I Love Animals

Many people who’ve adopted older dogs— especially stray dogs or

dogs from the animal shelter— assume that their dog has been

abused in the past.

So, how do you train an abused dog?

Let’s get right to the heart of the matter and state that— in

order to learn how to train an abused dog, we need to first

define what an abused dog is:

Of course, there are all types of different abuse. Everything

from a dog being hit with a hammer to a dog simply being left

and ignored in the back yard for months or years can constitute

abuse.

But for the purposes of this article, we’re going to define an

abused dog as any dog that shows specific signs of extreme

timidity in response to regular behavior by you. I.E., Petting,

grooming, feeding, walking, etc…

These are what you might call “high-functioning” abused dogs. In

contrast to dogs that have been used (for example) in laboratory

experiments. Or dogs that have been physically scarred and

wounded. Working with such dogs is (or should be) clearly

outside of the scope of this article.

So— How do you work with a “high functioning” abused dog? And

how do you teach your dog to relax and enjoy life?

The answer can be found in starting obedience training along the

lines of the principles I’ve outlined in my book (which you can

read more about at): http://www.dogproblems.com/secretsbook.htm>http://www.dogpro

blems.com/secretsbook.htm

I can hear it already, “But Adam—you advocate using a leash and

training collar when you train a dog, and my little, shy “Muffy”

already wets himself when I bend over to pet him…

[ALERT: I’m about to make a broad GENERALIZATION:]

In general, most “high functioning” abused dogs continue to

display timid behavior because they are unclear as to when

they’re doing the RIGHT thing and when they are doing the WRONG

thing.

If you follow my approach to dog training, your dog quickly

learns– or more specifically, you learn– how to communicate

with your dog in a way that will make him relax and know when

he’s doing something wrong and when he’s doing something right.

And what I’ve found with these dogs is that they quickly learn

to become much more confident and self-assured through the

process. Why? Because when you use intelligent dog training

techniques, your dog is now clear about what’s going to happen

and when, in a world he formerly had no guidance or clear

leadership. He learns what is good behavior and what is bad

behavior—instead of having to guess!

—————————————————– You read

that right: The #1 Reason That Dogs Who’ve Been Abused In The

Past Continue To Show Extreme Timid Behavior Is Because They Are

Confused. —————————————————–

Once your learn how to communicate with your dog, and take away

the confusion, you will see all the extreme timid behavior

disappear! And the way to do this is to start intelligent

obedience training.

“But should I use the leash and collar to correct my dog, if

he’s got such a soft temperament?”

The answer is: Yes.

Which begs the question of how firmly you should correct your

dog—which is something that differs from dog to dog.

Here’s a hint: You’ll figure it out by practicing with your dog.

(If you haven’t already, please review the: Three Keys To

Successful Behavior Modification chapter in my book). However,

the issue is not “Should I correct a dog that has been abused in

the past” but rather “When I’m communicating to my dog when he’s

done something incorrectly—how firmly should I correct him?”

And the answer to this question is: Only firmly enough to

extinguish the unwanted behavior and communicate to the dog that

he shouldn’t do it again. Like I mentioned: You’ll learn this by

practicing with your dog. If you employ the concepts of timing,

consistency and motivation—you’ll have nothing to worry about

and your dog will gain confidence and self-assuredness from your

efforts

Dogs come in many assorted breeds, shapes, and sizes. They also have different nutritional requirements as they age. Choosing the right type of dog food for your pet will help to keep it healthy and happy as it ages. Here are some guidelines to follow when choosing the proper dog food for your dog’s breed and age.

Puppies

Most dogs are considered puppies from birth to age 12 months. However, large breed dogs (such as Newfoundlanders, Great Danes, etc.) are considered puppies up to the age of 18 months. It’s important to choose the right puppy food depending on the size of your dog.

“Normal” puppies require puppy food for the first year. This type of dog food contains extra protein and fats to help with muscle and skeletal growth, ensuring optimum nutrition during this fast growth stage. Large breeds, on the other hand, require puppy food specifically made for large breeds. That’s because the “large-breed puppy foods” are designed to help reduce hip and joint diseases often associated with fast growth in large dogs. Remember… large breeds should be fed puppy food for 18 months.

