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| Crate training is a wonderful way to utilize the den nature of dogs to help with housebreaking and training. The crate gives the dog a safe haven for comfort. It also ensures a dog will not get as stressed if it needs to be hospitalized or boarded later in life. |
| Proper socialization is essential to ensure that your dog has the skills it needs to be a good citizen. Socializing the dog in formal and informal ways teaches the dog healthy ways to interact with other dogs and with humans. |
| A well socialized puppy will grow into an adult that knows how to "play well with others" like Bella here with her friend Luna. The responsibility of owning a strong, giant breed dog must be taken seriously. Food and treats can be considered 'possessions' which promote aggression if the dog is not properly socialized. |
| The Swissy is a family dog, who aims to please its owner. Here is Rebecca with Bella before a conformation show. |
| Pack dog events are a great way to promote the breed, gather with fellow swissy lovers, and get some exercise. Pack hike events allow both show and pet swissies to show their ability to carry weight, as these draft dogs were intended. Many swissies are most content when given a job to do, and training for these events help keep your dog in great athletic condition. |
| Swissies are great family dogs. However, it is important to remember that both child and dog need to learn how to interact together (puppy socialization yet again!). For safety, small children should never be left unattended with ANY dog, regardless of how gentle you think they may be. Bella has accompanied Rebecca on trips to career fairs and is a wonderful ambassador for the breed. Nothing tests a dog like 1000 elementary children in a noisy gymnasium (with ice cream and beef jerky too!) There are several veterinarians-to-be who had their first medical experience listening to Bella's heart with a stethoscope. |
| Bella and her friend Bowie keep cool by wading in a cool creek (Columbia Missouri) |
| Rainey Lake, Minnesota |
| Rice Lake, Wisconsin |
| Breeding Lifelong companions of Superior Health and Temperament NorthwoodsSwissy@yahoo.com |