Great Danes

Great Danes

Wednesday, August 17th, 2011

The Great Dane is a big dog that often has no concept of his size. One family fashioned a cowbell on their Dane so they could hear him coming. There was not an aggressive bone in him but when he galloped full bore towards you he’d brush past enough to knock you sideways if you weren’t ready for him!

This is a giant of a breed with a gentle heart. They’re a clown that is the inspiration for Marmaduke cartoons with the impression of power in television and movies. Danes have been immortalized by the likes of Scooby-Doo and in movies such as The Patriot, The Swiss Family Robinson, Good Boy! Pluto and Goofy are said to be inspired by Great Danes.

They’re dignified yet can be goofy. Their very size demands early training and discipline to be calm, loving adults. Gibson, a harlequin, is 42.2 inches and 170 pounds – when he stands on his hind legs he’s seven feet tall!

The Great Dane is noble and elegant and a true giant of a dog. They have a history dating back over 400 years where they were used for boar hunting. A dog resembling a Dane was found in materials dated to 1211 B.C. The Great Dane is believed to trace to the Irish Wolfhound and English Mastiff as parent breeds, for the purpose hunting of a fast, powerful and savage foe. Along with hunting for boar they were also used for deer hunting.

By the breed standard they are powerful and smooth muscled with a spirited attitude. The males must be over 30 inches and over 32 inches are preferred as long as he is balanced. This leaves a dog that can be 150 pounds without being fat! Counters are head high to them. A smooth but thick coat that shines with good care is ideal.

The Danes come in several colors including brindle, fawn with black mask, blue, black, harlequin and mantle. A harlequin is a pinto pattern of black and white while the mantle is “collie marked” in black and white. This is a breed that strides out level and powerful and is friendly. They shouldn’t ever be timid or aggressive. The ears may be cropped or uncropped.

Their giant size means massive growth as puppies that is a challenge to feed. Too fast growth can cause problems with joints while too slow isn’t good either. Several health issues can face the breed and are serious enough to warrant attention.

The Great Dane is the #1 breed in statistics for bloat, which is the leading killer of this beautiful breed. It is imperative to feed several small meals per day and restrict exercise immediately afterwards to keep the stomach from filling and twisting. If a twist occurs it causes the dog excruciating pain and he will die in hours without surgical care. This cannot be stressed enough – prevention is much much better than dealing with a dog in crisis. Preventing these giants from drinking large amounts of water is another recommended tip.

Hip dysplasia and hypothyroidism also affect Danes as well as cardiomyopathy. All three of these are genetic and can be tested for to eliminate breeding dogs that will pass the disease on. Cataracts can affect the breed as well as bone cancer and lymphoma. Wobblers or CVI is another serious disorder that results from pressure on the spinal cord in the neck area. Dogs appear unsteady or ‘drunk’. HOD – hypertrophic osteodystrophy is a painful disorder resulting from rapid growth. Panosteitis is another disorder that can cause lameness during the growth phase.

The Great Dane needs a fenced yard but keep them away from landscaping as they are apt to rearrange it! Due to their size they should not be left alone with children. Although Danes are not mean dogs their size and playfulness can injure children as well as smaller pets. They are people orientated but do need consistent training from puppyhood! Their size alone deters many problems and they shouldn’t be taught to be aggressive.

This is a breed that can be expensive due to the large size and everything from beds to dishes is bigger! If socialized they love people with one Dane owner putting a bell on his dog so there was warning of him coming. The dog was not a bit mean but his size brushing past people could knock you down!

This is a breed that can live 8-10 years and more than one child has climbed up on a Dane to ride them as a small horse. Most dogs take such things in stride but again – the size if playing or wrestling can hurt a small child without ever intending to.

A good diet is critical for these dogs not only in quantity but quality. This is an active breed that loves to run but should do so only in controlled situations. They are not typically barkers without a reason to bark.

