Red Flags to Look For When Choosing a Puppy or Dog

Getting a dog is a big responsibility, and finding the right match is super important. Be sure to keep an eye out for these red flags to look for when choosing a puppy or dog. 

Whether you're adopting a dog from a shelter or buying a puppy from a breeder, it's important to make sure you're picking the right dog for your family. That means not only choosing a dog that matches your lifestyle but also paying attention to any red flags that come up during your research. 

Training is important, but there are lots of traits that are determined by genetics, so it’s important to know what types of breeds and temperaments will suit your family’s needs before you start falling in love with every furry face you meet. 

If you just want a pup to cuddle on the couch all week and go for weekend hikes with the family, choosing a working breed that needs a job won't set you up for success. Instead, you’ll want to find a dog that’s lower energy but enjoys going on occasional adventures with you and the kids. Or, if you always have friends over, a timid pup will probably be constantly stressed out and might even get so fearful that they end up biting someone. You’d do better to find a confident, goofy dog who loves people.

When you date someone, you have time to get to know them before you decide to increase your commitment to the relationship. When you’re choosing a puppy or dog that will live with you for up to 20 years, however, you might not get to see their full temperament and personality come through before you bring them home. You have to trust that the shelter or breeder is telling you the truth when they send the dog home with you. 

Although there are rescue organizations and breeders out there who truly want to find the right fit for the dogs they’re placing, others aren’t above stretching the truth to get a “project” out the door as quickly as possible. Unless you’re really prepared to take on a project dog and you know what you’re getting into, watch out for these red flags when choosing a puppy or dog. 

Red Flags in Shelter Bios 

Shelter workers and rescue volunteers have more time than potential adopters do to get to know each dog. They’re a great resource for any questions you might have about any given dog’s temperament. They might not know how an individual dog will do in a home environment (dogs almost always behave differently in a shelter due to stress), but they should do their best to be transparent about the good and bad attributes of each dog and puppy in their care. 

Shelters and rescues almost always create “bios” for each dog that understandably cast them in the best possible light and can sometimes hide potential problems that end up causing stress, fear, or even trauma. If you see these red flag phrases, consider walking away—or at least think very carefully before you move forward.

“Takes a while to warm up.”

Translation: Might be fearful or lack self-confidence. Nervous and suspicious dogs often struggle to thrive in the average home and might bite if they feel the need to be defensive. 

“Prefers not to be alone/prefers someone home most of the day.” 

Translation: Struggles with being alone at the very least and potentially shows signs of severe separation anxiety. 

“Should be the only pet.”

Translation: Exhibits signs of aggression or excessive prey drive. 

“Doesn’t like to share.”

Translation: Has shown resource-guarding behaviors, which can become dangerous for people (especially children) and other animals living in the home. 

“Easily overwhelmed/overstimulated.”

Translation: Has trouble self-regulating emotions and settling down. This is common in young dogs, but it can lead to problem behaviors, especially if the dog is already fully mature. 

“Vocal on lead with other dogs/when seeing other dogs”

Translation: Reactive to other dogs. 

“Needs a harder hand.”

Translation: “Stubborn” or difficult to handle or train. This phrase also says more about the organization than the dog–as reinforcement-focused trainers, we prefer to use positive reinforcement for learning whenever possible.

“Not a candidate for doggy daycare/dog parks.”

Translation: Has shown antisocial or aggressive behavior with at least some other dogs. Might be dog-selective or be unable to engage and play safely with other dogs. 

“Can be protective.” 

Chooses their family members and guards them, often leading to safety issues. 

“Needs lots of exercise/tons of energy.” 

Translation: Strong, energetic, and out-of-control. Often, these dogs don’t need more exercise, but they do need much more mental stimulation than the average family can provide. 

Breeder Red Flags

Getting a puppy from a breeder allows you the benefit of knowing your pup’s history and parentage, which can make it easier to find a good match. However, not all breeders are ethical and trustworthy. Think twice about buying if you notice any of these red flags. 

Doesn’t Follow Recommended Health Tests for the Breed/Breeds 

Whether you’re buying a purebred puppy or a purpose-bred mix, the parents of the litter should have passed the recommended health tests for the breed or breeds involved (breed clubs and large kennel clubs should have this information available). An Embark health panel is helpful, but it’s not the same as health testing via the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA), PennHip, or genetic testing through a reputable lab. 

