Are you thinking about breeding a Great Dane or purchasing a puppy? We’ve put together a fantastic post today with a ton of information about what to look for in a breeder, and what testing should be done.
There are four tests recommended by the Great Dane Club of America. These tests should be completed on both the dam and the sire prior to breeding, and the dog being tested should pass all of these with good or excellent results.
The four tests are heart, hips, eyes, and thyroid. It is unethical to skip any one of these tests for any reason.
What Health Tests do Great Danes Need For Breeding?
Heart Echocardiogram
The heart should be evaluated with an echocardiogram prior to breeding to rule out heart disease and congenital heart defects.
This is a non-invasive test that will give the veterinarian and a board-certified veterinary cardiologist a good idea of the size and function of the heart.
Cardiac screening is one of the most important tests a breeder can do for the health of the puppies and the dogs being bred. A healthy heart is absolutely necessary for a Dam experiencing pregnancy and whelping, and for the stud, too!
Not only is this helpful for the health of the dogs being bred, but the test results can help rule out DCM (Dilated Cardiomyopathy), heart murmurs, and other genetic or environmental heart problems seen in Great Danes.
Heart disease is a top killer of Great Danes.
Hips X-Ray
There are two acceptable forms of hip testing, which can help rule out hip dysplasia. PennHip (which is more comprehensive) and OFA Hips.
Both of these tests are done by x-raying the dog’s hips and then submitting the x-rays to a board-certified veterinary radiologist for interpretation. Anesthesia may be required.
The radiologists will examine the images of dogs’ hips and rate them fair, good, excellent, or normal.
The results of these tests will be given as a “hip score.”
OFA Hip tests should not be completed in Great Danes prior to age 2. Some breeders choose PennHIP testing, as it will provide preliminary results (prior to age 2) that can be helpful in determining the course of a breeding program.
Great Danes should NEVER be bred prior to age 2, and the final hip results that count towards a CHIC # (see below) cannot be completed until after age 2.
Hip dysplasia is a painful condition that has many environmental factors, but can also be genetic.
Dogs with a genetic link to hip dysplasia are more likely to suffer from environmental factors (such as poor nutrition) that affect the hips and elbows.
Eyes Examination
An eye exam should be performed by a board-certified veterinary ophthalmologist prior to breeding.
This is a non-invasive test that will evaluate the health of the eyes and rule out any genetic eye problems.
A quick look of the eyes by a veterinarian is not a proper OFA Eye Certification. The dog must be seen by the ophthalmologist and undergo a series of tests.
Thyroid Testing
The thyroid should be evaluated with a blood test prior to breeding. This is a simple blood test that will assess the function of the thyroid gland and check the levels of thyroid hormone in the blood.
Thyroid disease is relatively common in Great Danes and can cause a variety of health problems. It can also be genetic and should not be passed on to puppies.
Thyroid testing is a simple, inexpensive health test that can go a long way toward reducing the genetic incidence of the disease.
Genetic Screening for Great Danes
In addition to basic OFA health testing mentioned above, diligent breeders should also be focused on the pedigree and eliminating common genetic disorders such as DCM, cancer, entropion, aggression, bloat, wobblers, blood clotting disorders, and degenerative disease.
If a dog is bred without the breeder being aware of the genes carrying certain diseases into the offspring, there is a much higher chance that the puppies will be affected.
There are genetic tests available to rule many common disorders out, however, a deep dive into the health and genetics of the pedigree in a breeding program can be insightful as well!
Color testing is especially important for breeders who want to avoid the accidental creation of double-merle Great Dane puppies.
Double Merle Great Danes are often born deaf, blind, or both. They are also at a higher risk for other health issues. Color testing can eliminate the chance of this happening.
Of course, there are many other diseases and conditions that can be passed onto puppies. For this reason, good old-fashioned pedigree research is key.
This is a time-consuming but important task for any breeder. Reducing the chance of health conditions can ensure that the dogs produced are able to live a long and healthy life.
Knowing the health history not only of the parents but of the grandparents, great-grandparents, and even further back can offer a pretty good idea of what health concerns may be lurking!
Some common congenital problems that may be seen in a study of the pedigree include Von Willebrand’s Disease, wobblers, Addison’s disease, and dilated cardiomyopathy among others.
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What is OFA?
OFA stands for the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals.
It is a non-profit organization that was founded in 1966 with the goal of reducing crippling hip dysplasia in dogs. Since that time, it has grown to include health testing recommendations for other genetic disorders, too.
The OFA offers health screening and certification services for a variety of conditions in many different breeds of dogs, in addition to a public database for breeders to share the results.
When responsible breeders complete the recommended health tests, they can log the results into the searchable OFA database for others to find.
A proper OFA exam is not the same as a “vet check!”
OFA health tests have specific practices and additional paperwork outlined for each. A veterinarian will be able to direct you towards booking the correct appointments.
Some veterinarians will offer OFA Clinics at AKC Dog Shows to make it easier for breeders to book and complete appointments.
A CHIC number is awarded todogs that have OFA certification for all of the recommended or required health tests.
Some health tests (such as cardiac screening) may need to be repeated yearly or prior to breeding, depending on how much time has passed and how dedicated the breeder is.
It’s important to note that a CHIC number can still be awarded, even if the dog did not pass the health screenings.
Make sure to look at the results of the registered health tests before deciding on the breeder you want to work with.
The CHIC number aims to ensure that at minimum, breeders are obtaining full health testing for their dogs.
A CHIC # paired with outstanding test results is a badge of honor.
We recommend supporting ethical breeders who are wanting to eliminate health issues in the pedigree through diligent health testing and by obtaining CHIC #’s for their dogs.
It’s easy for breeders to make health claims about their puppies based on anecdotal evidence, but having actual test results speak volumes.
Fully health-tested dogs are much less likely to pass painful or deadly disorders and conditions onto puppies.
Because Great Danes are a giant breed dog, health testing is even more important!
The lifespan of a Great Dane is reduced by genetic disorders.
Good breeders are working to turn those statistics around.
Health Test Excuses
Some breeders will make excuses for why their dogs are missing health tests.
For example, they may say that hip, heart, or eye testing is unreliable and puppies may get the disease even if the parents were fully tested, so it’s pointless.
Or they will tell you that their dogs have a long health history with no problems and don’t need more tests.
Worst of all, they will tell you that they don’t have access to proper testing because OFA veterinary clinics are too far of a drive.
If we dig deeper into that statement, what we are hearing is that the breeder may not have quick access to quality veterinary care for the dogs being bred in the first place. That’s unfair and potentially deadly to the Dam and the puppies.
Many show breeders will travel several states over to prove their dogs in a show ring. A 2-4 hour drive to find an OFA veterinarian should not be a barrier for anybody who wants to ethically breed dogs.
In our honest opinion, there is no legitimate excuse. Exceptional breeders who care about the breed will fully OFA test their breeding stock prior to breeding. It’s that simple.
Great Dane laying down outdoors next to her puppy.
Backyard Breeding
Many backyard breeders are friendly and have beautiful websites and cute puppies. However, don’t be fooled!
If a breeder claims to have health certifications and ‘genetic screening’ results but doesn’t have any specific test names or numbers to match up with those claims, they are likely not being truthful.
Remember, a veterinary check or EMBARK study is NOT health testing!
In order to verify the validity of a breeder’s health claims, you should always look up their dog’s test results on the OFA website.
The breeder’s kennel name, the dog’s registered name, or their registration number should be all that is needed.
If they are missing tests (heart, hips, eyes, thyroid), have poor or fair test results, or aren’t registered at all, RUN! This is not a breeder you should support.
How Much Does it Cost to Health Test a Dog For Breeding?
The cost of health testing a Great Dane for breeding purposes can range from $500-$2500, depending on the number and types of tests being done, in addition to the local cost of living.
Some tests (such as cardiac screening or thyroid) need to be repeated every 1-3 years.
Great Dane puppies from healthy, properly tested breeding stock are more likely to live long and robust lives. Those puppies will continue to pass on their good genetics, too!
Good breeders are worth every penny that they charge, as they are dedicating a lot of time, effort, and money to their breeding program.
Hold your Great Dane breeder to a higher standard! Look for breeders that participate in the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals CHIC program, whose Danes are family members first, and who will support you and your healthy puppy for life.
The Great Dane personality is unlike any other dog! From a young age, a Great Dane puppy has dog breed characteristics that none other demonstrate!
Do you have a Great Dane? If so, you know that they are one of the most unique dog breeds out there. They are known for their giant size and sweet personalities. But what else do you need to know about them?
GREAT DANE PERSONALITY: WHAT DO GREAT DANE OWNERS NEED TO KNOW?
Giant breed dogs are often known for being “gentle giants.” But the Great Dane takes this to a whole new level! They are not only gentle, but also incredibly sweet, loving, and loyal. If you are thinking about getting a Great Dane, or already have one, here are ten things you need to know about their personality:
Great Dane temperament
Great Dane life span
Great Dane health problems
Are Great Danes good with young kids?
Getting large dogs from reputable breeders
Where were Great Dane dogs originally bred and what were they bred for?
Are Great Danes active?
What items are necessary for large and giant breeds?
Do Great Danes require a lot of management, training, and work?
GREAT DANE TEMPERAMENT
The Great Dane is a large and majestic breed of dog. Also known as the “gentle giant,” these dogs are calm, loving, and make great companion animals. Despite their large size, Great Danes are known for being gentle and good with children. In this blog post, we’ll explore everything you need to know about Great Dane temperament, from puppyhood to adulthood.
GREAT DANE PUPPY TEMPERAMENT
Great Dane puppies are notoriously cute and cuddly. They are also full of energy and mischief! It is important to begin training and socialization early with your Great Dane puppy, so that they grow up to be well-behaved adult dogs. Without proper training and socialization, your Great Dane puppy may become anxious or aggressive as they grow older.
ADULT DOG TEMPERAMENT
As adults, Great Danes are calm and gentle giants. They make great companion animals and are usually good with children. However, due to their large size, it is important to teach your children how to properly interact with your Great Dane. For example, they should not be allowed to jump on or pull the dog’s tail.
TRAINING AND SOCIALIZATION AS A GREAT DANE PUPPY
Getting a Great Dane is no different than other animals in that you must start your obedience training as soon as possible. Other dogs will grow much slower than your large breed puppy and adult Great Danes can be huge and overpowering. It is crucial to start your training before you have a 130+ lb adult Great Dane that you cannot control.
GREAT DANE RESCUE CAN IMPACT GREAT DANES TEMPERAMENT
Rescuing a Great Dane is always a positive and heartwarming story, but you should ask a lot of questions. Many giant dogs in rescue have endured trauma, been neglected, or worse. As a result, they may have issues with anxiety, aggression, or even PTSD. Be sure to do your research and ask the rescue organization lots of questions before you commit to adopting a Great Dane.
Contrary to popular belief, Great Danes are not naturally aggressive dogs. With proper training and socialization, they can be mellow and loving companion animals. However, without proper care, they may become anxious or even aggressive as adults. If you think your Great Dane is showing signs of aggression, it is important to consult with a professional trainer or behaviorist for help.
ARE GREAT DANES GUARD DOGS?
Great Danes can make excellent guard dogs because of their large size and intimidating bark. However, in order for them to be effective guard dogs, they must be properly trained. Without proper training, a Great Dane may become scared or even aggressive when strangers come around.
The Great Dane is a large and majestic breed of dog that is known for having breed characteristics of being calm and gentle. With proper training and socialization from an early age, these dogs can make great companions for families with children. However, without proper care, they may become anxious or even aggressive as adults. If you think your Great Dane is showing signs of aggression, it is important to consult with a professional trainer or behaviorist for help.
GREAT DANE LIFESPAN
If you are thinking about getting a Great Dane, or already have one, you might be wondering how long these gentle giants typically live. Unfortunately, due to their large size, Great Danes don’t have the longest lifespan compared to other breeds, but with responsible breeding and care, they can definitely enjoy a good quality of life. In this blog post, we’ll discuss some of the factors that influence a Great Dane’s lifespan as well as some tips on how to help your furry friend live a long and healthy life.
