Adopting a puppy is a fun, exciting time in a household. Bringing in that cuddly, energetic little puppy can inject a new level of excitement and life into the house. However, when you're adopting a large-breed puppy, like Dogo Argentino puppies or boxer puppies, there are some things that you'll need to think about that may not necessarily apply to smaller toy breeds. Here are some of the things you need to consider when you're preparing to adopt a large-breed puppy.
Choose Your Puppy Food Accordingly
One of the first things that your veterinarian will recommend when you adopt a large-breed puppy is to ensure that you're feeding that puppy appropriately. Most commercial dog food brands offer varieties specifically suited for large-breed puppies, and it's important that you choose one for your puppy to give them the best chance at healthy growth.
Large-breed puppy foods have higher protein, which is essential for those rapidly growing muscles. Remember that large-breed dogs do a lot of growing in a short time, and that added protein is vital for ensuring strong, healthy muscle tissue to support their growing body. Not to mention, overall nutritional needs for larger breeds are different, and that applies to puppies as well. Your vet can give you guidance as to the best large-breed puppy food for your new pup.
Choose an Adaptable Crate
Especially with large breeds, crate training is important. In the puppy stages, most large breeds are aggressive chewers, which can lead them to mischief that not only proves destructive, but can be harmful to their health as well. That's why crate training is important.
However, if you want to avoid having to buy multiple crates as your puppy grows, you should invest in a large-breed crate that includes a puppy training divider. That way, you can adjust the size of the crate accordingly as your dog grows, eliminating the risk of your pup finding a free corner of the crate to use for elimination when you're trying to housebreak.
Be Prepared to Graduate Through Food Bowls
One thing that most toy and small dog breed owners don't have to worry about is the progressive changes in dog food bowls as your puppy grows. When you get a large-breed puppy, though, you may find that you have to progressively graduate the size of their food bowl as their appetite and snout grow. Sometimes, young puppies will struggle with larger bowls, so you'll want to start them with something small and easy to manage.
However, your puppy will grow rapidly and may quickly outgrow that puppy bowl, struggling to get its snout in it after a month or so. That's when you'll have to increase the size of the bowl. And, don't be surprised if you have to go through a few different bowls before you find one that your puppy likes. Dogs can be particular, so be ready to work with them to find what works, including bowls that don't make a lot of noise, or ones that can't be tipped over.
These are some of the most important considerations when you're adopting a large-breed puppy. Keep these tips in mind when you get ready to bring your new dog home.
Share7 April 2022
After our youngest daughter was in high school, I realized that I liked having people around to take care of and that my window for doing that was closing quickly. Instead of having more children, I decided to see about adopting a pet or two. I looked everywhere for a dog and a cat that would meld well with my lifestyle, and it was incredible to find a pet that I really connected with. However, I was able to find pets that I absolutely adored, and so I made them a part of our home. This blog is here to help new pet owners to adjust to their new situation and to learn to love everything about having new pets.