FAQ's
What is the first step to get an Airedale (or Airedale puppy) from you?
A. First, make sure you have read and understand the information on this page. The next step is to fill out our Puppy Application and email it to us at airedale@mentortlc.com. Please save the file to your computer, edit with your information and save it again, and then email it back to us with the document as an attachment. Once we get your application we will review it and get back to you with any additional questions we may have for you and answers to any questions you have. We try to get back to you within 1 week, but please be patient, we may be at dog shows or other events which prevent us from getting back to you as quickly as we would like. By submitting this application you agree that this application and its contents including your answers become the property of Gemstone Airedales and may be used as such provided that your personal contact information is not included in any such use.
Is there any obligation for being placed on your wait list?
A. No. There is no obligation on your part or on our part. No deposit is required to be placed on our waiting list. If you find an Airedale somewhere else or decide you would like to be removed from our waiting list for any other reason, please let us know. Being placed on our wait list does NOT guarantee that you will get an Airedale or Airedale puppy from us.
I would like to visit you before being placed on your Wait List. Is that okay?
A. Absolutely. We strongly encourage you to visit us and our Airedales prior to commiting to purchase one of our puppies. We would prefer that you fill out our Puppy Application and send it to us prior to your visit because it will give us a base for further questions we have for you. You will be required to fill out the application prior to us offering you a puppy. You will be required to visit us prior to our offering you a puppy. Please call ahead to schedule an appointment that does not conflict with our other obligations.
When will you have a puppy available?*
A. We maintain a wait list of potential puppy buyers. We only have litters where we intend to keep at least one puppy (and often times multiple puppies) ourselves for show and to include in our breeding program in the future, which only benefits you and the quality of your pet Airedale. We provide those on our wait list with our best estimate of when we will have a puppy for them, however, please understand that many factors can change this estimate including whether a breeding takes and overall litter sizes. At this time, we expect those new to our wait list to wait anywhere between 6 to 12 months for a puppy. If a puppy becomes available sooner than the estimated time we give you, we will let you know. We strongly suggest your continued contact with us during the time you wait in order to get updates from us and to let us know you are still waiting for a puppy from us.
I can't wait that long. Is there anything else I can do?
A. If you are not able to wait for one of our puppies please do not fill out our puppy application. Those on our wait list are people looking for a puppy from us or out of a particular breeding from us and do not typically drop out of getting a puppy. Your chance of getting a puppy sooner than our estimate is very small. We recommend that you take a look at the Breeder Referral on the ATCA website and contact other breeders who may have puppies available sooner. If you want to give us a call, we may know of a breeder with puppies. Wherever you decide to get a puppy, we strongly recommend visiting the breeder, meeting their Airedales, and seeing their facilities before committing to purchasing a puppy. Every breeder is different and it is important that you find a breeder you can connect with. Purchasing a dog is a long term commitment and you will want to make sure that you have a good relationship with the breeder that will be maintained throughout the life of the dog.
What is the price of your Airedale puppies?
A. Our Airedales are priced comparably with other high quality pure bred dogs. Some litters may be priced differently than others based on the particular breeding. Please contact us to get an idea of purchase price of one of our puppies, but keep in mind that that price may change at any time up until we take a deposit from you. Generally we know how much puppies from a particular breeding will be by the time the breeding takes place. Please keep in mind that the purchase price of any dog is only a small percentage of the total amount you will spend over the course of the dog's lifetime. Owning a dog is a serious personal and financial commitment.
When do you take deposits for puppies?
A. We do not take deposits for puppies at any time prior to the puppies being born. After the puppies are born we have a better idea of how many puppies will be available. We may take deposits any time after the puppies are born and up until they are 8 weeks old. We do not take deposits for more puppies that we plan to sell. Deposits are in the amount of half the total purchase price with the remaining half due at pick up. Deposits are NON-REFUNDABLE. The deposit guarantees a puppy to you, but not necessarily a particular puppy. We may or may not guarantee if you will get a male or female puppy. The deposit is taken as a guarantee on your part to purchase the puppy when we are ready to let them go. In the event that we do not take a deposit from you at an earlier time, one half of the purchase price of the puppy paid at pick up will be considered your deposit and non-refundable.
