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  • Ingredient Splitting in Dog Food: 5 Things you Must Know

    Ingredient Splitting in Dog Food: 5 Things you Must Know

    Ingredient splitting in dog food is the dubious practice of rearranging labels to make the ingredients list look ‘healthy’. Like most dog owners, you want to ensure that your pup is eating the best nutrition possible.

    How does ingredient splitting work? What does that mean, and should you be worried about your bag of pet food?

    Ingredient Splitting in Dog Food: a uniquely boutique problem

    The pet food industry is a growing multi-billion dollar franchise with new boutique diets popping up every single day. It is estimated that there are 300-400 new ones, each year!

    Every new brand wants a piece of the pie and will say what they need to in order to gain your trust – and your money.

    In this blog post, we’ll answer all of your questions about ingredient splitting in dog food and help you decide what nutrition is best for your giant breed dog!

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    What is Ingredient Splitting in Dog Kibble?

    Ingredient splitting is when a pet food company takes a whole ingredient (for example, peas, oats, salt, or corn), and then lists it under multiple different names on the ingredients list.

    This is a sneaky trick that makes the food look like it has more meat and high-quality, whole foods at the top of the ingredients list than it actually does.

    Common pet food ingredients subjected to splitting

    Below are some examples of common whole foods that may be split up on an ingredient list. Keep in mind that one single item, such as pea fiber, is ok. The problem is when a company uses multiple items from the whole ingredient, indicating that they are likely using splitting.

    Peas may be listed as:

    • Peas
    • Whole Peas
    • Pea Protein
    • Pea Fiber
    • Pea Flour
    • Pea Starch
    • Green Peas
    • Yellow Peas

    Corn may be listed as:

    • Corn
    • Corn Meal
    • Corn Gluten Meal
    • Corn Flour
    • Corn Starch
    • Whole Grain Ground Corn

    Potatoes may be listed as:

    • Potatoes
    • Potato flour
    • Potato protein
    • Dried Potatoes
    • Whole Potatoes
    • Potato starch

    Oats may be listed as:

    • Oats
    • Whole Oats
    • Oatmeal
    • Oat Groats
    • Oat Flour
    • Oat Fiber

    Additionally, food companies may choose to use multiple versions of the same food so that each one makes up a smaller weight. Examples include:

    • Yellow peas, green peas, split peas
    • Red lentils, yellow lentils, green lentils

    By turning a single, whole item into separate ingredients on paper, dog food manufacturers can artificially inflate the perception of real meat content in the food, even if it’s not the most abundant ingredient.

    How Pet Food Manufacturers Fool Dog Owners

    The FDA regulates what goes on pet food labels in the United States, but there are still ways for companies to manipulate their ingredient lists.

    For example, a company could put ‘chicken’ as the first ingredient on their food list. But because “fresh” chicken contains roughly 70% water, it could actually be of lower content than other ingredients (once the kibble is extruded).

    It would still be listed first, however, because labeling requirements state that ingredients must be listed based on their pre-cooked (water included) weight.

    Ingredient splitting further ensures that chicken stays at the top, even though most of its weight and bulk of it is lost during the cooking process. Read our section on by-products below to learn more!

    Water content is not required to be listed on pet food brand labels so that companies can get away with this.

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    Marketing in commercial dog food

    The dog food industry is a multi-billion dollar market with thousands of companies fighting for market share.

    To differentiate their products, pet food companies will use marketing tricks such as:

    -Attractive packaging, often with photos of vegetables, fruits, and skinless, boneless fresh, or roasted meats

    -Making bold claims of robust health and longevity

    -“Humanizing” their ingredients (“Farm Fresh Deboned Chicken”)

    -Placing large amounts of different fruits and vegetables in the ingredients list (which appeal to the consumer but do little for nutritional content)

    -Using celebrity and influencer endorsements, including viral pet owners on social media, “veterinarians”, and “nutrition experts”

    -Relying on unregulated marketing terms such as “holistic”, “human-grade” and “super-premium”

    These tricks are NOT actually an indication of a product being “higher quality”, though people perceive it that way.

    pexels jozef feher 2774140

    How Ingredient Splitting Math Works

    Let’s do the math!

    If I have 10oz of “widgets” and 8oz of Fresh Roast Beast in my kibble, by law I have to list “widgets” first (because they weigh the most, before cooking).

    My current formula looks like this:

    Widgets, roast beast, rice, lentils, roast beast fat, salt, vitamins & minerals.

    BUT I want people to believe that roast beast is the primary ingredient, so I break “widgets” up to keep it on the top of the list (and add some yummy-sounding ingredients in minute amounts to appeal to the customer)

    10oz of “widgets” becomes (for example):

    • 5oz of widget fiber
    • 3oz of widget starch
    • 2oz of widget protein

    Each one has smaller pre-cooking weights that add up to the original 10oz, but because they now individually weigh less than the roast beast, they can move down the ingredients list.

    Widgets as a whole, however, still outnumber the meat in the final extruded product…especially once all of the water is removed from the roast beast!

    My new more ‘appetizing’ looking formula might look like this, even though the ingredients are essentially the same:

    Fresh deboned roast beast, rice, widget fiber, roast beast fat, green lentils, widget starch, widgets, pumpkin, widget protein, red lentils, squash, green lentils, choline chloride, apples, fish oil, potassium chloride, vitamins & minerals.

