Large breeds: where to leave your big dog while you travel
Having a large dog makes finding a sitter more complex. We tell you what to look for, what to avoid and how to find the right place for your XL companion.
If you have a Labrador, a Golden, a German Shepherd, a Husky or any large dog, you know that arranging who takes care of them when you travel is more complex than for small dogs. They need more space, eat more, and many sitters do not accept XL dogs. This guide helps you find the best option.
Why it is harder to find a sitter for large dogs
There are three main reasons:
- Space: in the City of Buenos Aires, many people live in apartments. A Mastiff or a Saint Bernard does not fit comfortably in a studio.
- Physical handling: a 35kg dog pulling on the leash is hard to control for someone who is not used to it.
- Sitter costs: they eat more, take up more space, generate more poop. Sitters adjust their rate for that.
The good news: there are specialized sitters for large breeds. You just have to know where to look for them.
What your large dog needs
Physical space
Ideally, a house with a yard or large balcony. If there is no yard, at least a spacious apartment (not a studio) with good ventilation. Your dog needs to be able to stretch out, walk around, not be cramped.
Long and consistent walks
Large dogs (especially active breeds: Labradors, Border Collies, Shepherds) need at least 1 hour of physical activity per day. Confirm that the sitter can offer that. If they only do short walks to the corner bench, it is not enough.
Expert handling
Look for sitters who have or have had large dogs. They know how to put on a leash, how to handle pulls, how to tell when a large dog is playing or getting nervous.
Sufficient quantity of food
A Labrador eats 400-500 grams of kibble daily. For a week that is 3-4 kilos. Bring the correct amount and a little extra. If your dog eats homemade food or BARF, calculate the daily portions.
The 3 modalities for large dogs
Option A: sitter at their home with yard
The best option for many large dogs. Look for sitters who mention:
- House with yard or garden
- Experience with large breeds
- Availability of long walks
It is usually the most comfortable modality for dogs that need space.
Option B: in-home sitter (at your home)
If you live in a townhouse or a spacious home, it can be ideal. Your dog stays in their place, with their yard (if you have one). The sitter stays with you for whole days or sleeps over.
It is especially good for:
- Very senior dogs
- Dogs with mobility problems
- Multiple large dogs (moving 2 German Shepherds to another house is a mess; caring for them in their own is natural)
Option C: traditional boarding
A professional boarding service with adequate facilities (individual or group kennels, play area) can work for some cases. Features vary a lot between boarding services - if you go down this path, visit the place in person before and look at how they handle large dogs specifically.
What to ask before booking
- "How many large dogs do you take care of at the same time?" - more than 3 at the same time is a lot for one person.
- "How many daily walks and how long?" - minimum 2 walks, one long of at least 30 min.
- "Do you have experience with dogs that pull on the leash?" - key if your dog is not perfect at this.
- "How do you handle encounters with other dogs on the street?" - some large dogs are reactive, important that the sitter knows how to handle it.
- "What do you do if my dog does not eat in the first days?" - the stress of the change can take their appetite away at first.
Things to keep in mind about insurance and liability
If your dog has any history of biting or being reactive (not necessarily "aggressive", just reactive in certain situations), always mention it before booking. It is not to scare the sitter: it is so they take the right precautions and you do not have legal problems if something happens.
On Woof, all bookings go through our platform with backup. If you need more information about our care policy, write to support.
On cost
Each sitter sets a daily rate by dog size (small, medium, large, giant). When you select your dog when making the booking, the system takes the rate corresponding to the size you uploaded in their profile. The general range on Woof mostly moves between ARS $12,000 and $15,000 per day without fee (~ARS $13,500-$16,800 with fee); rates for large and giant dogs are usually in the high band or a bit above, depending on the sitter. More detail in the rates article.
If you leave more than one dog in the same booking, the total adds up the rate of each one according to its size - the platform does not apply automatic discounts.
The first drop-off: especially important for large dogs
Arrive with time (30-40 minutes). Things to do:
- Walk together for a while (you, the sitter and the dog). It lets the sitter connect with the dog while walking and you stay calm seeing how they get along.
- Show the gear you use: harness, anti-pull collar, muzzle if applicable.
- Set up the space they will use to sleep: blanket from your home, bed, their spot.
- Agree on daily photo/video: especially important with large dogs, you stay calmer seeing them happy.
Breeds that deserve special attention
Some large breeds have very specific needs. If you have:
- Husky / Malamute / Akita: they need a lot of exercise and cool temperatures. In summer, avoid extreme heat hours.
- Mastiff / Saint Bernard / Great Dane: giants but usually calm. They need to be able to stretch out and do not require so many rounds.
- German Shepherd / Belgian Shepherd / Border Collie: ultra active and intelligent. Without stimulation they get bored and become destructive. Look for a sitter who gives them games and mental work.
- Labrador / Golden: in general adaptable and easy. But they eat a lot - control the portions.
In summary
- Large dogs need more space, more walking and more handling.
- Look for sitters with specific experience with large breeds and adequate physical space.
- In-home care is ideal if you have a spacious house with a yard.
- Costs: they can be a bit higher than for small dogs depending on the sitter, but accessible comparing options.
- Always do a previous visit, especially if it is a new sitter.