Loopy Dalmation

[silverlace]

My son has recently moved back home bringing his four year old Dalmation with him. It whines all the time and is constantly rumaging for food. The bloody thing is driving me crazy. I recently lost my own dog. A 12 year old collie cross. She was wonderful. I miss her so much. How can I ever get used to this spotty idiot?

[lankeela]

Take him down the field to play with the pony.....

[lankeela]

Actually, I said that jokingly, but did you know that Dalmatians are carriage dogs, which were used to run alongside and under the horsedrawn carriages, and they still have competitions which are for showing how you can control a Dalmatian while driving a carriage.

[lankeela]

http://www.carriagedog.org/index.php?title=Hom e

Go on, you know you want to!

[Nannyjillx2]

My mum used to breed them when I was young

They need alot and I mean alot of exercise maybe he is bored. From what I can remember at 4 they have usualy calmed down.

Stupid question but have you asked your son if the dog did this before or if he has just started doing it since he's been withe you?

[silverlace]

Yes I do know that. He has got so much energy. Not the right sort of dog for a young man with a hectic social life. Joking aside, he does actually like running around with the pony. Mind you she is a fat welsh pony who doesnt like to stop eating long enough to move about much.

[silverlace]

Yes he did do all this before he came to us. I think you are right nanny. He doesnt get enough exercise. I just hope my son meets someone, moves out and takes his daft dog with him. I do love him though. My son not the dog.

[Eve]

Is there any big enclosed/secure area nearby you can let him off the lead to go and run?

I used to live by a park and some people used to regularly take their dalmation there, they'd let him off the lead and he'd just fly around the park for ages, happy as anything.

I have to say, I've never seen a dog with that much energy :)

[Nannyjill]

Mum used to regularly exercise them for 20 miles twice a day and they never tired.

Maybe it is a habit thing though?

Think you're right way forward is to get your son a new partner