11 Things to Know Before Getting an Aidi Dog
Before getting an Aidi, knowing specific facts about their temperament, exercise needs, grooming requirements, and health issues is essential.
This guide will provide you with 11 things to consider before getting an Aidi breed, so you can make an informed decision before bringing one home!
The Aidi breed was initially used for hunting and guarding.
These dogs came from Morocco and were initially bred for hunting and guarding purposes. Because of this, these dogs have developed a strong prey drive. They are excellent companions for individuals who also enjoy hunting activities.
As guard dogs, Aidis are very protective of their family and property. However, they can be stubborn and independent in nature, making them quite challenging to train.
While their protective nature can be an advantage to you, it can also be a disadvantage because if Aidis are not adequately trained and socialized, they can become aggressive towards strangers.
The Aidi is a medium-sized dog.
There are so many advantages to getting a medium-sized dog like an Aidi. They are easier to handle than the large breed and more suitable in apartments or smaller living quarters. They are excellent choices for individuals who are into hiking and running.
However, these dogs are as strong and capable as large dogs. This means that they require proper training to ensure they don't pull on their leash while you are outside.
Like larger dogs, you must also begin training and socializing your Aidi as early as possible to ensure they grow up as well-behaved pets. It is essential to use positive reinforcement training and avoid harsh punishment.
The Aidi had a gentle temperament towards their families.
Aidi's temperament is essential to consider when deciding whether this dog fits well in your family. These dogs make great family pets because of their:
- loyalty
- intelligence
- and natural guarding instinct.
However, they can also be:
- reserved around strangers
- fearful of new environments or situations
- and aggressive if they feel threatened.
To manage the Aidi dog's temperament, you need to provide it with the following:
- early socialization
- consistent training
- supervision around strangers
- and adequate exercise and mental stimulation.
Aidis require daily exercise.
Exercising your Aidi can have several benefits, such as:
- It helps maintain a healthy weight to prevent obesity.
- Improve your dog's cardiovascular health to help reduce the risk of heart disease.
- Increase your dog's muscle strength, stamina, and endurance.
- Reduce your dog's risk of getting anxiety or stress.
- This an excellent opportunity for socialization by exposing your Aidi to other dogs and people.
- Strengthen your bond with your dog.
Without adequate exercise, your dog can become destructive. They may exhibit behavior such as chewing, digging, and escaping.
To ensure your Aidis get enough exercise, I recommend at least 30-60 minutes of daily physical activity. This can include outdoor activities such as:
- hiking
- running
- swimming
- or playing fetch.
Now, when exercising your Aidi, make sure to start slow and gradually increase its duration and intensity. Always bring water with you to prevent them from getting dehydrated.
Although initially used for herding, they can be sensitive to very hot weather, so avoid exercising them during the hottest parts of the day. Remember to use a leash or harness when you are outside to control them better.
Aidis require regular grooming.
Grooming is an important aspect of caring for any dog, but sometimes it can be time-consuming and may require some effort from you. Thankfully, these dogs are pretty easy to maintain.
Brushing your dog's coat regularly can help prevent matting and tangles and help distribute natural oils throughout the coat, which is also essential in promoting healthy skin and a shiny coat.
When brushing your Aidi, pay more attention to the areas where the coat is thickest, like behind the ears, under the belly, and around the legs.
The Aidis do not require frequent baths since they have water-resistant and self-cleaning coats. Bathing frequently can also strip your Aidi's coat with their natural oils.
The rest are primary care, such as regular nail trimming, ear cleaning, and teeth brushing. If you are uncomfortable grooming your Aidi, you can take them to a professional groomer.
Aidis are intelligent and trainable dog breeds.
Training your Aidi is necessary to have a dog that is a joy to be around. Some advantages of consistent training aside from having a well-behaved companion include:
- preventing behavior problems
- developing good manners and obedience skills
- making them easier to control in different situations
- preventing fearful and anxious behavior
- helping you build a strong bond with your Aidi
- and establishing trust between you and your dog.
