If you have a specific question that is not covered below, please feel free to contact one of our volunteers for that information.
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 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 where 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 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 generally leave it alone, since it does not pose any threat. If the dog is loose, they will either kill it, or release the dog 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 separated from their human family for a long period of time.
Children
Never, never leave a young child along with any dog. It doesn’t matter how well trained your dog is, 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 when they are tired or stressed. Average-sized Airedales usually fit in a medium crate. Larger dogs (28 1/2″ or taller) may need a large, or extra-large, crate. 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:
http://www.akcreunite.org/petowner/petemergencyguide/
https://www.ready.gov/animals
http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/disaster-preparedness/
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 in some rare extenuating circumstances. 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 crated dog out of the house, thereby saving them. They cannot go searching 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 your home.
Home safety
Crates are also necessary if you have to leave your pet at home unsupervised. It not only protects your dog from dangers within your home (chemicals, electrical wiring, etc.), but it also protects your home from some of their less-endearing behaviors (chewed shoes, rugs, furniture, etc.).
Leashes
Dogs should always be walked on a leash, both for your safety, and the safety of your pet. If you walk at night, consider a reflective collar, leash and/or vest.
Wills
Do you know what would happen to your pet if you were to die suddenly and unexpectedly? Take time now to update your will. Here are some informative links:
Pet Estate Planning
How to include a pet in my will?