Discussion
Hey
myself and my better half are going to be getting a dalmatian...
Firstly as puppies how long can dogs but specifically dallys be left? Does anyone know, google doesnt churn up mch apart from over-protective breeders who say 2 hours? As they get bored
And are dogs hard work from pups, nether me or my wife have ever had a dog. Any input greatly valued.
Thanks
Dan
myself and my better half are going to be getting a dalmatian...
Firstly as puppies how long can dogs but specifically dallys be left? Does anyone know, google doesnt churn up mch apart from over-protective breeders who say 2 hours? As they get bored
And are dogs hard work from pups, nether me or my wife have ever had a dog. Any input greatly valued.
Thanks
Dan
Yes they are hard work. They need a lot of time and attention spent on them with training etc especially as Dalmations have a tendancy (according to my vet) to be rather more aggressive that most doggies.
How long to leave alone? Well in an ideal world no more than 3-4 hours a day. And that would be after a long walk to tire them out.
How long to leave alone? Well in an ideal world no more than 3-4 hours a day. And that would be after a long walk to tire them out.
Jasandjules said:
Yes they are hard work. They need a lot of time and attention spent on them with training etc especially as Dalmations have a tendancy (according to my vet) to be rather more aggressive that most doggies.
How long to leave alone? Well in an ideal world no more than 3-4 hours a day. And that would be after a long walk to tire them out.
Is this true of most dogs in terms of time left away? or just specific breeds?How long to leave alone? Well in an ideal world no more than 3-4 hours a day. And that would be after a long walk to tire them out.
More aggressive than most dogs does not sound awfully positive...
They are mad as a box of frogs. Ours is 5 and still bonkers. Other than ours, friends have one and I can't remember either of them ever being aggressive. The closest I can think of is that they have a tendency to "smile" (curl their lips up and show their teeth). It's not an aggression thing, but could be construed as such if you don't know about it. My OH has actually taught ours to do it on command!
One thing we didn't consider though is that they shed hair a lot, so be prepared for short white hair to get everywhere.
One thing we didn't consider though is that they shed hair a lot, so be prepared for short white hair to get everywhere.
They're mad as a box of frogs. But very loving and friendly. Maybe a bit too jump happy, but thats probably the ones I know and training issues (there wasn't any)
This is the other halfs family dog(s). At one point they had 3 dalmatians. They got walked at least once a day and were still hyper active. This is with a arce of garden they roam about in all day as well.
The smiling this, as mentioned above, is funny, for some reason these dogs seem to sneeze when they do it.
Anyway, here is their latest puppy (a few years back) who is now fully grown and rules the house.
This is the other halfs family dog(s). At one point they had 3 dalmatians. They got walked at least once a day and were still hyper active. This is with a arce of garden they roam about in all day as well.
The smiling this, as mentioned above, is funny, for some reason these dogs seem to sneeze when they do it.
Anyway, here is their latest puppy (a few years back) who is now fully grown and rules the house.
eyebeebe said:
They are mad as a box of frogs. Ours is 5 and still bonkers. Other than ours, friends have one and I can't remember either of them ever being aggressive. The closest I can think of is that they have a tendency to "smile" (curl their lips up and show their teeth). It's not an aggression thing, but could be construed as such if you don't know about it. My OH has actually taught ours to do it on command!
One thing we didn't consider though is that they shed hair a lot, so be prepared for short white hair to get everywhere.
Mad as a box of frogs is right up our street!! Is it a dyson job then for the hair?One thing we didn't consider though is that they shed hair a lot, so be prepared for short white hair to get everywhere.
I have seen the smiling thing on the net- don't think they could call that aggressive.....
I've not had any first-hand experience of raising dalmations, so you might call this a pointless post...
But...I watched an episode of "It's me or the dog", regarding an incredibly badly behaved dalmation, through poor training and inconsistent approaches from members of the family. Add to this the fact that he only got one walk a day, and the upshot was that the dog was nipping people, stealing food off the table, monopolising the sofa...
I inferred from this particular episode that dalmations are quite spirited and intelligent*, so need quite a high level of daily exercise (critical!), and incredibly firm boundaries.