One of the main things that affects a Great Dane’s lifespan is responsible breeding. When breeders are not careful about health issues and genetic defects, it can shorten a dog’s lifespan quite dramatically. If you are thinking about getting a Great Dane, make sure to do your research on reputable breeders who can provide you with healthy puppies.
Once you’ve brought your puppy home, it’s important to take them to the vet for regular check-ups and vaccinations so that they can stay healthy and catch any problems early on.
Another factor that can influence a Great Dane’s lifespan is backyard breeding. This is when people bred their dogs without taking into consideration health or temperament issues. As a result, these dogs often have shorter lifespans and more health problems. If you have a Great Dane that was backyard bred, it’s important to be extra vigilant about their health and take them for regular vet check-ups. Even though they might not live as long as responsibly bred Great Danes, you can still help them enjoy a good quality of life by providing them with proper care.
Great Danes are also prone to certain health problems that can shorten their lifespan. Some of the most common health problems include hip dysplasia, heart disease, bloat, and cancer. While there is no guarantee that your dog will never experience any health problems, you can help them by feeding them a high-quality diet and making sure they get plenty of exercise. If you think your dog might be sick, it’s important to take them to the vet right away so that they can get the treatment they need.
Of course, the biggest factor in determining how long your Great Dane will live is the life you give them. If you provide them with plenty of love, proper nutrition, exercise, andvet care, they will enjoy a long and happy life. On the other hand, if you neglect their needs or abuse them, their lifespan will be shortened considerably. So if you want your furry friend to stick around for awhile, make sure to give them the best life possible!
There are many factors that go into determining your dog’s age and how long a Great Dane will live. From responsible breeding to adequate exercise and nutrition, there are many things YOU can do to help your furry friend enjoy a long and healthy life! The life span of a Great Dane can continue to grow as pet parents become more and more educated.
GREAT DANE HEALTH PROBLEMS
GREAT DANE HEALTH ISSUES
As a Great Dane owner, it’s important to be aware of the potential health problems that your dog may face. Great Danes are a giant breed, and as such, they are prone to some health issues that other dogs don’t have to worry about. Here are some of the most common health problems in Great Danes, and what you can do to help keep your dog healthy and happy.
HEALTH ISSUES IN FEMALE GREAT DANES
One of the most common health problems in female Great Danes is pyometra, which is an infection of the uterus. Pyometra can be life-threatening if not treated promptly. Signs of pyometra include increased thirst, urination, and appetite; vomiting; diarrhea; and weight loss. If you notice any of these signs in your dog, take her to the vet immediately. Treatment for pyometra typically involves surgery to remove the infected uterus.
Great Danes are also susceptible to mammary tumors, which are tumors that develop in the mammary glands. Mammary tumors are usually benign (non-cancerous), but they can sometimes be malignant (cancerous). The best way to prevent mammary tumors is to get your dog spayed before she reaches sexual maturity (usually around 6 months old). If your dog does develop a mammary tumor, it will need to be removed surgically.
One of the most common health problems in male Great Danes is cardiomyopathy, which is a heart condition that can be both congenital (present at birth) or acquired (develops later in life). Cardiomyopathy can lead to heart failure and death if not treated promptly. Signs of cardiomyopathy include exercise intolerance, shortness of breath, fainting/collapsing, and an enlarged heart on x-ray. If you notice any of these signs in your dog, take him to the vet immediately for treatment.
Great Danes are also susceptible to testicular tumors, which are growths that develop on the testicles. Testicular tumors are usually benign (non-cancerous), but they can sometimes be malignant (cancerous). The best way to prevent testicular tumors is to have your dog neutered before he reaches sexual maturity (usually around 6 months old). If your dog does develop a testicular tumor, it will need to be removed surgically.
A Great Dane can be prone to some eye and cardiac issues such as cardiomyopathy, eye problems like Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) and Cherry Eye. It’s important to get regular checkups if you have a giant dog.
Some problems in the Great Dane dog breed are genetic. If you are bringing a giant dog into your home, you should research the health problems that are specific to the breed, and talk to your veterinarian about what you can do to prevent or manage them. Then, make sure to invest time into finding a breeder that health tests their dogs to eliminate potential health issues from their lines.
HELP TO CREATE A HEALTHIER DOG
As a Great Dane owner, it’s important to be aware of the potential health problems that your dog may face. Great Danes are a giant breed and as such they are prone to some health issues that other dogs don’t have t worry about However by being informed and knowing what signs t look out for you can help ensure that your Great Dane lives a long healthy life Despite their size Great Danes are gentle giants full love And with proper care they make wonderful lifelong companions
ARE GREAT DANES GOOD WITH YOUNG KIDS?
Lots of people are looking for a big dog to join their family. A dog that will protect them, be a best friend and provide lots of love. But when you have young kids, it’s important to find a breed that will also do well with little ones.
BASIC OBEDIENCE COMMANDS AND SOCIALIZATION
It’s important to socialize your Great Dane early on so that they are comfortable around different types of people and situations. This will help them to be more relaxed and less likely to startle easily as they grow older. If you have friends or family members with young children, invite them over often so that your pup can get used to being around groups of kids and learn how to behave appropriately.
Crate training is a fantastic way to help keep your dog safe from kids or other dogs, strangers, visitors, or chaos in your home. Even though your Great Dane may have a gentle nature, they may be overwhelmed when a guest visits, and a crate is the best place for them when they are feeling stressed. Some Great Danes prefer sleeping in their crate as they find it a safe place!
GREAT DANES SHOULD BE RESPECTED BY KIDS AND VICE VERSA
Just like a Great Dane should always respect kids, you should teach any children interacting with your Great Dane to respect your Great Dane!
This means not being too loud or overwhelming with their energy around your dog, as well as not pulling on ears or tails, and always asking an adult before giving your dog a hug or a kiss. If kids learn to treat your Dane with respect, your Great Dane will love them just as much as they love any other family member!
Just like other breeds, the Great Dane needs training to become a well rounded dog. But because of their size, it’s important to start training early on and be consistent with it throughout their life. A dog trainer can help you with specific commands, as well as socialization and crate training.
As with any breed of dog, there are always going to be exceptions to the rule. So, even if a Great Dane comes from a long line of dogs who have been great with kids, there’s no guarantee that your dog will be the same way. That’s why it’s important to always supervise your pup around children—no matter what breed they are.
WHERE WERE GREAT DANE DOGS ORIGINALLY BRED AND WHAT WERE THEY BRED FOR?
Great Danes were originally bred in Germany during the Middle Ages. They were bred by German breeders to be breeding dogs and hunting dogs, and their large size was perfect for taking down large prey. Luckily for them, they were strong and fast: the perfect boar hounds. However, over time they became more popular as family pets and their hunting days were behind them.
Back then, they were also known as a German Mastiff and used to hung wild boar. Now they are not only no longer a German dog, but also no longer a hunting dog either.
With big mouths comes big, strong jaws. Invest in some toys that you may not be able to find at your local pet store, but will hold up for longer and suit your big dog better.
Training your Great Dane is the most important thing you can do! Invest in a dog trainer to help you with socialization, obedience, and crate training.
Great Dane personality traits can be difficult to handle if you’re not prepared, but with the proper training, your Great Dane will be a perfect family pet!
DO GREAT DANES REQUIRE A LOT OF MANAGEMENT, TRAINING, AND WORK?
Great Danes require a unique set of skills, knowledge and handling skills.
Unlike other dogs, the Great Dane is often more like raising a horse inside your house than a dog!
Their needs are different, their diet is different, their joints are different and therefore their exercise needs are different.
You’ll need to be prepared to invest a lot of time into management, training and work with your Great Dane, but it will be worth it when you see the amazing bond you form with your pup!
If you’re thinking of adding a Great Dane puppy to your family, you’ll want to make sure you’re prepared for the challenge! Learning how to care for a Great Dane puppy is easy and fun, but you must know this: Great Danes are not like other dog breeds!
These dogs are big and powerful, and they need plenty of the right kind of nutrition, exercise, and training. Today I’m going to walk you through everything you need to know about taking care of a Great Dane puppy.
What do I Need to Know About Raising A Great Dane?
Proper Great Dane care requires a little bit of research. The great news here is that you’ve made it to this blog post!
Great Danes make incredible family pets. They are gentle, loving, and protective of their people. But before you bring one home, it’s important to understand what goes into taking care of a Great Dane.
Adding toppers and bribery will only serve to unbalance their diet and encourage ‘picky eating’.
At this time your pup will be moving into the second stage of growth (the time when a well-balanced large or giant formula puppy food will be the most important thing).
If you MUST use a harness, stay away from restrictive no-pull versions that can damage movement and orthopedic health. The “Easy-Walk” harness is a common example of a bad harness that should not be used.
When your pup is ready, we recommend modern e-collar training which is incredibly freeing, positive and fun!
There are a lot of inexpensive beds on Amazon that often go flat and fall apart quickly. These beds do not support Great Dane joints and will need to be replaced often.
When choosing what kibble to feed your Great Dane, there are a few guidelines to keep in mind.
The food should be formulated by an on-staff board-certified Veterinary Nutritionist, DACVN (call the company and confirm)
It should be backed by intensive feeding trials and peer-reviewed and published scientific research, proving that they are experts in kibble formulation and puppy growth
Is manufactured by an established and reputable company, using their own facilities, and are willing to issue recalls to keep your pet safe (“No Recalls” is a red flag!)
Many enthusiastic pet parents get excited to feed their large breed puppy and start adding all manner of supplements and toppers such as raw egg, rice, sardines, bone broth, freeze-dried toppings or goat’s milk.
This practice is both largely unnecessary and may be disruptive to the nutritional balance of the food. Goat’s milk, for example, causes gastro-distress. Too many eggs can cause a biotin deficiency. Too much rice can fill the dog up so much that they don’t get the right amino acids and nutrients from other sources.
Many commercial ‘toppers’ and food items encouraged in ‘build a better bowl’ type marketing campaigns are overpriced revenue-generating nonsense.
We recommend a loose free-feeding schedule until 12 weeks of age. The trick with this is to not allow your dog to scarf food or overeat; habits that can lead to serious health problems. Offer 3 meals/day but let your pup graze on the food (or use some for training) between meals as well. Monitor intake: overfeeding is dangerous!
After that, offer 3 schedule meals each day and take the food up after 20 minutes. Don’t offer more than your dog can finish in that time, and closely monitor body condition.
Topping meals with same-brand canned food can reduce bloat risk and make meals more appetizing, without causing nutritional imbalance.
At 8-12 months of age, you can transition to 2 meals per day.
Encourage slow, stress-free eating. I like Royal Canin Giant formula food because the kibble pieces are huge to encourage chewing.
If your dog is resource-guarding their food, stop sticking your hands in the bowl. This outdated training technique encourages stressed eating and may increase bloat risk.
NEVER feed one large meal each day, as this will increase your dog’s risk of getting BLOAT, a deadly and common life-threatening condition in large dogs. Smaller more frequent meals are best.
Great Dane Puppy Food Myths
Some people are still promoting the idea that Great Dane pups should never be fed puppy food and that the food must be low in protein.
Neither of these concepts is rooted in science. They are based on anecdotal evidence from a time when well-formulated puppy foods were NOT available to correctly support the growth of giant breed dogs.
15+ years ago, adult food was the safer choice, and low protein foods generally had better calcium and phosphorus ratios. It had nothing to do with the protein itself, though, at the time nobody knew that.
These ideas, at one time, justifiably made sense. Giant puppies grow extremely fast and over-nutrition is related to knuckling, HOD, panosteitis, and other orthopedic physical health and growth disorders.
By limiting the nutrition, breeders were able to effectively limit their run-ins with painful growth problems.
The choice to feed adult food was heavily promoted despite the fact that adult foods don’t have the complete nutrition that large breeds (including Great Danes) need to support muscle development, skin, and coat health.
A sacrifice had to be made to ensure that their bones didn’t grow too quickly.
Many teenager Danes (5-24 months) on ‘adult’ foods will overeat to try and get enough protein, fat, and calories.
This often results in chronic loose stools and a lanky body condition with very little muscle tone. I believe that most adult foods starve them of the nutrition they need to thrive.
