References: Protecting Your Dog
Accidents
Accidents will happen, check with your vet on the type of medications and supplies
you should have on hand in an emergency. Airedales are very stoic, so you must be
especially careful that they get the needed medical treatment before a bad situation
gets worse.
Attacks from other dogs / animals
Airedales will seldom start a fight, but most will not hesitate to end one. You
must be very diligent about socializing your dog. Be careful of were you walk and
be prepared for the unexpected. We will be adding more information on this topic,
so check back later.
Break-ins
The Police will also tell you that if a burglar decides to break into a house that
has a barking dog, it means they are prepared to deal with that dog. If the dog
is in a crate they leave generally it alone, since it does not pose any threat.
If the dog is loose, they will either kill it or turn it loose out the door to possibly
be hit by a car.
Chaining
Chaining a dog outside leaves them open to many dangers; attacks from children,
other animals and dog thieves to name only a few. Airedales, especially, suffer
great emotional stress when separate for a long time from their human family.
Children
Never, never leave a young child along with any dog. It doesn't matter how well
trained they are or how many children they have been around in the past. Dogs live
by "pack" rules. When you are absent, they may assume the alpha or leadership
role over the child. This could result in serious injury. Just in case you missed
the point, NEVER LEAVE ANY DOG ALONE WITH A SMALL CHILD.
Crates
Crates are an essential part of training and protecting your pet. They are NOT
cruel. Dogs are den animals and many find their crate a safe refuge from everything
when they are tried. Average size Airedales usually fit in a medium crate, larger
dogs(28 1/2" and above) may need a large or extra large. Take your dog to the
pet store with you, that way you'll be sure to get the right size.
Disasters
Did you know that pets aren't allowed in most disaster shelters. How would you protect
your pet in a natural disaster? Check out these links:
Fences
We require a fenced in yard for play and for bathroom duties. Your whole yard need
not be fenced, but Airedales need room to run and be silly. Many of our dogs come
to us as strays. If they had a secure yard, they and their families would never
have had to experience the heartbreak of separation.
Invisible Fencing
We are skeptical about invisible fencing for Airedales for several reasons. Airedales
tend to be very stoic about pain, they can also be very territorial and potentially
aggressive to other dogs. Remember, an invisible fence may keep your dog in your
yard, but it will not keep other dogs and animals out of your yard. However we recognize
that this type of fencing may be appropriate for some dogs with a milder disposition.
We are willing to discuss each situation, individually.
Fire
Firemen will tell you that, if your dog is in a crate and a fire breaks out while
you are gone, the firemen will drag your dog in a crate out of the house and save
them. They cannot go looking for a dog hiding under a bed or in a closet or basement.
It is also a good idea to have a pet finder label on the window, so that the firemen
know what
and how many pets are in the home.
Home safety
Crates are also necessary if you have to leave your pet at home unsupervised. It
not only
protects them from dangers within your home (chemicals, electric wiring, etc.),
but it also
protects your home from some of their less endearing behaviors (chewed rugs, furniture,
etc.).
Leashes
Dogs should always be walked on leash for your safety and the safety of your pet.
If you walk
at night, consider a reflective collar, leash or vest.
Wills
Do you know what would happen to your pet, if you were to die suddenly?
Take time now to update your will the AKC has some good information
on this subject.