7 Secrets TO Becoming The Best Large Breed Puppy Owner

Mother Nature has blessed us with many wonders in this world, one of which is having dogs as a part of our family.

Dogs come in different sizes, color, and personality due to its geographical and genetical upbringing. This article will be all about big dogs and their big hearts!

The most common large breed dogs in the world are German Shepherd, Golden Retriever, Rottweiler, Doberman Pinscher, Bernese Mountain Dog, Cane Corso, Collie, Rhodesian Ridgeback, Akita, Bloodhound, Bullmastiff, Alaskan Malamute, and Dalmatian.

If you’ve made your big pick from a pet shop or your large breed pet dog has given birth to a bunch of little large breed puppies, this article is perfect for you.

1. Learn about the Breed

The first step in raising a large breed puppy is to learn more about them. You may already be used to parenting a large breed dog, but raising puppies are a different challenge altogether.

Just a simple internet search will reveal a surprising number of information available than what it was in the past years.

New information is updated continuously, and there’s no harm in educating yourself.

Each large breed dog is different in their personality, temperament, and pugnacity. You can’t have a pet live with you in the same house unless you’ve taught them some basic house rules. So, study their temperament before teaching them proper discipline.

2. Food and nutrition

Large breed puppies have high growth hormones. They can grow fast. In a matter of weeks, they can start to look a lot like their adult selves.

Your puppies must be fed three nutritious meals a day until they reach six months of age. It is better to consult with a veterinarian to decide on the portion of each meal and the type of food suitable to their needs.

Never assume that large breed dogs will need massive quantities of food. Overfeeding can lead to health problems like obesity and diabetes.

The large breed puppy food available at the stores already contains a high amount of protein, calories, and minerals. So, you don’t have to feed them anything extra. The last thing you want is a chubby dog!

3. Playing and exercises

Don’t you want to Snapchat when your puppies are playing? However, make you don’t over exhaust them with numerous activities.

Heavy exercises, high jumps, etc. can damage their growth plates and can lead to bone deformities and hip dysplasia in the future. So let them release all their energy in a controlled manner by running and playing in the house and the yards.

Chew toys can save your furniture and walls from getting puppy bite marks. Hence, get the puppies some great toys to play with and save your house from a wreck.

Taking your puppy with you on a short walk is great too! In addition to exercising, you’ll also strengthen the bond you have.

4. Socialize your dog

Your pups will need to get used around humans. Who doesn’t want to touch and interact with dogs? So, pat them, snuggle them and play with them.

From an early age, these puppies need to learn the art of socializing with humans and other animals. Let your puppy mingle with people from different age groups and racial background so they can get more familiar with the world around them.

You don’t have to take them outside until they have finished with all their vaccinations. Puppies can also get easily frightened by bigger and aggressive dogs, so keep them safe. It’s best to ease them into dog parks.

5. Give them proper training

Basic obedience training in the house and around people and animals is essential from an early. Puppies learn faster than adult dogs, which is why, they must be taught how to sit, stay and come when they are still young.

You should also train your large breed dog on how to potty, stay clean and eat without making a mess. Once they grow a little older, move on to temperament training.

However, don’t wait for long as adult dogs are more likely to rebel.

6. Bathe them with care

Large breed pups don’t need to be bathed as adult ones. If they need a bath, you can do so when they are eight weeks and older. If they are super dirty, use a wet cloth to clean their bodies.

Pups need special dog shampoo during bath time. But these shampoos can also ruin the natural balance of their fur and skin, so make sure to consult with your veterinarian before using them.

You should also take care when grooming their fur, nails, ears, and paws.

Generally, you can bathe your pups once a week or twice a month depending on where you live. Puppies are small in size, so you can wash them in the kitchen sink, or get a puppy tub for a bath.

Don’t scare them with the bathing process and keep some toys and treats around for encouragement.

7. Beware of common health issues

When puppies gain too much weight or stay physically inactive, they are prone to developing Hip Dysplasia in the later years. To avoid this disease, make sure to exercise them and feed balanced meals.

Large breed puppies can also develop Gastric Torsion due to the shape of their chest. Gastric Torsion can happen due to excessive formation of gas in their tummies. Symptoms are excessive retching, salivation, etc.

To avoid your pups from catching these diseases care is essential and don’t forget to schedule regular checkups with the vet.

Final thoughts 

Taking care of large breed puppies require the same attention as taking care of small ones. Don’t think otherwise.

However, one thing’s for sure; you may need a bigger house to let your dog have enough space for roaming around. Other than that, they are as funny and sweet like Chihuahuas!

Read and get training on how to raise large breed puppies, and implement them in real life properly. Be very strict about their meal plan as obesity in puppies can lead to other dangerous diseases in the future.

Let them familiarize with their immediate surroundings first. Once they are fully vaccinated, take them outside for walks and games.

Author Bio:
Kaylie is all about heats and hugs. Content creator at Dogviously. Prefers a simple life and believes in sharing. Can sync-dance with Sera – her Golden Retriever.