saetta amore lagotto

The luck of meeting Saetta ❤️

I approached the Lagotto Romagnolo for its fame as a truffle hunter dog. A bit like our “Customers” do before taking the step, I tried to find out as much as possible about the breed. To understand its needs and how to manage the fabulous curly hair.

Before making up my mind, I had the chance to meet a lot of Romagna’s lakes, both male and female, and I talked to their owners.

From the beginning it was clear that this dog was special.

Those who lived the dog every day, at home, on the couch, those who made every move with his Lagotto next to them, even in the woods, were very satisfied. Even in times of scarce truffle he would come home happy for the turn and often even with some unexpectedly delicious hypogeum mushroom, the white truffle.

The others, alas, always had something wrong with them.

I decided to buy what is still my Super Lagottina. Beloved Saetta ❤️❤️

passione lagotto romagnolo

Photo Lagotto Romagnolo: Linda and Saetta the first day at home. March 2013

The first of the Class

She was the first, every day with the same enthusiasm and the first in everything!

My little soldier: the first to make an exhibition and, moreover, winning with CAC.

The first to give me puppies all mine. Some beautiful Lagotto Speciali.

The first to teach me that no matter how hard I tried, I can’t find truffles without them. So I kept quiet and left the initiative to her.

And just behind master truffle hunters with “phenomenal dogs”, the little soldier found what expert and commanded dogs left, perhaps voluntarily, to us.

For years with Saetta we have understood each other on the fly.

She checks my clothes to see if something fun is planned. She pays attention to my tone of voice to see if it’s a good day. My movements to know when it’s time for a cuddle, a walk or a bit of gardening.

If today I carry on this passion of breeding and have chosen to spend a lot of my time with my dogs, I certainly owe it mainly to my little Saetta.

The luck of having them all

Shortly afterwards Thor arrived. My mother-in-law’s family dog had recently died. Balto represented so much for our whole family. We needed a dog that could be a pet dog. After some hesitation Sara convinced herself to take a Lagotto.

They are inseparable and Thor is special to Sara. She tells us at least three times a week! And we are just pleased!

Luce with her infinite desire for cuddles, Runa with her sweetness, Moka with her requests for confirmations and our Chicca born here. And recently also Pedro the handsome boy who learns everything and who will be our future breeding male. Perla and Giada the two little twins who rely on each other and who represent so much for the piece of Lagotto history they bring with their presence. They are all equally special. The merit is theirs!

Each has its own character, its own characteristics, many facets that, living together, can be perceived and distinguished. All different, but united by being Lagotti Romagnoli, and soon you are conquered!

❤️ I love Lagotto Romagnolo! ❤️

tools to groom lagotto romagnolo

Tools to Groom the Lagotto

Lagotto dog grooming is an activity that every owner can do on his own. The reasons can be many, from pastime, to the desire to try this practice or to keep your dog aesthetically in order with greater flexibility and frequency, compared to having to take him to a groomer when you just can’t take him anymore.

Many of the owners of our Lagotto want to try and do some retouching and gaining confidence and seeing their dog’s results and behaviour improve, they often continue.

If you are reading this article you are certainly interested in understanding what a good grooming equipment is, a compromise with professional equipment but sufficient to care for the curly hair of your Lagottino with excellent results.

Before going into the actual equipment, trying to give references both as brands and prices, remember that it will be necessary to wash the dog.

A bath based on shampoo for dogs and a conditioner to make the hair clean and easy to cut. It can also be easily done in the bathtub at home.

The comb will slide more easily and we will not risk to remove the sharpening of the cutting tools due also to light dirt.

Grooming tools: table

tavolo per toelettare

The Grooming Table

The Grooming Table is certainly indispensable to work in a certain harmony. The main feature is to be able to hold the dog firmly enough to cut. The first few times the dog will not be completely at ease but he will soon get used to it, making the operations much easier and more effective.

A table with an arm and lockable table like the one in the picture has a price around 80 euros or a little more.