Adult Dog Food

Once your dog has reach adult hood (12 months for most dogs, 18 months for large breeds), it’s time to switch to Adult Dog Food. Depending on your dogs size and activity level, you’ll need to choose the proper food to fit your dog’s lifestyle. Adult dog food should contain the proper levels of protein, fat and carbohydrates that your dog will need to maintain a healthy life. However, if you dog is very active and has a lot of high energy, you may want to feed him on of the high-energy, high performance foods. These contain extra calories to supplement the calories your very active dog burns off.

Calorie Reduced Food

Humans aren’t the only ones who tend to put on weight. Dogs who are less active and don’t get as much exercise as they should will also tend to become “heavy”. This can cause stress on your dog’s joints and muscles. “Diet” dog foods are strictly regulated by the industry and must contain no more than 1409 calories/pound of food. Don’t confuse this with labels that say “reduced calorie” or “reduced fat”. This type of labeling is misleading, as the dog food may still contain a lot of fat and calories. Only “lite” foods fall under industry guidelines. Read your labels carefully.

Senior Dog Food

Once your dog reaches the age of 7 he enters his “senior” years. At this time, you should probably switch to the Senior Dog Foods. You will probably notice that your dog is becoming less active, sleeps more and may have more stiffness in his joints. Senior Dog food contains reduced fat, increased fiber levels, and additional Glucosomine, along with reduced salt and phosphorus levels.

Choose Your Dog Food Brand Carefully

No matter what age your dog is, be sure to take the time and research the best types of dog foods on the market. Many cheap commercial dog foods found on grocery store shelves can actually cause more harm than good over the years. To help you make a better, informed choice, be sure to read ingredient labels, compare dog food brands, and do further research on this important topic. Your dog will love you for it.

There are many forms of dog aggression. The distinguished police dog trainer Ed Frawley of Leerburg Kennels names 16 forms in his training guides, accounting for everything from the dog’s gender, to their possessiveness, territoriality, dominance, or fear. The residential dog owner doesn’t necessarily need to be so academic, but they should always be able to recognize aggression and deal with it appropriately. Aggression is always one step away from a dog bite, which is itself one step away from a vet bill and a lawsuit.

The common signs of aggression are growling, snarling, barking, curled lips, lunging and an overall menacing posture, where the dog is tensed and ready to snap. (Note: there is also something known as a “submissive smile” exhibited by some dogs, whereby the animal actually shows its teeth as it approaches. I’ve seen this behavior confuse many owners, but it can be dismissed as such by the dog’s lowering its head as it “smiles,” and often wag its tail too). There are other indications, such as jumping or mounting, or even standing in your way that are much less of a problem and often go ignored when not accompanied by the other more severe signs.

One of the most often misunderstood forms of aggression is that which arises in older dogs all of a sudden, especially when those dogs have been docile, even submissive, for most of their lives. This can be upsetting, as it seems like your dog is turning all Jekyll and Hyde on you.

First of all, don’t worry or think that you need to be afraid of your friend. You should be able to narrow down the cause when you think about the situation you were in when the aggression manifested itself. If the dog reacted badly to a younger dog or even a puppy, chances are your dog is acting out of new sense of a challenge to their pack status. Even if you never had problems of this kind before, a young and over-energetic dog can pose a challenge to an older dog that can no longer keep up, even if the only thing on the young dog’s agenda is play.

Older dogs in particular may enjoy puppies, but because of their increased age and decreased endurance, they will only tolerate them for a time. After a self-determined “grace period,” they will let the puppy know they’ve had enough in a firm and forceful way. In most cases, this message is sent with a snap that is “all bark and no bite.”

In addition, one of the most common “hidden” causes of aggression in older dogs is the onset of arthritis, which makes them not only less able to engage with other dogs, but also potentially vulnerable and defensive as a result. Stiffness in the morning, a reluctance to jump up into cars or their favorite chair, and general lethargy are all early signs of joint pain. Arthritis in dogs is unfortunately very common, a result of genetic factors, diet, or even over-exercise. If arthritis is causing a dog pain, then they can lash out not only at other dogs, but also at you.