And, as with all other dogs, consistent training, clear boundaries and sufficient exercise...
But, like I say, I've not had first hand experience of them, so make of my post what you will!
*the dog actually waited for someone's back to be turned before half-inching a plate of bacon off the table!
I can't believe I've posted this, really. "This is my advice; I got it off the telly!"
But...I watched an episode of "It's me or the dog", regarding an incredibly badly behaved dalmation, through poor training and inconsistent approaches from members of the family. Add to this the fact that he only got one walk a day, and the upshot was that the dog was nipping people, stealing food off the table, monopolising the sofa...
I inferred from this particular episode that dalmations are quite spirited and intelligent*, so need quite a high level of daily exercise (critical!), and incredibly firm boundaries.
And, as with all other dogs, consistent training, clear boundaries and sufficient exercise...
But, like I say, I've not had first hand experience of them, so make of my post what you will!
*the dog actually waited for someone's back to be turned before half-inching a plate of bacon off the table!
I can't believe I've posted this, really. "This is my advice; I got it off the telly!"
Gow3r said:
Mad as a box of frogs is right up our street!! Is it a dyson job then for the hair?
I have seen the smiling thing on the net- don't think they could call that aggressive.....
Lets just say that you'll never get them all!I have seen the smiling thing on the net- don't think they could call that aggressive.....
As for the intelligence - maybe we got a "unique" one, but we think of her as a hyperactive cross between the scarecrow and the lion the Oz!
Gow3r said:
Firstly as puppies how long can dogs but specifically dallys be left? Does anyone know, google doesnt churn up mch apart from over-protective breeders who say 2 hours? As they get bored
Not sure about them getting bored but if you want fast toilet training then I'd not leave a pup alone for more than 2-3 hours. We used to let ours out at 7am, then every few hours until last thing at night. We got her at 7 weeks and by 8 weeks she was more or less house trained, in fact she only had about 4 "accidents" as a pup.
Once house trained I'd leave her for 3-4 hours. It's important that they do get used to being left alone and don't develop separation anxiety.
Why do you think the breeders are being over-protective by saying that pups should only be left alone for 2 hours max? Do you think they don't know what they are talking about?
I agree that pups should not be left alone for more than two hours a day. How will a pup become house-trained, trained in general and socialised otherwise?
I would not have a dally as a first dog. In fact I would not have a pup unless I had previous dog experience. Hell I have a shed load of dog experience and I still wouldn't have a pup (nor a dally). Way too much hard work!
Perhaps look at what you are able to offer in terms of lifestyle, committment and what you are prepared to put in wrt training and then see what dog would suit you?
I agree that pups should not be left alone for more than two hours a day. How will a pup become house-trained, trained in general and socialised otherwise?
I would not have a dally as a first dog. In fact I would not have a pup unless I had previous dog experience. Hell I have a shed load of dog experience and I still wouldn't have a pup (nor a dally). Way too much hard work!
Perhaps look at what you are able to offer in terms of lifestyle, committment and what you are prepared to put in wrt training and then see what dog would suit you?
Mrs Grumpy said:
Why do you think the breeders are being over-protective by saying that pups should only be left alone for 2 hours max? Do you think they don't know what they are talking about?
I agree that pups should not be left alone for more than two hours a day. How will a pup become house-trained, trained in general and socialised otherwise?
I would not have a dally as a first dog. In fact I would not have a pup unless I had previous dog experience. Hell I have a shed load of dog experience and I still wouldn't have a pup (nor a dally). Way too much hard work!
Perhaps look at what you are able to offer in terms of lifestyle, committment and what you are prepared to put in wrt training and then see what dog would suit you?
tbh I agree with this.I agree that pups should not be left alone for more than two hours a day. How will a pup become house-trained, trained in general and socialised otherwise?
I would not have a dally as a first dog. In fact I would not have a pup unless I had previous dog experience. Hell I have a shed load of dog experience and I still wouldn't have a pup (nor a dally). Way too much hard work!
Perhaps look at what you are able to offer in terms of lifestyle, committment and what you are prepared to put in wrt training and then see what dog would suit you?