When taking on a Dane remember that many people are afraid of large dogs. Be responsible enough to keep your Dane home where he belongs. Fawn Danes in particular are at the mercy of unethical hunters in the fall and more than one Dane has lost his life simply wandering in the woods. In urban areas the dangers can be even higher. Don’t take the chance of losing a great dog for lack of a fence.

Training is not an option but a requirement! They MUST know their place in the pack order (and always below humans!) and firm, consistent handling is key to establishing this. Allowing a Great Dane to dominate a household means someone will get hurt or killed sooner or later, a situation in which both people and dogs lose. It is also one which is preventable. The Great Dane is an intelligent dog that wants to learn and wants to do the right thing – it is up to his owners to teach him what that is!

As of 2007 the world’s tallest dog is a Great Dane. The Great Dane is the official dog of Pennsylvania and the team mascot at the University of Albany. A Great Dane has been a member of the South African Navy and the breed is prominent in Ginga: Nagareboshi Gin.

Among the fans of the Great Dane is Burt Ward, famous as “Robin” in the Batman series of the 1960s. He and his wife have a home that gives Great Danes a second chance and 3,000 Danes have found homes since 1994.

The Great Dane is a big dog that is a great dog in the right hands with the right handling. They need a home that is willing to be firm enough to teach manners and discipline but compassionate enough to bolster them and help them be the bold, outgoing adult they are capable of being.

The Dane will give you his heart and his life if need be. Make sure your time with him is worth that kind of devotion!

David Beart is the owner of the Professors House [http://www.professorshouse.com]. Our site covers family related issues from raising children to feeding dogs [http://www.professorshouse.com/pets/dogs/dog-nutrition.aspx], relationships to cooking.

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Dog Breeds – the Great Dane

Thursday, August 11th, 2011

Everybody knows that Great Danes are one of our largest dog breeds. Not only do they have a lot of height, but they have a lot of love to give too and they are very devoted to their owners. They are a breed that really appreciates human contact and companionship. They couldn’t be more happy than to spend the entire day with their adopted family! Wow can these dogs grow big! An average Great Dane will be seven meters high when they stand on their back legs – so it is possible for them to rest their front limbs on your shoulders and give you a nice slobbery kiss! In terms of weight, you can expect around 170 pounds – this won’t be a doggy that you can carry around in your handbag!

So long as they receive obedience training from an early age, Great Danes don’t have to be feared by small children, who can feel a little intimidated by them on first meeting. They actually love children so you shouldn’t have any concerns about bringing such a dog into your family home. Often called ‘gentle giants’, the Great Dane will grow surprisingly quick from birth, but then falls into a slow phase and taking up to three years before they fully mature. Like we mentioned before, their favorite pastime is being with you and the rest of the family – they will literally be on your heels whatever you anticipate to do. Although perfectly happy to be indoors with their owners, they should have the option of a large backyard to stretch their limbs and bounce around freely.

It doesn’t stop at a big backyard either – you have to remember that due to their size and weight, they have a lot of power and can easily topple a fence or gate over if they were to simply lean against it. A strong fence and barrier from the outside world is a must for their safety and your security. Never leave them out in the garden if they don’t have a sheltered area from sunlight and bad weather conditions. These giants need a lot of water and so, do yourself a favor and buy a good size drinking pot and always fill it with fresh water throughout the day. What else are you going to need to buy for your new friend? – Lots of toys of course! They can be a little hyperactive, especially as puppies and will need a lot of toys to entertain themselves with.

Big dogs slather and drool a lot, which can be a major drawback to some people. If you don’t think you can live with this or handle the occasional drool in your slippers – then a Great Dane might not be the best choice of dog for you – it is however a minor issue with a dog so wonderful and kindhearted. Another important point to make is that they get very lonely when left without good company – it would be ideal if you have a lot of free time for them.

Despite having a large frame, they can be very susceptible to injuries and exercise will need to be kept fairly calm. Don’t prompt them to jump around too much or take part in strenuous/lengthy activities. One thing is for sure – any potential intruders on your home will have second thoughts if they know what breed of dog is kept behind that gate – and when they sense a stranger approaching they can create a terrifying bark or growl!

