RECOVERING, I HOPE
I am now on Day 12 of a really nasty cold that I hope none of you get. Went to the doctor on Tuesday for meds - my nurse practitioner said her husband has had it now for ***4 weeks***!!! I had to cancel three private consults – and fortunately the Expert Witness case scheduled to go to trial today was settled on Monday. Doctor says now that I am on antibiotics I am no longer contagious, so hopefully I can make next week’s consults!!!
EXPERT WITNESS WORK
I do love doing Expert Witness cases. Maybe it’s partly my Humane Officer law enforcement background and prior court experience but I really do enjoy them. (It also pays really well!!) Most of my cases do settle without actually going to trial – I like to think at least in part due to my excellent expert witness reports <G> – but I like the courtroom presence as well. We chat about it a little in my academies. If you want to be an Expert Witness you need some valid credentials, you need to be able to write and speak well, and you need to be comfortable in the courtroom, on the stand. Fun!
I can’t give much detail about the recent case (client confidentiality) but I can say it was about a large (165-pound) livestock guarding dog who attacked a workman in the yard – knocked him down and went for his throat. He could have killed the guy! I was actually surprised it didn’t settle sooner…
SPEAKING OF LARGE DOGS
I have always been a fan of big dogs. Had a St. Bernard at one time and have always longed for an Irish Wolfhound (although I think I’m past that phase now, leaning toward the smaller canine companions these days). Big dogs can bring big challenges, as the above-described case illustrates. Here are some things to keep in mind if you’re thinking about adopting one – or working with a client who has one – or more:
There are some really big dogs out there. Great Dane, St. Bernard, Great Pyrenees, Mastiff, Irish Wolfhound, Newfoundland, Boerboel, Japanese Tosa… dogs who routinely run from 100 to 200 pounds. Another whole group of very big dogs weigh from 75 to 125 pounds or more, but we’re focusing on the true giants of the dog world – the really big group. Because along with those really big dogs can come some really big challenges.
Simply Size
First is simply their ginormous size. You’re seated at the dinner table and your Great Dane strolls by. His head passes over your plate even if he’s not trying to counter surf. You could purchase an extra-tall dining room table with bar stools for chairs or consider other management solutions (baby gates, mat training, crates, tethers) just to keep the Dane drool out of your dumplings. Speaking of drool, many giant breeds are blessed with extra-generous flews (dog lips) that regularly collect and spew dog slime. Be prepared to keep towels handy and do a lot of mopping. Many who share their homes with these oversized dogs tie towels around their canine companions’ necks to soak up some of the saliva.
Their large size can also create challenges with other dogs. Smaller dogs can be intimidated by the size and bulk of a 100 to 200-pound dog. Even if the big guy has no ill-intent, fights can erupt as a result of a smaller dog’s stress. Imagine the logistics of breaking up a dog fight if one of the participants weighs 100-plus pounds!
While many of the big dogs (although not all) truly are gentle giants and get along well with other dogs, there doesn’t even need to be conflict for injury to occur – a misstep of 200 pounds of dog onto an eight-pound Pomeranian (or a small child!) can cause significant bruising and/or broken bones. Caretakers of giant dogs must use common sense and management when selecting canine and human playmates for their oversized canine family members.
Personality
Some plus-size breeds are known as gentle giants. St. Bernards and Newfoundlands, for example, were bred to work closely with (and even rescue!) humans. They are known as sweet, loving, placid dogs who do well in families and don’t require lots of physical exercise. (Note: there are exceptions to the norm in every breed!). Other giant breeds – not so much. As the name suggests, the Irish Wolfhound is every bit a hound. While also known to be sweet-tempered, they are sighthounds, bred to pursue game at high speed, and tend to have much more significant energy levels and exercise needs than Saints and Newfies.
The Boerboel, on the other hand, is a breed developed in South Africa to guard farms and hunt large game, including lions and other dangerous wild animals. While often gentle and loving with their own humans, they may be less tolerant with non-family members or other animals. The Japanese Tosa was formerly bred for fighting. Hopefully those days are long gone! They are reported to be gentle with family members, but they do have a reputation for not necessarily being good with strangers, with other dogs and with small animals such as cats. And the Livestock Guarding Breeds tend to be notoriously unfriendly to strangers and intruders – as they were bred to be.
If you’re thinking of adding a giant breed dog to your family, do your research so that you adopt one whose personality and behavior is likely to be compatible with your family and lifestyle. No guarantees, but at least it gives you a jump start on success.
Training and Behavior Challenges
Whether you already have one or are thinking of adopting, and regardless of personality differences, living with a dog who weighs as much as or more than you, and who towers over your head when standing on his hind legs presents some universal challenges. It’s vitally important for all puppies to begin their training and socialization programs starting at the age of eight weeks, and it’s even more so for the giant breeds. You really want them to learn polite leash walking and have a foundation of good manners before they are big and strong enough to overpower you. You really want them to be well socialized before they start lunging at visitors and other dogs and can drag you to the target of their reactive or aggressive behavior. Your first step? Get thee to a good force-free puppy kindergarten class while your pup still small – starting at eight weeks. Working with a client? Give them this same advice!
The giant breeds learn exactly the same way other dogs do: behaviors that are reinforced repeat and increase, behaviors that don’t get reinforced will go away (extinguish). Because of their size they have the potential to get into more trouble and do more damage than smaller dogs, underscoring the importance of starting training sooner rather than later. Remember that not all reinforcement comes from humans – inadvertent environmental reinforcement (food left on the counter for your dog to find) works quite well to encourage your dog to persist with unwanted behaviors. Hence the importance of excellent management, especially for a dog who can casually snag the turkey off the counter while walking past without even exerting any effort.