See your vet if arthritis is a possibility, as there are plenty of steps you can take to address the problem, from dietary supplements to massage and acupuncture, and a revamped exercise regimen. Anti-inflammatory drugs are effective but best left as a last option (they cost a good bit and they can be rough on the dog’s stomach).

Other medical reasons can cause aggression in older dogs, such as thyroid gland problems and possible brain tumors. These are rare cases, but they do happen. Dogs live and learn by routine and tend to act “in character.” Therefore, in general any sudden and sustained behavioral change to your dog should be investigated.

Dogs are terrific, loyal and loving companions that bring a lot of happiness, joy and entertainment into our lives. Selecting a new puppy as a family member is a very big decision, often confusing and not one you approach casually. There are so many different breeds of dogs from tiny Chihuahua’s to huge Great Danes. When choosing a new puppy, it is extremely important to education yourself on not only the breed of dog but also its temperament and personality. You also need to consider how much maintenance and grooming the breed requires, as some people do not want to brush their pets daily, while others are happy spending time doing this.

Never choose a puppy just because it is adorable and too cute to leave. That does not necessarily make them the right choice for your household. Adorable puppies can cause many problems if they are not suited to your family’s environment. Remember, all puppies are cute but when choosing a pet that will spend many years with you, it is important to learn as much as possible about each breed you are considering.

Each dog breed has some distinct traits or instincts. For instance, hunting dogs may not fit into a family household where they have small pets such as birds, rabbits or even cats. A herding dog may spend its time rounding up the children by nipping their legs, instead of sheep or cattle. High maintenance dogs that need a lot of grooming are not good as outdoor dogs. The list goes on and on. The bottom line is research before you purchase a new puppy.

Tiny or toy dog breeds are not a great choice for families with small children. Many are delicate and accidentally dropping or jumping on them can easily injure the dog. Some large sized dogs are too rambunctious when it comes to small children. If you are looking for a puppy as a pet for your child or as a family pet, here are a few of many breeds that are normally good with children and adults:

Bichon Frise – Although they need regular grooming, these small dogs are gentle, affectionate and love children. They love to play as long as the children are not too rough.

Boston terrier – They are a small dog but very intelligent, lively and make a great child’s companion.

English setter – Although they are a large dog, they are extremely mellow and loving.

Jack Russell Terrier – Extremely high-energy and playful just like children, this dog needs lots of exercise. They make a great watchdog and are very intelligent. Jack Russell Terriers make wonderful family pets.

Cairn terriers – These small dogs make wonderful playmates and are able to adjust their behavior and mood to that of the child or adult.

Basset Hound – These calm, stubborn and loyal dogs are great in most households. They love playing with children and are sweet and friendly.

Even when we know that certain breeds of dogs are usually great with children or families, there are exceptions, so it is extremely important to not only socialize but also train your dog well.

The Appointment Book

A Shih Tzu beauty parlor should operate much the same as a human beauty parlor. The most essential record is the appointment book. The Shih Tzu dog grooming business relies on a regular schedule. The appointment book will prove to be one of the most important records you have for maintaining an efficient business. The type of appointment book you choose is entirely a personal decision. However, you might start out with one called Week at a Glance.

In the Week at a Glance appointment book, each week is laid out in day-by-day columns. Each day is broken down hour by hour. Notate your Shih Tzu groom appointments immediately in the appointment book. Do not rely on your memory. You do not want the faintest possibility of forgetting an appointment.

Your Shih Tzu groom customers should be informed and encouraged to call in advance for appointments. This may take a little time to develop. You might post a sign just over your reception counter or desk informing customers of this policy. Appointment only Shih Tzu grooming enables you to know what to expect each day or any given day. You can plan your time accordingly. Appointment only Shih Tzu grooming will also help you to not overbook on one day and under book the next day. You want your Shih Tzu grooming shop to look busy, but not “hectic” and overwhelming.