The breeder in this case is correct, no more than 2 hrs for the early months at least. How much reading up have you done on dalmations. Always know your breed. I wouldn't say they are overtly aggressive in fact I'd say they are over the top friendly but they can be hysterical, difficult to handle when being examined! and very very very hard work especially to an unexperienced handler.
Put in the effort ie firm handling needed and you'll be rewarded
Edited by bexVN on Friday 10th June 23:44
eyebeebe said:
They are mad as a box of frogs. Ours is 5 and still bonkers. Other than ours, friends have one and I can't remember either of them ever being aggressive. The closest I can think of is that they have a tendency to "smile" (curl their lips up and show their teeth). It's not an aggression thing, but could be construed as such if you don't know about it. My OH has actually taught ours to do it on command!
Interesting you say this, as dogs curling their lips to show their teeth is textbook first line aggression - 'I don't like what you are doing and if you continue I will escalate'. Some (bad) trainers will tell you to punish/reprimand the dog when they do this, all this does is teach the dog not to show when he/she feels stressed/scared and under enough pressure they will then jump to second line aggression, which is often to bite (if the dog feels cornered or dominant).66comanche said:
eyebeebe said:
They are mad as a box of frogs. Ours is 5 and still bonkers. Other than ours, friends have one and I can't remember either of them ever being aggressive. The closest I can think of is that they have a tendency to "smile" (curl their lips up and show their teeth). It's not an aggression thing, but could be construed as such if you don't know about it. My OH has actually taught ours to do it on command!
Interesting you say this, as dogs curling their lips to show their teeth is textbook first line aggression - 'I don't like what you are doing and if you continue I will escalate'. Some (bad) trainers will tell you to punish/reprimand the dog when they do this, all this does is teach the dog not to show when he/she feels stressed/scared and under enough pressure they will then jump to second line aggression, which is often to bite (if the dog feels cornered or dominant).There is an obvious difference between a dog who smiles and a dog who curls it's lips as first line aggression, body posture helps to differentiate.
Edited by bexVN on Friday 10th June 22:54
Mrs Grumpy said:
Why do you think the breeders are being over-protective by saying that pups should only be left alone for 2 hours max? Do you think they don't know what they are talking about?
I agree that pups should not be left alone for more than two hours a day. How will a pup become house-trained, trained in general and socialised otherwise?
I would not have a dally as a first dog. In fact I would not have a pup unless I had previous dog experience. Hell I have a shed load of dog experience and I still wouldn't have a pup (nor a dally). Way too much hard work!
Perhaps look at what you are able to offer in terms of lifestyle, commitment and what you are prepared to put in wrt training and then see what dog would suit you?
FB 'Like' to the above.I agree that pups should not be left alone for more than two hours a day. How will a pup become house-trained, trained in general and socialised otherwise?
I would not have a dally as a first dog. In fact I would not have a pup unless I had previous dog experience. Hell I have a shed load of dog experience and I still wouldn't have a pup (nor a dally). Way too much hard work!
Perhaps look at what you are able to offer in terms of lifestyle, commitment and what you are prepared to put in wrt training and then see what dog would suit you?
If you choose your (first!) dog on looks alone...and let's face it the Dalmatian is quite a looker, then you will be choosing on the wrong basis. Looks count sure, but go on energy, temperament and trainability more than anything else.
FWI, I would say that a Dalmatian is *not* a beginners dog...trust me
I've seen a lot of first time owners with breeds like Husky, GSD's and collies and get in awful mess. This is not to say that it's not possible; but you're not setting yourself up for success.
What may help if you've not tried already is to go onto Google and search terms like 'dog breed selector'. There are some really interesting questionnaires there that may throw up some breeds that are different to Dalmatians and offer a few previously unconsidered breeds.
We usually take a 2 week break as a family when we get a new pup, and I then take over full time as I work from home due to my work.
You will get quite a lot of sleeping sessions as a pup, but as they grow and enliven the 'honeymoon' is soon over! TIME is so important for young dogs, and socialisation is critical for a smooth and well balanced future.
HTH a little.
Nick
Mrs Grumpy said:
Why do you think the breeders are being over-protective by saying that pups should only be left alone for 2 hours max? Do you think they don't know what they are talking about?
