Why do you think large dogs are only for experts?

Question

Why do you think that German Shepherds, Dobermans, etc. are for experts only? How do you know if you're already an expert and can have those kind of breeds?

Answer 1

We have had 6 Great Pyrenees and have never had a problem with any of them. I don't think you have to be an expert, you just have to know what you are doing. We have never hit any of our dogs, we think that is what makes dogs aggressive. If one of our pyrs really misbehaves or gets too rambunctious, we bite them on the snout, that is what the alpha dog, in a pack would do. It is more natural to them to be bitten, than to be hit or kicked and those things just aren't necessary. If you are looking to get a big dog, the Pyrenees would be a great choice and we have now found out that the females are way smarter than the males. Go with your instincts, if you don't think you can handle a big dog, don't get one, but definitely don't get one of the more aggressive breeds, like dobermans, shepherds, etc., go with the gentle giants, pyrs, newfs, great dane...... Hope this helps.

Answer 2

Well I can speak from experience with a German shepherd they are big powerful and smart. If you are not smarter than them then they will run your house. I don't mean an IQ type smart I mean knowing how to think like a dog and how to be the dominant one. Dominance does not mean abuse you just need any breed to see you as the leader not the follower it becomes especially important when you own a dog that could kill someone or another dog relatively easily. My own dog could overpower me with ease but he has no desire to do that. I have had to hire a lot of help because I didn't know how to handle the dog they are great dogs but if you want one do breed specific research and basic training research first. enroll dog in puppy classes and at least one level of obedience. Spend lots of time training and create work for them to do. While not impossible you probably won't get a lazy dog large breed dog and you will need to challenge it more than many other dogs.

Answer 3

I don't know about being for "experts" only, but I do know rescues always inquire as to whether potential adopters have experience with and knowledge of a specific breed. Different breeds have different behaviors and tendencies, so if you want a German Shepherd, you should be familiar with the personality and behavioral tendencies of that specific breed. If you have small children, for example, a herding dog like an Aussie would not be the best choice, as they tend to "herd" the child/children-- pushing, crowding, even nipping the group into line-- which is unacceptable behavior for humans. People who want a dog to stay by them off-leash shouldn't get a Beagle, as those dogs are bred to follow their noses and will run away. Some dogs have very strong prey drives, meaning they will chase down small animals, children, etc. if that creature appears to be running away from them.

The dogs you mention are all larger breeds, as well, and handling a larger dog differs greatly its smaller cousin. I'm not sure about being an expert, but having knowledge of the breed is key-- I cannot stress that enough.

Answer 4

I like Bruja's answer :)

Actually I have read a number of speeches guised as questions lately about 'large and giant' dogs being only for particular people and it is pretty much hog wash. The fact is, if someone can't control and be in charge of a small dog then odds are they can't be in control of any dog, regardless of size and size doesn't matter :) I have trained large and giant breed dogs all my life -- it is not a matter or brute strength or being 'stern', it is a matter of knowing what you are doing and being in control. I don't ascribe to the commonly accepted theory that dogs somehow look to us as 'alpha' - we are not dogs and never will be - I don't play little dominance games with my dogs and never have or will... it is about knowing that you are the human and in charge of all things, and the dog being aware of that, again, regardless of size. Often times people can skim it with a particular demeanor of dog and they 'act perfectly' but when they are confronted with a dog that has a good sense of self and is intelligent, that can be a problem for those that think they know what they are doing and really don't.

No one is an 'expert' - there are people who are more knowledgeable and more experienced with dogs -- some can actually adapt that to a variety of dogs (again, regardless of size) and some simply can't adapt -- they have a shallow tool box and can only successfully deal with certain types of personalities of dogs. A knowledgeable dog person has a deep toolbox and knows how to deal with a variety of dog types and is open to learning with each and every encounter.

When someone puts limitations on who should own what type of dog they are showing their overall ignorance. I was training Dobermans when I was six years old (no previous experience :) I will say these breeds, any breeds, any animals for that matter, are not for everyone -- regardless of expertise or experience, there are just some, a lot actually, of people that should never own a dog period. They don't have the committement to the animal to properly learn how to train them - they expect push button dogs that will understand their directives instantly - they have no rudimentary knowledge of canines at all and then go out and get one that is likely more intelligent than they are and it becomes a problem. Many of these dogs are EASILY trained and that means they c\an be easily MIStrained and that is often what I see that occurs.

It isn't that these breeds need to be limited to 'experts' - they just need to not be owned by idiots.

Answer 5

An expert? I wouldn't consider myself an expert by any means. Can I handle my Rottweiler? Absolutely. I wasn't sure if I wanted a dog like that at first, but after a couple weeks the big nutcase grew on me. With big dogs, you really have to be ready to discipline. Especially if you have a willful and stubborn breed (which Rotty's are). It takes time and patience, and even at almost 3 years, she is not 100% trained (we still have episodes every now and then where she "forgets" the rules), but then again no dog ever is. If you are questioning it- don't get one. The sad thing is if trained properly they are actually better dogs than the little ones, but they do generally take much more work to completely break them.

Answer 6

I wouldn't say they're for "experts" only, but there are certain breeds of dogs that have characteristics that might be a little much for a first-time dog owner.

For example, my dog is a German Shepherd/Chow mix, and while she is a fantastic dog, in the hands of someone who didn't know how to properly discipline and train her, she would've been an awful dog. She is very strong-willed and dominant, and if you aren't just as strong-willed and dominant as the dog you're handling, you will have problems with "pack hierarchy" within your home.

With smaller breeds, the problems aren't so pronounced as with larger dogs, because you can just pick up a Chihuauha if they are being aggressive and carry them away. With a snarling 125lb Akita, it's different.

There are certain breeds of larger dogs that have very calm, laid-back personalities and are very easy to train, like Labs, Goldens, and most 'giant' breeds like Danes, Newfs, etc. But others, like German shepherds, Akitas, Huskies, any "bull" breed, Dobermans, etc. take a stronger hand and mind to train, so they aren't for someone who doesn't have the time and ability to do it.

Answer 7

I don't think large dogs are only for experts. The Lab is a large dog that many recommend for first-time dog owners.

One reason why large dogs might be better for more advanced trainers is that a small, unruly dog is much easier to keep under control than a large, unruly dog. With breeds like the Rottie and the GSD, you need to get them properly trained and well-behaved before they grow to their full strength, or else you're in trouble. With a Miniature Poodle or something, you can keep working at it for years and years without them ever getting too strong for you to handle.

Answer 8

I think MOST large breed can be (clearly) LARGE and powerful animals. They HAVE to have discpline and be under control.
It is not like an "ankle biter" breed where you can squash it to the ground. Or if it does bite, it is not very serious.
Large dogs require more of their owners. I have Newfs and even though I do not worry about possible aggression much, they can be awful to have when they are not under control.

Answer 9

my opinion is that big dogs are too strong to get for the first dog that you get.
you should get a small dog before you get a big dog.

Answer 10

If you have to ask the question, you´re not ready.