Perfecting an ideal Shih Tzu grooming schedule can present a number of complicating factors. With time and experience you will succeed. A wise Shih Tzu groomer will anticipate at least one cancellation on any given day, or a customer may not show up. Over time you should develop a continuous rhythm and system that works best for you.

A well established Shih Tzu beauty parlor should be able to successfully operate with a limited number of Shih Tzu handled each day. Try to establish regular customers that come every four to six weeks.

For the Shih Tzu beauty parlor just starting out, however, you might want to have a definite appointment system but with some flexibility. The worst system of all is not keeping any appointment record and just taking anyone at anytime. If you sell your business, well-kept records and a good customer base list would make a difference in the selling price.

Master List

Another important record is your Shih Tzu grooming master card. It is wise to keep a card for every Shih Tzu. The front of the card should record special instructions or comments (style of hair-do or clip customer prefers), two telephone numbers if available. In case of emergency or you just need more information you should be able to reach the Shih Tzu customer either at home or an alternate number. The back of the card should contain a chronological listing of the dates the dog came in and the prices charged.

Your particular specific circumstances and your skills at caring for a dog are the single most important traits to consider when purchasing a dog as a pet. I’ve heard it said that there is no such thing as a bad dog, only bad dog owners. Seems to me I’ve heard the same analogy applied to children and parents. But, I digress. While some dogs have the potential for temperamental issues, it is rarely the dogs fault. The same thing could be said about owner temperaments. What would probably be more accurate, is to say that the temperament and needs of the dog do not mesh well with the temperament and needs of the owner. And, following along logically, since the dog didn’t pick the owner, the problem must have been when the owner picked the dog. In short, pay careful attention to the needs of your self and your dog before making a decision.

Puppy Love On The Rocks

It can be most unfortunate, but the truth of the matter is, that when a bad match is made between dog and owner, it is usually the dog that suffers. And of course, as the dog is not living in ideal conditions, it is bound to act out in response to such a situation. This can only lead to excaserbate the problem, as neither owner or puppy will be enjoying the situation. Take for example a terrier whose owner is an avid gardener that spends lots of time away, and leaves puppy in the backyard. Terriers love to dig, and once the owner returns home, there will be issues when all the prize winning tulips are uprooted. Dogs that crave a lot of attention, but have an owner who is away for eight hours every work day, are not going to be happy puppies. Unhappy puppies grow to be older unhappy dogs with plenty of issues.

All Things Considered

Sure, you may want a big strong dog to protect the house and valuables while your gone. Big strong dogs are great for this, but need particularly good training to ensure that all that strength and size stay in check. Big dogs can become difficult to control, even when they are on a leash. As a result the owners become reluctant to walk them, and they end up alone in the backyard. Alone in the backyard, scaring the wits out of anyone who walks by with their loud deep throat barks. Not a good situation, with the potential to lead to something worse, if killer ever breaks out of the backyard.

A Happy Tail Ending

So, consider all the reasons why you want a dog. Think about what you like in a dog, think about what you don’t like in a dog. If you do your research thoroughly, you will be sure to find the right dog with the right needs and temperament for you. There are as many different types of breeds, as there are many types of owners looking for a dog. The perfect match is not that hard to make.

Is your dog pushy, shy, submissive, demanding, or aggressive? Chances are that you’ve got a dog that could benefit from strong, fair leadership on your part. This program is a non-confrontational way of asserting yourself as a leader of the pack! Training should be fun and stress free, not an ongoing battle with your dog. Every pack needs a leader, and at minimum one dog plus one human equals a pack. Someone needs to take that leadership role and that leader should be you. Dogs are much happier without the “weight of the world” on their shoulders, being a leader is stressful and they’d much rather let you take the reigns and make the rules. Many common behavior problems can be directly related to a lack of leadership on the owner’s part. Your dog will be ten times more likely to obey your commands when it really counts if he sees you as his leader. Without that respect, he will likely ignore you, so this is a valuable goal to work on and will make all the difference in how well trained your dog is.

Now don’t worry, you don’t need to be a Drill Sergeant to be a leader, in fact you should be having fun with your dog! Dogs judge “rank” through small, daily interactions not big battles. This makes it easy for you to integrate ‘house rules’ into your daily life that will have a profound impact on how your dog views your relationship.