It is a basic table, but it allows you to do your work very well and is easily transportable. Going up in price there are pneumatic tables. These are raised and lowered, but cannot be transported. Instead, they can rotate to position the dog quickly to one side or the other to simplify the process.

As for the laces, the ones supplied are made of fabric and can be inadvertently cut with scissors. Soon it will be necessary to switch to hard plastic ones with rubber head support.

Grooming tools: Comb and brush

cardatore toelettare

Brush

pettine toelettare

Steel tooth comb

The brush or carder is not necessary to keep the hair of the pond tidy. On the contrary, they are to be avoided in order not to smooth the hair and lose the typical hedgehog of the breed. However, when grooming, the carder can be useful for thinning the hair in certain critical points. It is also useful to raise the hair of the tail and give it a uniform shape. The comb like the one in the photo remains the main tool to manage the coat of the Lagotto Romagnolo.

The prices of both the carder and the comb do not reach 10 euros each.

Grooming tools: Hemostatic ear hair tongs

pinza peli cane emostatica

Hemostatic pliers for inner ear hair

In the picture, the hemostatic clamp is very useful to remove the hair growing inside the earcup. To be handled with great care but really effective. The block on the scissor rod allows you to be very precise for excellent cleaning.

These pliers are easily found at a price of less than 10 euros.

Cutting grooming tools: scissors.

There are also many types of scissors and the quality of the steel used makes all the difference. Both in price and ease of work.

The scissors to be used are straight or straight scissors with a length of about 20 cm. We can also equip ourselves with a second shorter scissors to be more precise in sculpting the head and following the anatomy of the dog near the shoulders and on the back. Excessively cheap scissors are generally not very durable and not very precise.

A good scissor has a price around 40 euros.

Obviously the scissors need to be resharpened and it is not easy to find someone who knows how to sharpen scissors, but it is worth a try.

The cost of sharpening scissors is about 3 euros.

Cutting grooming tools: clippers and heads.

Among the best-known brands of clippers are Moser, Aesculap and Heininger. They all use interchangeable heads, except for a few models of the Aesculap.

The Moser 45 with wire is priced at just over 100 euros and is sufficiently valid.

Probably the most widely used amateur level. The prices of the Aesculap and the Heininger are much higher, especially if we aim at battery-powered models. After years of use of the Moser 45 we have opted for the Heninger Saphir and it is a really nice, comfortable, light and durable battery pack. Of course the cost is justified by the number of our Lagotto.

For the heads, on the other hand, it is worth spending a few words on ceramic blades.  The ceramic blades are much more durable and above all they heat very little and avoid burns to our dog. Let’s remember to use the lubricating oil for shearing machine at a cost of about 10 euro.

For the shearing of Lagotto the blades number 7 – 7F (about 3 mm) are very good for shearing and to keep the belly clean even when we opt for a grooming instead of the complete shearing.

The cost of the complete blades is around 35 euros, something more for ceramic blades, but in my opinion they are to be recommended.

There are also other grooming tools from Lagotto that can be useful in case you need them, nail scissors or lower blades like the 10 to finish the feet and belly. But with the grooming equipment described above we will be able, with a little experience, to achieve excellent results in complete autonomy.

A certainty as an element of tranquillity:

The hair of your Lagotto will grow back, and any grooming mistakes will soon be remedied.

 

 

Medium-sized dog Lagotto Romagnolo.

Have you recently decided to add a puppy to your family? Have you always wanted a dog and it finally seems the right time has come? Have you recently discovered Lagotto Romagnolo and have you seen different sizes and sizes and this makes you wonder if it is the right dog for your flat?

Have you never had a dog or has it been a long time since you lived happily with your dog as a child? Or would you simply like to add a Lagotto as a life companion?

A medium-sized dog is ideal for living in a flat, in houses with a small garden. A medium sized dog has all the characteristics to adapt to many situations.

In the video some of our Lagotto; Chicca Ambra and Atena who cheer us up with their company on a Sunday picnic. It is always a joy to see them running outside.

 

The Lagotto Romagnolo is a medium-sized dog.

