Anonymous wrote:For a first time dog owner you sure picked a hard breed.

Yeah Dalmatians are a nightmare, and they die young.

OP,

1. Calm down because dogs sense emotions extremely well. Tell everyone to be calm and confident.

2. Think. There may be several good options for every situation. Use your common sense before you freak out, because see 1.

3. An excellent book which is often recommended is the Monks of New Skete about raising puppies.

4. Know that exercise is key to raising a healthy and well-behaved dog. First solution in the case of misbehavior is more exercise, always.

5. Crating is an American thing. In Europe we rarely crate dogs. Do what you think is best, this is an example of a situation where you actually won't traumatize your dog.

6. Feed them quality food, but not too much.

7. Insist on perfect obedience to simple commands. They should never think of themselves as top dogs. Never be on furniture. Never pull at the leash.

That's about it. Enjoy your wonderful pets, you lucky dog, you!

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Most of the time people do this research before they buy TWO puppies.

she has five weeks. The husband is an experienced dog owner. Asking on dcum is part of her research. Exactly how long do you think she needs to study before getting a dog?

Sorry, oP I have no advice but
Can't stand people who basically think only they are qualified to have a dog.

Sorry if it is still sort of shocking to me. I really thought it had to be a joke. Never owned a dog so let's get two! Dalmatians!
This is why our shelters are full.

My BIL had a geriatric Dalmatian. That thing had the energy of a puppy. And she was pissy. Dh and I did some pet-sitting - she would poop in our shoes to express her displeasure at having us instead of her "mom & dad".

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Most of the time people do this research before they buy TWO puppies.

she has five weeks. The husband is an experienced dog owner. Asking on dcum is part of her research. Exactly how long do you think she needs to study before getting a dog?

Sorry, oP I have no advice but
Can't stand people who basically think only they are qualified to have a dog.

+1

Anonymous wrote:Most of the time people do this research before they buy TWO puppies.

she has five weeks. The husband is an experienced dog owner. Asking on dcum is part of her research. Exactly how long do you think she needs to study before getting a dog?

Sorry, oP I have no advice but
Can't stand people who basically think only they are qualified to have a dog.

For a first time dog owner you sure picked a hard breed.

Anonymous wrote:You know this breed needs constant stimulation and exercise right?

Yes. It was one of the reasons this breed was chosen because we are a very active family.

You know this breed needs constant stimulation and exercise right?

Anonymous wrote:Most of the time people do this research before they buy TWO puppies.

And I have and I've gotten conflicting advice so I am asking here.

Do you want to crucify me and derail the thread or do you maybe want to help?

Most of the time people do this research before they buy TWO puppies.

Anonymous wrote:Is this a joke? Please let this be a joke

Why would it be a joke?

Is this a joke? Please let this be a joke

And of course I typo the title.

Dalmatian, of course.

I have never ever had a dog in my life. DH has but I have a feeling since I'm home I'm primary caregiver.

So they are coming in 5 weeks. They will be 16 weeks old. They will be spayed/neutered, have shots, be house trained.

What do I need? What food do you suggest? How many toys do they need? Can they share a bed?

I keep getting conflicting advice from the breeder and the vet.

I looked up some stuff and saw crate training, it seems mean to me. Is it mean or is it necessary?

Obedience training is a must correct? What other training if any is necessary?

Anything specific about this breed?

I am a runner, I do know this breed is good for runners. Anyone have experience with this?

DH is excited, kids are excited. I need help but I'm excited too.