    Companies that practice ingredient splitting are not being truthful to their consumers. Savvy consumers should ask questions and move well beyond the “holistic” and “super-premium” marketing labels.

    Ingredient splitting is one of the pet food industry’s biggest, most dirty marketing tricks.

    pexels kateryna babaieva 3715583 1

    Real-Life Example #1 – Ingredient Splitting

    Here is an example of a boutique dog food that uses ingredient splitting to make its formula look meat-focused. This brand uses ‘premium grade’, ‘organic’, and ‘biologically appropriate’ marketing terms. They also promote that their brand has ‘meat in the first ingredient’.

    Peas, pea starch, and pea protein all add up to…PEAS. We can reasonably assume that peas are ingredient #2, or even #1 by weight because both lamb tripe and fresh salmon are heavy in water (before cooking).

    They have also split salt into 3 different ingredients so that it’s lower on the ingredients list than the pumpkin, spinach, broccoli, and other ‘nutritious’ foods that were included in minuscule amounts for marketing purposes.

    Additionally, the heavy use of peas in dog food is the KEY suspect in studies showing that untested, poorly formulated boutique foods are contributing to an alarming increase of N-DCM and sudden death in dogs.

    The calcium/phosphorus ratio on this food is alarming and can cause damage to large and giant breed dogs (1.7% calcium to .08% phosphorus).

    This healthy-looking ‘holistic’ brand contains very little meat meal (meat+bone+organs) and no animal fats; two things that are, in fact, biologically appropriate.

    When you learn to look past the marketing and read labels correctly, the results are shocking:

    Screen Shot 2022 07 12 at 8.08.14 AM
    Pet Kind Tripe & Salmon Formula
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    Real-Life Example #2: Ingredient Splitting

    See below and note the use of multiple versions of the same ingredients (red and green lentils, green and yellow peas), which is a form of ingredient splitting.

    Also take note of the addition of kelp, collard greens, apples, pears, and pumpkin. These items are listed after salt on the ingredients list, indicating that they make up only a few grams per pound (or less) in the food.

    The marketing on the bag makes you think that this is a healthy, well-balanced meat feast for your dog. What you are really getting may be nothing more than a bag of meat-flavored lentils, beans, and vegetables.

    Lastly, in their effort to avoid the word ‘by-product meal’ (which has unfortunately negative connotations despite being incredibly nutritious), they have utilized multiple forms of kidney, liver, and tripe instead.

    All of those things are in fact, by-products.

    Screen Shot 2022 07 03 at 4.31.04 PM
    Acana Red Meat Recipe
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    Real-Life Example #3: Ingredient Splitting

    The next example is from Earthborn Holistics Large/Giant Breed formula. The blue bag with the Great Dane on it!

    This popular food in the Great Dane community is full of ingredient splitting. As you can see, this practice is not uncommon and has been made to mislead you!

    By now, you may start to see the splitting happening. If not, here is the run-down.

    Chicken meal is fantastic. It’s followed by rice, oatmeal and oats.

    But wait, aren’t oatmeal and oats the same thing!?

    They are. But by splitting them, this company effectively moved chicken fat down into the 5th spot on the ingredients list.

    Some studies have shown that chicken fat in the first 4 ingredients increases the risk of deadly bloat in dogs.


    EDITORS NOTE:

    The only acceptable forms of chicken fat high on the list in large/giant breed foods will be from companies who use a well-sourced by-product meal in the first ingredient. This is a biologically correct inclusion with meat, organs, tissue, and bone that even after cooking will still comprise the bulk of the food and nutrition.

    Royal Canin Giant Breed is a great example of this and is thus exempt from the “avoid chicken fat in the first 4 ingredients” rule.


    Earthborn Holistic below has also split the salt up into multiple ingredients; many companies do this and it’s not necessarily bad (there may be a nutritional reason for the two different forms).

    However, it’s important to note that this keeps marketing inclusions such as apples and cranberries higher up on the list – even though they likely make up less of the actual formula than salt.

    Screen Shot 2022 07 28 at 12.00.12 PM

    Pet Food Industry Myths Busted

    Several myths in the pet nutrition industry have been perpetrated by people with very little background in peer-reviewed, scientific canine nutrition.

    “Grain-free is better for dogs”

    “Kibble is full of by-products and slaughterhouse waste”

    “Corn is a filler”

    We will cover these myths in depth below.

    Are by-products in dog kibbles healthy?

    By-products (often seen on the label as ‘Chicken By-Product’ or ‘Meat By-Product Meal) are catch-all terms for anything that is left over after other parts of the animal have been used.

    This can include bone, beaks, feet, tendons, tissue, and internal organs; all things that some humans do not care to eat and may even find repulsive.

    Read more about by-products HERE!

    A meat by-product meal is the rendered version of this; all of the water and fat is removed and what is left is a nutrient-dense, pathogen-free product that, when added to pet food, can make up the bulk of the important nutrition.

    Beef meal, chicken meal, and fish meal are similar products (rendered meats) that you may have seen on a food label. By-product meal is similar, nutrient-wise, to a whole-prey model raw food diet and is much more protein-rich and nutritious than ‘fresh deboned meat’.