When are the puppies ready to go to their new homes?
A. We typically let puppies go to their new homes around 8 weeks of age. We do not let puppies go prior to 8 weeks. In some circumstances we may keep some puppies up to 12-16 weeks of age.
When will I know what puppy will be mine to take home? AND Do I get to pick which puppy will be mine?
A. The process of deciding what particular puppy you will get involves many factors. We only breed litters where we intend to keep puppies ourselves. We get first pick and will not make a decision on which puppy or puppies we are keeping until at least 6 weeks of age. When you come to visit the puppies and give us your non-refundable deposit we will ask you to list your choice of puppies from first pick to last pick. We will also clarify what you are looking for in a puppy and be able to judge what type of puppy will be best for you when you visit. After we have decided which puppy or puppies we are keeping we will go through the list of people who have put down deposits. For each person we will consider their rankings provided when they visited, the characteristics they prefer in a puppy, the type of family/household they will provide, and try to match the puppy we feel will fit best. This is a very detailed and thoughtful process where we try to make the best decision for each individual puppy. We will not know which puppy will be yours until at least 8 weeks of age. We do everything possible to place the right puppy in the right home. By the time the puppies are 8 weeks old we know them and their personalities very well. We have been doing this for a long time. We ask that you trust us to choose the right puppy for you. If you are looking for a puppy with particular characteristics we do recommend coming to visit us and meeting our Airedales. You may find you have more of a connection with certain of our Airedales and desire to wait for a puppy from a particular breeding.
What contract and agreements do you sell your puppies with?
A. All our puppies are sold with spay/neuter contracts and AKC Limited Registrations. We will provide you with a contract at time of pick up which you will sign. The contract includes our policies and information about the puppy. Our policies are detailed in the questions on this page so please read everything thoroughly. We place all puppies on contracts that protect breeder, buyer, and especially, the puppy.
Will you ship your puppies?
A. No, we will NOT ship puppies. We require all puppy buyers to pick up their puppy in person. We strongly recommend against shipping any puppies and/or adults for many reasons.
How will you provide updates during our time on your wait list?
A. We provide the majority of updates via our website. You will see constantly updated information about upcoming litters and events on the 'Puppies/Litters' page as well as updated FAQ and policy information and an updated wait list time for those new to the wait list on this page. Updates about a particular litter are placed on that litter's page. We strongly recommend you visit our website on a regular basis for any updates. We also encourage your contact through email periodically to confirm that you are still waiting for a puppy from us. We are always available to answer any questions/concerns you may have, our preferred method of contact is by email.
How do you raise your puppies?
A. All puppies/litters from Gemstone are raised in a home-like suite at our lodging facility where they are able to get near constant attention from us and their Airedale Mother. Every litter is different and we adjust our methods to the needs of the litter and individual puppies. We keep the puppies and their living areas as clean as possible; their Mother helps with this too. After the puppies have opened their eyes and are walking well we start introducing different elements/obstactles into their daily life in order to promote a well adjusted puppy able to deal with many new situations. After the puppies have received their first vaccinations, we start introducing the outside as the appropriate place to do their business. Puppies typically wake with the sun and are put out at that time, after they eat, after they nap, after they play, and before bed. We put a great deal of effort into creating a connection for you with the puppies from the day they are born. We provide weekly picture updates via our website, as well as any other information you may want to know.
Can I come visit the puppies?
A. We do not allow visitors to see the puppies until they are 6 weeks old and have received their first vaccinations to keep them as healthy as possible. After that time you are welcome to come see the puppies. When you visit you will meet the Airedale Mother, you may have met her already, and be able to see how/where the puppies are being raised for yourself. We do require that you schedule an appointment in order to avoid conflicts with our work schedule, dog shows, etc. We try to only schedule one visit during any day.
Are there any differences in this information if we want a show dog?
A. Yes, please contact us and we will gladly discuss the information. You will still be required to fill out our wait list application and visit us as first steps in the process.
HOW SHOULD I PREPARE FOR MY NEW PUPPY?
