At first, watch the puppies playing together in a group. Pay attention to the health of the entire litter. Are their coats in good condition? Are their eyes clear and not weeping? Examine the area in which they are playing, too. It should be clean with no visible signs of illness, such as diarrhea or vomit.

Observe how the puppies are playing together. There will naturally be a puppy that is a little bossier than the others. Pet owners are advised to steer away from the domineering pup, particularly when working with a breed that should exude self-confidence.

The puppy that is constantly being badgered by the other puppies or the one that jumps and runs (fearfully) from anything or anyone is not a good choice either. Anxious, cowering puppies may evoke your sympathy; however, it takes a very special and experienced German shepherd owner or trainer to pull the shy puppy out of her shell and prevent her from developing into a fear biter.

German shepherd pups are fun and energetic.

The best choices are the ones that fall in between the two extremes — the middle-of-the-road puppies. These puppies are rambunctious and playful without being too domineering, biting too hard, or behaving timidly. This is the group of pups you should be looking at and working to decide, “Which one is the one?”

Often if the breeder has not already selected a pup for you, you will find that a puppy will select you. Walk over to the puppies and handle them all one at a time, talking to them and rubbing them gently. Then walk away from the litter. Most of the puppies will continue playing with their brothers and sisters. However, there will usually be at least one pup that is really interested in you and will follow as you walk away. Play with this puppy and walk back to the other busy puppies. Repeat the exercise. Does the same puppy follow you again? If you are already the center of a puppy's curiosity, you may soon become the center of his world. You can't go wrong with a puppy that starts out with a relationship such as this.