Grooming
In general, a Dogo Argentino puppy is the polar opposite to the Poodle in their grooming needs. Set aside time once a week to give their coat a brush with a curry brush and check their ears. If your pup has naturally floppy ears, you’ll need to check them more frequently, as moisture and debris can build up, leading to infection. (Signs to look out for include redness, swelling, debris or a bad odor.) If you notice any of the above, contact your vet, who may advise you to clean their ears.
Twice a year, your pup may experience heavier shedding as the seasons change (fall and spring). And unless your outdoorsy pup is really dirty, you can plan a bath every couple of months or so.
Help keep your pup’s teeth in shape by brushing them daily. It’s a good idea to start when they’re a puppy, so they get used to the experience. And once a year, schedule a professional cleaning with your vet.
Depending on the types of surfaces your dog walks and runs on, their nails may be maintained through their daily exercise. But make sure you pay attention—if you hear them clicking on hard surfaces, it’s time for a trim.
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Training
Training a Dogo Argentino is not for the faint of heart—you can’t just wing it. You need to be consistent and not have a “cheat day” where anything goes. These incredibly powerful and intelligent dogs need a confident pup parent to show them the way.
Learning tricks can be fun for you and your dog, but the most important training for these dogs. isn’t learning how to shake or roll over—it’s preparing you and your dog for living together and mingling with the world outside your home. Start training and socializing your Dogo as a puppy. It’s important to use positive reinforcement—praise, special treats and toys—to teach your pup how you want them to behave.
As you socialize your puppy, focus on calm introductions to the great big world—take them on car rides and walks that safely expose them to new sounds and smells (an exciting adventure for your pup!). And if your dog isn’t up for a large, crowded party, that’s fine. Focus on creating positive moments with people. Don’t rush the process; it’s OK (and expected) if it takes time.
Because these dogs are strong, leash training is an important skill to learn early on, especially if you live in a city with a lot of stimulation and distractions, like squirrels and sirens (these can be sensory overload for an antsy Dogo). It’s easy to imagine an untrained, 90-pound Dogo walking (really, running!) you down the street as they chase a squirrel.
If you need assistance in any aspect of training, seek out a certified professional dog trainer in your area who specializes in positive reinforcement methods.
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Diet
To keep up with their active lifestyle, feed your Dogo Argentino a well-balanced, quality dog food that’s high in protein and made for large-breed dogs. Be sure it meets the nutritional standards set forth by the Association of American Feed Control Officials.
Dogos can sometimes develop food allergies which can manifest in red or itchy skin, so keep an eye out for extra scratching or signs of discomfort. Your vet can help you determine what your pup may be allergic to and how best to adjust their diet.
Because treats are so useful in training (and you’ll be doing a lot of that with your Dogo), be sure you factor them in as you plan your pup’s daily meals. (Treat calories count, too!) Even a few extra pounds can make a significant difference in your Dogo’s quality of life, so keep your pup trim and lean.
If you have any questions about what to feed your dog, how much or how often to feed them, or how to help them shed extra pounds, talk with your vet. They are in the best position to help since they are familiar with your dog’s health, activity level and lifestyle.
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Exercise
In a game of survival of the fittest, your Dogo Argentino will win every time. The breed has stamina, agility and power for days, so don’t think for a moment that a 30-minute walk is enough. (For that matter, three walks aren’t enough!) They need at least an hour of active exercise and activity every day—emphasis on the word active. Hiking, running together or long games of fetch or Frisbee are great options. Consider adding “bonus” activities every week like hikes or swims at a lake.
And don’t forget about the mental stimulation! A bored Dogo is a temperamental Dogo, and a temperamental 90-pound Dogo can be a bit of a wildcard. To ensure your active pup is working both their minds and their bodies, try using interactive feeding toys, or teach your Dogo to find treats you’ve hidden around your home. (Dogos love to use their seek-and-catch skills.) If you’re up for a bit of friendly competition, get involved in dog sports. Dogos are great at obedience, agility and rally.
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Environment
This working dog’s dream is a really active (what’s Netflix?) and confident pup parent. Dogo Argentinos are just as much at home in the field as they are with the family. These loyal, smart dogs are kid-friendly when properly socialized and trained, and they can be trained to make great protectors, too. If you have kids, make sure you teach them how to play appropriately with a Dogo to help make a calm and fulfilling home environment for everyone. Be sure to supervise your pup when they’re with small kids and babies.
Dogos do best with large yards and homes. (Truly, they dream about oodles of acres to roam and play in.) So, if you live in the city and have your heart set on this wonderful pup, make sure you can provide the activity they crave every day—even when you’d rather stay indoors.
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