The great news here is that it’s 2022 (or beyond!) and established dog food manufacturers have used science to graciously solve this problem for us. Dane puppies can now have research-backed puppy food AND still grow slowly so their joints develop properly.
As a matter of fact, board-certified Veterinary Nutritionists believe that Great Dane dogs should be on puppy food until 18-24 months of age.
Let’s put these large breed food myths to rest.
If you planon choosing a food that is not formulated by a board-certified Veterinary Nutritionist (common examples include Fromm, Diamond, Victor, Costco, and 4Health), it may be safer to choose the adult formula for your puppy.
These foods are not backed by dedicated growth and development research or qualified formulation professionals and aren’t ideal, to begin with.
Fromm – formulated by a chemical engineer
Victor – formulated by a guy with an online certificate in dairy cattle nutrition
Diamond / 4Health / Taste of the Wild / Costco / Nutranuggets – co-packed brands under the same parent company with canned recipes that may or may not have been looked over by an off-site consultant who has marginal credentials.
Purina – multiple board-certified veterinary nutritionists, M.S. and Ph.D. professionals with advanced degrees in animal nutrition, food science, and quality control are on staff to formulate and research the foods.
Royal Canin – over 400 professionals with top degrees in nutrition, veterinary nutrition, and nutrition science
Hill’s Science Diet – same as Purina & Royal Canin (see a pattern, yet?)
If you are interested in modern health and nutrition science and want high-quality food that was formulated by qualified professionals and then proven in feeding trials for the growth of big dogs, we recommend the following brands and formulas from Purina, Hill’s, Royal Canin, Eukanuba, and Iam’s.
Notice, all of these are large or giant formula puppy foods:
Keep the puppies until at least 8 weeks of age, no matter what
Support you as the buyer for life
A good breeder will not breed aggressive or timid dogs or dogs that carry common genetic linked disorders such as bloat, DCM, wobblers, Addison’s, blood clotting, seizures, megaesophagus, IMGD, or otherwise.
The biggest step you can take towards ensuring your puppy is healthy for life is to be very choosy about your breeder.
Knuckling, HOD, and Panosteitis
As above, these painful orthopedic growth disorders are often a direct result of unbalanced, poorly formulated nutrition, overfeeding, and incorrect exercise (see ‘how to care for puppy joints’ below).
Knuckling in Great Dane puppies is when the ankles appear to “knuckle over” the foot. It is easily corrected with proper nutrition. Left untreated, it can lead to deformity and arthritis.
HOD is short for Hypertrophic Osteodystrophy, which is a disease that affects growing Dane puppies between the ages of four and eight months. It is characterized by fever, loss of appetite, stiffness, and pain. X-rays will often show a thickening of the long bones in the legs.
Panosteitis (AKA “Growing Pains”) is a condition that causes inflammation in the long bones of Dane puppies. It usually affects dogs between five and fourteen months old and manifests as lameness and pain that comes and goes.
All three of these orthopedic growth disorders are largely preventable with good breeding, feeding, and exercise practices. Additionally, they are treatable if caught in time.
Flat feet, downed pasterns, and cow hocks are other symptoms of growth, genetics, improper nutrition, or a lack of correct exercise. Make sure your pup gets plenty of off-leash play on soft, varied terrain and steer clear of breeders whose adult dogs don’t have exceptional structure.
The bottom line is that if you are feeding your puppy correctly formulated food, and exercising them properly (see below), they should not be as susceptible to these problems.
If you notice knuckling, stiffness, pain, or lethargy, talk to your veterinarian!
IS YOUR GREAT DANE PUPPY KNUCKLING?
Check out our science-based and constantly always growing knuckling resource page.
Puppy joints are very soft and susceptible to injury.
It is very important to avoid hard and slick surfaces whenever possible. Put runners down in your home, and avoid long walks on the hard pavement.
Better alternatives include free movement on grass, sand, gravel, hills, and other soft varied terrains. These things will strengthen joints, toes, and balance as well as encourage confidence.
Angular Limb Deformity is a common and painful disorder that happens when the large knobby growth plates are damaged by running, jumping, or injury. For many dogs, amputation or invasive and painful surgeries are the only way to move forward.
We know you are excited to have your new puppy as a running partner, but hold your horses!
Proper nutrition and exercise are key for taking care of your puppy’s delicate joints. Patience will pay off in the long run when your big puppy is more mature (around 18-24 months).
Great Dane grooming including nails and teeth are a few things that pet owners tend to neglect.
Teeth should be brushed daily
Nails should be trimmed weekly
Take advantage of your puppy’s enthusiasm and take the time now to make both of these things a matter of routine in your house.
Daily hair brushing can also help reduce dander, itching, and shedding in your Great Dane’s coat. We recommend using a SLEEK EZ tool. Do not use a “Furminator” as those tools cut the hair.
Practice handling your puppy all over, brushing your puppy, picking up each paw, and inspecting your puppy’s teeth. An adult Great Dane that wants to fight these things can and will, so make this a positive experience now while you can.
If you have a little bitey Great Dane gremlin on your hands, restrain the urge to use your hands to tap, shove, choke, or pinch your puppy’s mouth! These outdated training techniques are the fast track to making sure that your 140 lb adult Great Dane is resistant to handling.
For your Great Dane’s nails, use a Dremel! Tap each toe and offer a treat. Make this a fun, positive experience now while your puppy is still at a young age.
Regularly inspect your dog’s ears for signs of irritation or infection, too.
Socialization does not just mean going to the dog park or pet store or letting people squeal, hover, and handle your puppy.
As a matter of fact, these common ‘socialization’ exercises can be detrimental to their well-being and temperament!
Good socialization will be the foundation for all of your training exercises for years to come, so this is important. The single best piece of advice I can give you is this:
Make sure every experience is a good one.
That means that if you are going to introduce your puppy to new people, make sure those people know how to properly greet a puppy.
Set your pup up for success by making sure they can’t get into trouble or hurt themselves, but also have plenty of new experiences, smells, noises, and textures to explore.
Our favorite socialization exercise is the puppy playground! Grab a variety of interesting objects such as cushions, large balls, a kiddie pool, noisy toys, and household items and gather them in a large area.
Encourage your puppy to explore and play with all of the new things, and make sure to give lots of praise and treats!
This is a great way to get your pup used to different textures, smells, noises, and objects in a safe and controlled environment.
Positive reinforcement training is the best way to install new behaviors.
All puppies should be taught:
Acceptance of handling by veterinarians and groomers
Sit, down, stand
Wait
Leave it
Come
Place
Stay
Loose-leash walking/heel
We recommend finding a highly qualified trainer who uses positive + balanced training methods. Start attending classes now and continue through intermediate and advanced obedience!
The STAR Puppy and AKC Canine Good Citizen programs are fantastic ways to set goals for yourself. Consistent training will pay off in the form of calm, indifferent, friendly, and safe adult dogs in your home.
Large dogs require obedience training and lots of mental enrichment. Putting the time in beyond puppy class is a hallmark trait of responsible dog owners.
By nature, leashes and collars rely on physical restraint. This restraint can become impossible or dangerous with large adult Great Danes.
It is much safer and better for their mental and orthopedic health that they have good off-leash obedience.
Start training your large breed dog to be off-leash now!
In your living room, reward your puppy for looking at you, engaging with you, and walking next to you around obstacles in the house.
Outside, we recommend using a long Biothane leash and practicing recall in low-distraction areas such as empty lots and baseball fields.
Never scold your puppy for not coming when called. This creates superstitious dogs that do not come back.
Instead, make coming to you the most fun thing in the world!
Use praise, treats, and play to make coming back a positive experience.
A positive training program will produce positive results!
When your puppy can reliably come when called from 20 feet away in moderately distracting areas, it’s time to layer in a modern, positive e-collar so you can ditch the physical restraint.
Getting regular veterinary care for your puppy is an important part of responsible dog ownership.
In the first year, your puppy will need to see the veterinarian several times for a well-check, growth-check, vaccinations, and deworming.
After that, yearly well-visits are all that is needed!
Puppy Vaccines
It is extremely important that your puppy is vaccinated against common and often deadly dog illnesses such as Distemper, Parvo, and Rabies.
Your veterinarian will provide you with a vaccine schedule. Additionally, your breeder should have already begun the vaccination process.
Keep in mind that Rabies vaccination is legally required in many places.
Some breeders may encourage you to hold off on Rabies or Leptospirosis vaccinations until your puppy is more mature, especially if your puppy has had problems with orthopedic growth disorders. Only HEALTHY puppies should be vaccinated.
It is also very important that until your puppy is fully vaccinated, they not be exposed to places where diseases tend to be common. Positive socialization is VERY important, so we encourage you to take your puppy with you whenever you can.
However, it is smart to avoid pet stores, dog parks, and the floor of the veterinarian’s office as much as possible while your puppy is young.
Parvo, for example, is extremely contagious and deadly.
However, poor socialization can set a puppy up for a lifetime of stress, frustration, and anxiety. It’s important to find a safe, healthy balance.
Flea & Tick Prevention
Flea, tick, parasite, and heartworm prevention are important for all dogs.
Bugs and parasites bring with them diseases that can cause permanent damage to your dog.
You may have seen alarming blogs and media about dogs becoming sick and suffering seizures from flea and tick medications. While side effects are possible, it’s important to note that they are rare and often associated with other health problems. This kind of alarmist media is emotional and drives clicks and revenue, skewing our perception of the problem.
The reported side effects of veterinary flea and tick preventatives are minimal compared to the side effects associated with leaving your dog unprotected.
Parasites, including fleas and ticks, can cause devastating health problems such as Lyme’s disease, malnutrition, anemia, Rocky Mountain Spotted fever, deadly heartworms, and more. Thousands if not millions of dogs suffer from these things every year, at an astronomically higher rate than the rare dog who has a severe reaction to preventatives.
There are many products on the market that can help you keep your puppy safe from these pests. Do not be afraid of preventatives, and beware of pseudoscience and clickbait media that teaches you otherwise.
Talk to your veterinarian about deworming, as well as which flea and tick products are right for your puppy and your area.
I personally use Bravecto and Sentinal, on the recommendation of our veterinarian. My dogs have had no side effects and I like knowing that I don’t have to shelter them from fun, enriching outdoor activities.
Finding a Veterinarian
It’s important to find a veterinarian whose opinion you value and trust.
Ideally, they have experience with giant dogs and understand their unique orthopedic, nutritional, and growth needs.
I like to find veterinarians who:
Are up to date on the current research and will support delayed spay and neuter for well-tempered giant breed dogs with responsible owners
A Great Dane’s life may be short, but there are things you can do to make it as long and wonderful as possible. Enjoy your puppy!
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If you’re the owner of a Great Dane or another giant breed dog, you may be wondering if neutering will get them to chill out. Does neutering calm a dog down? W
You’ll be surprised to learn that there are many other factors at play, and when it comes to neutering your Great Dane there is a lot to consider. We will dive into this today and give you some well-researched and much-needed advice!
Intact Dog Behavior
There are many behaviors exhibited by male dogs, and in some cases, it does not matter if they are intact or not. This will provide clues to whether or not neutering is right for your dog and if it might calm them down.
I’m going to outline each situation below!
Marking Territory
Many dogs mark their territory, including females! Entire male dogs tend to do this more frequently, but it is a behavior that can be seen in both sexes.
Males will also urine-mark when they are feeling anxious or stressed.
(Do you need help cleaning urine odor and marking stains out of your house? We recommend Skout’s Honor, it really works! I speak from personal experience. Buy on Amazon and have it in your hands super fast! Click here:)
This is their way of trying to feel more secure in their environment.
Neutering does not necessarily change this behavior, unfortunately, as for many dogs, it’s just part of their habits and routines.
If you are having problems with your dog marking territory indoors, there are products such as belly bands that, when paired with diligent supervision and training can help with this issue.
Humping is often seen as sexual behavior or dominance, but it’s actually more of an insecurity thing.
As a matter of fact, the relationship between “humping” and “dominance” is one of the most common myths in the world of dogs!
Dogs will hump other dogs, people, inanimate objects…anything and it’s not always related to sex, hormones, or dominance.
They do this to release stress, often caused by over-excitement, nervousness, or having a too-full bucket.