I agree that pups should not be left alone for more than two hours a day. How will a pup become house-trained, trained in general and socialised otherwise?
I would not have a dally as a first dog. In fact I would not have a pup unless I had previous dog experience. Hell I have a shed load of dog experience and I still wouldn't have a pup (nor a dally). Way too much hard work!
Perhaps look at what you are able to offer in terms of lifestyle, committment and what you are prepared to put in wrt training and then see what dog would suit you?
I figured as a breeder you will put up a conservative length of time for being apart from a puppy. I agree that pups should not be left alone for more than two hours a day. How will a pup become house-trained, trained in general and socialised otherwise?
I would not have a dally as a first dog. In fact I would not have a pup unless I had previous dog experience. Hell I have a shed load of dog experience and I still wouldn't have a pup (nor a dally). Way too much hard work!
Perhaps look at what you are able to offer in terms of lifestyle, committment and what you are prepared to put in wrt training and then see what dog would suit you?
I work from home so its not a problem just sometimes have meetings that take 2-3 hours so was assessing whether it is feasible that is all.
Thankyou for your input, I think that we will have a look at one of these breed selectors.
Obviously we do not want to get a dog if we are not suited, we would want any dog we took on to be looked after well and be a part of the family!
We both have some experience with Dogs just not owning one for a lengthy period of time so it will be a new experience though you have to start somewhere.
We have done some research into the breed regarding, temprement are they good with children making sure they are BAER tested etc, I just wanted to draw upon the knowledge of some PHERS who could help point us in the right direction!
Thanks
Obviously we do not want to get a dog if we are not suited, we would want any dog we took on to be looked after well and be a part of the family!
We both have some experience with Dogs just not owning one for a lengthy period of time so it will be a new experience though you have to start somewhere.
We have done some research into the breed regarding, temprement are they good with children making sure they are BAER tested etc, I just wanted to draw upon the knowledge of some PHERS who could help point us in the right direction!
Thanks
66comanche said:
Interesting you say this, as dogs curling their lips to show their teeth is textbook first line aggression - 'I don't like what you are doing and if you continue I will escalate'. Some (bad) trainers will tell you to punish/reprimand the dog when they do this, all this does is teach the dog not to show when he/she feels stressed/scared and under enough pressure they will then jump to second line aggression, which is often to bite (if the dog feels cornered or dominant).
Or.... it could be submissive 'grinning' , which is what I think people are talking about in this instance. Quite a few dogs do this and it's a long, long way from any kind of 'aggression'.Lovely dogs and they are great with children. Can be boisterous but generally quite gentle. The smiling is lovely and does not at all look aggressive, and they will smile at anyone, so people not in the know have thought it to be aggressive, so beware that you may end up regulary explaining it to people.
Don't buy any black or dark coloured clothes or furnishings from now on. Don't beleive the web when they say they don't shed hairs because they do.
We have actually started hoovering them every so often which helps a bit.
Hairs get everywhere.
Either a really good Dyson might be up to the job, but we swear by the Meile ones for pets.
Training needs to be done young and quite strictly. They can quickly rule the house.
They crave attention and will be naughty if they don't get enough. And if it happens on a regular basis they might end up with behavioural problems.
They live a long time, and are generally healthy. Don't let them get overweight though. They will eat anything.
They are also sensitive to high protein diets so wet canned food is a big no no. Dry biscuits only.
Make sure they get out for a good run every day if not more, and have the space at home for them to run about the rest of the time. They never get tired and even a 15 year old Dalmatian will keep up with the rest.
Oh and lastly - they are escape artists. Make sure you have a secure garden, but be aware that they will tunnel or force their way through cheap or badly done fences
Don't buy any black or dark coloured clothes or furnishings from now on. Don't beleive the web when they say they don't shed hairs because they do.
We have actually started hoovering them every so often which helps a bit.
Hairs get everywhere.
Either a really good Dyson might be up to the job, but we swear by the Meile ones for pets.
Training needs to be done young and quite strictly. They can quickly rule the house.
They crave attention and will be naughty if they don't get enough. And if it happens on a regular basis they might end up with behavioural problems.
They live a long time, and are generally healthy. Don't let them get overweight though. They will eat anything.