Say Please: No more freebies, your dog will have to start working for what he wants. Well mannered dogs “say please”, that means they Sit or Down for treats, meals, throw of the ball, going outside, etc. No more rushing the food dish or bolting out doorways, make use of the commands your dog already knows to manage his behavior. Use your interactions with your dog as training opportunities and you‘ll find that you practice commands many times through out the day without needing to set aside 20 or 30 minutes.

Furniture: Snoozing on the sofa is a privilege, not a right. And many dogs simply haven’t earned that right yet. If your dog is non-aggressive then you can allow him up ONLY with permission. Insisting that he “say please” and sit or down first will ensure that he knows the sofa is yours, not his. Any attempts at sneaking up should be met with an unemotional off as you guide him off with the leash or collar.

Aggressive dogs should not be allowed on furniture without first being taught how to get off on command. Period. If your dog acts aggressively when on furniture (or when you are on ‘his’ furniture) then set your dog up for success and simply deny him permission onto the furniture. He very clearly is telling you that he is not ready for that privilege yet. Maybe someday. But not now. Keeping a leash on the dog in house will make it easy for you to guide him off should he sneak up, without risking a bite.

Attention: This is by far the hardest rule for most families. It’s very common to pet the dog without even realizing that we’re doing so. But in dog language petting and fussing over a dog often can be considered a submissive behavior, and you certainly don’t want your dog to think of you as submissive toward them! You can combat this by asking for a command prior to petting. You can lavish your dog with as much attention as you like, but make him WORK for it!

Any attempt by the dog to make you pet him (nose nudging, pawing, smacking you with a toy) should be ignored. In dog language he is saying ‘Hey, human, PET ME NOW!” the dog is ordering you to pay attention to him and if you respond by petting or tossing the toy then you will have told your dog that he has you well trained. Ignore these outbursts and your dog will accept that you no longer obey his orders. Once he gives up and walks away then you can call him over, ask for a sit, THEN give him attention.

Remember, the attention itself is NOT the problem. Who initiates the interaction can cause the problem. Make it on your terms and your dog will respect you for it.

Leash Pulling: If your dog is walking you then he’s probably got the wrong idea about who’s the leader of your pack. Dogs should walk on your left and slightly behind you. No sniffing or peeing on walks, that can be done at will in your yard. Walks should be more of a training exercise then simply physical exercise. We recommend at least one 20 minute walk per day. This is good mental and physical stimulation. A tired dog is a more well behaved dog!

Crate Time: Many dogs will benefit from at least 3 hours of crate time per day. Having your dog follow you around the house all day may be cute, but it will also encourage separation anxiety, meaning your dog may panic or display destructive behaviors once you are out of sight. Even if you’re home, give your dog some “alone time” in his crate and encourage him to be relaxed and calm on his own. It’s a skill you’ll be glad you’ve taught!

Important points

1) Enforce every command you give - Simply put, if you ask your dog to sit, lie down, off or whatever else you need to be prepared to follow though on that command should the dog ignore you. Giving a command and then allowing the dog to ignore it will greatly set back any training already done, and your dog will likely ignore you again the next time.

If a command is given, make it happen.

2) Leash your dog! In the house! Yes, in the house. If your dog has a habit of ignoring commands, being aggressive or in general giving you the doggy version of the finger, give yourself an easy way to take control of situations by leaving a collar and 6 foot leash on the dog in the house. This eliminates the urge to chase a dog, grab the collar, or otherwise agitate an aggressive dog. It will save both you and your dog a lot of stress in the long run.

3) Being a strong leader for your dog should be a way of life, not something that is only done for a week or so and then forgotten about. You will get back from your dog what you put into his training. If you are consistent, your dog will be as well. Respect is earned, often through time and consistency. Don’t be tempted to stop the ‘house rules’ once your dog shows improvement or the training you’ve done up to that point will simply be wasted and you’ll be back to square one.