Basic good manners are important for all dogs. There are some, however, that can be particularly useful for the oversized canine:
Polite Leash Walking: This is mandatory. You must be able to control your giant dog. The sooner you install good leash manners, the more he can accompany you places, engage in various activities and enjoy a full and enriched life. If you cannot to control him on leash he’ll be left home a lot. If and when you do take him on outings he’s likely to get himself (and you!) into trouble. (See: https://www.whole-dog-journal.com/training/polite-leash-walking/ )
Polite Greeting: Most people don’t appreciate having a big friendly dog barge into their face, covering them and their clothes with slimy dog spit. Friends will happier about interacting with yours if he comes up to them and sits politely. (See: https://www.whole-dog-journal.com/training/how-to-teach-your-dog-to-greet-nicely/ )
Mat Training: A handy behavior for many dogs, mat training is an even more vitally important tool to manage your giant dog’s imposing presence. Family members and visitors can relax knowing that your dog will stay politely parked on his mat while you dine and socialize. (See: https://www.whole-dog-journal.com/training/mat-training-tips/ )
Walk Away: This 180-degree “turn and move quickly in the other direction” behavior can help you and your dog avoid some serious scrapes. There may come a time in your dog’s life where he is so aroused that normal good manners fail. “Walk Away” can be the most useful cue in your repertoire to help your big guy move quickly and willingly away from potential trouble. (See: https://www.whole-dog-journal.com/training/how-to-teach-your-dog-to-just-walk-away/ )
Husbandry
Last but by no means least, your plus-size pal must be comfortable with necessary husbandry procedures – vet exams, nail trimming, grooming, etc. No animal care professional looks forward to confrontation with their four-legged clients, and the bigger the dog, the harder – and more dangerous – it can be to work with an unwilling/uncooperative subject.
Good puppy socialization classes include fun games to help your big-dog-to-be get comfortable with ear inspections, dental exams, paw handling and nail trimming, and all the other procedures and interactions that are an inevitable part of a dog’s life. A good animal care provider will be on board with cooperative care procedures. And a good force-free professional can help you teach your dog invaluable consent husbandry procedures such as the Bucket Game and Chin Rest. (While you’re at it, don’t forget the muzzle training.) (See: https://www.whole-dog-journal.com/training/cooperative-care-giving-your-dog-choice-and-control/++++++++ and https://www.whole-dog-journal.com/care/collars-harnesses-leashes-muzzles/dog-muzzles-are-useful-tools-when-you-use-them-right/ )
In reality, behavior and training challenges you (and your clients) face with your big dog mirror the ones we see with smaller dogs. Due to their size however, extra-big dogs can present these challenges on steroids; hence the importance of teaching appropriate behaviors and addressing behavioral challenges as soon as possible. If you already have one of these plus-size dogs or you intend to adopt one in the future, or are working with clients who have them, plan to go big with your training, management and behavior plans – or go home.
MY ANIMAL COMPANION LIFE LIST
A few years ago I decided I wanted to make a life list of all the animal companions I have shared my life with over the years – at least all the ones I could remember. I shared all 35 dogs and 40 cats in my last 2 blogs. Here are my 27 equines! (You’ll get all my “Other” on the next blog) I’m still waiting to see your life lists!!!
Equines
1. Gemini
2. Lady (Mattsen’s Lady Peavine)
3. Rex (Bourbon Wreaks Havoc)
4. ReyJo
5. Chief
6. Buckwheat
7. Bossa Nova
8. Hercules
9. Jackie
10. Mini-ha-ha
11. Strawberry Alarm Clock
12. Tick Tock
13. Stickshift
14. Sign the Check
15. St. Nicholas
16. Boss Casey
17. Sundance
18. Jambo
19. Rafiki
20. Topper
21. Jet
22. Levi
23. Molly
24. Mikey
25. Dreamer
26. Joan
27. Olivia (You’re the One That I Want!)
NEW YEARS GOAL: SPEND MORE TIME HIKING WITH MY DOGS AND RIDING MY HORSE!!!
Pat Miller, CBCC-KA, CPDT-KA
Big dogs do bring big problems! I grew up with horses, geese, medium sized dogs, cats and more. As an adult, I began to rescue bully breeds from the shelters.
After nearly 20 years of rescuing, I took in a 13 month old Great Pyrenees from a client that was rehoming. I had known him since eight weeks and he has always trusted me and I was his only chance.
After an eight month integration due to one of my other dog’s feelings, my dogs live peacefully with each other. However, the size and behavior of my GP has changed the household.
The biggest threat to visitors in my home used to be that you would be sat upon and excessively kissed. That has changed drastically.
His sheer size precludes this behavior, obviously. But now I have a guarding breed who does resource guard… and has very large teeth.
Prevention and management are more critical now. No one enters the house unless he is in the crate. Big dogs bring big teeth and big changes. It is so important to educate yourself and be prepared before you take one on!
I see so many clients get in over their heads because they believe they want a certain large breed, but aren’t as familiar with some of the challenges as they should be.
Thanks Rikke! I do love small and scruffy, as you know... but maybe you don't have to give p on Danes because of one big challenge... Ike you said, different than any you've encountered before... HAPPY NEW YEAR and love to you too!! (We miss you over here...)
As you you know big dogs are my jam. I've had 11 Great Danes in the time I've known you, as have fostered lots more. I never thought Id say it, but my time sharing my home with Great Danes may be over. The last one I fostered after moving to Denmark was so different than any I've encountered in the US, and not in a good way. 140 pounds of pure muscle, but with temperament I'd expect in a JRT (zero lack between thought and action 🥹 and there were times I thought only one of us would be left standing, and it wasn't clear which one of us. I have to realize I don't have the strength or the energy to do that again. My next buddy will hopefully be something small and scruffy. Hapy New year, love, Rikke