GRAFFITI-AIREDALE-all about

ALL ABOUT AIREDALE

Weariness does not exist with an Airedale. Airedale lovers say that when an Airedale enters a home, life is no longer boring. Effectively it has a charming nature, a great spirit and a large capacity for affection. Few people having owned an Airedale cant make a change of breed thereafter because this dog is endowed to conquer our hearts.

Its courage and its audacity make it a good hunter without mercy for its prey. However, we must not confuse combativeness with a bad temper. Your Airedale around the house will defend its territory. It will pursue small animals that dare to trespass on its territory. Birds, squirrels and cats are its major burden of the day. The neighbour's cat that violates or infringes on the Airedale's territorial boundaries will never be pardoned for doing so. For the cat of the house it will be its idol as soon as the cat decides to descend from its roost.

In effect, the Airedale is very affectionate with its masters. It loves people. It is unable to conceal its feelings. It may sound astonishing, but those who know the Airedale well will affirm in a unanimous voice and with seriousness that it does smile in greeting your friends, that it bursts with laughter when it is happy and that it talks when claiming a caress or a candy.

The Airedale requires an energetic master who is vigorous and authoritative and gives attention and affection to this four legged clown. Those who have lived with and gotten to know an Airedale Terrier appreciate its values, but new owners often believe that they have bought a little dog that can be spoiled and cared for like a baby. Like a baby, the dog can be spoiled, grumbling, difficult to handle, destroying the furniture and not easy to live with. To prevent this situation, your dog and you will benefit from good obedience training. The dog will fit in better with your family life and will become a true Airedale Terrier and a true companion.

The Airedale can be compared to a teenager with its periods of playing tricks and on other occasions acting like the "Perfect English Gentleman". This is why the Airedale needs a strict discipline without any physical punishment. In a wholesome environment, the Airedale is a faithful dog, protecting, devoted, affectionate, and a good companion to children because of its delight in playing tricks. Although it does not like the repetitive and routine obedience of the novice class, when it reaches the open class it moves on and learns a little more. Then it often gets tired of the routine, but will not miss an occasion to make the spectators laugh.

To perform in an obedience competition with a Airedale, you must have a good sense of humour. However, these are exceptions and they do get high scores and I do congratulate them. Do not forget that the Airedale is a dog that likes to perform and please you. A well taught exercise will remain in its memory for the rest of its life.

Whether we are age seven or seventy-seven, the company of an Airedale will always make us smile. The rule is not to give up at all its fancies. The Airedale needs an owner who will treat it with kindness and firmness. In spite of a few defects, the Airedale is an irresistible dog.

AIREDALE WITH CHILDREN

You ask yourself if your Airedale Terrier will make a good companion for your children. While a good relationship can develop, certain rules have to be followed. I recommend having a family conference and drafting a set of rules that all members of the family will respect. We like to sign a contract with the children. Here are a few guidelines to help you start the discussion:

	Do not disturb the dog when it is eating.
	Do not disturb the dog when it is sleeping.
	Do not give candies or table leftovers.
	Do not let the dog sleep on the sofa and beds.
	Pick up the excrement of the dog every day.
	Have a daily exercise of games with your Airedale.

Your child will learn to love his Airedale but first he or she needs to respect it. Each child of the family should have to perform a task to help take care of the family dog. This will teach the child to be responsible with the dog under the parents' supervision. Airedales and children are good friends, with a secret world, and time permitting they will become inseparable accomplices...and best friends.

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