From time to time we get an email regarding a Lagotto behavioural issue.
I've decided to give a perspective on such problems.
I read an article some time back written by Ed Frawley from Leerburg Kennels & just recently it was reprinted in the German Shepherd Dog Quarterly National.
You might think that an article appearing in a Shepherd magazine would have no relevance for owners of a Lagotto, but it does.
We advise prospective Lagotto owners to be mindful of the fact that the Lagotto Romagnolo breed is a very old breed though relatively new in Australia.
The cute & fluffy look of a Lagotto pup can be deceptive as the breed is a WORKING breed & has been for centuries so the probability is that the cute ball of fluff you are quite taken by, is a pup that will develop into an adult that has what's known as a 'high drive' dog.
High drive dogs are dogs that love to work. Australian Cattle Dogs, Kelpies and Border Collies are 3 easily recognised breeds that fit the description.
Lagottos though are a 'soft mouthed' breed as they were first used as a retrieving dog and that instinct is not dormant. A soft mouthed breed could return 'undamaged' game to the handler.
All dogs need a leader, someone that they can look to for guidance, help, support & assistance in the formative years, so that they understand what the handler's expectations are of them.
Bearing that in mind, consider the following:-
1, Dogs don't know how to be good unless we show them.
2. You create your dog's value system.
3. People don't give birth to a brat.
4. You can feed, water, and love your dog & he will like you, but he may very well not respect you.
5. Dogs know what you know & they know what you don't know.
Over the next few weeks I will put the article up on this blog.
I've decided to give a perspective on such problems.
I read an article some time back written by Ed Frawley from Leerburg Kennels & just recently it was reprinted in the German Shepherd Dog Quarterly National.
You might think that an article appearing in a Shepherd magazine would have no relevance for owners of a Lagotto, but it does.
We advise prospective Lagotto owners to be mindful of the fact that the Lagotto Romagnolo breed is a very old breed though relatively new in Australia.
The cute & fluffy look of a Lagotto pup can be deceptive as the breed is a WORKING breed & has been for centuries so the probability is that the cute ball of fluff you are quite taken by, is a pup that will develop into an adult that has what's known as a 'high drive' dog.
High drive dogs are dogs that love to work. Australian Cattle Dogs, Kelpies and Border Collies are 3 easily recognised breeds that fit the description.
Lagottos though are a 'soft mouthed' breed as they were first used as a retrieving dog and that instinct is not dormant. A soft mouthed breed could return 'undamaged' game to the handler.
All dogs need a leader, someone that they can look to for guidance, help, support & assistance in the formative years, so that they understand what the handler's expectations are of them.
Bearing that in mind, consider the following:-
1, Dogs don't know how to be good unless we show them.
2. You create your dog's value system.
3. People don't give birth to a brat.
4. You can feed, water, and love your dog & he will like you, but he may very well not respect you.
5. Dogs know what you know & they know what you don't know.
Over the next few weeks I will put the article up on this blog.