4) Have fun with your dog! Praise him for good behavior and enjoy the connection your making with your dog as your relationship improves. You are working toward a partnership with your canine companion, enjoy the journey just as much as the results.

As the top dog of top dog shows was announced last Sunday, we can be fairly sure that the owners of Caitland Isle Take a Chance were not “taking a chance” on dog pet insurance. While we enjoyed watching the most pampered pooches in the Kingdom strut their stuff, we can also be sure that they are all likely to be fully covered. Yet, whether your pet is a champion pedigree, or a Heinz 57 mongrel, being prepared for sickness, accident or loss should be top priority. From exotic pet insurance & Cheapest pet insurance, getting your furry companion insured must be important no matter what the circumstances.

Most dog owners, whatever the breed or pedigree of their pet, can not have failed to be aware that the most prestigious dog show of all, Crufts, was taking place at Birmingham’s National Exhibition Centre last weekend. This event has been running for 115 years and each year draws the crowds. Watching the show on television, it is quite obvious that the dogs love it just as much as the owners.

The Australian Shepherd’s owner, Ms Nancy Resetar from California, USA, was “overwhelmed” when the five year old dog, whose pet name is “Chance”, won Best in Show at Crufts, and his handler, Larry Fenner, was “overjoyed” and “speechless”. In reserve was the wire haired Fox Terrier El-Rays Snowtaire Iceni Payback, whose owner comes from Swansea.

The seven categories specified by the Kennel Club, who organise and run the Crufts events, are gundogs, hounds, pastoral, terriers, toys, utility and working dogs. Chance and Payback had each won best in their group of pastoral and terriers respectively. Other winners of each group were a Welsh Springer Spaniel, Ferndel Maverick Spaniel (Gundogs), a Norwegian Elkhound, Kestos I Spy at Graythor (Hounds), a Pomeranian, Finch’s Ovations for Me (Toys), a Miniature Poodle, Minavers Secret Assignment (Utility) and a Bouvier des Flandres, Gijs Santos from the Dogs Farm (Working).

The first Crufts show was in 1891 at the Royal Agricultural Hall in Islington, and it was founded by Charles Cruft, who ran the show until his death in 1938. Cruft had had no desire to join the family jewellery trade, and he became a salesman for a brand of ‘dog cakes’. His job took him to Europe, and it was in Paris that he was asked to organise the canine section of the Paris Exhibition. In England he set up the Annual Terrier Club Show in Westminster and it was soon after this that Crufts officially began. After his death, his widow handed over the responsibility to the Kennel Club in 1942 and it has increased in popularity year by year since the first show under the Kennel Club in 1948. It was in 1991 that the show moved from its London home to the Birmingham NEC. This year, over 22,200 dogs took part, and owners come to the UK from 32 countries to show their dogs here.

Breed showing is the main part of the show, but there are plenty of other fun and exciting events that now are part of the Crufts experience. Events include Agility, Flyball and Obedience, but there are many more events – and the dogs love the team games. The atmosphere is exciting and exhilarating and for a four-day event, it is packed full of things to do, not forgetting the hundreds of trade stalls with every possible doggy need catered for.

Yet Crufts is for the privileged few. There are 1.6 million mongrels in Britain alone, and none of them could be considered for showing at Crufts, which is the show for pedigrees. However, that does not mean that you cannot show your dog; the Kennel Club also organise one of the most popular crossbreed competitions in the country: Scruffts. Heats take place throughout the year and winners from each heat are invited to a Grand Final. Dogs have a chance to win in four classes, including Most Handsome Dog, Prettiest Bitch, and Golden Oldie.

It also does not mean that you don’t need pet insurance. Vets’ bills can be huge, but insurance costs do not have to be. The vast majority of dog owners would say that they love their dogs, whether they are a pedigree, cross-breed, mongrel, stray, rescue dog or just plain mutt. All dogs make faithful and friendly companions, so we should return what they give to us by giving them the best life possible. Most owners would be heartbroken if they were unable to afford a life-saving operation for their pet, so insuring your dog is a must for all – not just for champion owners!