Grooming is quite low maintenance in Great Danes who have short hairs. Brushing or combing once a week will benefit them though, stimulating a good blood circulation and bringing essential nutrients to the skin and coat. It is good advice to ‘try before you buy’ when it comes to Great Danes because all though they are incredibly good natured, they can be demanding on your time. Visit a breeder and ask to spend some time with their dogs to get a feel for their behavior and needs – otherwise congratulations on choosing a Great Dane, they really are a spectacular breed!

Article by Kelly Marshall of Oh My Dog Supplies, your top source for stainless steel dog bowls online.

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Great Danes – the Gentle Giants

Monday, August 1st, 2011

Great Danes - The Gentle Giants

The Great Dane is known as a gentle giant. It is a huge dog, but very sweet, affectionate and kind. Great Danes absolutely love to be around people and make great pets. This dog is a low maintenance dog compared to other breeds.

The origin of the Great Dane is not entirely clear. Some people believe Great Danes originated from the German Bullenbeisser dogs which were used for hunting wild boar. However, other people believe that they came from breeding a Greyhound with an English Mastiff. The Dane is often called the “Apollo of Dogs”.

The Great Dane is a very large, muscular dog. The average height of these dogs is 30 to 34 inches for males and 28 to 32 inches for females. Most of the dogs weigh between 120 to 200 pounds for males and 100 to 130 pounds for females. People tend to like the larger dogs of this species. The Great Dane comes in several different colors, including fawn, brindle, blue, black, mantle harlequin and merle. Merle is not a recognized color though. The largest recorded Dane is in the Guinness Book of Records as the world’s tallest dog. “Gibson” measured 42.2 inches at the shoulders!

The ears of the Great Dane are usually cropped in the United States. This is not as common in Europe and is even banned in some other countries. If the ears are not cropped they will hang down.

This dog is extremely kind, sweet, dignified, spirited, brave, friendly, affectionate and is great with children. They are very intelligent, strong dogs who are loyal and protective of their owners. The Dane doesn’t bark that much and is not aggressive. However, this dog needs to have obedience training when young so that you can manage it when it gets big. The Dane tends to like to lean on people and needs to be taught not to do that because it could knock people over, especially children. This breed can be fairly difficult to train.

Most large dogs have slow metabolism problems and the Great Dane is no exception. Another problem that this dog shares with large breeds is bloat. This is a very painful twisting of the stomach. It is not that common but does affect Great Danes. If it is not taken care of quickly, the dog will die. Some people have the dog’s stomach tacked to prevent bloat. Great Danes also have problems with hip dysplasia, dilated cardiomyopathy and congenital heart diseases. This dog usually does not live very long; most only live to be 10 years old.

This dog does the best if it has a large yard to exercise. While it is inside it is not very active, so it could be kept in an apartment if it was brought out regularly for exercise. It needs to be walked daily.

The Great Dane doesn’t require much brushing but you should use dry shampoo when needed so that you won’t have to give the dog a bath. Bathing this dog can be very difficult because of their size.

Although this dog is very sweet and loving, it does need lots of training when young so that it doesn’t become difficult when it gets larger. It also needs exercise every day. Make sure you can give this dog all it needs before purchasing one.

Michael Russell Your Independent guide to Dogs

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Thinking of Getting a Great Dane?

Tuesday, July 26th, 2011

Dane

Families with very small children should probably not get a Great Dane. These gentle, yet massive dogs may unintentionally knock toddlers down and hurt them. Adults too, need to be aware of the power in a wagging tail belonging to a happy Dane.

In spite of the huge size, they are incredibly docile dogs. Unhappily, like all giant breeds of dogs, they do not live long enough, it’s not uncommon for them to fail to reach double figures. Notwithstanding their size, according to the AKC, life in a large flat can suit a Great Dane quite well. They are not as high energy as most other breeds, but despite their couch potato ways, daily exercise is important. In spite of their size they are usually very gentle, devoted and loveable, making an excellent companion for both families or individuals.