This means that your dog may be experiencing a form of anxiety brought on by over-stimulation, and humping provides a natural stress release. They learn pretty quickly that it feels good and helps them release tension, which makes this a self-rewarding behavior that is hard to eliminate.
Insecure dogs tend to exhibit this behavior most often. Puppies are no exception! They may be overwhelmed by the environment.
Depending on the cause, neutering your dog may reduce the frequency with which they hump, but for many dogs, it’s not a quick fix. Many pet owners are shocked when their neutered dog still humps.
The underlying cause of the behavior must be addressed first if you want your pet to stop humping. Unfortunately, sex drive and hormones have surprisingly little to do with humping.
Helping your dog build self-confidence will be much more effective at changing your dog’s emotional state than surgical castration.
That said, neutering does have benefits and should not be overlooked.
Hormones, including testosterone in male dogs, can absolutely lead to aggression and other undesirable or even dangerous behaviors.
As a matter of fact, same-sex aggression between male dogs, especially intact male dogs, is very common.
Many intact male dogs may be fantastic around dogs and people, but he can smell an intact male a mile away. Their hackles may immediately go up at the perceived threat. The hormones start flowing and they can definitely become protective, or defensive of their space.
Displaying dominant and rude behavior towards other intact male dogs is a common problem associated with delayed neutering! It doesn’t mean that the dog is aggressive, he’s really just hormonal and acting on basic biology.
A lot of times, the reduction in testosterone level following the procedure helps to settle their minds. Neutering is an important step in any behavioral treatment program, especially for dogs who encounter other male dogs often.
Fear Aggression
Many dogs, however, are experiencing fear-based aggression. Some information suggests that hormones can cause dogs to be more timid or fearful than they would be otherwise.
Here are some common examples of this behavior:
Resource guarding (fear of losing something)
Reactivity (fear of being hurt)
Escalated fear-based aggressive reactions caused by triggers such as rude children, punitive training, or abuse
Reactivity is a common form of aggressive behavior that can easily be caused by preventable situations. Reactive dogs are often just having a hard time dealing with something in the environment.
For example, a dog may be reactive because they are on a leash and cannot properly greet dogs and people without feeling trapped. The added pressure on their restraint device (collar, harness, etc.) escalates their feelings of frustration, especially when they are around other dogs that may be showing defensive or aggressive body language.
Some dogs are reactive at the fence line for similar reasons.
That said, it’s important to realize that there are other factors at play when it comes to aggression in dogs. Neutering is not a magic bullet that will make all aggressive behaviors go away.
As a matter of fact, some studies have also shown that neutering may increase fearful and aggressive behavior in dogs with poor temperaments.
We recommend working with a highly qualified canine behaviourist to implement safe management and address your dog’s behavior if you are seeing aggressive tendencies.
Neutering your dog is only one thing to consider.
They will be able to evaluate what role hormones have played in the development of the behavior or aggressive tendencies and will be able to advise on the benefits or drawbacks of neutering.
Testosterone & fear
It’s also important to note that some people cite increased aggression after neutering their dog!
Emerging research indicates that dogs who are neutered prior to maturity (a very common practice) may actually exhibit unwanted aggression towards other dogs or people.
More research is needed, for sure. You should not be alarmed, however. While this type of behavioral change has been documented, it is unlikely that it will happen to your dog.
We do believe, however, that for health reasons related to orthopedic structure and bone growth, large and giant breed dogs should not be neutered until they are 18-24 months of age. (More on this topic below).
The benefits of waiting are currently being studied and the results look promising! Increased self-confidence and less risk of orthopedic disorders are just some of what researchers are learning.
As always, the underlying cause of a dog’s behavior should be of utmost importance; fearful and timid dogs are often that way because of genetics, and no surgical procedure is likely to fix that.
Male Dogs Chasing Female Dogs
Of course, the biggest problem with keeping an intact male dog in your house is mating!
Intact male dogs are often fixated on female dogs in heat. They will hound them relentlessly, trying to get to them in any way they can.
Their hormones will be raging; this behavior is natural biology at its finest. The humane society and other rescue organizations promote spay and neutering as a way to reduce and minimize the impact of accidental pregnancies.
Many rescue organizations offer low-cost spay and neutering programs to the community.
This mating behavior can also, unfortunately, result in broken fences, holes dug under the fence, and even physical injuries if your dog gets into a fight with another dog while he’s trying to mate.
This behavior can also be dangerous for the female dog if your male is not properly trained and supervised around her while mating.
Adolescent dogs who are immature and new to the business of making babies may be needlessly frantic and rough while mating and could hurt the female.
Many owners find it easiest (and safest) to just neuter their dogs to avoid all of these problems.
Not only that, but accidental pregnancies mean puppies. Puppies must be kept together as a litter for eight weeks; this can be time-consuming, exhausting, and expensive.
Pet owners have a responsibility to keep their intact female dogs safe from other male dogs, especially while they are in heat.
Those who own intact male dogs have an even bigger responsibility to ensure that their dog is well trained, not running off, under control, and if necessary, neutered to reduce these unwanted behaviors.
Intact male mating behaviors
If you have an intact male dog who is becoming frantic, you may have a female dog in heat nearby.
Here are some common behaviors that an intact male dog may exhibit when a female dog in heat is nearby:
Drooling
Panting
Pacing
Whining
Barking
Low appetite, including losing weight
Acting ‘out of control’
Jumping fences
Breaking through walls and doors
Escaping their crate
Running away
Even the most well-trained dogs may lose their minds over an intact female!
If you have intact dogs in your home living together, these behaviors are often more pronounced.
Worst case, your dogs could tie and make puppies. It only takes a few seconds of unsupervised access for a tie to happen, and at that point, it will have been too late.
Dogs have been known to tie through fences and diapers, so don’t be complacent!
When a male and a female dog “tie”, they are connected and cannot be separated for a short time, often as long as 30 minutes.
The male’s penis swells inside the female, locking them together.
If this happens, do NOT try and separate them!
Leave them alone and call your veterinarian for advice.
In most cases of accidental mating, the puppies are not coming from exceptional, fully health-tested parents, and the most ethical and responsible thing to do is to seek veterinary advice as soon as possible.
A routine spay abort may be recommended to eliminate unwanted pregnancies, especially when the health of the female or the puppies is at stake.
The ONLY prevention from accidental puppies is several degrees of separation.
If you have a female in heat who is living in your home with an intact male dog, we highly recommend neutering the male or boarding him until her heat cycle is completely finished.
Accidental pregnancy is often complicated, not to mention unethical in the context of full animal shelters and when compared to truly thoughtful breeding.
Dogs that are neutered tend to be less fixated on females in heat and are less likely to engage in these types of behaviors.
Does Neutering Calm a Dog Down?
In short, neutering can help with certain behaviors but it may not be a cure-all for everything.
It’s important that you understand the pros and cons of neutering before making a decision for your dog.
Neutering can have some health benefits, such as a reduction in the risk of testicular cancer, but it also has some risks.
These must be weighed against the behavior problems that neutering may help to solve, including the risks associated with an accidental pregnancy.
We often see Great Dane owners, desperate for relief from their bouncy, strong 8-month-old male who has suddenly become aggressive or started resource-guarding food.
You may notice a common theme here, though.
While testosterone levels can fuel these behaviors, the root cause often lies in genetics and training.
Depending on the individual dog, neutering may or may not help calm them down at all. Many times, a highly qualified canine behaviourist is needed.
How to calm a dog down
Here are some more effective ways to calm your crazy dog down, whether they are neutered or not!
Many dogs with crazy behavior are actually just bored or not well trained! If you want to help your dog calm down, encourage calm behavior with positive reinforcement, daily training, and a lot more enrichment.
The Benefits of Neutering
One of the major benefits of neutering is that it completely eliminates the chance of accidental pregnancy.
Dogs that have been neutered are much less likely to be driven by hormones, and as a result, will not freak out or attempt to get to intact or newly spayed females.
Male dogs that are neutered tend to be less aggressive and more relaxed overall, especially when their behaviors have been fueled by a combination of genetics and testosterone.
Neutering can also help with certain types of behavior problems, including roaming, urine marking, and humping. However, as above, the root cause of a dog’s behaviour must be addressed first.
Health Risks in Neutered Dogs
Many studies are showing the benefits associated with keeping male dogs intact, especially if they are large or giant breed.
This is where the behaviour, hormones, neuter, and common myths discussions become even more complicated.
Neutered dogs have:
Increased risk of osteosarcoma bone cancer (when neutered before 1 year of age)
There are valid and researched reasons for responsible dog owners to keep well-tempered male dogs intact.
What is the Best Age to Neuter a Dog?
This one is actually a hot-topic debate.
Veterinarians will offer differing opinions and advice on this one, and sometimes it depends on the owner too!
Responsible owners can safely keep a well-bred and well-mannered dog intact through maturity or beyond.
Many owners, however, cannot.
You can take a quick walk around any municipal animal shelter and see the results of these failures.
For this reason, many veterinarians recommend neutering at or before 4-6 months. They will draw a hard line in the sand and may not even see pets who are still intact.
Other veterinarians will take a different approach and welcome responsible dog owners who wish to delay spaying and neutering.
Talk to your veterinarian. The important truth here is that NO veterinarian, even those who support delayed spay and neuter programs, will be supportive if you are not a dedicated and responsible dog owner.
Responsible dog owners:
Train their dogs well
Socialize their dogs well
Keep their dogs in excellent condition (including teeth and nails)
Don’t allow their dog to become overweight
Seek regular veterinary care, including yearly well-visits
Keep their dog’s vaccines up to date
Use flea, tick, and heartworm prevention as advised
Don’t breed dogs that aren’t fully health tested and proven as excellent examples of their breed
Research in neutering
Emerging research indicates that male dogs in particular should remain intact until maturity. For large and giant breed dogs, this can mean 18-24 months of age or later!
It is believed that keeping male dogs intact through puberty can help reduce the risk of:
Hip dysplasia
Arthritis
ACL/CCL tears
Poor overall substance
Timid and fearful behavior
More research is definitely needed here, but there is a lot to be said for keeping testosterone levels intact while large and giant breed dogs are still maturing.
The Neutering Procedure
You may be curious about what to expect, so I’ve outlined some common Q&A about neutering your dog below!
Pre-Op Bloodwork and Wellness Check
Before scheduling your dog for a neutering procedure, your veterinarian should perform a physical exam and pre-op bloodwork.
This is to make sure your dog is healthy enough for anesthesia and surgery.
Dogs who have a heart murmur or heart disease, who are obese, or who have a genetic link to blood clotting disorders, DCM, wobblers, bloat, or other health problems will have an increased risk of complications during surgery.
Dogs that have been eating a grain-free, home-cooked, or boutique diet should also have an echocardiogram prior to surgery, as unbalanced nutrition can lead to deadly heart problems which can complicate surgery.
Neutering is a quick and relatively simple procedure.
Your dog will be given a general anesthetic and often a local one as well.
The testicles are removed through a small incision in the scrotum. The sack will be left; it will eventually shrivel up, however, this process may take weeks or months.
The incision is then stitched closed. Neutering takes about 15-20 minutes and most dogs wake up quickly after surgery.
Scrotal ablation
Sometimes your veterinarian may recommend scrotal ablation, in addition to neutering.
This is a procedure where both the testicles and the sack are removed.
This is a much more invasive surgery, however, aesthetically it may be preferable if you have a large or giant breed dog who has reached or passed maturity.
What to expect after neutering
Your veterinarian will send you home with pain medication and antibiotics. Your dog will likely be coming home the same day as the procedure and will be loopy, tired, and possibly disoriented.
The incision site should be checked daily for any signs of infection, swelling, or excessive redness.
Most dogs feel a little groggy after surgery but are back to their normal selves within a day or two.
Some may experience mild nausea and will not have much of an appetite. This is NORMAL and should not be cause for alarm unless it persists for more than a day or two.
If your dog is acting lethargic, has a fever, or is vomiting excessively, please call your veterinarian!
If proper pain medication has not been administered, your dog may also show signs of pain including whining, restlessness, and drooling.
If this is the case, please call your vet!