    Have you ever given a whole chicken to a dog? If you aren’t aware, dogs will eat the WHOLE THING. Eyes, feet, organs, bone, meat, blood, and yes, the beak.


    https://vetnutrition.tufts.edu/2016/05/dont-be-bothered-by-by-products

    These items are necessary for good health and nutrition in our canine companions.

    So don’t let the word “by-product” fool you. If you feed your dog pig ears, bully sticks, freeze-dried liver treats, or chicken feet, you are feeding your dog by-products!

    As a rendered item, by-product meals already have the moisture removed before extruding. So unlike fresh muscle meat, if they are heavy before cooking, they still will be after they become kibble, too.

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    Real-life example

    Below is a traditionally “scary-looking” ingredients list with a by-product meal as the first ingredient.

    Marketing has taught us to view this label as ‘garbage’ or ‘junk’.

    Influencers ‘flip the bag’ and teach us to be disgusted and alarmed.

    BUT:

    Each ingredient is different, from a different source, and has a different purpose. Because a by-product meal is a nutrient-dense dry product before cooking, it remains at the top of the list without any ingredient splitting needed to keep it there.

    It may be tempting to choose the Acana formula (from the real-life example above) that contains healthy-sounding lentils, kelp, pumpkin, and multiple meat sources.

    However, don’t be fooled! This Royal Canin diet below very likely contains more actual nutrition from meat than the Acana ‘Red Meat Recipe’ from above.

    The more you know!

    Screen Shot 2022 07 03 at 4.40.16 PM
    Royal Canin Giant Breed Adult
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    Does dog kibble contain slaughterhouse waste?

    This is a myth that has been perpetuated by people with very low actual credibility.

    The fact of the matter is that there are laws in place (regulated by the FDA) regarding the sourcing, control, and quality of ingredients that are processed into dog and cat food.

    The FDA has a zero-tolerance policy for any adulterated products (including drugs, cosmetics, and feed) that enter the marketplace. It’s time to lay this myth to rest.

    Should You Avoid Buying Dog Food That Contains Corn?

    Is grain-free healthier for my pet?

    Grain-free diets have become super popular because of, you guessed it, marketing.

    People see the words “grain-free” and think that it means healthier when in reality, it just means… grain-free.

    There is no nutritional evidence to support the claim that grain-free diets are any healthier for dogs than diets that contain grains.

    In fact, the FDA has identified a link between untested boutique dog foods (often “grain-free”) and an alarming increase in life-threatening heart problems in dogs.

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    How to Choose an Ethical Pet Food Company

    When looking for an ethical pet kibble company, look for these key things:

    -A full-time board-certified Veterinary Nutritionist (DACVN or ACVN) on staff (not “consults with” or “works with”, but employs)

    -The use of AAFCO food trials to substantiate their formulation in real life, not just on paper

    -Participation in peer-reviewed companion animal nutrition research (actually cares about companion animal health, doesn’t just claim to)

    -A commitment to transparency and education, not excuses and marketing buzzwords

    Take the Dog Food Advisor with a grain of salt. It is a clickbait affiliate income website, run by a human dentist, that uses a made-up rating system.

    Here are some helpful links:

    Every Ingredient Has a Purpose (By Purina)

    Advancing Science for Pet Health (Purina Institute)

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    HOW DOES YOUR DOG FOOD STACK UP?

    THE PET NUTRITION ALLIANCE

    Search for your food brand. Who formulated it? Does it meet standards? Are they transparent about their dedication to science and nutrition?

    FIND YOUR FOOD

    What is the WSAVA?

    The WSAVA is the World Small Animal Veterinary Association.

    They are an organization of over 200,000 veterinarians in over 100 countries who are dedicated to improving the health and welfare of companion animals worldwide.

    The WSAVA has a Nutrition Toolkit that provides comprehensive resources for pet owners and veterinarians on how to choose a pet food and what to look for on the label.

    The WSAVA does NOT endorse or approve any pet brands.

    What is the WSAVA? Read more…

    https://vetnutrition.tufts.edu/2016/06/why-you-shouldnt-judge-a-pet-food-by-its-ingredient-list

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    Best Foods for Giant Breed Dogs

    The list of foods below comes from companies that put their money into scientific research, feeding trials, nutrition sciences, veterinary support, and hiring highly qualified board-certified veterinary nutritionists to formulate the kibble.

    All of these are formulated correctly for giant breed dogs.

    Giant breed puppy food

    Check out THE GIANT DOG FOOD PROJECT to compare brands and values.

    Giant breed adult food

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    Want more? Here are some great, comprehensive articles on food and nutrition, from a veterinary professional (not influencers or boutique food companies that stand to make money on your purchase):

    http://vetharmony.org/blog/2016/12/16/what-food-should-i-feed-my-pet?fbclid=IwAR3zf4n4sphyfKGo9KEejAmCvXG6sWlCyug4w2dzoIDgW2svgicobZ2cggU

    https://vetnutrition.tufts.edu/2018/06/a-broken-heart-risk-of-heart-disease-in-boutique-or-grain-free-diets-and-exotic-ingredients/
  • Misconceptions in the World of Dogs: Debunking the Myths

    Misconceptions in the World of Dogs: Debunking the Myths

    There is a lot of advice and marketing floating around in the world of dogs. A lot of it is dated and much of it is actually dangerous! Misconceptions in the world of dogs are rampant and we’re going to clear up some big ones today.