Great Danes are low upkeep pets, with easy to manage coats. However, vets fees can be high and insurance companies may exclude more from the policy than they do with other breeds. Vets fees may be minimised by careful selection of a good knowledgeable breeder to get your dog from, and the use of good quality foods of the right kind. These dogs enjoy going for walks and cavorting in the yard. They are considered a giant breed of dog, yet they are as gentle as they are large, and hence are often referred to as gentle giants of the dog world. usually, affectionate with family members and self-confident with strangers. The Great Dane has a stable, easy-going nature, preferring to lounge on the couch near a beloved one to almost any other pastime.

Their physical and mental combination is the feature which gives the Great Dane the loftiness possessed by no other breed. Great Danes are not large, they are giants, only the Irish Wolfhound stands taller. The dog has an air of self-esteem and grandeur, but it also enjoys to romp and play. Great Danes are highly sensitive compared to other breeds. They can read the body-language of their owners so exactly that it seems as if their inner attachment to human beings is stronger than anything else. Great Danes are powerful, with a lean figure and smooth appearance. The ears on their long, rectangular heads are unfortunately often cropped into tall points.

These dogs are giant, powerful, yet very elegant and noble animals. They can weigh between 120-200 pounds as a male, and the females can weigh between 100-150 pounds. Unfortunately Great Danes are not a healthy breed although the majority of problems can be minimised by excellent nutrition and avoidance of accidents. Although large they are surprisingly fragile animals. Like other large breed dogs they commonly have medical problems related to their large size. The most common problems to which they are prone are hip dysplasia and bloat, the latter of which can be minimised by placing the food dish on an elevated platform at an appropriate height for the size of the dog, spacing meals throughout the day, and avoiding exercise immediately after meals. Feed them small meals. Contrary to their appearance, they can die from over-eating, and it’s called gastric torsion. Familiarize yourself with the location and routes you can take to get to an emergency facility if your regular clinic is closed. Confer with your vet well in advance about all aspects of your dog’s treatment – including tubing, surgery, and after care.

Puppies of all breeds learn quickest when they are youngest – so don’t wait to start training. This breed is not the same as a golden retriever – they are not always the breed you want playing ball in the back yard with your kids. Also puppies need care, primarily because their rapid growth rate makes them injury prone. In fact you can do your puppy a favour by feeding with high quality food, and avoiding calcium supplements. This will help your puppy to grow slower. Puppies are normally fed 4 times a day decreasing to twice a day between 4 to 6 months. Puppies should appear lean; some ribs should be visible but shouldn’t appear emaciated. After about a year they’ll start to flesh out but the last rib should still be fairly visible.

Discuss an appropriate exercise program for young Great Danes with your breeder and a vet, and make sure a young Dane receives plenty of training. As I said earlier these dogs are intelligent and reasonably easy to train. They are usually aiming to please every chance they get. In fact, training is essential, especially training Great Dane puppies not to pull on their leash. Great Danes are a beautiful breed of dog and are very social and lovable, not mediocre dogs in any respect. They require above average commitment to train and care for them the right way. Breeding of Great Danes however is best left to an expert. Both for the sake of the dog and it’s eventual owner.

Keith Wheeler is a dog lover who runs a primarily informational website about dogs. To take advantage of the hints and tips there and also discover the best deals for your dog requisites why not visit his site at http://www.k4canines.com

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Responsible Great Dane Ownership

Friday, July 22nd, 2011

dane training

Great Dane training can be challenging but also extremely rewarding. The challenging part comes when they have done something wrong and you really should be mad at them but they are so doggone charming.

Owning a big dog is truly a perspective altering experience. Great Danes have a unique character with tons of personality. Their size can be very intimidating – the instinctual hunting practices of a Great Dane include using their massive body to slam down their prey. That is a good enough reason to be serious about training your dog.

