When preparing to welcome a new puppy into your home, one of the first questions you may ask yourself is whether to choose a male or female. It’s a common consideration among prospective dog owners, but here at Southpaw Pomskies, we encourage families to look beyond gender when selecting their future furry companion. Why? Because when it comes to dogs, temperament, personality, and early socialization make a far greater impact than gender ever could.
DO GENDER DIFFERENCES MATTER?
It’s true that male and female dogs can exhibit some general differences. Males are sometimes described as more outgoing and eager to please, while females are often thought of as more independent or nurturing. However, these stereotypes don’t always hold up. Dogs, just like people, are individuals. A male puppy might grow up to be reserved and calm, while a female might be the life of the party. Any dog’s behavior and personality are influenced far more by their genetics, environment, and early experiences than by their gender alone.
THE REAL INFLUENCERS: TEMPERMENT & SOCIALIZATION
A puppy’s temperament is shaped by a combination of factors, including their breed characteristics, the environment in which they were raised, and how they were socialized during their critical early weeks. Puppies exposed to positive experiences—like meeting new people, encountering various sounds, and exploring different environments—grow up to be confident and well-adjusted adults, regardless of gender.
That’s why we place such importance on socializing our puppies here at Southpaw Pomskies. From the moment they are old enough, we introduce them to a variety of experiences to help them grow into adaptable, confident dogs.
HOW TO SOCIALIZE PUPPIES
Our puppies are raised in a loving and stimulating environment where they are exposed to many new sights, sounds, and experiences. Here are some of the ways we ensure they’re well-socialized before they leave for their forever homes:
Sound Desensitization: We play recordings of everyday household noises like vacuums, doorbells, and even thunderstorms to help our puppies grow accustomed to common sounds that could otherwise startle them.
Handling by Different People: Our puppies are gently handled by adults and supervised children, getting used to different touches and energy levels.
Exploring New Surfaces: We encourage our puppies to walk on various surfaces like grass, tile, carpet, and gravel to build confidence in unfamiliar environments.
Car Rides: Taking the puppies for short, safe car rides helps them acclimate to travel, reducing stress during future trips.
Meeting Other Animals: Where appropriate, our puppies are introduced to other dogs to learn proper canine communication and manners.
Positive Experiences with Grooming: From brushing to nail trimming, we get them used to grooming practices that will be part of their routine care.
These early experiences play a crucial role in shaping confident, adaptable dogs, setting them up for success in their new homes.
WHY WE WAIT 6 WEEKS TO CHOOSE
To help families find the perfect fit, we conduct temperament testing on our puppies when they are 6 weeks old. By this age, their personalities have started to shine through, allowing us to assess their individual traits. Are they adventurous or laid-back? Do they enjoy cuddles, or are they more independent? These are the qualities that truly matter when matching a puppy to their forever home.
By waiting until 6 weeks, we ensure that each family is paired with the puppy whose temperament best aligns with their lifestyle, energy level, and experience. This approach has nothing to do with gender and everything to do with personality.
HOW TO PICK THE RIGHT PUPPY FOR YOU AND YOUR LIFESTYLE
Instead of focusing on whether a puppy is male or female, consider asking yourself these questions:
Do I want a high-energy playmate or a calmer companion?
Would I prefer a puppy who’s confident and adventurous, or one who’s more relaxed and reserved?
How much time can I dedicate to training and socialization?
At Southpaw Pomskies, we’re here to guide you every step of the way. We take pride in our commitment to raising well-rounded, socialized puppies and helping families find their perfect match.
When it comes to choosing a puppy, gender plays a small role compared to the enormous impact of temperament and early socialization. With our robust socialization program and temperament testing process, you can rest assured that the puppy you take home is not just a dog—it’s a partner perfectly suited to your life and family. Because a perfect match isn’t based on gender—it’s based on connection.
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