You should also keep your dog calm and quiet for at least two weeks after surgery to allow the incision to heal properly. This means no running, jumping, or playing off-leash.
You must find some way to keep them occupied so they don’t get bored! This can be a difficult task, but it is crucial to their recovery.
CBD and other ‘holistic’ home remedies are NOT enough medication for humane surgical recovery.
It is important that your dog is truly pain-free.
We encourage you to follow your veterinarian’s advice for prescription pain relief and antibiotics, which have been proven safe and effective.
Common medications that are prescribed after neutering may include:
-Tramadol
-Gabapentin
-Rimadyl
-Metacam (Meloxicam)
Excess fluid following neutering
Large or giant breed dogs, especially those who are allowed to move and play too much following surgery may develop fluid that will build up in the newly emptied testicular sack.
This alarming and often painful condition can lead to infection and may require veterinary treatment. If you notice that the scrotum is becoming enlarged, red, or angry, please call your veterinarian!
Neutering healing time
Your dog should have absolutely no access to the surgical site, as licking can cause infections and delayed healing.
The incision should be fully healed within two weeks. Your veterinarian will advise you on when your dog can return to normal activity.
In general, small breed dogs recover quickly while large and giant breed dogs may take a little longer. In most cases, you can expect to resume normal activity within a month.
You should continue to monitor the incision site for any signs of infection or irritation. If you have any concerns, please call your veterinarian!
How to care for a dog after neutering
We highly recommend a surgical suit, which will be more comfortable for your dog and can help prevent them from licking the incision.
Other options include blow-up e-collars, which can be a little more cumbersome, or t-shirts (upside down so they can’t pull it over their head).
Whatever you choose, make sure your dog cannot get to the incision site!
Your dog may need to wear the surgical suit or cone for two weeks or until the sutures have dissolved and the skin is healed. Some dogs will require the use of both a surgical suit AND a cone!
If your dog is particularly insistent on licking the incision, talk do your veterinarian about sedatives.
Potential risks of neutering
All surgeries come with potential risks, which is why it’s so important to have a pre-surgical examination and echocardiogram prior to surgery.
The most common complications from neutering include:
– Bleeding
– Infection
– Swelling
– Pain
– Allergic reaction to the anesthesia or post-op pain medications
-Death from anesthesia-related complications
Fortunately, neutering is a very common procedure with a high success rate. A neutered animal is less likely to suffer from testicular cancer and much less likely to run away. The benefits of neutering should not be overlooked!
With proper care and monitoring, your pet dog will recover quickly and be back to its normal self in no time.
How much does Neutering Cost?
The cost of spaying and neutering will vary depending on your veterinarian, the size of your dog, and where you live.
In general, small dogs will cost between $200-$400 while large dogs will cost between $400-$600. Giant breed dogs may cost upwards of $1000. This may or may not include additional expenses such as a surgical suit, pre-op blood work, echocardiogram, or pain medications and antibiotics.
We understand that the cost of neutering may be prohibitive, so there are resources out there for people who cannot afford these costs.
You can check with your local humane society, SPCA, or animal rescue organizations to see if they offer any low-cost spay and neuter options.
Spaying or neutering is one of the most important steps any of us can take towards combatting the world’s huge problem with unwanted, poorly bred pets clogging the rescue system.
Not only does spaying and neutering help reduce the number of unwanted animals, it has health benefits for your pet!
Pictures of Great Danes are some of the most beautiful things captured!
Do you love Great Danes? If so, you’re going to love this post! We’ve collected a bunch of beautiful photos of Great Danes for your viewing pleasure. These dogs are absolutely stunning, and we hope you enjoy looking at these pictures of Great Danes as much as we enjoyed putting them together.
The Great Dane is one of the most beautiful of all pups. If you have a Great Dane dog you will know that they are a stunning view. Millions of people have captured their beauty on image and video while they explore off leash outdoors, play outside on a sunny day or just lounge around the house. Here we have a collection of some of the most beautiful photos of Great Dane dogs that we could find.
GREAT DANE IMAGES WHILE THEY EXPLORE
Here is a collection of portrait images of a Great Dane dog out doing what they do best: being in nature!
GREAT DANES STANDING
Great Danes are some of the most regal dogs, especially when they are standing in an image. Great Danes are one of the tallest dog breeds, standing nearly three feet tall at the shoulder. That’s taller than most human toddlers!
BLACK AND WHITE GREAT DANE
Black and white Great Danes are a popular dog choice.
They look great for the camera and the image and view is one you can’t beat!
WHITE GREAT DANE STARING
If you find a white Great Dane as striking as us, you may find these images of a White Great Dane staring and standing as beautiful as we do!
PUREBRED GREAT DANE DOG
Purebred Great Danes might be the dog for your family. Make sure to research the different types of Great Danes before you make your final decision on what dog is right for you and your family.
Some breeders have mixed different Dane breeds to create a new look or have a dog with different colors. It is important to beware of backyard breeders.
GREAT DANE PUPPY PICTURES
Puppies are adorable! Who doesn’t love an image of Great Dane puppies! If you don’t find this image absolutely adorable, we don’t know what you will!
A Great Dane is a dog that loves to learn, stay close to their owners and is great with kids. They are fun, goofy and will make you laugh. If you have ever had one of these gentle giants, you know they are some of the most fun and best dogs around.
Here are some images of Great Danes just being dogs and enjoying life!
FAMILY DOG GREAT DANE
A Great Dane can become a part of the family easily as they are known to be gentle, loving and affectionate dogs. If you are looking for a family dog, the Great Dane may be the right pup for your family.
Here is an image of the best dog around enjoying their family.
BLACK GREAT DANE
The black Great Dane is a beautiful dog! A black Great Dane is a popular pet choice for many families.
These dogs are not only beautiful, but they’re also gentle giants that make great family pets. If you’re looking for a new dog, and you want something that’s both beautiful and gentle, then you should definitely consider getting a black Great Dane.
GREAT DANE STOCK PHOTOS
If you aren’t great with your camera but are interested in images of your dog or your Great Dane, you can always search for great stock photos and images that are royalty free on websites such as Unsplash or Pexels. You will love the abundance of pictures of Great Danes! There are more stock photos to search for on these websites. Just choose to sort by ‘dog’ or ‘Great Dane’ and you will be surprised by the amazing videos or content that you can see! Make sure to check it out for more great stock photos and content.
LEARN MORE ABOUT GREAT DANES
If you’re interested in learning more about Great Danes, we have all sorts of information and content right here on our website.
Learn about puppies:
Puppies can be a challenge to raise , but they’re so worth it!
Do you have a Great Dane? Send us a photo and we may feature it in our next blog post! Until then, enjoy!
We hope you enjoyed this collection of Great Dane pictures! If you have any questions, feel free to contact us and we’ll be happy to help. Thanks for reading!
Ensuring the optimal nutrition for a puppy is fundamental for their overall well-being. Puppies are so cute, and it’s easy to want to feed them lots of food and treats! However, an overfed puppy can experience health problems that can devastate their experience in life.
Feeding too much, over-supplementation, and filling up the food bowl with toppers and treats to entice eating are on the chopping block today! Curious about why? Here is a list of common problems associated with giving puppies too much nutrition:
Carpal Laxity (flat feet or “knuckling over”)
Growing pains (panosteitis)
HOD, OCD, and other bone growth problems
Obesity (which shortens lifespans by 2 years, on average)
Chronic loose stools (often blamed on “allergies”)
This article digs into the repercussions of overfeeding, shedding light on growth disorders, the risks of over-supplementation, and the potential pitfalls of excessive toppers and treats.
Understanding Growth Disorders in Large and Giant Breeds
Large and giant breed puppies require specialized nutrition due to their rapid growth and susceptibility to developmental issues. Overfeeding can contribute to growth disorders like hip dysplasia and hypertrophic osteodystrophy. These conditions result from overly swift bone growth, leading to improper joint formation and structural abnormalities.
Owners of giant breed puppies (such as Great Danes, which we talk a lot about here) are often alarmed if they see a few ribs. However, a lean body condition is desirable!
The Role of Caloric Intake
Overfeeding is essentially providing more calories than a puppy’s body needs. Proper portion control is crucial to prevent this. Consult your veterinarian to determine the appropriate food amount based on factors such as age, weight, and breed. Adjustments may be necessary as your puppy grows.
The Dangers of Over-Supplementation
Puppies, akin to humans, require specific nutrients for healthy development. However, excessive supplementation can lead to imbalances and potential health issues. For instance, over-supplying calcium to large breed puppies may disrupt the delicate balance needed for proper bone development, contributing to skeletal problems.
Ensuring Nutritional Balance
Choose a high-quality puppy food that meets the nutritional standards set by reputable organizations. Before introducing any supplements to your puppy’s diet, consult your vet to ensure they are necessary and safe.
Toppers, Treats, and the Challenge of Picky Eating
While treats and toppers play a role in training and bonding, moderation is key. Overindulgence in these extras may lead to picky eating habits and an unbalanced diet. Puppies may prefer the tasty treats over their regular meals, resulting in nutritional deficiencies.
Maintaining Balance
To maintain a well-balanced diet, limit treats and toppers to no more than 10% of your puppy’s daily caloric intake. Opt for healthy, puppy-friendly options, and use them sparingly to avoid disrupting the nutritional balance of their main meals.
Conclusion
In conclusion, overfeeding, especially in large and giant breed puppies, can have serious consequences for their health and development. Emphasize proper portion control, opt for high-quality nutrition, and be cautious with treat and topper intake. By providing a balanced diet and consulting with your veterinarian, you’ll set your puppy on the path to a healthy and happy life.
Caring for a Great Dane brings a whole lot of slobber, bad breath and chew toys. But along with that you’re going to be gaining one drooly, messy family member. We promise: it is worth it!
Great Danes are some of the most fascinating of any dog breed. Their size, colors, and even their personalities are all things that make them an amazing dog to have. But, as with any large breed, there are some special considerations you need to take into account when caring for a Great Dane.
Giant breeds are not harder to train than any other dog. However, large breeds grow much faster at a young age than other animals, so it is very important to have consistent training from a young age.
While with other breeds you can get away with waiting to train your puppy, you do not want to delay with a big dog like Great Dane puppies.
One of the most common questions we get asked is if Great Danes are easy to train.
The answer is that they can be, but it really depends on the dog’s individual personality.
We’ve found that the best way to train a Great Dane is with positive reinforcement methods such as treats, and praise as well as utilizing the e collar.
Great Danes need a lot of food! They are a giant breed and have very high metabolisms. The amount of food you will need to feed your Great Dane will depend on their age, weight, and activity level.
It is so important that your Great Dane puppy is receiving a proper diet of properly formulated puppy food. Feeding your Great Dane the wrong diet can result in joint problems like Knuckling.
Puppies need food that is high in calories and protein to help them grow properly. If you feed your Great Dane puppy adult food, they will not get the proper nutrition they need and could end up with health concerns later in life.
HOW MUCH SHOULD MY ADULT GREAT DANE EAT?
An adult Great Dane will typically eat LESS than a puppy. During your Great Dane’s life, you will monitor them for how they look, how much they weigh, and how much activity they are getting.
Adult Great Dane Weight
Adult Great Dane Cups of Food
60-80 lbs
four to five cups
80-100 lbs
five to six cups
100-120 lbs
six to seven cups
120-140 lbs
seven to eight cups
140-160 lbs
seven to eight cups
160-180 lbs
eight to nine cups
Choose a high quality food that will support your gentle giant and keep them at a healthy weight.
With a formula that is not made for large dogs, your Great Dane can have unpredictable health problems.
EXERCISE: WHAT DOES A GREAT DANE NEED IN REGARDS TO EXERCISE?
There are some debates on how much exercise a Great Dane dog really needs.
First and foremost, exercise is key for Great Danes. They need at least 30 minutes of vigorous exercise every day, whether it’s a walk around the block or playing at the park. If they don’t get enough exercise, they can become destructive and bored.
Great Danes are not all ‘couch potatoes’ like some people imply.
Yes, not all Great Danes and large breeds are high energy dogs like other dogs can be, but that does not mean they don’t love to get out and about and spend their time outside.