Training your gentle giant is best accomplished through simple steps to ensure the dog understands what you are asking of him. Once the requested command has been completed acknowledge your dogs obedience, let him know that it is in his best interest to do what you want – not what he wants.

If the occasion arises, which it will, that your dog is not responding how you would like getting mad is not a productive Great Dane training technique. If you can stay calm and find a way to communicate with your dog you will be successful.

Before expecting your dog to be a best friend it is important to establish a mutual respect for one another. Respect him for who he is and insist on him respecting you by setting clear limitations.

Speaking to your dog is not necessary all of the time. They are watchers. They have the ability to process information and make educated decisions. Show them what you want before a request is made. These guys can be very smart but without proper direction they have no basis to make good decisions from.

You have come to the right place if you want to learn about Great Dane training.

Webbdog Enterprises
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Great Dane Dog Training

Friday, July 15th, 2011

Don’t compare your Great Dane with any other dog. Physically, Great Danes are huge. At times, they act like any other smaller lap dogs. What makes them very lovable is that they have several pleasant characteristics. They can be obedient provided that you equip them with the appropriate dog training.

The Great Dane is full of courage and spirit. This breed needs to be surrounded by people so you should teach him how to behave accordingly. He can be both a guard dog and a domestic pet. His behavior ranges from being pretty quiet and laid back but can turn into a bull whenever he needs to protect you. Thus, it is your responsibility to train him.

At a tender age, you should employ the necessary dog training techniques for your Great Dane. Take a look at the following: Remember the importance of puppy training. Separation anxiety often affects the puppy. Thus, be able to let him feel that he is loved and cared for. Give him a safe place to stay. Introduce him to his own play station, toilet, and the likes. He should differentiate the parts of his own home so that his behavior would be curbed.

Let him socialize with loud and quiet babies, male and female dogs, and other animals. You should introduce him to both the quiet and noisy activities so that he would not turn aggressive when there is a sudden change in his environment. As he grows older, give him simple instructions. Repeat them over and over again until he becomes familiar with it. Be consistent in instilling discipline in him. Reward him when he has done something nice and punish him only when it is needed.

It is vital that you let your Great Dane feel that he is accepted and secured. He would love you more if you somehow assure him that you also love him. Remember that dog training, when done the right way, shapes a pet’s attitude towards other people and towards you as his master.

Learn how I was able to do boston terrier potty training with a few dog training secrets.

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Great Danes – Their Origin and Temperament

Sunday, July 10th, 2011

great dane

The origin of Great Danes, like that of many other varieties of dogs, is so obscure that all researches have only resulted in speculative theories. But the undoubted antiquity of this dog is proved by the fact that representatives of a breed sufficiently similar to be considered his ancestors are found on some of the oldest Egyptian monuments.

A few years ago a controversy arose on the breed’s proper designation, when the Germans claimed for it the title “Deutsche Dogge.” Germany had several varieties of big dogs, such as the Hatzrude, Saufanger, Ulmer Dogge, and Rottweiler Metzgerhund; but contemporaneously with these there existed, as in other countries in Europe, another very big breed, but much nobler and more thoroughbred, known as Great Danes.

When after the war of 1870 national feeling was pulsating very strongly in the veins of reunited Germany, the German cynologists were on the lookout for a national dog, and for that purpose the Great Dane was re-christened “Deutsche Dogge,” and elected as the champion of German Dogdom. For a long time all these breeds had, no doubt, been indiscriminately crossed.

The Great Dane was introduced into this country spasmodically some thirty-five years ago, when he was commonly referred to as the Boarhound, or the German Mastiff, and for a time the breed had to undergo a probationary period in the “Foreign Class” at dog shows, but it soon gained in public favour, and in the early ‘eighties a Great Dane Club was formed, and the breed has since become one of the most popular of the larger dogs.

The Kennel Club has classed Great Danes amongst the Non-Sporting dogs, probably because with us he cannot find a quarry worthy of his mettle; but, for all that, he has the instincts and qualifications of a sporting dog, and he has proved himself particularly valuable for hunting big game in hot climates, which he stands very well.