A. You will need to puppy-proof your home. You need to pick up anything you don't want the puppy to chew. You will need to get basic supplies that you might not already have like dishes, collar, lead, beds, crate, toys, treats, etc. You will need to decide what to feed the dog for food. You should prepare your yard for the puppy by getting rid of any toxic plants or inappropriate items and check your fencing. You should read about Airedales and the needs of a puppy. You should research grooming and training facilities in your area. Feel free to ask us any questions that you may have. We will be sending home a toy with the litter's scent on it to help your puppy adjust.
WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT WHEN I TAKE THE PUPPY HOME WITH ME?
A. At the time you take your puppy home it has successfully completed only one half of the critical 16 week period in its life. The remaining 8 weeks are extremely important for both you and the puppy in terms of training and socialization. Those first 8 weeks in your home will mold the puppy into the dog you will live with for the rest of its lifetime. The first week or so will be an adjustment period for both you and for the puppy. It is the first time that the puppy has been away from its mother and littermates for any real extended period of time. Allow the puppy to explore and become comfortable. Do not push the puppy to do anything it does not want to do. You need to live your life and be the people that you are, but also make sure that the puppy does not become terribly frightened during the beginning of its stay with you. You can start house-training and crate-training right away. Limit the puppy's exposure to other dogs and people until after it has had all of its shots. We recommend not starting classes until after your puppy has had all of its shots. You can also start basic obedience commands like 'sit' 'down' 'stay' and 'come' even before you start classes.
WILL YOU REMAIN INVOLVED WITH US AND THE PUPPY AFTER WE BRING IT HOME?
A. Yes. We take our responsibility for our puppies very seriously from the time they are born, to their last day. We like to get to know families prior to placement and we like to keep a solid relationship with the new owners throughout the dog's lifetime. We make ourselves available to the new owners and always are there to answer any questions they have. We love hearing updates about puppies and how they are doing in their new homes. We love sharing pictures and information about classes completed and titles earned on our website. Our puppy buyers agree to maintain communication with Gemstone Airedales for the duration of the lifetime of the puppy. At a minimum, buyers provide yearly updates regarding the dog including pictures and to notify Gemstone Airedales of any health issues as they arise.
WHAT IS AKC LIMITED REGISTRATION?
A. AKC Limited Registration means that the dog can be registered with AKC as a pure bred Airedale, but no litters or puppies out of that dog may be registered with the AKC. Dogs with Limited Registrations may not compete in Conformation events. You will be able to compete in performance events such as obedience, agility, tracking, rally, etc. with a Limited Registration. Limited registration is used to prevent irresponsible breeding and to protect our breeding lines.
DO I GET TO SELECT THE REGISTERED NAME FOR MY DOG? AND WHAT ARE THE GUIDELINES FOR SELECTING THE REGISTERED NAME?
A. You will be able to select your own registered name for your puppy. We supply you with the paperwork. We ask that you start the name with GEMSTONE but you are free to choose whatever you would like to follow that. You are limited in some form by types and numbers of characters and and cannot use certain words (like Airedale, Champion, Dog, swear words, and kennel names registered to other people). Some people like to include our theme for the litter in their registered name as it is included in the registered names of the puppies we keep. Please contact us to find out what the theme is for a particular litter. As an example, for our Wattson x Amity litter the theme was 'AC/DC songs' and we kept two puppies with the registered names Gemstone Hells Bells and Gemstone The Razor's Edge.
WILL YOU GLUE MY PUPPY'S EARS SO THAT THEY SET CORRECTLY?
A. Yes, we will gladly glue your puppy's ears for free. Gluing is a common practice in the Terrier breeds and is done to help get a better crease in the ear. You would bring the puppy to us to have them glued and unglued in two week cycles usually starting between 12-16 weeks of age. The age to start depends on the dog, you will normally see the ears begin to set strangely about the time they start teething. When we glue the ears we will send you home with some of the glue for touch ups during the two weeks the ears are glued. We use Tear-Mender for ear gluing which can be found at fabric stores. If at any time one ear becomes unglued, both ears must be taken down. You will need to check the ears for wetness and the smell of infection twice a day as well as checking for any edges of the ear that are coming up. We recommend that you bring the puppy back to us to have the ears taken down; however, you may choose to take then down yourself. This process will be repeated again two weeks later and until the ears set correctly. We cannot glue ears after 6 months of age as it is ineffective by that time because the muscles and cartilage have become well developed. Please do not try to glue the ears of your puppy yourself, it is a precise technique which we have a lot of experience performing. We do not require you to bring the puppy back for ear gluing. Many puppies' ears will set fine without ever gluing. We do not guarantee a perfect ear set regardless of ear gluing. Due to the fact that ear gluing is performed at a particular stage in the puppy's development and becomes ineffective after 6 months of age, please make your decision about ear gluing early on.
