Also known as the "Royal Dog of Madagascar," the coton de Tulear is a rare breed once reserved only for royalty in its homeland of Madagascar, but is now almost extinct there. Dog fanciers in Europe and the U.S. have taken an interest in this beautiful, agreeably tempered dog and brought breeding stock out of the country to continue the dog's lineage. According to the American Kennel Club, the name "is pronounced coTAWN day two-LEE are" and is from the word "cotton" in French and the port of Tulear in Madagascar. This breed has a long, exceptionally soft coat that is white, black and white or tri-colored.
Things You'll Need
- Crate
- Leash
- Collar
- Training treats
- Pin brush
- Greyhound comb
- Resco comb
- Nail clippers for small dogs
- Styptic pen
- Moisturizing/conditioning spray for dogs
- Hypoallergenic shampoo for dogs (optional)
- Blow dryer (optional)
- Grooming table (optional)
- Puppy toys
- Small latex squeak toys
Instructions
Begin training the day your puppy is adopted. The younger the puppy, the fewer bad habits it has had time to learn. If you don't start proper training immediately, the puppy will soon have an array of bad habits that it learned from you. Dogs are creatures of habit, and whatever they learn to do they will continue to do.
Use a wire crate to house-train your puppy. Some cotons are a little slow to learn potty manners. The crate, used properly, is the best way to teach the puppy proper house manners. The crate is not intended to be used continuously, but should be used in the same way you'd use a playpen for a baby. Put the pup in the crate for sleeping and any time you cannot supervise closely. Cotons may not get the idea if you attempt to use potty training pads, and may decide it's OK to use other areas of the house as well.
Teach your coton to accept grooming from the first day. The coton's puppy coat is relatively easy-care, but it will grow into a long, soft, easily-tangled coat that will be difficult to manage if the puppy is not trained. Handle and brush the pup every day. Clip the nails, just at the tips, once a week. If you trim just the very tip weekly, the nails will remain in great shape, and your pup will never suffer the pain of over-cutting, so will always sit quietly for nail trimming. Starting early and continuing throughout your dog's life, grooming will only take a few minutes a day.
Socialize your puppy well. Most cotons are friendly and gentle, but they can be territorial and aloof with strangers if they aren't given positive exposure to lots of people and other animals at a young age.
Take your puppy to the groomer and the veterinarian for social visits, as well as for services. These professionals will not mind and will even welcome your request to bring the puppy in, set it on the grooming or examining table so they can give it treats. Do this several times, until your puppy is very happy and excited when visiting the groomer or veterinarian.
Go to a good puppy kindergarten class with your coton de Tulear. When that is completed, take the pup to the next level the trainer offers. All training should be consistent, gentle and positive. Cotons are happy, gentle dogs and will be crushed by harsh attitudes or harsh methods. There should be no choking, hanging, slinging or hitting.