Respecting the temperament of the Great Dane and his suitability as a companion writers have gone to extremes in praise and condemnation. In his favour it must be said that in natural intelligence he is surpassed by very few other dogs. He has a most imposing figure, and does not, like some other big breeds, slobber from his mouth, which is a particularly unpleasant peculiarity when a dog is kept in the house. On the other hand, it must be admitted that with almost the strength of a tiger he combines the excitability of a terrier, and no doubt a badly trained Great Dane is a very dangerous animal.

It is not sufficient to teach him in the haphazard way which might be successful in getting a small dog under control, but even as a companion he ought to be trained systematically, and, considering his marked intelligence, this is not difficult of accomplishment.

It pays to learn more about Great Dane training and other aspects of Great Dane care. Rich Cussons is a dog expert with a passion for helping dogs and their owners.

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Great Dane Puppies – Where to Buy and What to Expect

Tuesday, July 5th, 2011

Great Dane puppies are adorable, and it’s no wonder that they so popular, but remember these tiny little puppies will eventually grow up to be very large dogs. Be prepared for a big rollicky dog, as Great Danes weigh between one hundred and one hundred thirty pounds when fully mature.

We just want to make sure you know what you’re getting yourself into. At around thirty to thirty two inches tall the Great Dane will loom large over small children. And, although this breed is large, they do have a good natured temperament and are very safe around kids.

Two phrases that often describe Great Danes, and do so very well are-”smart” and “easy-going”. And because people tend to gravitate towards breeds that are like them, if you’re a laid back brainiac then choosing a Great Dane puppy is simply the perfect choice for you.

When it comes to looking a breeders be sure to get all the information you can about them and about the puppy that you’re selecting, especially if you’re dealing with them online, which has become so popular in our modern age. Unfortunately, there are puppy mills out there and unlicensed breeders as well so beware and do your homework, we don’t want anyone inadvertently contributing to cruelty to animals, that’s for sure.

Thankfully, Great Dane puppies actually don’t bark all that much, which is great if you like your peace and quiet. This breed was originally bred to be guard dogs, so if you’re looking for a guard dog, this is also a great pick for you.

Danes are very loyal and very obedient (when trained properly), and this has partly to do with how they have been bred slowly over time, with these qualities having been encouraged through breeding only the most loyal and obedient dogs.

The Great Dane breed was originally registered as a breed in 1887 in an American kennel; however similar looking dogs (call them cousins) have been in existence for many centuries, to be sure. Danes range in color from black, to blue, to fawn colored. For a larger dog they have a fairly long life span, generally in the range of twelve to thirteen years. Most likely, this stems from the fact that these dogs are so trim and active. Other large breeds, like St. Bernard’s, for instance, live much shorter lives.

Even though Great Dane puppies are somewhat genetically “programmed” to be obedient, they still need to be taken to obedience school, every puppy needs to be taught how to fit in with humans, it’s just the way the world works. And remember your dog will be one of the smartest in the class.

My name is Kevin Highfill. Please visit my site at http://www.online4pets.com/ to discover more information about Great Dane puppies.

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The Great Dane Loves Bully Sticks

Monday, July 4th, 2011

Recognized as one of the giant dog breeds, the Great Dane is a dog which demands respect and admiration for its exceptional beauty and stature. These dogs are almost instantly recognizable due to their great size although they are not particularly heavy dogs, as one would expect. Their beautiful physique has earned them the nickname, ‘Apollo of Dogs’ and the fantastic personality of a Great Dane has made them an incredibly popular dog with many families due to the abundance of love, affection and friendliness they give to their family.

According to statistics, a male Great Dane will be at least 34 inches in height, with the average Dane measuring at close to three feet in height. How their physique develops with primarily depend on his or her gender; for example, a male Dane can complete all phases of his development within three years, whereas a female Dane will completed development within just 12 months or even less. Great Danes will remain as puppies for around 18 months and after this period of time, owners will witness a great change in their Danes’ mental and physical maturities in the 10 months that follow.

