My Dog Training Secrets 

Great Danes are a beautiful breed of dog and are very social and lovable. They are loving, gentle, and at times pretty silly. These dogs are happiest when surrounded by loved ones. In fact, they have a reputation for making themselves too much at home. Often known as a "giant breed" because they can be over 36" at the shoulder and can weigh over 150 pounds, although the average is about 130 pounds, Danes can be about 6' tall when on their hind feet. Although they are large dogs, their average lifespan is from 8 to 12 years of age.

This breed is stately, gentle, elegant, and affectionate and show their strength and power. They are always friendly and reliable, yet spirited and brave. Great Danes are truly wonderful companions for the "right" people under the "right" circumstances.

Being people orientated, sensitive, intuitive and slow to anger they thrive on human company and make good watchdogs. Great Danes are muscular, with a lean build and smooth appearance. The ears on their long, rectangular heads are often cropped into tall points.

Great Danes are dogs for children of all ages. They are devoted and gentle, in spite of their enormous size and strength, almost human in their ability to size up a situation and more than human in sensing danger to the ones they love and protect. They are great family dogs, but their short lifespan can be troubling. Danes are generally well-disposed toward other dogs, other non-canine pets, wild animals, and humans (including strangers and children). However, some dogs have dominance issues, are aggressive with other dogs of the same sex, or chase small animals.

Despite their size, according to the AKC, life in an apartment can suit a Great Dane quite well. They are not as high energy as other breeds, but despite their couch potato ways, daily exercise is important. In spite of their intimidating size, Great Danes are very gentle and will only show anger when provoked. Though it is a large dog, it should not always be kept outside or in a kennel.

Training your Great Dane - Great Danes are strong dogs, powerful in fact, but their pronounced demeanors are complimented by their amazing grace and noble stature. They are of average intelligence in the dog world but they are usually very responsive to verbal commands due to their emotional makeup. They respond well to firm commands but not to overly stern commands. Danes are just too powerful to let them get away with stuff like growling or leash pulling. In fact, training is essential, especially training Great Dane puppies not to pull on their leash.

A pack of 3-5 can bring down a full grown black bear, which is what they were bred to do. Great Danes are easygoing and trainable. They are sensitive to training, however, and should be treated with positive actions.

Since Great Danes are not natural retrievers you don't want to teach them that it's okay to chase down and tackle your children. These dogs learn through consistency and repetition, with love and positive reinforcement. The adults in your household must assume the role of pack leader in order for your puppy to grow up secure and confident. Puppies are normally more rambunctious than adults and hence he can damage the things of the household if not under regular supervision. Great Dane obedience training when they are puppies is a must as they weigh more and grow rapidly.

Great Danes are not a typically healthy breed. They are susceptible to some conditions like bone disease. Their bone structure is often flimsy and may break down under the heavy weight thrust upon it.

When they wag they slam their tails against any and all objects at tail height and can cause their tail to split open and bleed. Danes are also prone to hip dysplasia and bloat, the latter of which can be prevented by placing the food dish on an elevated platform, spacing meals throughout the day, and avoiding exercise immediately after meals.

Great Danes are giant dogs that combine nobility with robustness and power with elegance. They are kind and sweet and make wonderful family dogs and good watchdogs when well trained. In the home and around the yard, you’ll find them uniquely gifted with mental and physical strengths. Great Danes are active, fun-loving dogs that make great companions!