Before I go into some F.A.Q's I would like to make it clear that these are my answers to questions I have often been asked and the answers are drawn from my own experience as a owner and breeder of Munsterlanders as well as a dog behaviourist and trainer. If in any doubt check with the breeder of your own dog first, despite what many think if you have bought your puppy off a reputable breeder then your breeder does know best!
Also remember not only is every breed different but also every dog is different, they all have individual character's and traits, and finally start as you mean to go on.
I have been told that Munsterlanders can suffer from separation anxiety and can never be left. is this true?
The answer
to this question is down to you, yes, Munsterlanders adore being with you and
given half a chance they would be with you every minute of the day and night.
Knowing this from the moment you get your puppy you must build up his confidence
in you and his own company. From day one shut him away two or three times a day,
time things so the puppy is tired, the idea being you walk, feed and then leave
the baby alone fo
r
an hour to sleep and rest and whilst doing this the baby soon knows nothing
awful will happen whilst you are away. If you work do not take of a huge length
of time to 'settle the puppy in' don't let him get used to having you around
only to then disappear for hours at a time. Three or maybe four hours to me is a
maximum time you can leave a Munsterlander. They love people and if left alone
for days on end five days a week then perhaps it is not really the right time to
have a dog, and especially a Munster. A Munsterlander will suffer from
separation anxiety if you let them, don't let them get so dependant, build their
confidence and when you do leave them home alone leave them with activities!
Things like a stuffed Kong, chews, toys, goody bones and balls, in fact any
thing to occupy. If they get bored it is better they destroy their own toys and
not your kitchen! A radio on in the background can often comfort them. I have 8
Munsterlanders and I can assure you I NEVER go out shopping and the like with
all of them all of the time.
How often should I groom my Munster?
As a puppy try and brush him for a few minutes every day, this will help him get used to feeling. Do not let him bite the brush, although quite amusing when small a real pain when big. Don't try to brush him when he is full of energy make it a relaxing pampering time. Once he is used to it, a good brush once a week is fine.
How long should I keep my puppy on puppy food?
All my Munster's go from puppy food straight on to Adult food by 5 months old, in fact Maddie went on to adult food and 4 months. The reason for this is the high protein in puppy and junior food tends to make Munsterlanders extremely hyperactive and along with hyperactivity you may also find that you puppy grows quite tall and very lean. Your puppy will let you know when to change, if they become hyper, or are difficult to keep weight on or constantly hungry then you need to change the diet immediately. Most people who have had this problem and speak to me notice a change in the dogs behaviour within a matter of days. Although the bags of puppy food state feed up to 18 months old, this does not suit a Munsterlander.
How much should I feed my puppy?
Using what the guide say's on the back of a bag is ok IF you only use it as a guide. I feed all my puppies and youngster to appetite. By that I mean they eat all their food each meal and then sit down full and content! or preferably they should always eat to capacity leaving a small amount of food at each meal. As they get older the amount must grow to fill their growing tummy.
How much exercise should my Munsterlander have?
This is quite hard to be precise on as although all Munster's need regular exercise young Munster's need careful exercise. Munsterlanders are a large breed and their bones grow at an alarming rate. As such their joints need to be protected my hard muscle. When you get your puppy regulate gentle exercise is important. Do not let the puppy race up and down the stairs, do not let them jump on and off high objects such and walls and high car boots, the impact of landing can damage their joints. Build up the pups exercise gradually ensuring that they have free running as well as lead exercise. As the weeks go on you should notice more muscle on the pup so gradually increase the amount of time they get. Older Munsterlanders need a good hour free running, you can use this time to train and have fun with your dog, be careful though as we find the fitter they get and the more you give them the more they will want and expect. I have known as many problems caused by over exercising as there are by under exercising, get to know your dog and plan the exercise around your own routine. If you have to go out for a while it is always best to run the dog before you go so you can leave them home tired and happy!
What colour should a Munsterlander be?
Munsterlanders are Black and white, any variation is acceptable, however they are know for their noble black head. Their heads do not have to be all black just predominately black, white on the face is also correct. Bodies can be as clear black and white as Solo and as roan as our Tarka, solid black bodies are not desirable. Munsterlanders are all very different with their flecks and spots and ticks no to are identical. Occasionally breeders will have a brown and white puppy crop up, this goes back to their origins and their cousins the German Longhaired Pointer, these still Munsterlanders but as yet they are not recognised by the Large Munsterlander Club, which means they can not be registered with the Kennel club or entered into Kennel club events, they should not be bred from either. Having had a few brown and white ones in a litter or two, I have to say they are absolutely gorgeous and just as adorable as the Black and white ones!
