Dalmatian: Training and behaviour
Training a Dalmatian works best when the goal is made easy to understand, rewarding to repeat, and safe to get wrong. Keep Dalmatian close to a calm handler and use reward-based cues during the first repetitions. Change one variable at a time and record what helps this individual dog succeed. Practise the same cue in one slightly harder setting only after the easy version is reliable.
What this breed clue changes in training
Dalmatian's training is recorded as It is very important that you expose your puppy to as many new and unusual but pleasant situations as possible as part of his training. Here, that matters because it changes how much reinforcement, repetition, and choice the dog may need to stay engaged.
A better way to practise
- Change one variable at a time and record what helps this individual dog succeed.
- Let the training note (It is very important that you expose your puppy to as many new and unusual but pleasant situations as possible as part of his training) set the reinforcement, session length, and distance from distractions.
- Practise the same cue in one slightly harder setting only after the easy version is reliable.
Escalate when
Escalate when behaviour changes suddenly or safety cannot be maintained.
References
Height: 19-24 inches
AKC page PageMap DataObject > height
Weight: 45-70 pounds
AKC page PageMap DataObject > weight
Life expectancy: 11-13 years
AKC page PageMap DataObject > life_expectancy
Grooming: The Dalmatian's coat is a thing of beauty with its colored spots on a sparkling white background, and it doesn't take much work to keep it in good condition. Occasional baths and weekly brushing with a horsehair mitt or rubber curry comb to pull away dead hairs will keep the Dal looking his best. His nails should be trimmed at least monthly. Because his…
AKC page Grooming > official section copy
Exercise: All Dalmatians need regular exercise to stay fit and happy. This exercise can consist of chasing a ball tossed across the backyard, running alongside a biking or jogging owner, or taking a nice, long hike through the woods. Since a puppy's bones and joints aren't at their mature strength until two years of age, be wary of strenuously exercising the dog…
AKC page Exercise > official section copy
Training: It is very important that you expose your puppy to as many new and unusual but pleasant situations as possible as part of his training. If he understands that new places and people are nothing to be afraid of, it will not only make his life happier but will make life with him much easier for you. He should be taught to behave from the very beginning, but…
AKC page Training > official section copy
Official breed description: The dignified Dalmatian, dogdom's citizen of the world, is famed for his spotted coat and unique job description. During their long history, these
AKC page About the Breed > official breed description
Recommended parent-club health tests: ['Hip Evaluation', 'BAER Testing']
AKC page Health > Recommended Health Tests From the National Breed Club
Official breed standard: http://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/Dalmatian.pdf
AKC page The Breed Standard > View Full Breed Standard
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