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Leonbergers are a large breed dog. They grow up
fast and can become a friend, ideal family dog and a companion. They need a lot of socialization from the day they are
born. Socialization is necessary in and around the home as well as in public places. It takes a lot of consistent
work to train your Leonberger by the family using positive reinforcement and plenty of formal obedience training. No
dog is born with good behavior and it is the owner's responsibility to teach your Leonberger what is acceptable and what
is not. Leos have a lot of energy and are very intelligent. They excel in obedience, rally, agility, therapy work, water rescue and many other activities. It takes a lot of patience and work to train your Leo. They are not like goldens, shepards, aussies who will complete the same task over and over but like a variety of tasks to work on with variations. It is important to have many play breaks with your Leo while you are training. Lots of time is needed to instill the positive aspects of training your Leo. Leos do not like being an outside only dog. They need their human(s) and need to be part of your family. They need your time and they love the companionship of other animals. If left alone in a yard, they are not happy and often become bored, destructive or ill. They need a sound family environment to grow and work in. Leos love to be part of a group of Leos. They are attracted to each other but will also accept other breeds. They will adapt to cats, horses, farm animals and kids. Most Leos instinctively like kids but it is important to make sure that the kids like dogs. It is important never to leave your Leo alone with children. An adult Leo is eye level with a 5-6 year old child! Leos are very sensitive to your moods and your family. Squabbles between family members can make your Leo unhappy so it is important to avoid loud angry arguments in the presence of your Leo. They love to travel with you on errands, trips and outings. This takes a vehicle large enough to accommodate your huge Leo. Outings are an important part of socializing your Leo and must continue throughout the Leos life. Leo puppies can be extremely destructive if left alone to "amuse" themselves. They need lots of interactive toys to keep them busy. It is important that whatever you purchase, make sure and use common sense to avoid life threatening hazards that are too small or can break apart. Toys do not replace human companionship! Adult Leos also need play periods. Exercise, play time and walks are all important to keep you Leo healthy and their weight under control. DIG -DIG-DIG. Leos love to dig. Provide a special place for your Leo to dig. A place away from the main traffic area is perfect. A Leo can create a huge bunker in a very small amount of time. They love water and mud and are very content to roll in the dirt and mud. Water makes them very happy. For the most part, they wipe off fairly easily but will track large amounts dirt into your house. If you are meticulous about your furniture, carpets and an immaculate house, the Leo is probably not the right dog for you. Leos need lots of reassurance as they enter adolescence. They may show shyness or fearfulness. This can be overcome by lots of exposure to new things with a strong positive experience. Traffic, loud music, bikes, crowds and all startle and frighten you pup and you, as the owner, are responsible to help it through these experiences. Shyness can lead to negative behavior. Socialization in many, many different kinds of situations from the very beginning are so important to build a strong, solid temperment. Leos need to grow slowly. They should be allowed to mature at their own pace and not be overfed with high protein food to promote growth. Your Leo will be much healthier if they are kept on the lean side. Leos are sensitive to some drugs, usually tranquilizers, anesthetics and sulfa-based drugs. It is important that you discuss this with your veterinarian and try to avoid overusing these drugs. Love your Leo but never forget it is a dog. You need to learn how to communicate with in in ways it can understand. SOCIALIZE AND TRAIN continually and you will have a most amazing companion in your life. Enter content here Enter content here Enter content here |
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