Many people particularly love fluffy large dogs such as German Shepherds, Labradors, Golden Retrievers, and Rottweilers. However, before deciding to adopt a large dog, there are several factors that need special attention. In this article, we have interviewed Ethan, a pet trainer at Hallopet Training Center, who provides detailed insights for dog owners.
1. Space Requirements
Indoor Space
Large dogs require spacious indoor areas to turn around and move comfortably. For example, an adult Golden Retriever can measure 55-61 cm in length and about 53-59 cm in height, which can feel cramped in small apartments. It is advisable to designate a specific area in the home for them, such as a comfortable dog bed in a corner of the living room. Additionally, due to their size and strength, large dogs may accidentally knock over furniture or decorations while playing or running around. Therefore, it is recommended to place fragile or unstable items in safer locations to prevent accidents.
Outdoor Space
Large dogs also need ample outdoor space to expend their energy. For instance, Border Collies require at least 1-2 hours of high-intensity exercise daily, such as chasing frisbees or long walks. It's best if there is a spacious yard or park nearby where they can run freely. If sufficient exercise space is not provided, they may develop behavioral issues such as excessive barking or chewing on furniture due to pent-up energy.
2. Economic Costs
Food Expenses
The food intake of large dogs significantly exceeds that of medium or small breeds. For example, an adult Labrador needs about 3-4 cups of food daily and may also require additional meat, vegetables, and even supplements, which can greatly increase the owner's expenses.
Medical Expenses
Medical costs for large dogs are typically higher due to their size; procedures like X-rays and ultrasounds require more reagents or larger dosages of medication. Furthermore, large dogs are more prone to skeletal joint issues, making treatment for such conditions expensive—hip surgeries can cost tens of thousands.
3. Training Challenges
Strength Control
Owners must have sufficient strength to control their large dogs during training. For example, when walking an adult Rottweiler, if it suddenly sees something interesting and wants to dash towards it, the owner must be strong enough to manage the leash. Additionally, teaching basic commands like "sit" or "down" may sometimes require physically pressing down on the dog’s body, which demands both strength and skill from the owner.
Behavior Regulation
If not properly trained, large dogs can cause serious consequences; for instance, jumping on people can result in injuries. Thus, it is crucial to focus on behavior regulation during training sessions to ensure they maintain good manners in various situations—a task more challenging than training medium or small breeds.
4. Socialization Needs
Impact on Other Animals
The presence of large dogs can stress other animals. In social settings like dog parks, their size might intimidate smaller dogs or pets. Therefore, special training is necessary for large dogs to learn how to interact peacefully with other animals while controlling their behavior and emotions.
Impact on People
Large dogs also need to learn how to interact with different people. Due to their size, some individuals may feel intimidated by them. Training large dogs to remain calm and friendly when encountering strangers is essential; this helps prevent unnecessary barking or rushing towards passersby, ensuring public safety and maintaining good neighborhood relations.
The accuracy of the answers provided by experts in this column may vary depending on each pet's condition, breed, and growth environment. For some owners with unique situations concerning their pets, it may be limited; if you find your pet's situation is special, please consult a professional pet trainer or veterinarian for further understanding.