    These are 5 common ideas in the world of dogs that are actually a big fat scam! These misconceptions are meant to make you buy more things or do things that could actually hurt, frustrate or even kill your dog.

    Read on, friends.

    misconceptions in the world of dogs

    Allergy Testing for Dogs

    Many people whose dogs have loose stools, itching, and other symptoms of allergies will turn to blood or saliva allergy tests for answers.

    These tests prey on desperate dog owners!

    Here is how it goes down:

    The results will show a list of things the dog is supposedly “allergic” to. This list most often includes things like chicken, corn, grains, and grass or pollen.

    Feeling validated, the owner will then choose a boutique “Limited Ingredient” dog food and spend insane amounts of money on expensive diets, supplements, washes, and more.

    When that diet doesn’t work, the owner will switch the diet, again and again, further destroying the dog’s gut health (which of course, leads to more sensitivities, allergies, or even heart failure, YIKES!) while trying to find something that ‘works’).

    (See our post below about designer boutique dog food!)

    The truth about allergy testing in dogs

    There is no good evidence to support any type of blood serum or saliva allergy testing in dogs! As a matter of fact, studies have shown that these tests are wildly inaccurate.

    This article from Tufts University outlines the science behind this. https://vetnutrition.tufts.edu/2020/03/food-allergy-testing

    How to diagnose allergies in dogs

    So what is a pet owner to do?

    A food elimination trial using hydrolyzed protein diets is still the gold standard for diagnosing legitimate food allergies in dogs.

    This means taking your dog off of all food sources, including treats and counter surfing, except for a highly hydrolyzed protein diet (think Hills z/d or Purina HA) for at least 12 weeks.

    If the symptoms improve, then you can slowly add things back in one at a time to see if there is a true allergy.

    But beware, these diets are expensive and not all dogs will eat them!

    This is, of course, assuming that a food allergy is actually what is happening. Actual allergies to specific proteins in food are exceptionally rare, and there are more often environmental factors at play.

    Choosing an appropriate, well-balanced diet (correctly formulated raw and/or quality non-boutique kibble, see below) and addressing environmental allergies with robust gut health and possibly medications (including Benedryl) will be much more effective and healthy for your pet.

    Should I Feed Grain Free?

    Fish Oil for Great Danes

    Puppy Food for Great Danes

    8 Must Know’s for Great Dane Nutrition

    Great Dane Not Eating – What to Do

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    Is “Force-Free” Dog Training Ethical?

    The second discussion point in our ‘dog world myths’ series will likely bring us some heat, and that’s ok!

    Some dog trainers out there claim to be “Force-Free” and will use marketing to imply that they are the only “humane”, and “science-based” option.

    They often spend a lot of time bashing other dog trainers, tools, and methods, too.

    But here is the thing:

    It’s scientifically impossible to be “Force-Free” or to use only “Positive Reinforcement”.

    All dog trainers use some form of positive reinforcement (rewarding the dog for doing something) and negative punishment (taking something away from the dog to decrease a behavior).

    Whether it’s withholding a treat, keeping a dog on a long leash, or isolating a dog from socialization and the world to avoid bad behaviors, the reality is that force, punishment, and coercion are at play.

    The problem lies in the fact that a “Force-Free” dog trainer will always choose, without exception, no matter the situation, isolation and physical restraint (yes, force) in lieu of just saying NO.

    For many dogs, this becomes a compounding source of frustration that leads to anxiety, reactivity, frustration, and over-excitement.

    This is especially true when it comes to dangerous and rude (but easily correctable) behaviors such as running out of doors, chasing cars or wildlife, humping, ignoring recall, or jumping the fence.

    These are behaviors that “Force-Free” dog trainers will often choose to manage for months or years at a time with, you guessed it, force in the form of physical restraint and isolation.

    “Force-Free” is a marketing term that misleads dog owners into thinking they are doing something “positive and humane” for their pets.

    Positive Reinforcement in Dog Training

    We believe in and use positive reinforcement in dog training! That should always be the primary way to install new behaviors and guide dogs towards making the correct choice.

    Dogs should have fun learning and never be subjected to intimidation or harsh, forceful corrections.

    However, we recommend avoiding extreme, one-sided dog training methods such as “Force-Free” that are restrictive (and frustrating) to you and your dog.

    Communicating mostly YES with an occasional NO as needed is the most humane thing we can do for our pets!

    Puppy Training: 5 Mistakes in Training

    What is Balanced Training?

    Day Pouch Treat Bag Review

    Is the Gentle Leader an Abusive Tool?

    Things that are More Aversive Than an E Collar in Training

    The Best Collars for Great Danes

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    Boutique Dog Foods: Killing our Wallets AND our Pets!

    This is a big one, and I’m sorry I’m going to ruffle some feathers here.

    I’m talking about those “Grain-Free”, “Natural”, “Human Grade”, “Holistic”, and “Super-Premium” Boutique dog foods.

    Before we dive in, here are some simple facts about boutique dog foods:

    1. They are quite often formulated by people who are grossly under-qualified to do so (for example, FROMM foods are formulated by a chemical engineer. Yikes!)
    2. The nutritional minimums outlined by AAFCO are simply met on paper, but the foods themselves are not actually subjected to legitimate feeding trials or ongoing research
    3. There is very little if any, actual research and science being put into the formulations; it’s all made up to appeal to dog owners
    4. The belief that they are of higher quality is perpetuated purely by dog owners, influencers, pet store reps that stand to profit, and people with no credible background in canine nutrition

    Every day expensive new “holistic” dog foods hit the market. It’s a huge money-maker and influencers, pet food reps and dog food companies all stand to profit.