They are also sensitive to high protein diets so wet canned food is a big no no. Dry biscuits only.
Make sure they get out for a good run every day if not more, and have the space at home for them to run about the rest of the time. They never get tired and even a 15 year old Dalmatian will keep up with the rest.
Oh and lastly - they are escape artists. Make sure you have a secure garden, but be aware that they will tunnel or force their way through cheap or badly done fences
Had one for about 10 years as a child, lovely dog. Never stopped wagging his tail his entire life!
Ours was a liver spotted one, overly friendly with family, but very protective over us with strangers. Ate everything it could find from multi packs of mars bars (still in wrappers) to bees and bits of lego
They shed hair like its going out of fashion, I dont think I would have another one
Ours was a liver spotted one, overly friendly with family, but very protective over us with strangers. Ate everything it could find from multi packs of mars bars (still in wrappers) to bees and bits of lego
They shed hair like its going out of fashion, I dont think I would have another one
Ok, As a 6 yr dalmatian veteran, here's my tuppence-worth. As has been mentioned previously, these are not straightforward dogs for a first time dog owner (as we were). They are stubborn little so-and-so's who have selective hearing. They'll only do something if they feel like it, and very often only when you've reached the point of popping a blood vessel 
. They are high energy dogs who need AT LEAST an hour of good off-lead walks/ runs a day. They are not solitary dogs - they love human company and will not take well to being left for extended periods. I would say 2 hrs for a pup would be about right.
Having said that, if you are willing to put in the effort of training, time and attention, you will be rewarded with the most loving, funny, happy, nutty, best pal you're likely to have. They really are very intelligent and sensitive dogs - often picking up on the tiniest unwitting clues as to your mood - always ready to pick you up when you are down or share the fun when you are happy. They do smile at you when they are happy - don't listen to the nonsense about aggression. It's a well-documented and endearing dalmatian trait. Mine is the softest sappy idiot, but he has tended to a bit of fear-aggression (the odd growl and snap) when he meets (in his mind) a "big scary dog", e.g. mastiff etc. Easily corrected though.
Training is an absolute must, if nothing else to at least give them the notion that you are supposed to be the boss
. I have to say ours is a lot more settled since we got our 2nd dog (Hungarian Vizsla) - I think he enjoys the company when we're not around. He gets spoiled for time & attention really, but gets left alone for up to 9 hrs through the night occasionally with no problems.
In summary then, I would say that as long as you know what you're in for and have done your research and most importantly can commit the required time and patience, the rewards are more than worth it. After having our Archie, I can definately say I will always have a Dalmatian - they really are excellent dogs. Here's the boy in Skye.....
. They are high energy dogs who need AT LEAST an hour of good off-lead walks/ runs a day. They are not solitary dogs - they love human company and will not take well to being left for extended periods. I would say 2 hrs for a pup would be about right.Having said that, if you are willing to put in the effort of training, time and attention, you will be rewarded with the most loving, funny, happy, nutty, best pal you're likely to have. They really are very intelligent and sensitive dogs - often picking up on the tiniest unwitting clues as to your mood - always ready to pick you up when you are down or share the fun when you are happy. They do smile at you when they are happy - don't listen to the nonsense about aggression. It's a well-documented and endearing dalmatian trait. Mine is the softest sappy idiot, but he has tended to a bit of fear-aggression (the odd growl and snap) when he meets (in his mind) a "big scary dog", e.g. mastiff etc. Easily corrected though.
Training is an absolute must, if nothing else to at least give them the notion that you are supposed to be the boss
. I have to say ours is a lot more settled since we got our 2nd dog (Hungarian Vizsla) - I think he enjoys the company when we're not around. He gets spoiled for time & attention really, but gets left alone for up to 9 hrs through the night occasionally with no problems. In summary then, I would say that as long as you know what you're in for and have done your research and most importantly can commit the required time and patience, the rewards are more than worth it. After having our Archie, I can definately say I will always have a Dalmatian - they really are excellent dogs. Here's the boy in Skye.....
Edited by B19 CER on Saturday 11th June 16:14
Edited by B19 CER on Saturday 11th June 16:17
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