by the cover.

[@helenhargett8324]

What a lucky puppy she is. I love your viewpoints and reasons. I am without a dog (Siberian husky) for the first time in my life. My boy passed away in May of cancer. I had planned a puppy and the breeder wouldn't hold it a couple of days while my dog passed. (almost the same day) I found another breeder and finally made a pick and my heart was not into any of them. I tried to convince myself because I wanted a new puppy so bad but, I love your viewpoint about the heart. I finally passed on it and as a result am still dog less and looking. There just was not one that made my heart sing, I wanted to push away like you said and I did. I love how you explain it and the Land of Woo! So happy for you and your puppy.

[@windywilliamson5069]

I always knew that was the one you were going to pick!!! That is the one I would have picked. Good choice!

[@susanmatthews265]

So thrilled 🥰

[@TD-gg3vy]

stevie b for the win! well they are all winners..... but i picked stevie from the start too and am so glad your keeping her so i can watch her grow up!

[@susiegriebel4691]

So sweet!

[@ElizabethEllisCoach]

Omg, I love THIS!

[@wendydaniel6857]

I love the spiritual aspect. 💛. I make so many decisions this way.

[@jillcatherine8506]

This! Love it

[@keechpeach2863]

Wooo hoooo! so cool!

[@rebeccahamilton9546]

As you know she was my choice from the very first day they were introduced 💖 Wishing you & This! great happiness & a fabulous time together for many years. All our best wishes & 💖 😎🐾🙏💖

[@bellmannkerstin6437]

Congratulations for your wonderful choice! I knew from the beginning it would be Steevie B :-) Let me tell you the story of my second dog: saw a field line Golden Retriever at a frisbee competition and just said "wow" - love this attitude and crazyness! So 4 year plan started: convince my husband that we need a second dog, find the best breeder for my project since I wanted a dog for freestyle (dogdance), which my rescue dogs hates quite a lot - or let's turn it this way: I never succeeded to make it interesting to him ;-) Ok, visit the breeder before: weirdest story ever! We really clicked and I loved her dogs. I am from Germany and she told me her daughter in law is from the same country. When her son and daughter in law decided to live in another country, she named the new puppy for her breeding with her family name to keep a bit of her at home. So far, so good. Well, I said, me too, I love German names and I would like a female puppy and I would like to call her Lena. No reaction from the breeder - oups! But then she told me that this was the first name of her beloved daughter in law - I had a bit attack of goose skin. Ok, so I needed a puppy from this female! When it was finally the time the breeder presented me two female puppies based on what I told her about the temperament I needed for dogdance the choice between the two was clear to me. Now, a year later, after some ups and downs, I could not be happier with this wonderful girl! I wish you a lot of happiness and success with the new puppy! Looking so much forward to see "This" develop!

[@lindaschreiber704]

She’s adorable!!!

[@ntomlinargentina]

Hi Susan and team, I have just rewatched this episode for the third or fourth time, thank you it is so wonderful! I have a question around the "research" we need to do before selecting a breeder. I am looking for a border collie puppy and have spent hours looking on the internet, talking to folks etc... but if some guidance is possible on what and how I would be grateful! Thank you so much!

[@Tassle2000]

All my collies bar one, have been pretty much chosen for me by - this is what is left.... Except Enya - The breeder contacted me when she was born, I wanted a girl, she told me to wait, see how they got one, come up, meet them... choose later. Then she sent me a picture of the litter at 24 hrs old..... without even knowing which were the dogs or bitches I knew it was her! The most amazing special wonderful dog. I knew she was going to be mine from the instant I saw that picture - she has the kindest nature, has done Heelwork to Music, is G7 agility, herding and as she moves into her later years does scent work. The easiest dog to teach and the most willing to learn.....and I just knew she had to be mine the instant I saw her!