Afghan Hound - Training

The Afghan Hound is a very intelligent dog but it does have an independent streak that requires patience and understanding. They need consistent and firm training but should never be treated harshly either in voice or correction as they will quickly become timid and may exhibit signs of becoming very nervous, anxious and high strung. Calm, gentle training as well as an understanding of the breeds needs to run and exercise on a daily basis is essential.The Afghan Hound will often become bored of the same types of routines and training activities. Try to provide as much of a variety as possible. Never punish the dog for being itself, remember they...

Read more »

Afghan Hound - Exercise

As a small pup let the dog play at its own pace. See that is does not run up and down too many stairs as it is hard on the developing shoulders. Never let the young dog jump off the grooming table and if you are a jogger, do not take him/her along until he/she is at least eight months old. Do take your pal for walks but gradually lengthen the distance as he/she gets older. One of our dogs did marathons with us. Be a playmate and play ball or another game but remember not to play games that the dog will win as he/she thinks that they are the master andd you are under them in the pack pecking order. You must always be the pack leader or alpha....

Read more »

Afghan Hound - Matting

Should you happen to find a mat in the dogs coat - dont panic. You may be able to pull it apart with your fingers or split it with scissors or anothr special tool. Spray "The Stuff" into the mat, work it into the matt with your fingers and let it sit for at least ten minutes. Attempt to pull it apart with your fingrs and brush out the area. If this doesn't work then use a pair of scissors or a detangling tool or matt splitter and use a sawing motion from the skin outward and downwards. Never, Never Cut The Mat Out Of The Coatthis leaves a hole in the wonderful coat and you should have purchased a Saluki. Promptly remove twigs, leaves and any...

Read more »

Afghan Hound - Shedding

Although the Afghan is a single coated dog and does not shed like double-coated breeds (their hair compares to human hair) and may break and fall out. Split ends are a problem and proper hair care will reduce them. At approximately nine months of age the puppy starts to loose its puppy coat/wool. Simultaneously the adult silky coat is growing in and both types of hair entangle and create the dreaded matte. During this period examine the puppy and brush it daily to avoid creating apples under the arms and behind the ears. You'll find Afghan hair on couches, the best suit and all your visitors but with proper hair care the amount of loose hair...

Read more »

Afghan Hound - Grooming Procedure

Using a spray nozzle attached to your tap/shower will prove most effective when bathing the Afghan. The use of a raised tub will make the bathing process easier on you and allow eye contact with the dog. The procedure should be a fun experience for the dog as it is a life long task. Ensure that everything is within reach and you do not have to leave the dog alone. The first time a pup is bathed will be a frightening experience and you must ensure that you do everything in your power to soothe the dog and keep it relaxed. Do not loose your temper, think about your first visit to the dentist or barber and how you felt. Your pup feels very much...

Read more »

Afghan Hound - Grooming Tools

Grooming Tools - You will need the following items:nail clippersa pin brusha slicker brusha comb with medium and coarse spacing between the teetha pair of pointed barbers scissorsa pair of rounded barbers scissorsa few spray bottlesa grooming tablea grooming arma hair dryer (1500 Watt or profession...

Read more »

Afghan Hound - A Snood

Something that is very useful is a Snood. This is a tube that slips over the dogs' head when he/she eat and prevents the ears from dangling in the dinner bowl. This way your dog can grow those long feathered ears you've admired on other adult Afghans. A snood is easily made from the leg of a mans sock or if you're handy with a crochet hook you make a rectangle of double crochet and fold it in half to make the tube, sew together and presto, instant snood. You can also take a rectangular piece of material and stitch it across several times with elastic thread and then stitch it together. If you get your dog familiar with the snood from the start...

Read more »