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dalmation???

8 replies

CherryMandrake · 31/07/2011 20:14

is coming in 9 days time (approx). she is 5 years old, very soft mouthed, not bouncy, house trained but needs some lead work (doesnt do walking in a straight line but doesnt pull) is slightly overweight but on a diet. nwhat do i need to know? (yes i have been looking on internet but info online is no substitute for asking people who know)

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DoesItWearingWellies · 01/08/2011 17:41

(Not sure if this is the kind of info you're asking for...)

Do you know what type of food she's on atm? Will you be getting some with her? Only changing a dog's diet suddenly can cause havoc with their digestive system so if you are planning on feeding her a different brand of food than the one she's used to, it's best to do it gradually over a few weeks.

Other than that, I assume you know about her health history, her temperament, what she's like with children etc.

Is she spayed? If not, this is something you'll have to consider, as well as pet insurance and microchipping if she isn't already.

HTH (and apologies if you already know most of it )

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Batteryhuman · 01/08/2011 20:09

All the dalmatians I know of LOVE to run and need lots and lots and lots of exercise. Recall can be a bit of an issue I believe.

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lurcherlover · 02/08/2011 12:29

Exercise is your friend - dals were bred to run alongside rich people's carriages in the olden days and look dashing. They thrive on exercise and without sufficient free-running time she won't be fun to live with. I would be looking now for large enclosed spaces you could use for free running time until you're confident with her recall (and make learning this your priority so she can have plenty of off-lead time).

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CherryMandrake · 02/08/2011 14:06

ok, she has been spayed and microchipped. i have insurance already, health is good, she is great with kids and cats (my youngest dc is nearly 6, and have a cat) some food coming with her, but she has been on an unsuitable diet so will phase in what i want to feed her over a week or two. plenty of space for running nearby, and will be walked 3 times a day. have a crate and bed, going to take her to be fitted for a harness to make the lead work easier.

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CherryMandrake · 07/08/2011 15:51

well she is here!!! overweight, and not your typical dalmation at all. she is currently curled up in her bed and refusing to move. she's grand though,a little timid but not aggressive at all. and lazy. she is fine with the cat (who keeps pouncing on her waggy tail) and loves the boys (girls are at their dads till thurs to give her time to settle before introducing chaos)

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rubyrubyruby · 07/08/2011 15:53

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

PigeonPie · 07/08/2011 15:58

Ooh yes, a vacuum cleaner is essential; Dalmations moult twice a year for six months each time!

I grew up with a Dally and she was still around when DH and I got married. Having had white hairs over everything for years I got black ones on my dress!

Ours had a fantastic temperament and was very loving, but was quite hard work and needed lots of exercise.

Have fun with her.

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CherryMandrake · 07/08/2011 16:09

thankfully i have leather sofa's and laminate flooring so will be able to sweep up much of the hair, and yes, she is moulting like mad already, back seat of my mums car was grey, we got out and it looked like it had been snowing