Prepare for unexpected vet bills
Central Asian Shepherds are large, self-assured dogs that developed as guardians to sheep and goats in Central Asia and also served as protectors for home and hearth. They are generally a very intelligent dog breed with a great deal of confidence. Many of these dogs were later bred as fighting dogs as well and can be quite aggressive towards other dogs and even people that are strange to them. Although they are known for being territorial, they also tend to be predisposed to kindness towards children and the elderly.Â
Many pet parents enjoy taking their dogs with them when they go camping, as they can provide warmth, security, and companionship. A confident and well-socialized Central Asian Shepherd typically makes a great camping companion. Their thick, heavy coat protects them from harsh weather conditions, and they tend to be calm and collected while in the campground. It is important to remember when camping with your dog that they will need to be your constant companion throughout the trip and should never be left at either the campsite where they may encounter unfriendly or diseased wildlife or in the car, where temperatures can quickly cause this breed to overheat.Â
As livestock guardian dogs, Central Asian Sheepdogs are naturally somewhat territorial, and with their large size, intimidating appearance, and sheer strength, these dogs can pose a threat to intruders and guests alike if they do not have proper socialization or are left untrained. There are several ways to help ensure that your dog remains friendly, respectful, and pleasant towards your guests, an important skill for a guardian dog to have. The training techniques that can be employed to make your canine companion more comfortable and sociable towards guests are the same for all dogs, regardless of their size or breed.Â
The Central Asian Shepherd breed, like other large and giant-sized canines, are more likely than other dog breeds to develop joint problems such as hip dysplasia and arthritis than many other dog breeds. The activity of swimming is an excellent way to ensure that your dog gets a good cardiovascular workout without the additional stressors on the dog’s joints. This activity also strengthens the muscles that surround the joints, allowing them to be better supported as they age and on occasion can even help slow the damage for dogs that have begun to show signs of hip or joint problems.Â
While some Central Asian Shepherds have been shown to be aggressive, others are known to be disposed to gentleness, particularly in regards to children and the elderly. These traits, combined with the breeds confidence and calm behavior make them ideal therapy dogs when they are properly socialized.
This breed was developed with protection in mind, and one way to help ensure that the urge to protect is properly utilized is to train the dog with regards to when and how to use force for the maximum effect and minimum damage.Â
While Central Asian Shepherds are large animals, they are not particularly active, so they may not require quite as much exercise as other canines. The activities that are listed here speak to the dog’s natural proclivities as well as helping to address certain character traits that may be less than desirable in a large, powerful dog. Â