WHAT IF I HAVE TO RETURN MY PUPPY? AND WHAT IF THE PUPPY IS NOT WORKING OUT IN OUR HOME? AND WHAT IS A MANDATORY RETURN POLICY?
A. As the buyer of a puppy you have committed to own and care for this puppy for the duration of its lifetime. Placing our dogs is not something we take lightly. We feel strongly about responsible dog ownership, and breeding. We do everything possible to ensure that the puppy will work in your home. If there is a reason why the puppy is not working out in your home please contact us. We can offer advice to help deal with the situation. In an extreme case where the dog is not working out the dog MUST be returned within 3 days of the decision with no refund of the purchase price. The Buyer agrees that if the puppy or adult dog should not work out in the Buyers household for any reason, including but not limited to family issues, health problems, allergies of the buyer or their children, divorce, moving, birth of a child, or non fulfillment of contractual obligations of buyer, the puppy/adult is to be returned immediately to Gemstone Airedales with no arguments or exceptions. As well, the buyer agrees that the puppy/adult will not be given away or sold to anyone, including relatives, friends, neighbors, or strangers, and will never surrender the dog to any rescue organization or shelter, or enter the dog into auction, raffle, lottery, or other such activities. The buyer agrees to sign over and return AKC registration at the time the dog is returned.
WHAT GUARANTEE OF HEALTH DO YOU MAKE FOR YOUR PUPPIES?
A. We only breed litters where we intend to keep puppies ourselves, which only benefits you and the health and quality of your puppy. We only breed healthy Airedales with hip and thyroid clearances. We have a vet perform an exam for each puppy which we pass on to the buyer. We would never sell a puppy that we know has a health condition without first disclosing so to the buyer. You must take your puppy to your vet within 7 days of purchase/pickup. Gemstone Airedales will guarantee the health of a puppy against particular genetic and hereditary health conditions which will significantly impact the quality of life and/or lifespan of the puppy for up to one (1) year of age. If such a condition is suspected, we will want the puppy back immediately to be examined by the vet and/or vets of our choosing. If all are in agreement about the condition we will provide a remedy for the situation. The puppy must be returned to us.
WHAT IS HIP DISPLASIA AND IS HIP DISPLASIA A PROBLEM IN AIREDALES? AND WHAT DO YOU DO TO PREVENT HIP DISPLASIA IN YOUR AIREDALES?
A. Hip displasia, also called degenerative joint disease, is a condition of the hip joint which usually manifests itself as arthritis in the joint to varying levels of seriousness which can cause pain to the dog. Hip displasia has been found to be a problem in the Airedale as a breed. Responsible Airedale breeders screen any and all Airedales that they breed. It is important to understand that even when Airedales with good hip certifications are bred, there is still a chance that the offspring will have hip displasia. Usually it does not manifest itself until late in life and does not significantly impact the life of the dog.
I HAVE ALLERGIES; WILL I BE ALLERGIC TO AN AIREDALE?
A. There is no such thing as a non-allergenic dog. There are some breeds of dog that are considered to be hypo-allergenic meaning that they cause less allergy reactions than other dogs. Even in the case of dogs which are widely accepted as being hypo-allergenic, every dog and every person with allergies needs to be considered on a case by case basis. One dog may cause allergies to arise in one person but not another person with similar allergies. One person may find their allergies react to one dog of a particular breed but not to another dog of the same breed. Some people with allergies are fine with Airedales and others are not. You should also understand that even allergies not related to animals may be affected by your bringing home a new dog. Dogs track dirt, pollen, and other agents into your home that might increase your allergy symptoms.