You don’t have to frequent dog parks to get your Great Dane the exercise that they need. Great Danes do not NORMALLY need intense exercise. They are usually happy to go for a walk, play off leash at an open space, or visit a dog friendly shop.
HEALTH ISSUES: WHAT SHOULD EVERY GREAT DANE OWNER KNOW IN REGARDS TO HEALTH?
Unfortunately, Great Danes are predisposed to some health problems that other dogs are not as prone.
Bloat is one of a few life threatening health conditions that impacts a Great Dane. Bloat happens when too much air fills up the stomach of your gentle giant and leads to torsion, which is a deadly condition that Great Danes are predisposed to.
Torsion occurs when the stomach twists on itself and cuts off blood flow. Great Dane owners can prevent Torsion with the ‘Gastropexy’ surgery, which can be done when they get their Great Dane spayed or neutered. They cannot, however, prevent Bloat from happening.
So, any owner of Great Danes should always be aware of Bloat AND Torsion as it can cause serious issues, even death, and early detection is the only hope for survival.
HIP DYSPLASIA AND OTHER JOINT ISSUES
A Great Dane’s joints are constantly carrying around a lot of weight. Because of this, they are prone to joint problems such as Hip Dysplasia.
Dysplasia is when the ball and socket of the hip joint do not fit together properly and leads to arthritis later in life. It is a very painful condition that can be prevented with proper nutrition and exercise. There are also surgeries that can help correct Hip Dysplasia, but it’s best to prevent it if possible.
Arthritis can be prevented with joint supplements, weight management, and the proper exercise. We highly recommend starting Great Dane puppies out on a Big Barker bed, as it is the best bed on the market for a Great Dane’s health and can help prevent joint disease.
Cancer is unfortunately common in Great Danes, as it is in all breeds of dogs. The most common bone tumor that Great Danes get is Osteosarcoma.
Osteosarcoma is a cancer of the bone and is very aggressive. It is most commonly found in the legs, but can be found anywhere in the body.
There are many treatment options for osteosarcoma, but unfortunately prevention has really not been proven in Great Danes at this time.
HYPOTHYROIDISM
Hypothyroidism is a condition where the thyroid gland does not produce enough hormones. This can lead to weight gain, hair loss and other lethargy.
Hypothyroidism can be treated with daily medication and a high quality diet.
CARDIOMYOPATHY
Cardiomyopathy is a heart condition that Great Danes are predisposed. It is a leading cause of death in Great Danes, so it is important to get your dog checked out by a veterinarian if you suspect any heart issues. Your vet can do annual heart scans to check for heart disease.
While there is no guarantee that your Great Dane will not get any of these issues, you can take steps to help prevent them.
First and foremost, make sure you are feeding your dog a high quality food that is specifically made for large breeds. This will help support their joint health as they grow.
Secondly, make sure you are exercising your dog regularly. This will also help support their joint health as well as keeping their weight at a healthy level.
Lastly, stay up to date on their vaccinations and routine vet check-ups. This will help catch any health problems early on so that they can be treated.
GROOMING: ARE GREAT DANES HIGH MAINTENANCE?
Grooming a Great Dane’s coat is not very complicated at all.
BRUSHING A GREAT DANE
Since a Great Dane has a short coat compared to other dogs, they do not require ‘groomings’. Rather, they just need regular brushings.
If your Great Dane is shedding endlessly they could be blowing their coat, having allergies, need more fatty acids in their diet, or just need a really good brushing.
If your Great Dane dog has nails that touch the floor, this could lead to joint problems later on in their life.
Keep an eye on them and trim them when necessary. You can either do this yourself or take them to a groomer or vet to get it done.
GREAT DANE’S TEETH
Just like humans, Great Danes need to have their teeth brushed regularly to prevent plaque buildup, tartar, and gum disease.
The best way to brush your Great Dane’s teeth is with a dog toothbrush and toothpaste made specifically for dogs. You can also use water and a soft cloth if you don’t have dog toothpaste handy.
Start brushing your Great Dane’s teeth when they are puppies so that they get used to it and it becomes part of their daily routine.
YOUR DOG’S EARS
Some people report that the dog breed is relatively known for having ear infections.
If you notice your Great Dane dog having itchy ears, or having an excess of ear wax, they might be having a yeast infection in their ears.
If your Great Dane does suffer from separation anxiety, there are many things you can do to help ease their anxiety such as: dog pheromone diffusers, anti-anxiety medication, training, and more.
SOCIALIZATION: DO GREAT DANES REQUIRE SPECIAL CARE?
Without both physical and mental stimulation throughout your dog’s life, they can become bored and destructive.
Here are a few ideas to get your Great Dane socialized:
Take your Great Dane to a park that is full of kids, but just sit back on a park bench and let your Great Dane watch the kids.
Sign up for a Good Citizens Training Class with your Great Dane dog. Depending on your dog’s age, there are different classes that will suit them and provide incredible socialization.
Take your pup to parking lots and walk with them up and down the rows of cars, making sure NOT to let other people pet or interact with them.
Walk between the shopping carts in parking lots, exposing them to new sounds and items.
You can also sign up for dog sports such as agility, dock diving, flyball, etc. Not only will this give your Great Dane something to do, but it will also be a great bonding experience for the two of you.
CRATES: DO GREAT DANES REQUIRE SPECIAL CARE AND PRODUCTS?
Crate training is a huge plus for not only a Great Dane puppy, but all Great Danes.
Great Danes LOVE to feel safe and secure and crate training helps them feel just that.
Crate training is not evil or mean. It is just the opposite of that!
Crate training gives your Great Dane their own space that is just for them. If you have young kids, it can also be a safe place for your Great Dane to relax away from the chaos of children.
A place where they can go to relax and feel safe.
PUPPIES: IS IT HARD TO TAKE CARE OF A GREAT DANE PUPPY?
From protecting their joints with unique puppy food to making sure they are properly socialized, the short answer is yes. Taking care of a Great Dane puppy has its challenges.
Here are a few things you need to do to make sure your Great Dane puppy is healthy and happy:
Make sure they are on a high-quality puppy food that will help protect their joints. Read more about Great Dane puppy food here.
Start socialization early and often! The more people, animals, and experiences your Great Dane pup is exposed to, the better.
Make sure they get plenty of exercise, but not too much! Too much exercise can be hard on their joints.
Take them to the vet for regular check-ups and vaccinations.
Invest in spending the time to find a good breeder who is going to not only produce a healthy puppy but provide you with support that you need to raise your pup. (Scam Breeders: What to Look For)
The average lifespan for a Great Dane is between nine and ten years.
While this may seem short when compared to other breeds, it is actually a long life for a dog of their size.
The lifespan of Great Danes is also increasing every year with education and resources that pet parents need to keep life threatening diseases at bay.
The best thing that you can do to help your Great Dane live a long life is avoid backyard breeders and support breeders who are ethical in their health testing.
Great Danes are some of the best dogs in the entire world. The breed comes with a lot of responsibility, but the rewards are more than worth it.
I hope this article has helped you better understand what goes into taking care of a Great Dane.
Adopting a Great Dane is a big decision! Great Danes are gentle giants and make for great family dogs. They are loyal, protective, and intelligent. However, they are also one of the most expensive breeds of dog to own. In this blog post, we’ll give you an overview of what to expect when adopting a Great Dane.
What to Expect When Adopting a Great Dane
Adopting a Great Dane is a big decision! Great Danes are gentle giants and make for great family dogs. They are loyal, protective, and intelligent. However, they are also one of the most expensive breeds of dog to own.
Great Danes are not cheap dogs to own. They require a lot of food and their veterinary care can be expensive. If you’re thinking about adopting a Great Dane, you need to be prepared for the financial commitment involved in their care.
Another important consideration when adopting a Great Dane is the amount of space required for them to live happily and healthily. Great Danes need a lot of space – both inside and outside the home – as they are very active dogs. If you live in an apartment or small home, a Great Dane may not be the right breed for you.
The Exercise Needs of a Great Dane
Along with their space requirements, Great Danes do need a lot of exercise, as some have huge muscle and energy to match. This means that they are not suited to owners who work long hours or who do not have access to open spaces where their dog can run around freely.
Like all dogs, Great Danes need to be trained properly from an early age in order to become well-behaved adults. However, due to their large size and high energy levels, training a Great Dane can be challenging if you’re not prepared for it. We recommend enrolling your dog in obedience classes so that you can learn how to train them effectively from an early age. Great Dane puppies go quickly from cute, relatively small adorable pup to full size (still cute!) pets. As they grow quickly- training should happen early!
Typical Rescue Requirements for Adopting a Great Dane
Rescues often do not adopt Great Dane puppies to just anyone . They often search for families who bring different things to the table and understand what it may be like to care for a Great Dane puppy.
Great Dane Experience
It’s important to remember that Great Danes are not your average house pet. They are a giant breed of dog, and as such, require special care and attention. If you’re looking to adopt a Great Dane, it’s best if you have previous experience owning a large dog. This will make the transition for both you and your new pet much easier.
Fenced Backyard
A Great Dane needs plenty of room to run and play. If you live in an apartment or do not have a fenced-in backyard, rescues may agree that adopting a Great Dane may not be the best option for you.
All Other Animals Should be Spayed or Neutered
Great Danes are giant dogs with a lot of energy. Adding another animal to the mix can sometimes be too much for them to handle. For this reason, it’s recommended that all other animals in the household be spayed or neutered before adopting a Great Dane. Most rescues follow group laws for spay and neuter, and of course some will provide these services themselves.
Big Dog Knowledge
As we mentioned before, Great Danes are not your typical house pet. They require patience, love, and care just like any other dog; but because of their size, they also come with some unique challenges. Before adopting a Great Dane, make sure you do your research on how to properly take care of a big dog.
The Pros of Adopting a Great Dane
Danes are incredibly gentle, typically calmer than other breeds, smart and work hard, great with kids—adopting a Great Dane could save a life. If you’re looking for a new furry friend, here are a few reasons why a Great Dane may be the perfect pets for your family.
Great Danes are Gentle Giants
They typically weigh between 100 and 200 pounds and stand between 28 and 34 inches at the shoulder—making them one of the largest dog breeds in the world. And they grow quickly too- transforming into huge pets before you know it. But despite their size, they’re known for being gentle, loving and calm. In fact, many Dane owners say their dogs have the dispositions of adorable “teddy bears.”
A Great Dane Puppy is Usually Not As Energetic as Other Puppies
Great Dane Puppies are also typically calmer than other breeds, which make them great pets for families with small children or seniors. Great Dane puppies (or adults!) also intelligent dogs that work hard to please their owners, making them easy to train. So, not only are they adorable and cute, but the Great Dane, at times, enjoys just sitting with their owner on the couch or outside to watch people pass by.
Great Dane Puppies or Adults are Great Learners
Danes are also smart and work hard to please their owners, making them easy to train. In addition, Danes are patient and good-natured—which makes them excellent playmates for kids. And because they’re so big, they can provide a sense of security for their families.
Adopting Could Improve the Life of a Great Dane Puppy or Adult
Finally, adopting a Great Dane could save a life. According to the American Kennel Club, “Danes are often overlooked in shelters because of their size; as a result, many end up in rescues or on the streets.” If you have the space and patience to care for a large breed dog, consider adopting a Great Dane from your local shelter or rescue organization.
The Cons of Adopting a Great Dane Puppy
Just like there are a ton of pros, many can agree there are a few cons to adopting Great Dane puppies.
Some Rescue Great Danes Come with Health Problems
One of the biggest cons of adopting a Great Dane is that some of them come with health problems. While all dogs come with some risk of health problems, Great Danes are more prone to certain conditions like hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, cardiomyopathy, and bloat. This is something you should take into consideration before adopting a Great Dane puppy, as the costs associated with treating these conditions can be significant. However, it’s important to remember that not all Great Danes will have health problems and many go on to live long, healthy lives.
The Costs Associated with Great Dane Puppies
Another con of owning a Great Dane is that they can be expensive to care for. Great Dane puppies are particularly costly, as they need a lot of food to help them grow into their large stature. They also require specialized vet care and grooming due to their size. If you’re not prepared for the additional costs associated with owning a giant breed dog, then a Great Dane puppy might not be the right choice for you.