    Many (though not all) of these boutique dog food brands are manufactured in the same facilities that make and pack other “super-premium” dog foods. It’s often the same thing, with a different label.

    Here are some common boutique dog foods:

    59937 MAIN. AC SL1200 V1614009109
    47654 MAIN. AC SL1200 V1510679604
    354071 MAIN. AC SL1200 V1639147663

    They use a lot of marketing to make you feel that you are making a healthy choice for your pet, including the addition of “fairy dust” to make the ingredients list look healthy. (Fairy dust is the addition of fruits and vegetables that are unlikely to add any nutritional value).

    These marketing terms are unregulated and meaningless:

    • Human Grade
    • Holistic
    • Super Premium
    • High-Quality
    • Family-Owned

    What is ingredient splitting?

    Ingredient splitting in dog food is the process of splitting one ingredient (example, peas) into multiple ingredients on the label to make the diet look better on paper.

    For example, let’s say you have dog food that contains peas. The peas may be split on the ingredients list into peas, pea protein, and pea fiber. This is done intentionally to make it more difficult to determine how much of each ingredient is present in the diet.

    Ingredient splitting can make dog food look like meat makes up the bulk of the kibble (by pushing the meat product to the first thing in the ingredients list), when really, what you are buying is an over-priced bag of meat-flavored peas. YIKES!

    DCM and Boutique Dog Food

    There is a known link between boutique diets and the incidence of secondary (nutrition-related) DCM that is actively being researched.

    DCM is a silent killer that often results in sudden death where no prior symptoms had been seen. For this reason, it is unfortunately grossly underdiagnosed.

    It’s not just secondary nutrition-related DCM, though. Chronic loose stools, itching, bone growth disorders, and problems with the liver, kidneys, or pancreas are common.

    Board-Certified Veterinary Nutritionists agree that “holistic” boutique diets, sold to us at higher prices using unregulated marketing terms, are harming our pets.

    8 Nutrition Facts to Keep Your Dog at the Right Weight

    8 Must Knows for Great Dane Nutrition

    Great Dane: Puppy vs. Adult Food

    What is Bloat?

    Should I Feed Grain Free?

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    IS GRAIN-FREE FOOD DANGEROUS?

    Read more here ↗

    Designer Dogs with Designer Price Tags

    Enter the Great Danoodle. The Bernadoodle. The Sheepadoodle.

    Designer dogs are mixed-breed dogs, marketed to you as the perfect family pet that is “hypoallergenic”, “great with kids” and “easy to train”. This is a huge scam in the pet industry right now.

    Here is the truth about designer doodles!

    • Mixing two dogs together does not guarantee that you will get the best traits of each. That’s not how genetics work.
    • Poodles are high-energy, intelligent working breeds that require a lot of mental and physical enrichment. Doodle puppies who take on more of the poodle genetics are often the same. They may become aggressive, nippy, destructive, or neurotic when lacking appropriate training, socialization, and enrichment.
    • Poodles have a much different orthopedic structure than Sheep Dogs, Bernese Mountain Dogs, and Great Danes. Breeding them together produces a mixed bag that can result in weak hips, roached backs, flat feet, and more.
    • Doodles are never bred from excellent breeding stock; no ethical preservation breeder will contribute their dogs to a mixed-breed doodle program.
    • Doodles are not hypoallergenic. They have a mixed coat type, each one is different, and some puppies will produce more dander and irritants than others.
    • They have intense grooming needs. Doodles require DAILY (yes, daily) brushing and regular trips to the groomer, which can run upwards of $125 or more every 4-6 weeks.
    • FUN FACT: Many groomers will no longer accept doodles because too many owners neglect their dog’s coat maintenance and then become upset when their doodle has to be shaved because of pelting and matting.
    • Very few, if any doodle breeders will fully health test the dogs they breed. Ethical testing would include doing all of the required tests on both parents, recommended by the respective breed club of each breed in the pairing.

    Why are Doodles so popular?

    Doodles have been made popular by, you guessed it, marketing and influencers! Look past the marketing before making a decision about purchasing a doodle for your family.

    Make sure that both breeds in the doodle mix have the temperament and coat type that you would want to live with, as your puppy could turn out either way.

    Off Color and Designer Great Danes

    Breeders: Shady Business

    What is OFA Health Testing?

    Is Embark a ‘Good Enough’ Health Test?

    Great Danoodle

    The Friendly Backyard Breeder in your Community

    We support and believe in ethical breeders.

    However, the average friendly backyard breeder is the biggest problem in the world of dogs right now!

    These breeders often do not know what they are doing, nor do they care.

    They mislead pet owners into believing they are ethical, and THAT is an issue.

    They will often have nice websites and adorable photos of puppies who appear to be well-cared for. You might hear them say that their dogs are ‘genetically clear’ or ‘vet checked and health tested’.

    These friendly backyard breeders, however, do not participate in full, proper health testing or screenings (choosing instead to cherry-pick one or two so they appear reputable). They don’t prove their dog’s structure or temperaments by obtaining titles and participating in the breed’s parent club, and many of them do not support puppy buyers for the life of their dog.

