| How much grooming does an Airedale require? What is an Airedale personality? What does an Airedale expect from a caring owner? Are Airedales good with children? Is a fenced yard "required" for owning an Airedale? Is it true that Airedales are good for people with allergies? When is a rescue or older dog a good choice for me? Should I "crate-train" my Airedale? How much grooming does an Airedale require?
In Colorado most people have their Airedale groomed 3 to 4 times a year... letting them get a little longer for January and February.
Groomers charge from $40 to $60 each time. You can learn to do it yourself. The Greater Denver Airedale Terrier Club offers grooming classes when there is a demand for this activity.
What is an Airedale personality?
The Airedale was originally bred to hunt independantly. In Hunting and Working activites of the Airedale Terrier Club of America, the Airedale is sent on a racoon track. He follows the racoon scent without his owner... wherever the track leads. He trees the racoon, and barks until his
master catches up with him. Airedales will often decide on their own projects. This could be a big hole in your back yard... or barking a squirrel down from a tree. People who have had shephards will notice that their Airedale doesn't check with them for approval or direction, the way their well-trained shepherd did. When you live with an Airedale, you need to make it worth your Airedale's while to pay attention to YOU. Some dog trainers give up on the breed as too independent. Other trainers use clickers, treats and more traditional methods. GDATC has many owners with just as many different ideas about how to train an Airedale. What every Airedale owner will tell you is that firmness without violence seems to get the job done. We hope you come to our events and get acquainted with our dogs and owners. What does an Airedale expect from a caring owner?
Nutritious food, fresh water, an indoor place to sleep - preferably in a crate in his family's bedroom. 8 hours of sleep time near his family will count as quality time, even though you are all asleep. Your Airedale would also appreciate a doggy door from your house to a fenced back yard. One of the key ingredients to a successful relationship with an Airedale is affection. This is different from attention. An Airedale likes to be petted and wants to be near you. However, with a rescue dog, do NOT put your face close to your rescue dog’s face. We don’t know our rescue dogs well enough to do this. We recommend that you show affection by petting...long firm strokes. Greet your dog with your hand under the muzzel. That way he knows where your hands are and he won’t be surprised by your hands. Are Airedales good with children?
As is the case with all dogs, both the children and the dog must be taught to respect each other. Children must be taught that taking toys or bothering the dog while he/she is eating are not good habits. Also, the dog should be taught that jumping on people or "mouthing" are not acceptable traits. Every household will have a different set of rules which should be carefully considered before getting any dog. These must be clearly and consistently conveyed to everyone (adults, children, and the dog). With proper training and patience, Airedales are wonderful with older children. We would never leave a young child and any dog together unattended. It is very advisable to seek the advice of an expert in training when introducing your dog to children. It is very important for the dog to maintain the position of "dog" within the hierarchy without discounting the importance and needs of the dog. Is a fenced yard "required" for owning an Airedale?
Although a fenced yard is not a requirement for owning an Airedale, it is a very big plus! Before bringing a dog in to your household, you should consider what you will do on days that you are sick, running late, or for some other reason unable to walk the dog. Many cities have some type of leash law and, for the health of the dog, you should never allow the dog to run freely without some type of boundary. Remember that Airedales were bred to hunt and terriers, in general, will chase "furry creatures" with reckless abandon for fun. Is it true that Airedales are good for people with allergies?
While it is true that many people that are allergic to some other breeds seem to have fewer problems living with Airedales. However, the fact that you have allergies is not a sufficient reason to get an Airedale. You are adding a member to your household and should consider the temperament, size, your schedule and many other things when selecting a pet. There are other breeds, (for example; Poodles) which are also "less allergic", which may suit you and yours better. When is a rescue or older dog a good choice for me?
Airedales are very adaptable into new environments. Like most animals, they respond very well to loving and structured situations. Older dogs are sometimes more desirable for a specific situation than puppies. One example is a family or person that simply does not want to deal with housebreaking a puppy. Maybe you are a little older and want the companionship of a dog but not the energy of a puppy. What if you are a jogger and want a companion? (It is not advisable for a young puppy to jog!). There are lots of situations where an older animal may be a better fit into your home.
Older animals may include "rescues" (for whatever reason) or older animals that a breeder may desire to place into a good home. Always get as much background on an animal as possible. Medical information should be provided. If you think that an older animal is better for you, then you must also consider the "retraining" that may be needed. Dependent upon the situation that the animal comes from this could vary from housebreaking to teaching the animal that even though it was OK to sleep on the couch at the old house; the rules here are, on the dog bed in front of the fireplace and in the crate. One breeder suggested that a good approach when dealing with an older animal is to treat it like a puppy, assume that he/she knows nothing and let him/her earn their freedom. Should I "crate-train" my Airedale?
Crate training is a definite plus. This should not be used as a substitute for training your Airedale to have manners and live within the rules of the household but rather as a safe, comfortable "den" for your pet to rest in. It is also a safer way for your dog to travel. Teaching your dog that his/her crate is it's space can be invaluable when company arrives, when he is being housebroken, and if your pet ever has to be confined for medical reasons. Contact us if you would like to learn more about the club and the breed.
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