Great Dane Puppies and Adults Require Intensive Research and Care
Finally, it’s important to note that both Great Dane puppies and adults require intensive research and care. If you’re not prepared to put in the time to learn about everything from nutrition to exercise to obedience training, then a Great Dane might not be the right dog for you. They are intelligent dogs who require stimulation both mentally and physically, so if you’re not up for the challenge then you should consider another breed altogether.
Owning a Great Dane can be a rewarding experience but it’s important to be aware of the pros and cons before making your decision. Some Rescue Great Danes come with health problems which can be expensive to treat. They also require intensive research and care in order to keep them healthy and happy. If you think you’re up for the challenge then go ahead and adopt a Great Dane puppy! Otherwise, there are plenty of other wonderful dog breeds out there that might be a better fit for your lifestyle.
Do you like modern positive+balanced off-leash dog training, science-based information, life with Danes, educated ownership and chatting with other like-minded people?
If you’re a dog owner, you know that your furry friend needs exercise, a healthy diet, and plenty of love and attention. But did you know that enrichment is also an important part of keeping your dog happy and healthy? In this blog post, we’ll discuss what dog enrichment is, why it’s important, and some easy ways to enrich your dog’s life.
WHAT IS ENRICHMENT FOR DOGS?
Dog enrichment is anything that stimulates your dog’s mind or body in a positive way. Just like people, dogs need stimulation and variety in their lives to stay happy and healthy. Enrichment activities can include things like training, feeding puzzles, chew toys, interactive toys, scent work, and more.
WHY IS ENRICHMENT AND MENTAL STIMULATION SO IMPORTANT?
Enrichment is important for dogs because it prevents boredom, provides mental stimulation, strengthens the bond between you and your dog, and can help with problem behaviors. Dogs that are bored often turn to destructive behaviors like chewing furniture or digging holes in the yard. Providing enrichment activities can help keep your dog’s mind active and prevent these kinds of problem behaviors from developing.
Enrichment activities also provide an opportunity for you to bond with your dog. Training sessions are a great way to have quality time together while also teaching your dog useful skills. Feeding puzzles are another great way to bond with your dog while providing them with mental stimulation – plus, they’re a lot of fun!
EASY WAYS TO PROVIDE CANINE ENRICHMENT
There are lots of easy ways to add enrichment activities into your dog’s life. If you’re not sure where to start, here are a few ideas:
Take your dog for a walk in a new place – different sights and smells will stimulate their senses and make for an exciting adventure!
Buy or make a simple puzzle toy – there are tons of great options available online or at your local pet store. You can also easily make your own puzzle toy by putting some kibble or treats inside an empty water bottle or cardboard box.
Sign up for a training class – training classes are a great way to bond with your dog while teaching them useful skills. Check out your local humane society or animal shelter for affordable class options in your area.
Make homemade frozen treats – fill an ice cube tray with chicken broth or peanut butter mixed with some of your dog’s favorite kibbles for a simple and delicious treat that will keep them cool on hot summer days.
Enrichment activities are an important part of keeping your dog happy and healthy. By providing enrichment activities for your dog, you can prevent boredom and destructive behavior, strengthen the bond between you and your furry friend, and give them the mental stimulation they need to thrive.
There are lots of easy ways to add enrichment into your dog’s life – take them for walks in new places, buy or make puzzle toys, sign up for training classes, play fetch, or make homemade frozen treats. By including enrichment activities in your dog’s life, you’ll be giving them the best possible chance to live a happy and healthy life!
DOG ENRICHMENT TOYS
Dogs need both physical and mental exercise in order to stay happy and healthy. Canine friends are known for demonstrating destructive behavior if they are not provided with some way of staying mentally stimulated.
Using dog enrichment toys can be a fantastic way for dog owners to provide their furry friend with the stimulation they need in a fun and engaging way.
An example of one is this ball, below, which allows dogs to work for the treats they are given.
Dog enrichment toys come in all shapes and sizes, from simple chew toys to more complex puzzle feeders. Choosing the right toy for your dog will depend on their individual personality and preferences.
Let’s talk about some of our favorite dog enrichment toys.
THE KONG CLASSIC DOG TOY
The Kong Classic Dog Toy is one of the most popular dog enrichment toys on the market. The Kong is a rubber toy that can be filled with treats or kibble, making it a great option for both mental and physical stimulation. Kongs come in different sizes to accommodate all different dogs, and they can even be frozen for an extra challenge.
The Nina Ottosson Puzzle Feeder is a great option for dogs who need a mental challenge. This toy requires your dog to use their nose and paws to figure out how to get to the treats inside. The Puzzle Feeder can be adjusted to different levels of difficulty, making it a great choice for both beginner and experienced puzzlers. Dog food puzzles provide mental enrichment which keep your dog mentally stimulated, while also allow adult dogs (and puppies) caloric intake to remain monitored!
THE CHUCKIT BALL LAUNCHER
The Chuckit! Ball Launcher is perfect for active dogs who live for a good game of fetch. The Chuckit! Ball Launcher makes it easy to throw the ball farther and faster, giving your dog an extra workout. This toy is also great for owners who have limited mobility, as it eliminates the need to bend over to pick up the ball.
SNUFFLE MATS
Snuffle mats are a great way to give your dog’s nose a workout. Snuffle mats are made from fabric and filled with treats or kibble, which encourages your dog to use their sense of smell to find the food. Snuffle mats can be used indoors or outdoors, making them a versatile option for all kinds of dogs.
Flirt Poles are a great way to get your dog moving. This toy consists of a pole with a rope attached, which you can use to tease your dog and encourage them to chase. Flirt Poles are perfect for dogs who need an extra burst of energy, and they can be used both indoors and outdoors. If you have an active dog, investing in a flirt pole is something that will lower unwanted behaviors and let your dog get their physical enrichment as well as their mental enrichment.
HOMEMADE ENRICHMENT TO KEEP YOUR DOG ENTERTAINED
You don’t have to spend a ton of money on puzzle toys and enrichment games to keep your dog busy.
There are an abundance of ways that you can create your own enrichment games at home.
DIY toys are becoming more popular for social enrichment, cognitive enrichment and physical enrichment.
CREATE YOUR OWN FLIRT POLE
A flirt pole is a great way to get your dog moving and can be easily made at home with a few supplies.
You will need:
A PVC pipe (1/2 inch in diameter and 3-4 feet long)
A rope (approximately 6 feet long)
A knotted rag or toy
To make your flirt pole, simply tie one end of the rope to the PVC pipe and the other end to the knotted rag or toy. You can then use the pole to tease your dog and encourage them to chase. This is a great way to tire out even the most active dog and let your dog live happily doing things that attract their natural instincts!
TOILET PAPER ROLLS
Dog owners can provide enrichment with something as easy as old toilet paper rolls.
Toilet paper rolls can be filled with treats or kibble and then sealed shut with duct tape. Your dog will then need to use their nose to figure out how to get the food out of theroll. This is a great way to keep your dog’s mind challenged and active.
PLASTIC WATER BOTTLES
Another easy way to create enrichment for your dog is to stuff a small treat inside a plastic water bottle and seal it shut. Your dog will then need to figure out how to get the treat out of the bottle. This is a great way to keep your dog’s mind challenged and active.
HOMEMADE TREAT BALL
A homemade treat ball is a great way to provide both mental and physical enrichment for your dog.
To make a treat ball, simply take a small rubber ball (such as a tennis ball) and cut a small hole in it. Stuff the ball with treats or kibble, and then seal the hole with duct tape. Your dog will then need to figure out how to get the treats out of the ball by rolling it around. This is a great way to keep your dog’s mind challenged and active.
HOMEMADE PUZZLE TOY
A homemade puzzle toy is a great way to provide mental enrichment for your dog.
To make a puzzle toy, simply take an empty tissue box and fill it with treats or kibble. Your dog will then need to figure out how to get the treats out of the box by using their nose or paw. This is a great way to keep your dog’s mind challenged and active.
CARDBOARD BOXES
You don’t have to be a professional dog trainer to get a tired dog with household items like cardboard boxes!
Enrichment games can be easy and cheap.
Using old cardboard boxes, you can create a variety of enrichment games for your dog.
Some examples include:
Tunnel: Create a tunnel by joining two cardboard boxes together with duct tape. Your dog can then crawl through the tunnel to get to the other side.
Hide and Seek: Place your dog in another room while you hide food or treats inside a cardboard box. Your dog will then need to use their nose to find the treat. Hiding treats will keep your dog excited and break up your dog’s routine.
Obstacle Course: Create an obstacle course by placing cardboard boxes in different shapes and sizes around your home. Your dog will then need to navigate their way through the obstacle course. This is a great way to tire out even the most active dog!
MUFFIN TIN PUZZLE
Your dog’s mind will absolutely love trick training with a basic kitchen muffin tin.
Here’s how it works: place a treat in each muffin section and then cover the treats with tennis balls. Once your dog figures out that there is food under the tennis balls, they will need to use their nose or paw to remove the ball and get to the treat.
Using the muffin tin somewhat like a snuffle mat, this activity works like similar scent games or enrichment toys to help your dog sniff out the treats or food. Most dogs love to search for the hidden treats, and will feel exhausted and satisfied after this canine enrichment!
This is a great way to keep your dog’s mind challenged and active.
DOGGY ICE CUBES
Doggy ice cubes are a great way to keep your dog cool in the summer months.
To make doggy ice cubes, simply fill an ice cube tray with water and add a small toy or treat to each compartment. Freeze the tray overnight and then give your dog one of the frozen cubes. Your dog will then need to lick the frozen ice cubes until they can get the treat out.
Chippin’ has some treats that are high in protein and great for games.
Chippin’ Cricket Treats are known for being a powerful food topper for digestion- and dogs LOVE them!
PAPER TOWEL ROLLS
Canine enrichment CAN take place with a dog toy or physical exercise, but it also can be as simple as using something like paper towel rolls. If your dog loves dog toys that roll around and make noise, this is a great activity for them!
To make paper towel rolls, simply take an empty paper towel roll and stuff it with treats or kibble. Your dog will then need to figure out how to get the treats out of the roll by using their nose or paw. This is a great way to keep your dog’s mind challenged and active.
USING YOUR DOG’S FAVORITE TREATS FOR MENTAL EXERCISE
Make sure when you are substituting a dog toy for diy dog enrichment toys, you hide treats that your dog really loves.
Make sure that your dog likes the treats or food that you stuff in the toy. Try different kinds of foods to see what your dog is motivated by.
You may be surprised at how much your dog will love a simple game of hide and seek with their favorite treats!
Ensuring that you are using something that your dog really enjoys will help increase the canine enrichment and keep the dog fully engaged.
YOUNG PUPPIES AND KEEPING YOUR DOG BUSY
Young puppies love physical exercise and canine enrichment!
There are an abundance of dog toys that are perfect for puppies including a snuffle mat, frozen toys, or chew toys.
Being intentional about keeping your dog engaged while they are young might even help to keep them out of trouble as dogs LOVE to keep busy and work hard.
Dog toys are not all suitable for a puppy. A dog starts off learning everything they need to know about life, and that includes learning how to bite and chew.
Puppies love to explore the world with their mouths, and they will mouth anything they can get their teeth on including your fingers, toes, clothing, and basically anything else they can find.
That’s why it’s so important to choose the right kinds of puppy toys that will not only be safe for them to mouth and chew, but also provide enrichment and keep them mentally challenged.
Here are a few great puppy toy ideas:
Chew toys: this could be anything from a Kong toy to a Nylabone to a rope toy. Just make sure it’s specifically designed for puppies and made of safe materials.
Snuffle mat: a snuffle mat is a great way to keep your puppy’s mind challenged while they search for treats.
Frozen toys: freezing a toy or treat is a great way to keep your puppy entertained and cool in the summer months.
Puppies need both physical and mental stimulation, so choose dog toys that will provide both. Canine enrichment doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive, it just needs to be tailored to your individual dog.
SPENDING JUST A FEW MINUTES INVESTING IN YOUR DOG’S BRAIN
Canine enrichment activities can span anywhere from doing some training with toilet paper tubes and scent work, to dog sports to physical activity.
