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Step 1
Feed your dog a high-quality commercial food designed specifically for large breeds. Choose one according to your dog's age. These foods offer the proper balance of nutrition for quick-growing large breeds and often additives for joint health. Feed large breed puppies a puppy food until 18 months of age.
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Step 2
Exercise your dog regularly to prevent common medical problems, reduce anxiety and curb obesity. Take your dog on walks, to dog parks or hiking and camping to keep her in shape. Large dog breeds are difficult to handle when they become destructive out of boredom or anxiety. Talk to your veterinarian about the specific exercise requirements for your breed.
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Step 3
Take your dog to obedience class. Without proper training, large dogs are unintentionally imposing. Train your dog with commands and basic behaviors like leash walking to keep her in control around people and other dogs.
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Step 4
Purchase supplies designed for large breed dogs. Buy leashes and collars durable enough to withstand the strength and weight of your large dog. Elevated feeders make it easier for large breeds to eat. Get large breed toys that don't pose a choking hazard. Choose tough ones like ropes and rubber balls that withstand strong chewing.
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Step 5
Visit your veterinarian at least once a year for general health checkups. Large breed dogs age faster than smaller breeds and are susceptible to joint and other health problems. Use a flea and heartworm preventative monthly.
Comments
diggitydogg said
on 10/11/2007 Slippery floors can cause further wear on the joints, therefore, it's a good idea to put down mats and rugs if you have a large dog. There are also beds available that distribute a dog's weight more evenly to take excess pressure off the joints.
Babassu said
on 8/2/2007 Be careful about exercising your puppy too much! For breeds prone to joint disease, keep walks short, walk on grass or other soft surfaces, and don’t let your dog do extreme jumps until his joints are fully grown (usually when he’s 2-3 years old)
I agree with you about the need for obedience training, 110 percent!. One caveat - use "positive" training methods that reward the dog for good behavior and ignore bad behavior. Using punishment or harsh corrections is not a good idea with large breeds - such methods can make these dogs fearful or reactive, and more likely to bite. A gentle nip from a large breed dog can still cause significant injury!
Babassu said
on 8/2/2007 Great article! A few comments, tho':
About food - just because it's labeled for large-breed puppies, doesn't mean its an appropriate food. Ask your breeder and/or vet what protein and fat percentages are best for your dog, and choose accordingly.
Large breeds are prone to illnesses caused by growing too quickly - a moderate calorie, relatively low-fat, low-protein diet helps prevent these illnesses. Adult-formula foods are often preferable to high calorie, high fat/protein puppy foods.
Your dog will reach the same adult size whether he grows quickly or slowly, and slowly is much better for his health Don’t overfeed to make him bigger!