I PLAN TO COMPETE WITH MY AIREDALE IN PERFORMANCE EVENTS SUCH AS OBEDIENCE, AGILITY, ETC. OR MY FAMILY IS VERY ACTIVE AND WE PLAN TO TAKE THE PUPPY ON WALKS, RUNS, HIKES ETC. DO YOU HAVE ANY GUIDELINES AND/OR SUGGESTIONS FOR ME?
A. It is extremely important that you do not over exert the puppy. Puppies are very active and require exercise, but you need to know how much is enough. Too much activity or exercise can have serious negative consequences for your puppy from heat exhaustion, heat stroke, and heart issues to bone spurs and hip/joint issues. It takes 2 years for the growth plates in an Airedale to finish growing and fuse correctly. You should not begin serious training for performance events until after 2 years of age. Similarly, you should not take your dog for long walk, runs, and hikes until after 2 years of age. Whatever you are doing, at whatever age for the dog, always provide the dog with fresh water and keep a close watch for signs of stress in the dog.
DO YOUR PUPPIES COME HOUSE-BROKEN OR HOUSE-TRAINED?
A. No. If you want a house-broken or house-trained Airedale, you will need to get an adult. House-training activities are part of the new homes responsibility. We are glad to offer advice and suggestions to help in the process. We do our best to make a distinction in the puppies' mind of where they should eat, where they should sleep, and where they should do their business, during the time that they are with us. Keep in mind that we are usually training around 8-10 puppies at the same time which can be difficult. House-training is much more effective in the new home where the puppy gets more individualized attention. Puppies have smaller bladders than adult dogs so make sure that your puppy is let out often especially when crated. Removing access to water after 9pm may help your puppy last through the night in its crate better. If you feel that your puppy is having particular trouble with house training please contact us for advice and you may also want to take your puppy to the vet to have it checked for a UTI, Vaginitis, or other health conditions which may be affecting the puppy.
DO YOUR PUPPIES COME CRATE TRAINED?
A. No. If you want a crate trained Airedale, you will need to get an adult. We are glad to offer advice and suggestions to help in the process. We do our best to introduce the concept of the crate to the puppies while they are with us. Most new owners find that the puppy adjusts easily to the crate in the new home in just a couple days. There are crates with dividers that can be expanded as the puppy grows to fit the full size of the crate. Puppies must be crated when unsupervised. Puppies should sleep in their crates also. Do not decide that your puppy does not like the crate. It is your responsibility to help the puppy like its crate. Always make entering the crate a positive experience for your puppy. Give your puppy a small treat after it has entered the crate. Your puppy must be taught that its crate is a safe and comfortable place.
I HAVE CHILDREN IN THE HOUSEHOLD. DO YOU HAVE ANY ADVICE FOR US?
A. Being placed on our Wait List does NOT guarantee that you will get a puppy. Please do NOT get your children's hopes up about getting a puppy until you are sure you will be getting one, at least until after we have made you an offer AND you have placed your non-refundable deposit. Purchasing a dog is a long term commitment that will last the duration of the dog's life. Please understand that it is YOUR responsibility and not your child’s to take care of the daily needs of the dog as well as the financial and emotional commitment that owning a dog entails. Also, please make sure that your children will be able to behave appropriately around the puppy/dog. Puppies are fragile and can be easily injured by a careless child. An adult must always be the primary caretaker of the Airedale and that an adult must always be present when children and the dog are together.
DO AIREDALES DIG?
A. Yes. Airedales are Terriers. Terriers are earth-dogs. You must expect any Airedale to dig. Some Airedales dig more than others. We find that there are particular times when the Airedales do more digging, such as spring time or when puppies are in the house. You may need to block off particular sections of your yard that you especially do not want the dog to dig in.
WHAT IS YOUR RECOMMENDED VACCINATION PROTOCOL FOR MY PUPPY?