The Standard of Lagotto Romagnolo says it clearly.lagotto romagnolo cane taglia media

The weight and height measurements define it precisely. And yet the tonnage of the Lagotto dog is one of the questions that we are asked the most. Perhaps it is due to a certain margin that at least in height is tolerated in the standard. Even the relatively young breed still leaves some variance on the morphological and aesthetic characteristics of the various subjects.

It is worth remembering that the herd book of the breed is still open. This means that some dogs presumed to be Lagotto Romagnolo can be recognised as dogs belonging to the breed. There is obviously a path of recognition to follow, but the aim is clear, the desire not to lose the genetic heritage of this breed that has been recovered with so much effort and finally recognized by the International Dog Federation FCI.

Returning to the typical measures of the Lagotto Romagnolo, even if with the distinction on the slight variance of the morphological characteristics mentioned above, whether it is a female of 11 kg or a 14 kg female or a 13 kg male rather than a 16 kg male, the Lagotto Romagnolo is a medium-sized dog.

In the picture we see one of our 5 months old puppies living in a house with a garden, she is a pet dog, for other things with a giant rabbit. Exactly the almost total disappearance of the hunting instinct of the Lagotto.

The breeds of dogs considered of medium size range from 8 kg to 25 kg in weight. These breeds are generally very appreciated for the possibility of living in a flat, being able to adapt to the life of families with children.

At the same time they have characteristics of strength and resistance that are not delicate but suitable, and let me say satisfied, to sustain efforts.

We who are lovers of the breed know that in addition to everything that a medium-sized dog offers, and this is no small thing, the Lagotto Romagnolo puts its own spin on it. These are topics of our other articles but his character, his docile temperament and his curly hair make him an Italian excellence.

The Lagotto Romagnolo is a breed dog of Italian origin, also know as Italian Water Dog, of medium size and with characteristics increasingly appreciated in the world.

Intestinal worms in the puppy

A few weeks after the birth of the litter we are inevitably confronted with the problem of worming. The mother’s milk is the medium by which the puppies are infested with roundworms or coccidia or tapeworms. The mother has been regularly treated but this is not enough.

All puppies will soon become infested just by suckling.

For a healthy growth already from the second week of life both the puppies and the bitch will follow a worming prophylaxis.

In the first few weeks the mother is completely responsible for the hygiene of the puppies, and in doing so inevitably enters the breeding cycle of these parasites.

The first three weeks of the puppies’ life are very demanding for the mother. The kittens need to be fed every two hours and all the nutrients come from the mother. It is a very stressful period. Little rest and lots of energy to raise the offspring.

No room for parasites and intestinal worms!

Worming the puppies and the mother is essential for raising healthy and strong puppies. These treatments are repeated throughout the breeding period of the young Lagotti.

The evaluation of the consistency of the faeces and the daily growth in weight are the first indicators of the work we are doing.

As the time for the first vaccinations approaches, stool examination becomes indispensable.

Puppy vaccines, like the multivalent vaccines, are based on the immune response. A healthy, strong puppy that does not waste its defences fighting unnecessary parasites will have a better chance of responding to the vaccine.

Vaccinating puppies with intestinal worms is theoretically useless. So not to be done in practice.

This is the main reason why special attention should be paid to worming and only vaccinate after a laboratory examination of the faeces.

A vaccinated puppy that has failed to create antibodies will still be vulnerable.

Lagotto Romagnolo intestinal parasites

Once the puppy leaves the kennel it will have had its first vaccine and a prophylaxis against worms and intestinal parasites.

The puppies have not been suckling for several weeks now. However, both puppies and adult dogs can still be infected with intestinal worms.

The vehicle by which parasites enter the dog’s intestines is faeces from other dogs or wild animals.

It is again the consistency of the faeces that tells us that an examination of the faeces is necessary.

The most suitable treatment and medication can then be identified. With a stool sample the vet can determine what kind of microscopic organism is present.

Diarrhoea and the presence of mucus in the faeces should alert us. Unjustified weight loss or vomiting becomes almost a certainty.

