Large Dogs as Pets for First Time Dog Owners
Good Idea or Bad Idea
If you are a first time dog owner, it is a good idea to start out with a small dog, not a large dog. This is for many reasons. First off, large dogs grow very fast. This means you will be needing to constantly purchase leashes, collars, bowls, crates, and other dog accessories quite often. Also, large dogs often don't realize that they are so big and they often can play too rough for some people, especially children.
Large dogs also make large messes. If you don't like big dookey...then you best not get a large dog. They have the biggest dookey of them all! They also eat more and drink more, which means they are unfortunately more expensive. All dogs, both big and small, can be destructive. However, large dogs can be much more destructive as they can often reach more things that little dogs can't. Also, large dogs require much more space and a large yard so that they do not become bored.
Some large dogs can be more difficult to train and handle. This may not necessarily be because they have a poor or stubborn attitude. It is often because they are just too large for an inexperienced owner to handle. It is best to get the aid of a professional dog trainer.
This article is not to deter you from getting a large dog. Its purpose is only to make you aware of the things that can happen if you own a large dog. Large dogs need a special owner that realizes the special considerations that large dogs need. Many people get large dogs and do not realize the things that I have just discussed. They then abandon these dogs or take them to a shelter because they just could not handle all of the work involved with owning a large dog. Please be aware and make the right decision before you go out and get a large dog.
Published by KD
Kristy has been a freelance writer for several years. She has lived all over the U.S. She enjoys her pets and is an avid animal activist. She has worked at a zoo, done animal rescue all of her life, and h... View profile
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12 Comments
Post a CommentI don't know, maybe it's because I've have medium-large dogs my whole life but I find small dogs harder to deal with. They always get underfoot and seem to be more prone to spine problems (mostly going off of my experience taking care of other people's pets). Plus a lot of the smaller breeds suffer from over breeding and don't have as good a temperament as something like a lab. I think it really comes down to what kind of owner your going to be/are.
I've had big dogs all my life, and recently gave in and decided to adopt little dogs. I gave in because it was "easier to take care of" a little dog. For some people little dogs just don't fit who they are or what they really want. for their lifestyle. Little dogs and big dogs aren't interchangeable, They require very different commitments. Personally, I just never could get used to little dogs. I don't like the sound of their barks, I don't like how they jump around, and I definitely don't feel like they earn their keep or do a good job of protecting me. If you really want a big dog, fine, but I would agree that you need to take them to obedience school. When a big dog is out of control it's much worse than a little dog. I love big dogs, just like some people own horses even though they are REALLY BIG. Some people even own elephants!
This depressis me becaus I am a first time dog owner and i was thinking of getting a Siberian Huskie, I read up on them and I know about them. Does it really matter how big it is or how small, becaus i think it only matter on if you know how to take care of it.
To mick. Go to http://www.siberianrescue.com/seneca.htm to find out if you are REALLY prepared for a husky. I wanted one but this website really hit me with the truth. They are not the easier of dogs. Also go to Amazon and type in Siberian Husky. Get the books, do the research. I hope you have a house. They are NOT apartment dogs.
do any of you honestly know what you talking about or are you just pulling all of this info out of your asses? (not to be a jerk) im just trying to do some research as to figure out what tye of dog i want to get. i have had 2 min. shnauzers and am thinking about getting a siberian husky. does anyone know anything about them? or have any ideas on what type of dog to get?
i have trained many dogs too mark but i never owned one is that bad??
Great job. I have a mastiff, and i would reccomend him to all if they have had a dog before. I wouldnt tell someone who hasnt had a dog before to go get a mastiff. LOL. I will own nothing but mastiffs for the rest of my life, but I have experience. Great artcile.
I have a St. Bernard (not my first dog) but I found that it was much easier to train than any other dogs I've had; cocker spaniels(2) were the hardest to train, dachsunds and poodles pee every time they get excited or are happy to see someone. I also had a labrador that was very easily trained. But get thid, I had a pit-bull in college that was housetrained, however, when I would have an overnight guest it would chew up their underwear and poop or pee in thier converse!
I cant even handle my small dog
I totally regretted getting a big dog my first time!