    For example, Great Danes should have hips, heart, eyes, and thyroid screened at a minimum, prior to breeding. A “friendly backyard breeder” may only do hips.

    These unethical breeders tend to breed dogs together based on their color or features, not because of temperament or correct structure.

    They will sell you a puppy who appears healthy, but may:

    • Be timid, shy, or even aggressive
    • Develop serious behavioral problems
    • Have problems with growth
    • Suffers from a poor orthopedic structure that could eventually lead to ACL tears or early arthritis
    • Die young from genetically linked disorders such as bloat, blood clotting disorders, DCM, or wobblers

    Don’t get scammed. Go through your breed’s parent club to find a truly responsible, ethical breeder.

    What is a backyard breeder? The AKC has 1000’s.

    Bad Breeders

    Scam Breeders: What to Look For

    Choosing a Dog From a Show Breeder

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    What other common scams in the world of dogs should we cover? Let us know in the comments below!

    And, don’t forget to share this post with your friends to help spread the word and keep everyone informed. After all, knowledge is power!

  • Can Great Danes Swim? 5 Fascinating Things To Know Before Taking a Dip with Your Great Danes

    Can Great Danes Swim? 5 Fascinating Things To Know Before Taking a Dip with Your Great Danes

    Can Great Danes swim?

    Can Great Danes Swim

    Great Danes are one of the largest breeds of dogs in the whole world. A Great Dane puppy is born at a whomping 1.5-3 lbs and grows rapidly for the first 24 months of its life.

    Great Dane Puppy Growth Chart

    Great Danes are skilled at a lot of things, but are they natural swimmers?

    CAN GREAT DANES SWIM?

    The truth is- Great Danes can swim! In fact, most dogs can swim to some degree. But that doesn’t mean they all enjoy it and are good at it.

    Can Great Danes Swim

    Great Danes have a few characteristics that make them better swimmers than other breeds. For one, they have webbed feet! This gives them more power in the water and helps them move through it more efficiently. Secondly, their long tails act as a rudder, helping them to steer as they paddle.

    WHAT SHOULD A GREAT DANE LOOK LIKE?

    So, if you’re thinking about taking your Great Dane for a dip this summer, rest assured- they can handle it! Just be sure to introduce them to the water gradually and supervise them at all times.

    Looking for other fun activities with Great Danes? Try these: Socialization Activities For Great Danes

    5 THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT A GREAT DANE AND IF THEY ARE GOOD SWIMMERS

    Can Great Danes Swim
    1. GREAT DANE BODIES ARE HELPFUL TO HELPING THEM BE GREAT SWIMMERS: Great Danes bodies ARE equipped to help them swim! Great Danes have long legs, webbed feet and long tails that can help them tread water.
    2. SWIMMING IS VERY HEALTHY FOR GREAT DANES: Great Danes benefit TREMENDOUSLY from swimming! Large breeds are prone to health issues in their large bodies like Hip Dysplasia and Arthritis. One of the best forms of exercising for these gentle giants is swimming as it is so easy on their joints.
    3. MAKE SURE TO PROMOTE SAFETY WITH YOUR GREAT DANES DURING ANY SWIMMING ACTIVITIES: You should always supervise your Great Dane while they are swimming and provide safety gear like a life jacket / life vest. Water safety is and always should be in the forefront of your mind when taking a Great Dane swimming.
    4. SOME GREAT DANES WOULD RATHER DO ANYTHING ELSE THAN SWIM: Some Great Danes do NOT enjoy swimming. Dog owners report that their Great Dane would rather do just about anything than go swimming, whether it be in large bodies of water to shallow water or even a small baby pool. There are things owners can do from with Great Dane puppies to help their Dane to swim more comfortably when it is older.
    5. SWIMMING LESSONS CAN HELP A GREAT DANE LEARN THE BASICS: Not all dogs are born with the ability to even know HOW to swim. Using a pet-friendly swimming pool and starting a a young age is the best way to provide your Great Dane with proper training in how to become excellent swimmers and teach them to like to swim.

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    A GREAT DANE HAS A BODY THAT LENDS TO THEM BEING GOOD SWIMMERS

    Great Danes have bodies that will help them when swimming.

    Can Great Danes Swim

    Great Danes Webbed Feet:

    The dog breed has webbed paws, which help them to paddle when in the water.

    When learning to doggy paddle, these webbed toes on their front paws can help your Great Dane swim more easily, which will make them feel more comfortable and stay afloat.

    The Long Tails of a Great Dane:

    You may get annoyed when the long and strong tail of a Great Dane wacks you when you get home from work. The powerful wag of a Great Dane tail can be strong and sometimes painful when they wag!

    But, the long tail of the dog also helps with steering and helps them when swimming.

    Great Dane Hind Legs

    Since the upper body of a Great Dane is so big, it’s important that their hind legs are able to support them while swimming.

    Great Danes have large legs that help them like to swim.

    Keeping your dog thin and healthy at the right weight for their body will help them be a more natural swimmer, as they will be able to use their front legs and back legs more easily to doggy paddle, helping their upper body to stay afloat.

    SWIMMING IS A VERY HEALTHY EXERCISE FOR A DOG BREEDS AS BIG AS A GREAT DANE

    Swimming is one of the best exercises for dogs as big as Great Danes.