The moment when the Lagotto comes into contact with the parasites is not always so obvious. A dog that has not ingested infected faeces may still have soiled its paws while walking. It is the subsequent actions of scratching or cleaning the curly coat that leads to the mouth and ingestion……..

Sometimes in adult Lagotto the presence of intestinal worms is asymptomatic.

We have recently equipped ourselves with a machine to produce ozonated water. We have noticed great benefits in terms of sanitation and sterilisation of the environment.

A few days before the annual vaccine booster, you should always take a stool sample to your vet. This will avoid unnecessary vaccination of the dog.

Giardia

Giardia is a protozoan that lives in water. Dogs can be infected not only through the faeces of other animals, but also by drinking from puddles or by contact with infected urine.

Once giardia has been diagnosed, treatment is based on a deworming agent given over a longer period.

The most troublesome part is preventing the dog from coming into contact with the parasite again.

It will be necessary to:

  • Sanitise the environment where your Lagotto lives using bleach-based products.
  • Avoid frequenting contaminated environments where your dog is likely to have contracted giardia for the first time. Areas frequented by many dogs, for example, can pose a risk.

Unfortunately, the giardia parasite has a rather long life cycle, which requires special care to eradicate it.

Giardia can also affect humans. The treatment of Giardia for dogs is with Panacur tablets repeated over several days. ext

Lagotto Truffle Dog Puppy

When we receive requests for a Cucciolo di Lagotto Romagnolo truffle puppy we try to satisfy the future owner.  It is important to us that our puppy can show his skills and be appreciated. It is important for the Cucciolo and it is also important for those who have chosen us.

For us it is important to understand who our puppies are entrusted to. All the more so for a puppy who will go truffle. The risks that he will not be considered as a member of the family are greater.

Being an excellent Lagotto Romagnolo pet doesn’t take anything away from his truffle making skills. Unfortunately not everyone thinks so, but I think they are wrong.

Our puppies are given to those who consider them family members.

Only then are we happy if they are also taken to look for truffles.

Having verified that the request we receive for a truffle dog is part of what has just been said, we try to give our best.

We try to find the puppy that shows the most passion.  Since he is a puppy, we start looking for truffles with a special eye.

Among the many games and experiences that we make with our puppies to start them in a positive way in their growth and socialization, there is never a truffle ball missing.

I really like to see how the puppies are placed and relate to a scent that is in their DNA for this breed. Soon you can see the differences, the vocation of each one. The will and the attention that he puts into making these simple games.

Before delivering “the truffle puppy” we are quite sure of its dowry. He is a puppy who has learned to look and rasp. He often already knows how to bring back a few balls because he has understood that truffles bring prizes and cuddles. We are always available to support the puppy’s training even when he has reached his new family. Often these are simple tips to avoid regressing in training and continue straight to the most important obstacle: the truffle in natural truffle-grounds.

Lagotto Puppy Company Dog

More and more families have had the opportunity to meet some examples of Lagotto Romagnolo . In parks or at friends’ houses. They have documented the character and qualities of Lagotto Romagnolo. They could not resist the charm of this fantastic breed.

Those who approach this breed for the first time, fear that they will not be able to make their four-legged companion happy. They think that the Lagotto Romagnolo can only be had by those who take it for truffles.

Can we consider the equation: Lagotto Romagnolo equals truffle dog?

In reality, even in the Lagotto Romagnolo breed we hear more and more frequently about bloodlines.

We do not want to transform an excellent Lagotto pet dog into a mediocre Lagotto truffle dog.

Every Lagotto Romagnolo can do without truffles.

There are more lively dogs and others quieter. Both require the daily attention of their family, to have fun with them, and nothing more.

I have seen for myself that there are some puppies and big puppies that for temperament and character are not interested in going through the woods to look for truffles. They prefer the sofa!

During the 70 days of living together, we can understand the aptitudes of each individual puppy. We always want to choose the puppy together.