The Dalmatian is an active dog capable of great endurance, consequently he needs plenty of exercise. They were originally bred in England during the 1700’s to guard the coaches of noblemen. Dalmatians and horses worked well together. So it was natural then that they became popular with firemen, and a familiar sight running alongside their horse drawn fire wagons.

The stamina needed for this type of work means that this breed is well muscled without being stocky. The American Kennel Club eventually classified the Dalmatian in the Non-Sporting breed group. He weighs in at 45 to 65 pound and stands 19 to 24 inches in height.

Their eyes can be clear blue, dark brown, or amber. When they are new born puppies they are pure white, and gradually the distinctive black or liver colored spots begin to appear.

This is a very energetic breed. Hyperactive behavior is common, and separation anxiety can be a problem as they love human companionship. They are playful, loyal and sensitive dogs. Sitting about in an apartment, or wandering aimlessly about in the yard, is not what this breed wants, or needs.

He needs to be able to burn up all this energy. You will need to be prepared to take this dog for a good, long romp in the park on a daily basis. If your a jogger your Dalmatian will adore you!

Inexperienced owners may have a problem in handling these beautiful dogs, as they have a tendency to be a bit willful. If you do decide to buy a Dalmatian puppy check out a good dog training program.

A good idea is to find out where your local puppy training classes are. Socializing your puppy as frequently as possible is important, since these dogs have a tendency to be a bit shy around people they don’t know. They are intelligent dogs, and can be trained to a very high level of obedience Being such a high energy breed, Dalmatians will burn up a lot of calories, so a nutritious puppy food is a must. It’s a good idea to check with your veterinarian about which vitamins and supplements are best to give to your dog.

Every puppy should also be BAER-tested for deafness, as it affects 10-12% of the breed. Your veterinarian may also recommend a low protein diet, since this will help to reduce the chance of bladder or kidney stones, as these dogs can sometimes suffer from this problem.

Grooming is an easy, but regular job. Brush him once or twice a week to remove all the loose hair, and dirt. Without this you will be spending quite a lot of time cleaning up, as they shed quite heavily twice a year. A healthy, well bred Dalmatian can be a true joy to own. If you like the striking good looks of this breed, and an active, fun loving dog would fit in with your family and lifestyle, then the Dalmatian may just be the right dog for you.

Dogs are arguably one of the best companions that a human can find, so it goes without saying that getting one has probably crossed your mind at least once before. If you have gone beyond just thinking about it and have begun to seriously consider the option of getting a dog, then it is important to know what you will be getting into. It is very easy to see the appeal of owning a dog, but there are many responsibilities and commitments that are involved.

For one thing, owning a dog is a usually a 10-15 year commitment, since that is how long a typical dog will live. This means that your dog will be with you through whatever life stages you live through, including dating, marrying, and having children.

Along with this, having an adorable, friendly canine companion around you for so many years will inevitably lead to some attachment. No one likes to think about death, but sooner or later the reality of mortality will come into full view, and you should be prepared to deal with the loss. If you are married with children at the time of your loss, the pain will affect more people than just yourself.

Dogs, just like children, require a lot of your time and attention. Though they don’t need constant attention 24 hours a day, seven days a week, they do require you to spend at least a few hours a day to play around and exercise outside. Dogs that do not receive enough attention or care may develop behavioral issues.

Dogs will also be very affectionate and will want to be around you for much of the time you are at home. They will even sleep near you when they take naps and may even want to sleep in the same bed as you. Be prepared to take a firm stance on this if you do not want your dog to sleep in the same bed as you do.

On the other side of the coin, not all the time you spend with your dog will be fun. They require you to feed them, give them water, clean them, and pick up after them. Periodic visits to the vet are also something you should be prepared for. Whether it’s for a yearly checkup, an examination regarding an illness, or emergency visits, visits to the veterinarian will cost you some money.

After talking about all of the responsibility of owning a dog, it should also be noted that there is a great deal of comfort, joy, and fun that come with having a dog. They are not nicknamed “man’s best friend” for no reason. After experiencing the joys of having a dog, all of the responsibilities and commitments listed above pale in comparison and won’t even be burdensome when you realize who you are taking care of.