How to give my Black Russian a bath?

Big Dog | July 22nd, 2010

Check out this video, if you wish to know!

Avoid unnecessary vet bills! Do your dog’s basic health check!

How To Give your Dog a Checkup

How to train your Black Russian Terrier? Common Mistakes.

Big Dog | June 18th, 2010

The narrow line between training and abuse

Many dog owners think that their Russian Terrier is the smartest in the world. There’s no problem with this, up to certain a point. This point is when the owner expects as much from the dog as if it really was the most intelligent creature the world has ever seen. They expect them to learn everything right away, whereas dogs need time to learn things, the same way as we, humans do. Just in a different way :) Well, the point is, that training requires time and patience. It can be different for all dogs, but we do have to keep this in mind and take the time and energy to train our Black Russian Terrier.

Another common mistake (also because of the lack of patience) is to give up. Many people think that they have already tried everything but the dog doesn’t want to learn. In this case, maybe the methods are not the best, or they need more time. There are no dogs who wouldn’t be able to learn at least a few commands. Giving up is never a solution.

So, if we have the time and the patience we can avoid the next, and maybe the biggest mistake: to turn training into abuse. Probably you expect me to tell you where this line is. I can’t. This is something the owner should know. Training is all about communication. If you know your Russian Terrier if you pay attention to him, you see how he feels. Unfortunately many dog owners don’t have this ability, because they only keep pets for entertainment, while a dog is much more than that.

Going back to training, a very important rule is that your goal should be that your Black Russian Terrier obeys to commands because he is keen to do so. NOT BECAUSE HE IS AFRAID. Many-many owners forget about this, and feel the training successful, but actually they are making their dog unhappy. How can someone live happily in fear? No way. These owners are only keeping a dog to make themselves happy, and don’t feel the responsibility they should.

So the point is, that ‘positive training’ is possible. Actually, that’s the only way.

The first difficulties most Russian Terrier owners face is potty training their puppy. As with general training, the main principles remain the same: a positive, rewarding approach and a lot of patience is required. There are, however a few tips and tricks that will make the whole process faster and easier for both puppy and owner. Find out what Sharda Baker has to say on the topic, who has developed her best practices by years of trial and error.

Please comment if you have something to add.

How to avoid my Black Russian Terrier being jealous of my new born baby?

Big Dog | June 17th, 2010

Is it normal, anyway?!

Yes, it is. Just imagine the situation from the point of view of your Black Russian. He is part of the family, often treated as “the kid”, and then, suddenly, a new creature arrives and takes all the attention of his beloved family. It is quite similar to what older children feel, when a little brother/sister arrives. One of the differences is just that the dog can’t speak English :)

Actually, if we are aware of this ‘problem’ in advance, the situation can be handled, but it needs consciousness and to be started in time, long before the baby’s arrival. Let’s see how we can prepare our Black Russian Terrier for the new family member.

If your dog’s daily routine has to be changed with the baby’s arrival (it probably will), you should start changing the rules much earlier, giving him plenty of time to get used to the new set up. This way it isn’t going to be so sudden and shocking. If your Black Russian hasn’t really been trained before, it’s high time to start. He should learn at least a few commands, like sit, stay, etc. This way, he’ll be easier to handle.

Many families worry about their dog endangering the health of the child, so the best thing to do is to take your pet to the vet, get him checked and get some advice. Get your Black Russian Terrier used to the new smells, sounds in advance (blankets, lotions, toys). It’s also a good idea, that just after your baby was born, send home a blanket that the baby had been in, so your dog can experience the child’s smell in advance. It is very important to know that your  Russian Terrier will get a lot less attention from the mother, so when taking the baby home for the first time, the mother should greet the dog, so it is better if someone else is carrying the baby.

It is also a good idea not to leave them alone together at the first times, until your Black Russian Terrier feels comfortable with the baby, because, for example, it is very possible that the dog won’t tolerate the child’s crying very well in the beginning. You have to teach him that this is a normal sound, and you should motivate him not to bark (with treats, for example).

And the most important rule for last, maybe it seems too obvious, but it’s still worth mentioning: try to give as much attention to your Russian Terrier as you can. The point is that he has to feel that you do care about him. If you keep this in mind, most probably there will be no problem. You could also try Preparing Fido, which is an amazing collection of Baby sounds designed especially to get your dog ready for the arrival of the new Baby!

Black Russian Terrier puppies in action

Big Dog | April 21st, 2010

If you have a Black Russian Terrier, you know what an adorable breed it is. If you don’t, you can find out from this video! You will see two beautiful pups having a jolly good time in the garden. This also shows that if you are considering getting a Black Russian Terrier puppy, you should have a garden or be prepared to take your dogs out for some time every day. Make sure your lifestyle affords the breed you have in mind, before you make your decision to buy your dog.

The perfect gift for Black Russian Terrier lovers!

Big Dog | April 8th, 2010

Do you have a black Russian terrier? Do you know anyone who has? Then this gift basket is just the right thing for them. Black Russian terriers enjoy lots of training and they definitely love to please their masters, and so this gift basket will definitely please any black Russian terrier owner because of the fabulous design on the 15oz mug and on all 4 coasters. This gift basket comes with 5 blends coffee gourmet – French vanilla, Kenya AA, Decaf Colombian Supremo, Chocolate, Italian Roast Espresso – that is best for you after a long day of walk with your black Russian terrier.

Black Russian Terrier - Coffee Gift Basket

The Black Russian Terrier – Coffee Gift Basket is presented in a signature black planet coffee gift box, just like the black coat which is of course a trademark to all black Russian terriers. This is a gift that will surely be enjoyed by all black Russian terrier lovers out there.