The availability of space and time of the family, the presence of children and also the dynamism of the future owners are elements that help us to identify the puppy to create the best man-dog combination.

Often the first thing that is asked is the colour of our puppies. We know that only after a few days of living together, the new families appreciate the sweetness, character and joyfulness of our puppies. That’s why they fall in love with them.

Stress in the Dog

I was waiting at the vet to have an ultrasound scan of my Lagotta. The usual anxiety when I go for ultrasound to confirm pregnancy. To deceive the wait and to think about something else, I take a magazine and start leafing through. Ah here is an interesting article on the stress of dogs. Let’s see if there are new things we don’t know.

Entrusting our Lagotto puppies to families who are often the first dog is a strong unknown for us. Generally everything goes well but inevitably mistakes are made due to inexperience.

Recognising the stress of the dog, what can cause it and how to manage it is certainly a subject dear to us.

It is difficult to think of the dog as a stressed being. We have the same difficulty in thinking that the families who take our puppies can be a source of stress for the Lagotto.

Their lives are generally affluent, covered in cuddles and attention, yet dogs are under stress. Sometimes they are short-lived and other times they take on chronic forms.

I read in the article that research has shown the connection between the brain and intestine and how a hormone is responsible for gastrointestinal disorders and diabetes.

A confirmation that from direct experience and by talking to veterinarians we had given as a matter of course…. better!

Causes of stress in dogs

A simple overview of what can be the sources of stress for our dog, or as in our case of the puppy.

  • For the Lagotto Romagnolo the novelty in general is almost always lived with mistrust. Changes in the living situation, changes in the family nucleus, changes in schedules and routine
  • Absence of venting valves such as walking, outdoor games, driving and racing.
  • Separation anxiety.
  • Loud noises such as thunder or fireworks.
  • Invasion of personal space such as interruption of rest, unwelcome hugs and kisses, physical constraint.
    Methods of coercive punishment are a strong source of stress inspired by loud noises and invasion of personal space. It goes without saying, however, that they should not be used.

How to recognize stress in the Dog: the signals

The ability to withstand stressful situations is subjective.

The following stress signals may also depend on other causes.

They are signs of discomfort that can be caused not only by stress.

Common sense and knowledge of the habits of our Lagotto should make us stand out if we are talking about stress or something else.

  • Yawning and a tendency to lick one’s nose as frequently as for men the dog is getting bored.
  • Low tail and between the legs, ears pulled back or squatting posture generally causes some fear.
  • Loss of appetite or diaree. In new situations such as the arrival in the new family is quite frequent. It is important to know the reason and help your puppy or dog brilliantly get through this moment. If the condition lasts longer than a few days, it is advisable to consult a vet.
  • Fatigue, tremor and increased vocalisation. If it’s just stress, the dog is psychologically weak and severely uncomfortable. It is very likely that there are competing causes to have created such a sad picture. It is essential to consult a vet to understand not only how to better manage the Lagotto dog but also other problems or pathologies.

How to manage the stress of an Italian Water Dog

The stress management strategies of a Dog are similar for other breeds. Knowing the breed and knowing that aggressiveness such as the attempt of continuous escapes is not part of the atavistic instincts of the Lagotto Romagnolo, we will focus on what is most relevant in our case.

  • Ensuring the safety of the Lagotto and the members of the family. Especially in the initial period after the arrival of the puppy, having a safe and comfortable place that can at certain times protect the puppy from the excessive attention of children ensures a balanced and serene growth.
  • Avoid excessive recalls (it is obviously subjective of the Dog) in moments of stress or depression.
  • Physical activity. As for humans, physical activity helps to free the mind and provides a feeling of physical pleasure.
  • Eliminate sources of stress wherever possible, even thunderstorms or fireworks can have less impact if lived alongside family members.
  • Gradual exposure to sources of stress. I am thinking for example of a car journey with your dog. For some dogs it is quite natural, for others they are often a strong source of stress. This is usually overcome by short trips and physical contact with family members. Slowly the problem is usually overcome. If at the end of the journey there is also fun to be had, the dog will soon associate the ride in
pericoli cane lagotto romagnolo forasacchi

Dandelions are the torture of spring and summer, in the countryside as well as in the city

The forasacs are those little spikes we see growing between the longest blades of grass. They are a real nuisance in the period from spring to summer.