When should I have my dog castrated or bitch spayed?
In my experience it is better not to have your dog castrated until he has grown up a bit. 15 months is plenty early enough for a boy. Bitches should be allowed to have their first season, this helps to mature the bitch. Their first season can be anywhere between 8 months to 20 months. Once they have had their season leave three months to let their hormones settle down and then have them spayed.
Which are best dogs or bitches?
I have to admit I love all my gang but the boys are definitely mummy's babies! If you choose to have them neutered then there isn't a lot between the two sexes. Left entire the bitches can (although not always) suffer with hormone related problems such as phantom pregnancies, this can make them a little difficult to feed at certain times of their cycle and moody. Dogs on the other hand can also be ruled by their hormones searching out interesting young ladies, and marking their territory. I have two entire boys who have been used at stud and yes when the girls are in season we have to put up with winging and whining but they never cock their legs in the house. The question you must ask yourself is what do you want from your Munsterlander, what will you do with your Munsterlander and then if the two sexes are still equal then pick the puppy you fall in love with regardless of it's gender!
Dog food - Does the word premium mean it's best for my dog?
NO! Premium can often mean high in protein which is a definitely no for Munsterlanders, they have enough energy. Read the ingredients on the outside of the bag many of the less expensive feeds have just as much quality in them, I advise a proteins level of around 20 - 23% in ample for a pet Munster,, with oil of 10% to keep the dogs weight correct and his coat beautiful.
When should I start working and training my Munsterlander?
The answer
is simple immediately! When you call your puppy incorporate the whistle, Start
with the basics and
don't
be too keen to rush and move on to more complicated exercises until the basics
have been mastered and are reliable. Dog training classes are great, not
necessarily for the training but for the socialising aspect. socialise the puppy
as often as possible. Make yourself the most important thing in your pup's life.
Play is important to your puppy as well and if you don't find time to let the
puppy play with you and have time to let their hair down so to speak! you will
find they will bore with life very quickly. Before you introduce your dog to
game make sure you are in control and do not make his first introduction to game
at the start of the season where he will get far to hot, make him work for it!
Any problems with game work ask Peter Hobson!!!!!!! I do often!
Do Munsterlanders get on with Children?
Of course they do, our James was born into a household of Munster's and they are so close and have been from day one. It is important that both dog and Child are taught to respect each other, when your puppy goes to sleep young children must understand that puppies do need their quiet time to sleep and also don't let either get over excited, it's rather like having to children! But as for getting on they do absolutely, the Munsterlander will love and protect the child and if they are like our James they will spend hours out playing and hours in cuddling on the sofa.
Do Munsterlanders make good guard dogs?
Well, they will certainly let you know if anyone turns up at your home and yes they are suspicious of strangers, but once they have been introduced to someone they will remember them forever.
What age should I have my Munsterlander hip scored?
That's an easy one as Munsterlanders are the same as all other breed for this, 12 months old, once they have grown and their joints are fully developed.
At what age can I show my puppy?
6 months old is the earliest you can show your puppy, the Kennel club rules are that all puppies must be six months old on the first day of the show. Some single breed shows will allow your puppy to attend not for competition from 4 months old just to experience the show, but carefully check the schedule and make sure you enter them not for competition.
Question 15
Do Munsterlanders get on with Cats and other animals?
My lot are bought up with a whole host of other animals, in particular cats. As they are bought up with them they not only get on very well but they positively love each other and we often find cats curled up in beds with dogs, in fact Diva loves her cat so much she keep trying to produce milk to feed it!!! Not all dogs will get on with cats but if bought up with them you are likely to have no problems. As for other animals it applies the same, bring them up to respect them and they will be fine. As with most things start as you mean to go and introduce them to as many animals you can as a youngster, they will soon learn to respect and ignore them.
No doubt I have not covered everyone questions but feel free to contact me with any questions you may have, if I can't help I will know a man who can! and I will add new questions on here from time to time.