As with all dog breeds, it is imperative that a Dane is provided with a healthy diet and regular, proper exercise. Their diet should be consistent, with dog food portions being measured and monitored, according to his or her current age and weight in order to promote good health. It is essential that a Great Dane maintains a healthy weight as underweight Danes can become vulnerable to sickness and disease, whereas an overweight and unhealthy Dane will have an increased risk of heart diseases and uncomfortable bloating.

Due to their large stature, Great Danes require plenty of room in with to run and play. As puppies, a Dane requires a great deal of exercise and stimulation in order to keep him fit and help eliminate boredom. Taking him for long walks, playing games such as catch and fetch and providing him with various dog toys and dog chews will all help him develop and remain occupied. These sorts of activities are also great for helping to teach your Dane obedience, good behavior and will also help to strengthen the bond between master and dog. As they are able to interact with children well, Great Danes make for an ideal family pet. Similar to children, Great Danes possess curious and trusting characteristics meaning that they are welcoming to children in the home. If you have children, it is important to teach them how to handle your Dane correctly but due to their great temperament, this type of dog will not become aggressive unless provoked.

By being provided with vast amounts of love, affection and a combination of regular exercise and a great diet, a Great Dane can live to be up to 8 years old. However, if a healthy lifestyle is followed, some Danes can even live to be up to 12 years of age. With the correct love and affection, these dogs can become a loving addition to your family a fantastic companion for children and adults alike.

By Justin Elmakis – Benefits of the Bully Stick all natural dog treats include being a 100% all natural source of protein, a healthy dog treat, and the stick promotes clean teeth with healthy gums. If you have any additional questions or would like more information on Bully Sticks, dog toys or organic dog food, please contact us at (804) 477-6033 or visit http://www.bestbullysticks.com.

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Things to Remember When Training a Great Dane

Friday, July 1st, 2011

great dane training

Now that you have decided to get a Great Dane, the next thing for you to do is to train him. Training a dog such as a Great Dane is not an easy thing to handle considering this breed’s size and personality. If the dog owner is equipped with the right training tips, training objectives will possibly be achieved. Below are some things to remember when training your Great Dane.

- A Great Dane is a large dog but has gentle temperament and friendly nature. Dominance issues and aggression occur in rare cases.

- Walking and running exercise is good for them.

- Despite their size, you do not have to own a house with a wide fenced yard to accommodate this breed. They can manage life in an apartment quite well.

- This breed should be feed with foods that contain the right balance of protein, carbohydrates, fatty acids, vitamins and minerals. Too much protein may cause health issues such as bloat.

- Start socializing your dog at an early age. Well-trained dogs are friendly and properly socialized.

- Use positive reinforcement training techniques. Great Danes are gentle dogs and may not respond quite well to cruelty or harsh training techniques.

- Correct behavior problems as soon as it occurs. Behavior problems are difficult to correct if not addressed immediately.

- Even if you do not have children, perhaps you will have in the near future. So better get your puppy used to the loud behaviors of children. Take him in the park to meet other people’s kids.

- Make sure that the puppy is protected with up to date immunization especially when taking him to areas where he might contract a disease.

- Make training periods short but enjoyable. Dogs have short attention span and are easily distracted. Training should be enjoyable and interactive to prevent them from getting bored and to keep their minds working.

- Use training tools such as crate, leash and collar. There are various types of training tools for you to choose from, choose the one that suits your dog’s needs and personality. Just remember to use these tools properly. Misuse of any of these tools may mean danger to your dog.

- Reward your dog. The purpose of the reward is to let your dog realize that what he did is correct and you are expecting him to do it again. Giving him his favorite treat or toy will do.

These tips may seem so simple and insignificant but if followed, will surely help you in training your dog.

Richard Cussons is a writer and a dog expert. Visit greatdanesavvy.com for great information about Great Dane breed and Great Dane training tips.

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