We find them everywhere, in the countryside in meadows and woods, by the roadside as well as in gardens or flowerbeds in the city. They grow in places where the grass is not well cut, between nets or near pavements.

As long as they are green, the dandelions are not a danger.

The problem starts in hot weather. When they dry out and become stiff.

The forasacs split like a thousand-headed monster. As you try to destroy one of these spikes, it multiplies into other smaller spikes. All with the same characteristic.

They are tapered like a spear and with hard, tough little teeth they stick to the dog’s fur. They range in size from 1 to 3 centimetres.

It is their shape and teeth that allow the hairpin to advance. Very dangerous and frequent are the bores that enter the auricle. They also nest easily between the toes of the paws and can enter very quickly.

With the dog’s movement they continue forward until they pierce the flesh.

When Camilla, our vet, told me this, I didn’t want to believe it. It’s not frequent, but it happens that the forasacs manage to penetrate as far as the liver, the lungs, they advance inexorably.

All dogs are at risk from dandruff, and the Lagotto Romagnolo dog with its curly, woolly coat seems to be a real magnet for dandruff.

The most frequently affected areas are the ears, between the toes, under the armpits and generally where there is a flush.

The nose is a frequent risk area for many dogs. My Lagottos have never had to inhale a dandruff, so I’ve never had to worry about that!

As far as the ears are concerned, it is easy to tell when the dog has picked up a dandruff. He starts to shake his head or walks with it turned to one side.

We have equipped ourselves with a gima otoscope and special veterinary forceps so that we can remove the bores from the ear as soon as we notice them. Without these instruments it is not possible to remove the spikes from our dog’s ear. If the dog is used to being handled and stays still when we try to intervene, we have a good chance of success, even without sedatives. On the other hand, we will need the help of our vet.

The presence of boils between the toes or in other parts of the body is indicated by the dog licking or scratching himself repeatedly.

Unfortunately, I did not immediately notice the presence of a dandelion between the toes of one of my Lagotto’s legs. It is amazing how quickly the ear penetrates deep inside.

The dog licks itself repeatedly and will even try with its teeth to remove the ear. These behaviours indicate that something is wrong. The ear should be removed and the hole disinfected.

If you keep your Lagotto’s coat very short, there will be far fewer dandruff sticking to the hair that is no longer curly because of shearing. It will be easier to detect foreign bodies and remove them.

As soon as you have finished your walk, it is a good idea to check your four-legged friend for forbs.

The only defence we have against dandruff is to stay away from it. Check the coat of your Lagot after returning from a potentially dangerous walk.

Dog parasites: a danger for the Lagotto Romagnolo

Ticks, fleas, mosquitoes and parasites. These are the parasites that mainly infest our Lagotto Romagnolo in the period from spring to early autumn.

The last years are characterised by very long autumns and mild winters. The presence of these parasites and insects in many regions of Italy is now constant throughout the year. This means that prevention of diseases carried by parasites and mosquitoes must be constant.

Insects and parasites come into contact with the blood of our Lagotto Romagnolo, carrying diseases that are dangerous even for the life of our dog. Despite its thick, curly coat, the Lagotto Romagnolo is not immune.

Which diseases and complications are carried by parasites and insects.

Ticks and fleas can cause minor complications such as itching and inflammation. But also serious diseases such as anaemia and weight loss.

Mosquitoes and parasites carry terrible diseases. Diseases which, if not treated in time, have deadly consequences, such as Filariasis and Leishmaniasis.

Filariasis

It can occur months after the triggering event, a mosquito bite. The larvae settle in the dog’s skin. Through the circulatory system they travel up to the pulmonary artery and then to the heart.  The consequences can be lethal. It affects the heart and the respiratory system. Extremely expensive treatment does not always guarantee that our dog will be saved. There is a prophylaxis to protect your dog if it is bitten by an insect carrying the disease.