A. Before the puppy leaves us it will recieve its first Distemper/Parvo and Bordetella vaccinations. This is done at 6 weeks of age. The puppy will need two booster shots of Distemper/Parvo, all shots should be spaced 3-4 weeks apart, ideally you would have the puppy vaccinated at 10 and 14 weeks. Another booster Distemper/Parvo should be given 1 year from the last shot, so about 1 year and 4 months of age and then as reccommended by your personal veterinarian. Your puppy will also need a Rabies shot as mandated by your Local or State's law (eg. Lake County Ohio requires them to be vaccinated at 4 months). A booster Rabies shot is given 1 year from the last shot. Boosters are then as required by your State's law. Puppies are especially susceptible to Canine Cough. If your puppy will be exposed to a lot of dogs (at lodging, grooming, day care, classes, dog park, etc.) you may want to consider boostering the Bordetella vaccination every 6 months to 1 year (you may be required to in order to participate in certain activities). Your Veterinarian may recommend other vaccinations based on your geographical location and risk to other diseases. Please be aware that there is strong debate on the topic of over vaccination in dogs and carefully consider the effects of adding any vaccinations to the guidelines shown above. If you have any questions about vaccinations at any time, please let us know.
WHAT MEDICATIONS ARE BAD FOR AIREDALES?
A. When the Airedale undergoes surgery of any kind that requires anesthesia (including spay/neuter) you should REQUIRE the use of PROPOFOL on the dog. You should never use or allow the use of ACE on your Airedale (ACE is often used as a pre-med by Vets).
WHAT SHOULD I KNOW ABOUT BLOAT?
A. Knowing the signs and symptoms of bloat can mean the difference in saving your dog’s life. Bloat, or gastric torsion, is a serious, life-threatening condition that involved the twisting of the stomach, and can affect any deep-chested breed of dog, including Airedales. There can be many causes of bloat, but the most common are feeding the dog one large meal per day instead of two smaller meals. Symptoms of bloat can include anxiety/restlessness, a very hard/tight and/or enlarged stomach, repeated attempt to vomit with little or no result, excessive saliva, and extreme cases might include discolored gums and severe weakness. If you suspect your dog has bloat, contact your Vet or transport the dog to an Emergency facility IMMEDIATELY. In a dog that undergoes surgery for bloat and survives, the Vet should also surgically anchor down the stomach to help prevent future events.
WHAT DO YOU FEED YOUR AIREDALES? AND WHAT AND HOW MUCH SHOULD WE FEED OUR NEW PUPPY?
A. All of our dogs are fed a mixture of Pinnacle Trout and Sweet Potato, AvoDerm Natural Chicken and Brown Rice, Bil Jac Select adult dry food and Bil Jac frozen. (You may continue with any or all of these foods). Recently, information from the veterinary community has indicated that large breed dogs fed a diet too high in calories and protein (as most puppy foods are) can cause increased growth too fast, putting strain on muscles and joints, and perhaps causing a dog that would otherwise not be affected, to have hip dysplasia. PLEASE do not let your vet talk you into one of his special diets. DO NOT USE PUPPY FOOD. The pup has been fed on a regular schedule: of Bil Jac Frozen at 6:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m., and dry kibble on an at will basis. For easier housetraining, you can feed at 6:00 a.m., 12 noon, and 6:00 p.m. 1/4 cup dry food and 1/4 cup frozen Bil Jac, or 1/2 cups dry only (your puppy at this age should finish all his food). The amount the pup is fed will increase over the next few weeks. By the time the pup is 5 months old, cut back to 2 meals per day. Remember, fat/overweight pups are prone to some joint and/or other health issues as adults. A slim, borderline skinny, puppy is always preferred.WHAT PLANTS AND FOODS ARE TOXIC TO DOGS?
A. There are many plants and foods that are toxic to dogs when ingested. You should always pay attention to what your dog is eating. Your dogs reaction to ingesting poisonous and toxic items will vary according to your dog’s sensitivities, amount ingested, and the specific item ingested. Never feed your dog: Alcoholic Beverages, Cat Food, Chocolate/Coffee/Tea, Grapes or Raisins, Hops, Macadamia Nuts, Milk/Dairy, Moldy or Spoiled Food, Mushrooms, Onions and Garlic (raw or cooked), Salt, Sugary Foods, and Tobacco. Any dog can have additional allergies to food items. There are a great deal of plants that are toxic to dogs, some toxic plants include: lilies, azalea, oleander, sago palm, castor bean, poinsettia, poison ivy/oak. Never allow your dog to ingest any chemicals or cleaners. Also never give your dog any canine or human medication except as prescribed by a Veterinarian. If you suspect that your dog has ingested a poisonous or toxic item contact your Vet immediately.