    Can Great Danes Swim

    Swimming has many benefits for any dog, but even more so for dogs who carry extra weight on their bodies, like giant breeds.

    1. Swimming has joint benefits
    2. Swimming has cardiovascular benefits
    3. Swimming helps to maintain a healthy weight
    4. Swimming can help your dog get mental stimulation
    Can Great Danes Swim

    Swimming is a great way to get exercise without putting any extra strain on your dog’s body. Great Danes are especially prone to certain health problems, like arthritis and hip dysplasia, so it’s important that they get regular exercise that is easy on their joints.

    If Great Danes become overweight, taking them to swim is one of the most powerful ways to help them trim down. Swimming is the perfect solution!

    SWIMMING WITH GREAT DANES REQUIRES SAFETY ITEMS

    Not all dogs are natural swimmers. Danes are not natural swimmers, at least not most of them. It may be a matter of life and death for your dogs, whether you choose to put them in a life-saving vest.

    Can Great Danes Swim

    Especially while you are teaching your Dane to swim, you need to provide them with swim gear like a life jacket.

    image 6

    Great Danes like to feel safe and secure, and a life jacket can help them feel secure.

    Great Danes are also a dog that loves to be with their owners, so it is a great idea to swim with your dog, especially the first time you take them to swim.

    Can Great Danes Swim

    TAKING YOUR DOG TO SWIM ON A HOT DAY

    If you are taking your dog to swim on a hot day, a life vest can REALLY trap heat inside. Be aware of heat stroke and only wear the life jacket while you are in the water or nearby the water.

    You should also invest in some dog friendly sunscreen for when you take your dog to swim.

    Depending on the coat colors of your dog, their skin can get sunburnt very easily.

    SOME GREAT DANES HATE SWIMMING MORE THAN ANYTHING

    If you’ve ever had any other dog, you know that most dogs love to swim.

    Can Great Danes Swim

    Some dogs would even rather swim after a tennis ball than do anything else in the entire world.

    Dogs usually love the water. And most Great Danes do too!

    But, some Great Danes really hate to swim more than other dogs.

    If you have a Great Dane dog who just absolutely hates to swim- it is not abnormal as they are just not natural born swimmers like other dog breeds.

    Can Great Danes Swim

    You can do things to help your dog learn to enjoy swimming:

    1. Help your dog understand that swimming is not going to hurt them by providing them with positive experiences.
    2. Use positive reinforcement to teach them that water is a great thing
    3. Use treats or fun toys to help your Great Danes swim
    4. Always use safety equipment like a vest when your Great Dane swims to help them feel safest
    5. Take your dogs to swimming lessons
    6. Teach your dog the concept of water with small steps such as a baby pool, the bath tub, or the garden hose

    Investing in a smaller pool for your Great Dane will help swimming not feel as overwhelming as taking them to a lake for their first try. Try something like this:

    71NcAcMrasL. AC SL1500

    Also, you can work them up to a body of water by getting them interested in a doggy sprinkler toy, like this:

    71Ef3Y0nGSL. AC SL1500
    71CsE3zumwL. AC SX522

    INVEST IN SWIMMING LESSONS FOR DOGS

    If you really want to take your pup swimming but can’t seem to get them to enjoy it or figure out HOW to swim, there are swimming lessons built just for dogs.

    Can Great Danes Swim

    Do some quick research in your area for lessons that are meant for dogs.

    Taking your dog to lessons can be a really fun way to help them learn how to swim.

    Most importantly, it will give you some time to learn how to properly help your dog swim and what techniques work best for them.

    Great Danes are some of the best dogs in the world.

    But, before you take your Dane swimming, you need to make sure that they are ready and willing to take the plunge.

    Can Great Danes Swim

    Use these tips to help make sure that your dog is prepared for a fun day of swimming. Remember, safety first! And always consult your veterinarian if you have any questions or concerns about taking your Dane swimming.

    Have fun and enjoy the water!

    Jam Press JMP195596
    scoob
    the great dane
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  • Why Do Great Danes Lean: 6 Reasons Behind Great Danes and their Creative Sitting

    Why Do Great Danes Lean: 6 Reasons Behind Great Danes and their Creative Sitting

    Why Do Great Danes Lean

    Why do Great Danes lean?

    Have you ever been around a big dog and suddenly they are leaning on you? If you have, chances are it was a Great Dane. And if you’re like most people, your first reaction is probably to think ‘Aww, how sweet!’ But have you ever stopped to wonder why they do it?

    Researchers have found that there are a few reasons that giant breeds tend to lean on their owners or even strangers.

    A few reasons that a Great Dane dog leans might be:

    1. Most dogs feel safe when they are touching humans
    2. The leaning behavior might be a dogs way of showing affection
    3. The Great Dane may be feeling afraid and finding comfort in their person or family
    4. Some dogs may try to show protective behavior with a lean
    5. If a dog feels threatened it may lean in fear
    6. Your Great Dane might feel sick

    GREAT DANES LEAN BECAUSE THEY FEEL SECURE WHEN THEY ARE TOUCHING FAMILY

    Why Do Great Danes Lean

    Great Danes are a dog who simply love being with people.

    Great Danes are known for being a ‘gentle giant’ and they are absolutely people dogs.

    The most common reason that your Great Dane might start leaning on you or your family members, kids, or even friends is just because they are gentle souls who love to show affection.

