He’s man’s best friend one day, the reason you need to buy a new sofa the next. That’s why we found a few experts (and one opinionated dog) who know what’s going on inside that seemingly simple brain of his — and how to use it to your advantage.

By Bill Gifford

It All Starts With a Good Breeder

Most pet stores get their dogs from quantity-over-quality puppy mills, and the internet is rife with scams, which is why a reputable breeder is the way to go — if you know what to look for.

AKC Cred
The American Kennel Club (AKC) is 125 years old and the leading authority on purebred dogs. Start with its breeder referral resource (akc.org). It’s also worth getting recommendations from people at the dog park whose pups you admire.

Nosiness
A good breeder will be the one asking you questions: where you live, how you’ll care for the dog, whether you’ve owned one before, even how much money you make. Most important, they should be willing to take the dog back if it’s not a good fit.

Happy Parents
You’re not just buying a dog; you’re tapping into a bloodline. A good breeder will allow you to meet the pup’s parents, which should be good family pets themselves. But try to make this happen before a litter has been born, as once the mother is caring for her newborns it’s normal for her to be protective and unsociable.

Health Guarantee
A reputable breeder will have medical records certifying that the parents of the litter are healthy stock, but they should also require you to take the puppy you’re interested in to a vet for a checkup. It’s also worth checking Caninehealthinfo.org, a searchable database of health problems associated with individual breeds so you have a heads-up on what may await as your dog gets older.

A Waiting List
Finding a good breeder takes a while, and then you may need to wait again for a suitable litter — sometimes as long as a year. But a waiting list is a good sign. If your breeder has lots of dogs on hand, then the pups probably aren’t getting the attention they deserve. And if the owners seem more interested in closing the deal than finding the dog a good home, walk away.

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The Puppy Test
A few simple tricks can help you get the pick of the litter.

Place the Puppy in a Separate Room
Remove him from the chaos of the kennel and the other pups, and then move away. Does he hide in a corner, bolt directly to you, or investigate his new surroundings? You want a dog that’s interested in you first, then his environment.

Crouch Down and Clap Your Hands
The dog should come to you, tail up (which indicates friendliness) — but not bite or wrestle with your hands, a sign of dominance.

Roll Him Gently on His Back
If he resists or bites, that’s also a sign of dominance.

Do the Touch Test
Slowly stroke the length of the dog’s back three times. Does he lean in toward you (good), or subtly pull away (not as good)? If he’s a puppy, pick him up in one hand. Cuddliness is good; fighting, struggling, and biting — not so much.

Go on a Speed Date
Spend 20 full seconds patting the dog and talking to him. If he doesn’t stick around, he’s likely to be more independent and harder to train.

Try Paper Play
Toss a crumpled paper on the floor in front of the dog. Does he pounce on it and “fetch” it? That’s a dog that’s going to want to work with you.