Leishmaniasis

It can take months before it is diagnosed. The earlier it is detected, the greater the chances of saving your dog. For Leishmaniasis there is NO specific prophylaxis to protect our dog once it has been affected. There are areas in Italy identified as being at risk of leishmaniasis. The only defence is to avoid our dog coming into contact with carrier insects. This is done through the constant use of repellents. If we live in areas where the disease is widespread, we must be even more careful. A vaccine has recently been released, the use of which is still under discussion among vets. The advisability of using these vaccines also depends on the size of the dog and should be assessed in consultation with your vet.

Antiparasitics for dogs: what and when

The stakes are too high on this subject. We must not be light-hearted and use the necessary preventive products regularly.

Specific pesticides and repellents for ticks, fleas and mosquitoes.

These are dosage or collar products. There are various brands. Collars provide longer coverage. They are preferable to avoid forgetting to repeat the treatment. However, it is not always possible to use them if your dog can take off the collar. Dosed products are generally monthly treatments.

Not all metered products are equally effective. You should always check for ticks or fleas and change the product if necessary. Make sure that the product you choose protects you against parasites and insects alike. Frontline or Advantix drops and the Serestro collar are the most commonly used products.

Ivermectin-based prophylaxis

These are monthly treatments.  They protect our dog from filariasis and other parasites that may have infested our dog. These are meat-based treats to be given monthly in quantities proportional to the dog’s weight. One of the most widely used products is Cardotek.

The treatment is able to eliminate the larvae of Filariasis present on our Lagotto Romagnolo before they develop. Before starting these treatments it is recommended to carry out tests. The tests are indicated by the manufacturers themselves to avoid complications. If you interrupt or decide for the first time to carry out filariasis treatments on an adult dog, you should always seek the advice of your vet.

Tomorrow comes the puppy. Our first dog.

The day of the puppy’s arrival is approaching, it is the first dog in the family and some doubt as to what it will serve in the days to come assails us. Let’s do a quick review:

  • The puppy food, of the same brand and flavour used at the kennel. The puppy kit that is delivered with the puppy already contains food for a few days. The kibble we use is readily available from pet shops. A large bag also ensures good savings.
  • Pesticides When the puppy arrives in spring, summer and autumn they will soon be necessary. Our puppies are entrusted with treatments, but these will soon need to be repeated. Arrange for pesticides.
  • A game to relieve the stress of the first few days so as not to interfere with the teething process.
  • Identify the vet you trust if it is your first dog, but even if it is your first Lagotto, it is best to find out in advance who you are going to entrust with the health of your beloved Lagottino and inform them of its forthcoming arrival. In order to facilitate the task of both the veterinary surgeon and the future owner, we always write down in the puppy’s health booklet all the treatments, vaccinations received, the next deadlines and the results of the visit made by our veterinary surgeon.
  • Identify the space to be made available to the puppy. Possibly in a certain way. Second thoughts due to cramped management of needs in the first few weeks should be avoided.
  • Create its den. Its safe and quiet shelter equipped with a bowl for water and three times a day a bowl for kibble. Metal.

Leash. Even if you wait a few days to start this new experience, it is worth having it. Sometimes, during the journey, situations may arise where you need to keep your puppy safe. See a stop at a motorway service station.

The journey is always fun and the puppy is finally home.

During the journey, the puppy falls asleep in the arms and cuddles of its companion. And waking up is a complete novelty.

A surprise to get used to slowly.