An untrained Aidi can develop behavior issues such as aggression which can be frustrating for you to deal with. They may not listen to commands without proper training, making them difficult for you to control, especially in potentially dangerous situations.
I recommend you start training your Aidi as soon as possible to help prevent these destructive behaviors from developing. You may use positive reinforcement methods, such as treats, praise, and play, to encourage good behavior.
Always be consistent in your training while also keeping training sessions short and enjoyable to prevent boredom or frustration. And if you are struggling with training at home, you may seek professional help.
Aidis are generally healthy dogs.
Like all dog breeds, these dogs can be prone to specific health issues, such as obesity, hip dysplasia, eye problems, and bloating. As a potential Aidi owner, it is vital that you know the signs to look for in your dog and how you can help address these health issues.
Now, before you decide on bringing the Aidi home, you must be ready for potential medical costs and veterinary care that may come along.
Here's how you can keep your Aidi healthy at home:
- Bring your dog to regular veterinary check-ups to catch issues early.
- Give your dog a balanced diet.
- Provide them with regular exercise.
To help prevent hip dysplasia, you may give your dog joint supplements and low-impact exercise with your vet's approval.
You must regularly look for signs of infection or irritation to care for your dog's eyes**.** Bloating can be prevented by feeding smaller, more frequent meals and avoiding exercise afterward.
The average lifespan of an Aidi is between 10 and 12 years.
The Aidi dog has a life expectancy of 10-12 years, as expected with medium-sized dogs. This means you can expect to have a loyal companion for more than a decade.
However, these years can be relatively short, especially if your Aidi becomes a big part of your life and your family. As your Aidi ages, you can expect more vet visits and additional care costs. You may also need to adjust your Aidi's exercise routine and diet.
These dogs require a high-quality and balanced diet.
A high-quality, balanced diet is essential for maintaining your Aidi's overall health and energy levels.
Here are the reasons why it is necessary:
- An inappropriate diet can lead to weight gain, leading to more health issues.
- Low-quality dog food can lead to malnutrition.
- Your dog can become sick with a poor diet.
- Aidis need it for them to have energy.
I recommend you consult your veterinarian or nutritionist to determine the appropriate diet for your Aidi. It must be based on their:
- age
- size
- weight
- health
- and activity level.
I also recommend the following when choosing dog food:
- avoid preservatives and fillers
- ensure a good balance of protein, fat, and carbohydrates
- and avoid table scraps or human food.
Lastly, always provide fresh and clean water for your Aidi and monitor their weight so you can adjust their food and exercise when necessary.
Aidis can adapt to living in an apartment.
These canines are very adaptable. Although they prefer a home with a yard, they can still adapt to living in an apartment as long as they are exercised and socialized adequately.
This means they don't require a lot of indoor space and can be content at home. However, please note that the Aidis are active and still need an opportunity to run around and play freely.
If you don't have a yard, I recommend you spend more time walking and playing with your dog so they can get the exercise they need. I could not stress this enough, but without it, they may bark excessively or become restless if left alone.
You must also provide your Aidi with interactive toys and puzzles to keep them occupied when you are not at home. This also prevents them from being a nuisance to your neighbors with their barking.
Aidis can coexist peacefully with children and other pets if they socialize properly.
Since the Aidi are loyal and protective, they are great companions and protectors for children. They are also quite friendly and sociable and enjoy being around their humans.
As I have mentioned earlier, the Aidis have strong guarding instincts and prey drive, which can sometimes lead to over-protectiveness or aggression towards children, strangers, and other pets.
I recommend you always supervise interactions between your child and Aidi to ensure they are safe and comfortable with each other. Teach your child how to approach and interact with any dog to avoid accidents properly.
If introducing your Aidi to other pets, you should do it in a controlled environment first and do it gradually.
Owning an Aidi breed can be a rewarding experience, but it's essential to understand their specific needs and characteristics before bringing one into your home. Before getting an Aidi breed, ensure that you provide them with a healthy and happy life and a strong bond with you as their owner.