IS IT TRUE THAT AIREDALES ARE EASY TO TRAIN? AND WHAT TRAINING AND CLASSES DO YOU RECOMMEND?
A. Yes. Airedales are known for their trainability and their versatility (ability to perform most any task they are trained to do). You should be able to train your puppy to do most anything you want it to do or not to do things you don't want it to. Keep in mind that trainability is greatly dependent on you. It takes a strong commitment and consistency on your part. Airedales are also extremely intelligent and will test you at every step of the way. We find that most Airedales are the stars of their puppy socialization and basic obedience classes. Airedales should not be trained using corrective methods. We recommend positive reinforcement techniques only. Buyers of our puppies agree to enroll the puppy in puppy socialization and basic obedience classes and to provide continued positive reinforcement training for the dog as needed. A minimum of Canine Good Citizen certification is strongly recommended. We have found that not all trainers/instructors understand Terrier and specifically Airedale characteristics/behaviors. If you get advice that sounds funny, please contact us to get our opinion. NEVER use a pinch collar on the Airedale. If your trainer recommends or requires you to use a pinch collar it is our strong recommendation that you get a new trainer. Pinch collars can be tricky to put on even for experienced users and even when applied properly they can cause extreme esophageal damage to your dog. Pinch collars are a part of corrective training methods which most Airedales do not respond well to.
THE COAT ON MY PUPPY OR YOUNG ADULT ISN'T AS BLACK/TAN OR AS DARK AS WE THINK IT SHOULD BE OR LIKE THE MOTHER/FATHER'S COAT. WILL THIS CHANGE?
A. In every litter there will be a range of coat qualities in the puppies. Not every coat will be as dark/hard as the coat of the parents. Other factors such as diet and grooming techniques used on the coat will also significantly affect the quality of the coat. As the puppy grows the black will recede and the tan will cover more of the body. We do not guarantee perfect coat color/quality.
I CAN'T DECIDE WHETHER TO CLIP OR STRIP THE COAT ON MY DOG. WHAT IS YOUR ADVICE?
A. This is a common struggle with new Airedale puppy owners. Many feel that if they clip the coat they are doing some kind of injustice to the dog or to us, the breeders. Rest assured, clipping is a perfectly acceptable method of grooming the Airedale. We strongly recommend clipping on coats of pet Airedales. The method you choose will affect the coat color/quality. Clipping makes the coat softer and lighter in color. Stripping makes the coat harder and darker in color. You may have a hard time finding a groomer who will strip your dog. Stripping is more difficult, more time consuming, harder on the dog, and costs more than clipping. If you insist on stripping your dog, we will provide some guidance and instruction while you are learning. We will not strip your dog for you.
WHAT OTHER GROOMING DO YOU RECOMMEND? AND WHAT INTERVAL SHOULD MY AIREDALE BE GROOMED AT?
A. It is important that the dog be groomed at appropriate intervals. Clipping and baths should be performed every 8-12 weeks, with additional baths only if necessary, nails at least monthly, brush/combing and teeth cleaning at least weekly, and other grooming as needed. Grooming should always be made into a positive experience.
WHAT TYPE OF FENCING SHOULD WE HAVE FOR OUR AIREDALE?
A. Your Airedale must be kept safe from environmental hazards by being walked on a leash or confined to a solid-fenced yard at all times. Invisible fencing and electric fencing is not a suitable option for an Airedale. Solid fencing keeps your dog in AND it keeps other dogs and wildlife OUT. Under no circumstances should any dog be tethered, inside or outside.
ARE THERE ANY BOOKS WE SHOULD READ?
A. There are many books that you may find useful in preparation for your new puppy, but remember that not all books are right for everyone. Every book will have different viewpoints and use different training techniques. Before and After Getting Your Puppy by Dr. Ian Dunbar is our favorite.
