Those who have big dogs most likely know what big hearts they have. A big dog is a big commitment and something you shouldn’t enter into lightly. Here are some thoughts to consider before deciding to have a big dog.
Things to Really Consider
Be realistic about your own ability to have a big dog.
In fact prior to owning any dog, consider the traits of the breed, the needs of a dog and your ability to meet those needs. Dogs are pack animals and that means many often don’t cope being left at home alone for hours and hours on end. If you have a demanding job and leave for work very early in the morning and arrive late in the evening at the end of the day, then is it fair to have any dog (big or small) stuck at home alone all day? Do you love to travel or spend most of your weekends out with friends (after being at work all week as well)? There are absolutely alternatives for these situations, such as doggy day care, having a friend or neighbour drop in every day to say hello and other care options, but reality is that if you’re organising puppy sitters all the time, is a dog the ideal option for you at this point in your life? They also cost a bit more. The volume of food is a bit more, but more so, I’ve found that due to their weight, their medications are somewhat more. Everything from their worming, to antibiotics or pet pain relief. You need larger and strong leads, bigger dog beds, and of course, the time to give them a decent walk.
Living At Home with a Large or Tall Dog
Review your living arrangements and make an honest assessment.
Do you have enough space to accommodate a large or tall dog? If they can’t turn in a room without knocking everything off the coffee table, or you seriously can’t fit in a bed for them – then how will you go having a bit of rambunctious play inside?
- Consider if you will be flexible about changing up your home to adjust for this big ball of energy – especially if you’re getting a new puppy who will be a big dog, because I can assure you, they won’t stay small for long. Can you move valuable objects out of harm’s way? When Theo comes over, I often ‘puppy’ proof my place for the younger dog plus he’s a bit of a ‘garbage monster’ and the kitchen bins have to be moved to the bench tops.
- Even your car; can you fit all the humans of your household into your car along with your big dog?
- A large dog in your house doesn’t have to mean big problems follow. These playful goliaths are like any dog. They need a proper diet, training, and loving attention to grow up to be healthy, well-behaved members of your family.
- You need tough toys for tough dogs! Your big dog is strong and can break some toys including leashes that are designed for smaller dogs. Find products preferred for larger dogs, your dog bed should be big enough to accommodate your big dog. Their food bowls should be big and strong and the toys should be appropriate for your big buddy as well.
The Importance of Diet and Health for Big Dogs
- Because of growth considerations, a great diet is especially important for larger breed dogs, particularly when they are puppies. Read the labels on food packs and consider independent online reviews – something very popular might have almost no nutritional value. You may just be buying a ‘stomach stuffer’.
- Don’t scrimp on quality for your big dog, whether it’s vet visits, worming, giving them suitable supplements (such as Omega oils), though always talk to your vet before giving them anything. Big dogs and certain breeds are susceptible to some health issues, cartilage problems, dysplasia etc, which sometimes can be prevented or minimised through nutrition.
- Keep your dog safe and make sure they have a quality and strong lead, so they don’t accidentally break away at a critical time.
- Big dogs can be prone to weight gain as they have a lower metabolic rate than smaller dogs. Great diet and lots of regular exercise will help with this. Avoid overfeeding, too many treats and human food to avoid obesity. I know those big eyes looking at you eating a piece of cheese, or hamburger may make it very tempting to share, but please don’t. Be firm for the love of your dog.
Training Your Large Breed Dog
- With any dog, but especially a big dog, start training them ASAP. Teach your pup young and start with simple commands. Puppy school will help with this, plus there are some great books and even great YouTube clips on the subject. Dogs naturally love training. Many breeds, like German Shepherds are highly intelligent and their natural desire is to be engaged, learn and please their owner. They love training and love being mentally stimulated. As simple as getting your dog to perform some trick for dinner (sit, lie down, shake hands) is a great way to not only engage them on a regular basis, but keeps their brain active.
- With a big dog, you really need to train them young and well. A 30, 40 or 50 kilo animal can really pull and be exceedingly hard work if you haven’t trained them. Additionally, some people are scared of big dogs, so you have an additional responsibility to ensure they are trained both on and off lead. If you call STOP! even if they spot a cat across the road, might save the life of your best friend. Teach them not to jump up, or to bound at people and to be well-behaved around other dogs and children. It will absolutely make your (and their) life so much easier and will make your relationship with your big dog so much more rewarding. Remember, they need to know that regardless of how big they get, you are the master.
- Familiarising them with being touched and groomed from a young age is important too. They need to be comfortable having their teeth touched, their feet touched (some dogs really don’t like that), being brushed and having their ears checked. Start early, do it regularly so that when they go to the vet, it’s easy – making their vet visit less stressful and your vet probably more comfortable too. :)
- Exercise and play are a must for any dog, but especially big dogs. And reality is, that exercise probably will be good for you too!
- It’s very important that you supply plenty of toys for your big dog. Be super clear what is a play toy and what is not. Don’t give them a fair of your old shoes to play with – and then be cranky they’ve trashed your $50 brand label joggers. How do they know one pair of shoes is ok to chew but not the other? Remember that toys should be for dogs, safe, non-toxic and not have pieces that can be choked on. Now that I think about it, having a puppy actually isn’t terribly different from having little children.
If you need any special products for your big dog, check out our range – sources by big dogs, tested by big dogs (our QA team is Theo and Caesar) and sold here, especially 4 BIG DOGS!