Dalmations were bred to run under or alongside horse drawn carriages so they have a vast amount of stamina and energy and do not enjoy sitting around all day with nothing to do. They are dedicated and very happy, easygoing and playful. In order to be happy this breed requires strong leadership and human companionship and do not do well if left alone for long periods of time due to their tendency to dig and be destructive. They enjoy playing with children but if not given enough mental and physical exercise they can become highly strung and too excitable for small children. Without proper socialisation they can become timid. They get along well with other pets but can be aggressive towards strange dogs if they are not trained properly. They are intelligent and wilful if they sense a meek or passive owner. Half of the people who adopt a Dalmatian puppy do not keep them past the first year. Young Dalmatians are very energetic, and need a tremendous amount of leadership and exercise. If you give them what they instinctually need, daily walks where the dog is made to heel beside or behind the human, never in front of the person holding the lead, and very stern, but not harsh leadership they will make a wonderful pet and will calm down after a few years. People who keep them long enough to get past their active stage tend to be very pleased.