Home of Barralban Leos
Leonberger Character
The Leonberger was originally breed to resemble a lion and it is indeed considered a lion among dogs. The Leonberger is known to be a faithful, intelligent and a friendly dog who adores the company of children. The Leo dislikes being alone and thrives where they are loved and part of the family circle. It is their lively, fun-loving devotion to their family that makes them a true family dog. Also referred to as the 'Gentle Giant', the Leonberger is considered man's best fiend wherever they may be...land or water. Leos are known to excel in water work and work as enthusiastically as they play. At the same time, Leos are just as content in the living room surrounded by their family.
Their temperament is calm, loving and friendly taking all situations in their stride. The Leonberger often can be head strong which requires proper training and socialisation as a puppy and well into adulthood. Although they are considered the gentle giants their power and size requires proper socialisation and training as early as 8 weeks until they reach maturity. And this breed doesn't reach maturity until 3 years of age! Socialisation with people, multiple environments and other dogs is paramount for a Leonberger to live up to his full potential.
Yes Leos shed especially in the spring! Don't be fooled by beautiful pictures of this magnificent breed with glistening groomed coats, because the Leo adores the mud. From his Newfoundland heritage, the Leonberger has inherited his webbed feet and love of water, but in the absence of a suitable body of water any muddy puddle will suffice. Your home and back garden can easily become a muddy mess!
The decision to bring a Leo into your home as a member of your family should not be made lightly. They require patient consistent love combined with positive reinforcement, proper training, as well as regular exercise and socialisation. If all of these needs are met then the Leonberger can become a wonderful member of your family.
Before considering a Leonberger Puppy you should ask yourself the following questions;
- Can you afford to feed and pay veterinary bills for the lifetime of your dog? Remember - a Leo is a large dog so you will have large bills and vet fees!
- Will you walk your dog every day and take the time to train it properly?
- What will happen to your dog when you go away on holiday or for the weekend?
- Can you accommodate this giant breed in your home - is your garden secure?
- Leos do not like to be left on their own - is there someone at home to look after it during the day?
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I am your Puppy
I am your Puppy and I will love you until the end of the earth, but please know a few things about me............
I am a Puppy, I will chew EVERYTHING I can get my teeth on. This is how I explore and learn about the world. Even HUMAN children put things in their mouths. It's up to you to guide me.
I am a Puppy I cannot hold my bladder for longer than 1-2 hours. I cannot 'feel' that I need to poop until it is actually beginning to come out. I cannot vocalise nor tell you that I need to go and I cannot have 'bladder and bowel control' until 6-9 months. Do not punish me if you have not let me out for 3 hours and I tinkle. It is YOUR FAULT.
As a Puppy, it is wise to remember that I NEED to go potty after eating, sleeping, playing and drinking around every 2-3 hours. If you want me to sleep through the night, then do not give me water after 7-8 p.m. A crate will help me learn to housebreak easier, and it will avoid you being mad at me.
I am a Puppy, I like to play. I will run around, and chase imaginary monsters and chase your feet and toes and 'attack' you, chase other pets and small kids. It is play; it's what I do best! Do not be made at me or expect me to be sedate, mellow and sleep all day. If my high energy level is too much for you, maybe you could consider an older rescue from a shelter or rescue group. My play is beneficial, use your wisdom to guide me in my play with appropriate toys and activities like chasing a rolling ball, or gentle tug games, or plenty of chew toys for me. If I nip you too hard, talk to me in 'doggie talk' by giving a loud YELP, I will usually get the message, as this is how dogs communicate with one another. If I get too rough, simply ignore me for a few moments, or calmly put me in my crate with an appropriate chew toy.
I am a Puppy, hopefully you would not yell, hit, strike, kick or beat a 6 month old human infant, so please do not do the same to me. I am delicate, and also very impressionable. If you treat me harshly now, I will grow up learning to fear being hit, spanked, kicked or beat. Instead, please guide me with encouragement and wisdom. For instance, if I am chewing something wrong, say 'No chew!' and had me a toy I CAN chew. Better yet, pick up ANYTHING that you do not want me to get into. I can't tell the difference between your old sock and your new sock, or an old trainer from your £100 Nikes.
I am a Puppy, and I am creature with feelings much like you, but yet also very different. I truly DO want to please you, and be part of your family, and your life. You got me because you want a loving partner and companion so do not relegate me to the backyard when i get bigger, do not judge me harshly but instead mould me with gentleness and guidelines and training into the kind of family member you want me to be.
I am a Puppy and I am not perfect, and I know you are not perfect either. I love you anyway. So please, learn all you can about training, and puppy behaviour and caring for me from your veterinarian, books on dog care and even researching on the computer! Learn about my particular breed and its 'characteristics' it will give you understanding and insight into WHY I do all the things I do. Please teach me with love, patience, the right way to behave and socialise me with training in a puppy class or obedience class, we will BOTH have a lot of fun together.
I am a Puppy and I want more than anything to love you, to be with you, and to please you. Won't you please take time to understand how I work? We are the same you and I, in that we both feel hunger, pain, thirst, discomfort, fear, but yet we are also very different and must work to understand one another's language, body signals, wants and needs. Someday I will be a handsome dog, hopefully one you can be proud of and one that you will love as much as I love you.
I am a Puppy, accidents WILL happen, please be patient with me! In time I will learn.
Love, Your Puppy - Adapted from J Ellis 2000