  • Let him have the initiative. Give it time to get to know the environment. A timid start and then the puppy will begin its patrol. It will probably ask you, in its own way, to reassure it with a few cuddles, but let it look for us.
  • Let’s curb our enthusiasm. If possible, let’s hold back for a moment and slow down when introducing children. It is not easy, but it is good not to assault the puppy who is struggling to get through the moment. He will soon overcome his initial discomfort and understand that he is only receiving affection from you.
  • Days go by, a little pest that gets into everything? It’s not always like that, but your time is coming. Educate your puppy in the rules of the house. With the gentle manners a Lagotto requires of its owner. We’ll make him understand what’s allowed and what’s not.
  • Get it used to being alone.  If the puppy has to spend part of the day on its own, it is important to educate it from the start. For flat dwellers, the kennel is often the perfect den. It helps them to understand that their needs are outside. A few kibble and a few toys and the puppy will go in on its own. Without any problems it will fall asleep and have a peaceful stay even when we are not present.
  • Once the first few days have passed, we can start with the first walks on a leash.
  • Enrolling in a puppy class. The socialisation of the dog will give it an extra edge as an adult. Pay attention to the respect of the vaccination protocol knowing that attending with you other puppies and making experiences will help you to have a special relationship.

WHAT WILL I CALL MY PUPPY?

The puppy’s name is given at the time of microchipping. By law this is done by 60 days of age.

For purebred dogs, the paperwork for applying for pedigree often leads to the microchip being inoculated earlier.

Breeders who have an affix,

will also pass on to their puppy the name of the affix. A sort of surname that identifies the kennel of origin of the puppy. For this reason, criteria are introduced for naming the puppies. For example the same initial letter for the whole litter.

Our puppies have the suffix of our kennel “Valle dei Medici”. They are puppies that carry our name: “Valle dei Medici Giotto” for the dog for example whose name is Giotto.

Two puppies with the same initial letter and coming from the same kennel …are brothers!

When the puppies go to exhibitions as adults they are so easily recognisable. This helps to understand the value of the litter in terms of morphology and also of the parents in terms of offspring.

The initial letter is by far the most used criterion, but not the only one. It allows the puppies and their owners to be remembered over the years with a minimum of effort.

Our criterion for choosing a name for the puppies is to give the litter a theme. We often take advice and guidance on the theme. If we find that the person who has booked one of our puppies has a particular interest in the name for the dog and also a little imagination.

It is very common for dogs to be called by a name other than the one on the certificates. Danger averted, dogs cannot read and therefore the problem of the official dog name is minimal. For me, my name is David, but everyone calls me Yuri, it was and is a bit more complicated.

This is how the acronym AKA (Also Know As) was born. In Italian “also known as”.

If the kennel from which the puppy comes does not have an ENCI affix,

the puppy will have only one name. ENCI does not allow compound names to be given to the puppies. The timing for inoculating microchips and applying for pedigrees remains the same, of course.

CHOOSING A PUPPY NAME

The official puppy name can be chosen by the owner if we move before inoculating the microchip.

If the puppy comes from an affixed kennel we will be required to meet the breeding criteria.

We, as well as other breeders who are concerned about finding the most suitable accommodation for their puppies, reserve the right to inform the families which puppy will be in their litter.

We wait a few weeks after the birth to make evaluations on the character or morphology or its aptitude for truffles.

It depends on the composition of the family, the availability of space and time and the presence of children for a pet puppy. Different characteristics will be those for a Lagotto puppy for show or breeding or that will also go truffling.

In these cases the name of the puppy will be chosen by the breeder without any emotional consequences for the puppy.

The Lagotto’s name will be the one he hears himself called every day.

DOG NAME IDEAS

Whether it is the official name or not we will still have to go through the process of naming the puppy. A dilemma just like when you have to choose a name for your children. Female names for female dogs or thunderous names for male dogs.

A trivial search on the internet reveals endless lists of names for female dogs and names for male dogs. Sometimes instead of helping they confuse ideas, other times they put us on the right track.

Animalpedia has given importance to this topic. By going to their site and searching for the keyword “Dog Names” various articles and Name Lists come up.

I found it nice and imaginative. Names of Famous Dogs, Names for Dogs in French or other languages, Names for short and long dogs, names of dogs selected by breed. Names for cute and affectionate dogs just like the Lagotto. There’s something for everyone, and hopefully it will help.

We’ll avoid the overused “EIGHT”in Italian “Otto” the Lagotto.