Here are a few simple ways to provide mental stimulation for your dog:
Take them for walks in new places – different sights and smells will stimulate their senses and make for an exciting adventure!
Buy or make a simple puzzle toy – there are tons of great options available online or at your local pet store. You
DOG ENRICHMENT CLASSES
There are many different types of dog enrichment classes available, from obedience training to agility courses. Enrolling your dog in a class is a great way to provide them with mental stimulation, while also strengthening the bond between you and your furry friend.
Dog enrichment classes provide an opportunity for your dog to socialize with other dogs, learn new skills, and burn off some energy all at the same time.
DOGS LOVE TO USE THEIR BRAINS
Most dogs love physical activity, but it is true that dogs also love to use their brains. If your dog enjoys environmental enrichment, they will probably love a good engagement activity as well.
Enrichment activities for dogs can be as simple or complex as you want them to be. If you’re looking for something simple, start with some basic obedience training or a game of hide and seek. If you’re looking for something more challenging, try enrolling your dog in an agility course or a nose work class.
You don’t have to spend a ton of money or time on enrichment activities for your dog – the most important thing is that you are spending quality time with your furry friend.
What kinds of canine enrichment activities does your dog enjoy? Let us know in the comments below!
Learning how to teach a puppy to sit could be one of the most important things you can practice during the puppyhood season.
Sit is one of the most basic, yet essential commands that your puppy needs to learn. Not only is this a cue that will come in handy on a daily basis, but it’s also a great way to start building a foundation of obedience training.
Additionally, teaching your puppy to sit is a relatively simple task that can be accomplished in just a few short sessions. However, as with any new behavior, you’ll need to be patient and consistent when working with your pup. But before you get started, there are a few things you should know.
If you are struggling to teach your new puppy or dog to sit, you’re in good company. Although teaching a puppy ‘sit’ is one of the first things they usually learn, some dogs can have a hard time with the sit position and other basic commands.
However, every well behaved and good dog must know how to follow the sit command. Even if they do fine in a standing position, a dog should know a down position in the event that they ever need to practice the sit behavior.
Therefore, training your puppy and helping your puppy learn the sitting position is very valuable. Let’s dive in to some mechanisms of how you can teach your pup this important training skill.
CHOOSING A CUE WORD
When teaching your puppy to sit, you’ll need to choose a cue word or phrase that you’ll use to tell them it’s time to plop their butt down on the ground. Common cue words include “sit,” “sits,” and “sitting.” However, you can really use any word or phrase you like, as long as you’re consistent with its use while your puppy learns a good sit.
If you plan on using multiple cue words (for example, “sit” and “sitting”), make sure you only use one at a time during training sessions. Teaching your puppy two different behaviors with two different cue words can be confusing for them, and will likely only prolong the learning process.
USING A TREAT
One of the easiest ways to teach your puppy to sit is by using treats as positive reinforcement. When they perform the desired behavior, they’ll get a tasty little reward for their efforts. Start by holding a treat close to your pup’s nose so that they can smell it—but don’t let them have it quite yet!
Have the treats ready before beginning training. Hold a treat in your hand so that when they follow the sit command and plop their butt down, you can reward this as a good sit and begin to associate positivity with the word sit.
Begin by holding the treat upward so that the dog’s head leans backwards and upwards. Once they’re focused on the treat, slowly move it upwards above their head while simultaneously giving the cue word or phrase you’ve chosen (for example, “sit”). As they look up at the treat, their back end should naturally lower into a sitting position. As soon as their bottom hits the ground, give them the treat and lots of verbal praise!
LURING VS. REWARDING A YOUNG PUPPY
Luring is when you use a treat (or another type of motivator) to guide your puppy into performing the desired behavior. In contrast, reward-based training means rewarding your pup after they’ve performed the desired behavior—not before or during. So which method is better?
For puppies (and dogs in general), reward-based training is usually more effective than luring because it allows them to make the connection between performing the desired behavior and getting rewarded for it. Additionally, reward-based training tends to result in faster learning and fewer behavioral issues down the road.
However, when teaching a dog to sit, especially as a puppy sits for some of the first few times, you will most likely be using luring to teach them.
As you hold the treat above the puppy, their head automatically goes backwards, and their rear hits the ground. However, after they begin to associate the treat and the training with the sit position, they will no longer need the food lure.
SLICK SURFACES
During dog training, you will want to avoid surfaces that your dog or puppy can slip on. Achieving a sit position, let alone holding it, can be a challenge for a puppy or an older dog when the floor is too slick.
You may need to experiment with a few different types of surfaces before finding one that works best for your pup. A textured mat, carpet, or grassy area may work well for some dogs, while others will do better on hardwood floors or concrete with a grippy rug overtop.
If you’re unsure of what type of surface your dog would do best on, try a few out! If your dog is having a hard time keeping their bum in a down position without their feet sliding forward, it may be time to switch to a more suitable surface. Always remember that a slick surface bears negative repercussions to your dog’s joints, and adding runners and rugs can help many dogs regardless of their age.
When first teaching your puppy to sit, its best to keep training sessions short—just a minute or two at most. This will help them stay focused and prevent them from getting too frustrated or tired.
As your puppy begins to grow good manners and more endurance, you can practice training sessions for a bit longer.
Start with just a few repetitions, with treats as a reward. Many dogs will pick up on a verbal cue, enthusiastic tone of voice and receiving treats in just a few training sessions, while other dogs may need more time for the light bulb moment to take place.
USING A HAND SIGNAL
Some dogs learn best to sit with a hand signal. Young puppies can learn quickly with a sit command and a basic movement of your hand. Some owners choose to hold their hand in a fist, while others use an open palm.
To signal “sit” to your puppy, simply hold your hand up in the air and then lower it towards the ground while saying “sit.” As your hand lowers, move it towards their back end so that they understand that you want them to sit down.
For dogs who are already familiar with the sit command, you can add a hand signal to reinforce the behavior. Hold your hand up in the air and then move it towards the ground as you give the verbal command “sit.”
If you begin incorporating sit teaching with a hand signal into a training session while your puppy is young, you will be able to use this strong skill all throughout your puppy’s life.
TEACHING AN OLD DOG NEW TRICKS
You’re never too old to learn and no age is too old to teach a dog to sit! Dogs of any age can be taught to sit. You can train a dog of any age, you just may need to set more boundaries to teach your dog if they are older and not a puppy who is ready to soak up information like a sponge.
With an older dog, you may not only be teaching the dog to sit, but you may also be correcting unwanted behaviors at the same time.
For example, maybe your dog will sit when you ask them to, but then stands up after just a few seconds. Your desire is to teach them to hold the word sit when you ask your dog to sit, instead of breaking that command.
RELEASE CUE
One boundary you may need to set is not letting your dog move from the sitting position until you give him or her a release cue. This verbal cue could be a word like “OK” or “free.” If your dog stands up before you give the release cue, guide them back into the sit position and try again.
When first teaching this boundary, it is best to not use treats as a reward. Once your dog has the hang of sitting and waiting for the release cue, you can start rewarding them with treats again.
If you find that your dog is still having trouble following the command to sit, try asking a friend or family member to help you out. Having another person there to help can be very helpful, especially if your dog is easily distracted.
With patience and consistency, you will be able to teach your dog to sit on command!
HOW OLD CAN YOU START TRAINING A PUPPY TO SIT?
Teaching a dog to sit is one of the first tricks that a puppy usually learns when they come home.
A puppy can learn the word sit as early as 8-9 weeks old, when they are first brought into their new house. The word sit can be a fun and exciting way for their new family to begin to train them and teach them. Give your new puppy a tasty treat when you begin to teach them how to sit.
Usually, a puppy who is having a hard time learning to sit is not food motivated.
If you have a dog or puppy who is not interested in following the training treat and learning to sit, you can switch things up. The important thing is finding out what your dog values and then using that to teach your dog to sit!
USING TOYS DURING DOG TRAINING
Try to find a toy that your dog or puppy is very excited about. Make sure the toy is loud, squeaky, smells good, or is one that your dog absolutely loves.
Take the toy and slowly bring it above the head of your dog. As you bring the toy towards their head, give the verbal command “sit.” Most likely, your dog’s natural reaction will be to follow the toy with their nose, which will cause their body to sit in order to keep an eye on the toy. If the dog’s nose doesn’t follow the toy exactly- that’s okay!
As soon as your dog sits, give them a second to process that they did what you asked and then immediately reward them with the toy.
TEACHING YOUR DOG TO LAY: THE NEXT STEP AFTER SIT
Teaching your dog to lay down is very natural after the puppy understands how to sit. If the dog’s nose is following either a treat or a toy, once they sit it makes it very easy to teach them the lay down command.
Just simply take the treat or toy and lower it towards the ground. The dog’s natural reaction will be to follow the item with their nose, which will cause their body to lay down in order to keep an eye on the treat or toy. This default behavior to lay down will help your dog understand exactly what you are asking them when you use the ‘down’ or ‘lay’ command.
As soon as your dog lays down, give them a second to process that they did what you asked and then immediately reward them with the treat or toy.
And that’s it!
ADDING DISTRACTIONS
Following commands during dog training is a whole different story when there are distractions around.
In order to prepare your young dog to grow into an adult dog who can follow commands in public and with distractions around, you should practice!
The first step is to practice in different rooms. You can start to ask your dog to follow a sit command in a busier room, like the kitchen. With their eyes on the sausage that is cooking for breakfast, it will be a much different test than in a quiet room with no distractions.
You can also ask a family member or friend to help you out by being the distraction while you practice. Have them stand a few feet away from you and your dog and make sure they are not looking at the two of you. This will add another element of surprise for your young pet.
As you practice, remember to keep the commands short and sweet. You can say “sit” or “lay down”, but avoid saying “would you please sit down so we can eat breakfast?” The longer the command, the more likely your pup is going to get distracted and forget what they are supposed to do!
GOING OUTSIDE
Heading outside to practice commands with your dog may feel overwhelming, but it is so much fun! Take your dog on a safe, strong leash.
Now, head to your usual walking spot. If you live in the city, this may be around the block. If you are lucky enough to live in the country, this could be down a long driveway or even through a field!
Find an area with no other dogs in order to practice a few commands. Keep your dog on leash at all times while you are practicing basic skills.
Remember that a dog that is new to a skill will most likely only be able to practice this skill for a few minutes. Using a treat, lure your dog into a sit and then give them the treat as soon as they are sitting.
If you have been practicing inside, it is likely that your dog will be very excited to be outside. Be patient with them and try not to get frustrated if they don’t sit perfectly the first time.
If you have been consistent with your commands and rewards, your dog should be able to follow commands even with exciting things happening around them.
LONG LEAD
Most dogs can master the sit command fairly consistently. Once your pet is reliable with the command, you can add in a challenge of putting them on a long lead and asking them to sit. A long leash serves as a great tool to keep your dog on leash, while still giving them freedom.
This adds a challenge for your pet and requires them to have a strong relationship with you because they are not as close to you for you to ensure that they follow the command.
The release command is an important one for your dog to know because it tells them when they can get up from a down or sit position.
This command can be used in a number of different situations, such as getting up from their bed or getting in and out of the car.
To teach your dog the release command, start by having them in a sit or down position. Place a treat close to their nose so that they can smell it but cannot eat it.
Now, say the release command (such as “free” or “okay”) and move the treat away from their nose so that they have to get up to eat it. As soon as they start to get up, give them the treat!
Repeat this a few times so that they understand what the release command means. Once they are consistently getting up when you say the release command, you can start to phase out the treat.
KEY POINTS TO REMEMBER
Choose one cue word or phrase and stick with it throughout training sessions.
Sit should mean the same thing every time you say it.Use treats or praise to reward your dog for following commands.
Start with short training sessions and gradually increase the length of time as your dog gets better at following commands.
Be patient with your dog and don’t get frustrated if they don’t understand a command right away.
Most dogs will need to be reminded of commands from time to time. This is normal! Just be consistent with your commands and rewards, and your dog will eventually catch on.
Conclusion
Puppies are capable of learning all sorts of new behaviors, but it takes time, patience, and consistency on your part. By following these simple tips , you’ll be well on your way to teaching your pup how to sit like a pro in no time!
