I asked this question before on another forum and got some interesting answers. Well, because I have some extra time today and idle hands are the devil's workshop...I thought I'd ask it here, too!
For you working dog folks involved in various bitesports...what do you look for in a puppy? What do you feel is one of the most important traits to have in a prospect? Why?
On the other side of the coin, I have heard of many puppies that are whiz bang at a young age and fizzle out as they mature. At what age do you think you can properly assess a puppy or young dog's abilities if at all? At what age can a trainer/breeder honestly say a pup isn't going to work out for whatever reason (not enough drive/temperament/whatever)?
I'm afraid I don't have much experience picking good 'uns, which is why the topic interests me. It's very complex and, IMO, there's no 100% sure fire way to go about it. Tate's breeder picked him out for me...thank God because I would've picked his brother and his brother is a little a*hole! I wouldn't never thought to pick Tate myself because he was a big, fat and CALM lump boy. He has matured into a very nice animal.