A breeder should be happy to provide proof that their breeding stock has passed all relevant health testing. If they use dogs for breeding that have not passed certain tests, they should be open about explaining why (a small gene pool combined with an easily-managed health condition is one example). 

Genetic health conditions are often preventable through smart breeding practices. An ethical breeder will take steps to help ensure that no one should have to worry about their beloved puppy developing a devastating health problem that could have been avoided. 

Places ALL Puppies On a Co-ownership Or Has an Unreasonable Contract

Many breeders of purebred dogs place their puppies on co-ownerships, meaning that the breeder continues to be listed as an owner even after the new owner purchases the puppy and takes them home. This is a common practice in the world of dog shows and breeding, as it makes the “paperwork” side of things easier. 

However, a breeder who insists on keeping ALL puppies, including those placed only as pets, on a co-ownership can signal a lack of trust or a need for control. Some breeders keep their pet puppies on co-ownerships only until they are spayed and neutered, then transfer full ownership. 

Think very carefully before you sign on to a co-ownership if you are not planning to show or breed your puppy, as these agreements can become more of a headache than anticipated.

Many breeders have buyers sign a contract, which can cover everything from spay/neuter requirements or minimum age to agreeing to give the dog back to the breeder if the owner can no longer provide care. Most contracts are straightforward and intended to ensure that the puppy is well-cared for, but read the contract carefully and take note of any potential concerns before you move forward. 

Doesn’t Give You the Option to Meet Their Dogs 

Since temperament has such a strong genetic component, it’s important that you’re comfortable with the temperament of your new puppy’s family members. Meeting a breeder’s adult dogs is a great way to figure out if you want a puppy from them. 

Many breeders do not allow puppy buyers into their homes for various (completely reasonable) reasons, such as privacy, but they should be willing to let you meet their dogs in a public place if they do not allow visits. A great way to meet a breeder’s dogs is to attend a show or event where they will be exhibiting. If they don’t participate in dog sports, they should be happy to arrange for another way to meet their dogs before you commit to a puppy. 

Isn’t Transparent About Their Process 

A dedicated breeder should be happy to answer your questions and tell you all about their process and raising protocols. What kinds of sounds, sights, and experiences are they exposing their litters to, and at what age? How are they starting the potty training process? Do they introduce the puppies to crating before they go home? 

If a breeder dodges questions about their raising protocols, it’s a big red flag! 

Sends Their Puppies Home Too Early 

Keeping puppies with their mother for several weeks after they are weaned is important for learning social skills and proper development. However, some breeders are willing to send their puppies home far too early to maximize profit. Being separated from their mother and littermates too early can sometimes be associated with major behavioral problems when puppies reach adulthood. 

Puppies should go home no earlier than 8 weeks of age. Many breeders are now opting to keep their puppies until they are 10 to 12 weeks, however, to ensure that they get all the social benefits of staying with their littermates and get past their first fear period. 

Makes Excuses for Poor Temperament 

A good breeder will be honest with you about any temperament issues they know of in your puppy’s lines. They will tell you about the good and bad traits of each parent and they won’t make excuses or get defensive about poor temperament. If a dog has a poor temperament, an ethical breeder won’t breed them! 

Remember: Don’t Let Anyone Rush You 

No matter where you choose to get your next puppy or dog, don’t let anyone rush you into the decision. Knowing which red flags to look for when choosing a puppy or dog will help you pause when you need to and ask more questions before you proceed. 

Don’t be afraid to walk away and give yourself time to think. Bringing a dog into your home is a big decision, and it’s all too easy to say “yes” to the wrong dog because you feel guilty, pressured, or just desperate for some puppy breath. Rushing into a decision is likely to lead to regrets and the need to rehome.

Try To Choose a New Family Member With Your Head AND Your Heart

Choosing the dog you feel sorry for isn’t a recipe for a happy life together. While it is important to find a dog you think you can connect with, you should involve your head in the decision as well. Don’t fall in love with a dog before you think about what life will be like after you bring them home. 

Be realistic when you consider a possible match. Will you be able to meet the dog’s needs, and are they likely to fit into your lifestyle? If the answer is no or you see any major red flags, keep looking. Your perfect match is out there!

When you do find the right pup for you, check out our SuperPuppy and Canine Colleague courses to learn how to meet your dog’s needs and thrive as best friends together!