Dogs of great size provide great security and tons of love. Whether it’s a goofy-looking Great Dane, a fluffy Newfoundland, or a ‘strictly professional’ Cane Corso, these animals are bundles of happiness. Their size just gives you more reasons to love these pups.
But with great size comes great responsibility. You should consider whether or not you are a candidate for big pup ownership. Usually, you have to have a lot of self-confidence and strong character to handle big dogs. Before taking on this duty, you must do your homework first.
Some guidelines for first-time pup owners are listed below:
https://www.readersdigest.ca/home-garden/pets/10-things-you-need-know-getting-dog/
Big dogs tend to have a hard time indoors than smaller ones because they can’t be tied up in a small space. But if you do everything right, they can make great apartment pets. They will be calm and relaxed if you provide them with regular walks and exercises. Make sure you have a sofa large enough, as most large pups will nap there, saving their energy for outdoor adventures.
Gentle Giants
There are still people who think that big animals are mean and ferocious. But there is no evil or bad dog, just insufficiently well-mannered. These creatures are actually amiable and gentle; you just have to help their real nature come out.
Big pups will show love, attention, and commitment to their caring owners. They usually have more patience than smaller dogs and more affection toward the youngest ones. So make an effort to give these wonderful creatures a warm and safe home and be dedicated to them. Be sure that your attention will be returned many times over.
You will find great traits in most large breeds. But these are not set in the stone. Large dogs can sometimes be unpredictable, so you shouldn’t trust them fully. You have to work and socialize your pets and get them used to kids, other people, and animals. That way, you will get the best of your big four-legged friend.
Best Guards You Can Have
One of the most obvious benefits of owning big dogs is that they can act as great guards. Many large breeds have great instincts to protect their owners. These animals become very devoted to their owners and are far less competitive than smaller pups. It’s like they are aware of their size and have no need to prove themselves. They are just here to serve and protect their humans.
This protective behavior is a great trait, but large dogs have to be trained very well. They are great guards, but they can also pose a great threat if not appropriately trained. You have to invest some time (and money) in training and impose yourself as a pack leader to be able to control your pet’s behavior.
It can be easy to train some of the Holistapet breeds, like a Great Dane or a Doberman, to behave well when you teach them how to do that from a pup age. But, some dogs may not respond as easily. You usually have two choices – to work on building a relationship with your big pet to control their behavior or leave it to a professional trainer. The second option requires your involvement, too.
Even though large breeds do have more training requirements, they end up being better pets overall. The best tip you can get is to start early and establish a routine that both you and your four-legged friend will follow.
Great Nannies
Do you remember Nanny from Peter Pan, an adorable and caring St. Bernard? It is this animated character that is synonymous with the great dog’s affection and care toward kids. Things, in reality, are not very far from what is shown in the film. Big pups can really be great kids’ friends and guardians, as needed.
German Shepherds, Great Danes, Retrievers, Newfoundlands, and many other large dogs can be very loving companions and great with children. They can be excellent ‘partners in crimes’ like making a mess or accidentally destroying things, but it’s all a part of their playing. If you have toddlers or preschoolers, always be there when they play around with their big pets, as these dogs can sometimes play hard (not on purpose, of course).
Some Downsides
The biggest consideration for people who are just thinking about getting a dog is the expense involved. It will cost a lot of money to buy and house your new four-legged friend. Besides food and shelter costs, you will also need to consider the vet expenses since some larger breeds tend to get sick a lot more often than small ones.
Although larger pups usually have a mild nature and can be well-trained, they are not always the best option. They tend to get very attached to their owners, especially kids. It means hours of fun but can also pose a risk if your pet is not accustomed to other people or animals.
Large dogs could attempt to attack or bite the children who come into contact with them. Early socialization is an excellent solution as that will prevent aggression in your big pup toward strangers. More tips on early pup socialization see here.
There are many benefits of having a large dog apart from being a potential guard. Pups of any size are great companions and can provide their owners with a great deal of love and friendship. But with a big dog, you get all that in a much bigger pack.
