| They shed |
Things you might NOT
like about Anatolian
Shepherds!
like about Anatolian
Shepherds!
| No, that's not a small dog, that is a pile of hair I got off one of my dogs in about 15 minutes. I recommend you invest in a good vaccuum and some lint brushes if you get an ASD. They shed moderately throughout the year, and blow coat about twice per year. |
| They Dig |
If left to their own devices in the yard, ASDs will entertain themselves
by landscaping. Many an ASD owner has found a burrow large
enough for the whole dog to fit in! If you value your garden or yard,
don't let your ASD get bored out there!
by landscaping. Many an ASD owner has found a burrow large
enough for the whole dog to fit in! If you value your garden or yard,
don't let your ASD get bored out there!
| They Aren't Exactly Lap Dogs... |
But sometimes they try!
Big dogs are a big responsibility. They are harder to transport, eat
more, their stuff can cost more, etc. You also need to be sure you
are physically capable of handling a dog who weighs 100-140
lbs.
Big dogs are a big responsibility. They are harder to transport, eat
more, their stuff can cost more, etc. You also need to be sure you
are physically capable of handling a dog who weighs 100-140
lbs.
| They Aren't Obedience Dogs |
As previously mentioned, Anatolians are smart, but not always
obedient. This doesn't mean they do bad things, but that they consider
commands optional at times.
However, you can still get a very responsive dog with the right training
tactics. They do NOT respond well to force based, old style training.
They tend to simply tune you out if you yank them around. Training
them using fun, motivational methods gets the best results.
obedient. This doesn't mean they do bad things, but that they consider
commands optional at times.
However, you can still get a very responsive dog with the right training
tactics. They do NOT respond well to force based, old style training.
They tend to simply tune you out if you yank them around. Training
them using fun, motivational methods gets the best results.
| They Bark |
Barking is the first line of defense, so if they notice something out of the
ordinary, they may tell you about it. Anatolians have a deep bark that will
be heard for some distance. If you have nearby neighbors, and your
dog spends much time outside, that might be a problem. Inside they
are usually quieter. Some ASDs are more vocal than others, and some
decide that stuff they see all the time doesn't need barked at anymore.
My dogs don't bark at our regular mailman, but if a substitute comes,
he will be barked at
ordinary, they may tell you about it. Anatolians have a deep bark that will
be heard for some distance. If you have nearby neighbors, and your
dog spends much time outside, that might be a problem. Inside they
are usually quieter. Some ASDs are more vocal than others, and some
decide that stuff they see all the time doesn't need barked at anymore.
My dogs don't bark at our regular mailman, but if a substitute comes,
he will be barked at
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Still think you want one?
| They Wander |
You must have a secure area for your Anatolian. They will not stay in
your yard without one. Invisible fencing doesn't usually work for ASDs.
If they are outside, they need to be on leash. Remember what I said
about them considering commands optional?
Some Anatolians are escape artists as well. Dogs with a duty to their
flock (be it livestock, animal or human) tend to be less inclined to try to
leave, and not leaving them out unattended for long will reduce the
chances of them becoming Houdinis.
your yard without one. Invisible fencing doesn't usually work for ASDs.
If they are outside, they need to be on leash. Remember what I said
about them considering commands optional?
Some Anatolians are escape artists as well. Dogs with a duty to their
flock (be it livestock, animal or human) tend to be less inclined to try to
leave, and not leaving them out unattended for long will reduce the
chances of them becoming Houdinis.
If none of that has scared you off, you may indeed find an Anatolian
to be your ideal companion!
to be your ideal companion!