    Think of every lean as a ‘Gentle Giant hug’.

    GENTLE GIANTS AND EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW

    A Great Dane leaning is typically NOT anything more than a Great Dane hug! Danes lean because they have a soft spot for affection and your Great Dane likes to make you aware (and I mean REALLY aware) that they consider you a friend in life.

    GREAT DANES ARE A GIANT DOG WITH A TON OF LOVE, AND SOMETIMES THAT MEANS A GIANT DOG WITH LOTS OF DOG LEANING

    Why Do Great Danes Lean

    Great Dane owners know that Great Danes are a lot of dog.

    Their massive size can be quite overwhelming, but they make up for it in personality and heart.

    While it might become a bit annoying when Great Danes try to lean while you are cooking dinner or working at your desk, it’s important to remember that they are just trying to show you how much they love you.

    If your Great Danes lean on your children- consider it a compliment!

    That leaning typically implies that the dog leaning trusts the child enough to lean and show affection.

    Great Danes love any form of physical touch, attention and will even lay their big heads on you to show they care.

    GREAT DANES LEANING COULD BE IMPLICATIVE OF WHEN THEY FEEL THREATENED OR FEELING ANXIOUS

    Why Do Great Danes Lean

    If your Great Dane leans in uncomfortable situations, they might be leaning because they are trying to show you they are scared.

    Typically, this will happen if strangers come in to the house, or if they bring pets in to the house that your Great Dane doesn’t know.

    You might notice your Great Dane try to lean extra hard if they see a dog that they are afraid of, or feel uncomfortable with the presence of.

    This is a dog’s way of asking you to protect them, and they feel more comfortable when you are close by.

    Try not to over complicate the situation by showing your Great Dane an abundance of ‘attention’ in that moment. That will show your Great Dane that the lean behavior will get them attention and then they will continue to do it more and more.

    DOGS CAN SHOW LEANING BEHAVIOR TO ‘PROTECT’ THEIR OWNERS

    Why Do Great Danes Lean

    Leaning can be a sign of a dog trying to protect their owners.

    Typically, Great Danes are NOT leaning to try and protect their owners.

    Great Dane owners know firsthand, that Great Danes are usually more afraid for themselves than even thinking about protecting their owners.

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    GETTING SOME HELP INVOLVED WITH YOUR PUPS WHO ARE SHOWING ISSUES

    However, if you are thinking that the leaning in your dog is a dominance issue, you should consult with a trainer as soon as possible.

    A trainer can help you correct the Great Dane leaning before it becomes a bigger issue or lead to any surprise outburst.

    FINDING THE RIGHT TRAINING METHODS FOR YOUR PUPS

    Do not just find the first trainer that pops up on google!

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    It is crucial for such a sensitive breed that you investigate which training tactics work best for not only the breed, but your Great Dane!

    The breed is very sensitive and using any form of dominance training can impact their temperament for the rest of their lives.

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    You want to find a trainer that uses gentle, reward based training methods for the best results with your Dane.

    We believe in the ethical use of E collars for the breed, as they combine a powerful use of positive reinforcement with a necessary dose of correction- both of which the breed needs to succeed.

    Read more here:

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    IF YOUR GREAT DANE FEELS THREATENED THEY MIGHT RESORT TO LEANING

    Why Do Great Danes Lean

    Do you remember as a child if you felt threatened or insecure, you usually wished you were sitting in your mother’s lap?

    Likewise, Great Danes tend to resort to the one person who they know best, their mom or dad.

    When your Great Dane tries sitting on your lap or leans up against you, they might be feeling threatened or scared and are looking for reassurance from you.

    This is a normal behavior in dogs, however if the leaning starts to become too much, you might want to consider some training to help your dog feel more secure.

    Find resources here:

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    GREAT DANES MIGHT START LEANING BECAUSE THEY ARE SICK

    Why Do Great Danes Lean

    If your Great Dane is typically NOT a dog that leans, but begins to show signs of leaning one direction or the other, they might be having health issues.

    HEALTH ISSUES ASSOCIATED WITH DOGS THAT LEAN

    1. Ear Infections: ear infections can cause a Great Dane to lean one way or the other because they are trying to relieve the pressure or pain that they are feeling. If you notice your dog leaning and tilting their head to one side, make an appointment with the vet as soon as possible.
    2. Anxiety: Great Danes can suffer from anxiety just like humans. If your dog is leaning against you or trying to get on your lap and they don’t typically do this behavior, they might be feeling anxious.
    3. Hip Dysplasia: Hip dysplasia can cause somewhat of a ‘lean’ in your pup from one side to another. This could be described as an unsteady walking. The best way to treat Hip Dysplasia is prevention, which starts with Great Danes when they are just a pup.

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    MY GREAT DANE PUPPY IS LEANING ALREADY! WHAT SHOULD I DO?

    Why Do Great Danes Lean
    Why Do Great Danes Lean

    If you have a Great Dane leaning as just a pup- there is just one thing to do-

    Welcome to the world of Great Dane owners!

    If you’re new around here, check out this post: Tips for Successfully Caring for Great Danes

    One of the first things you’ll notice about your Great Dane is their leaning. You might think to yourself- ‘is my dog going to be okay?’, ‘should I be worried about this?’ or even ‘is my dog trying to tell me something?’.

    The answer is- all of the above. Let’s explore each one.

    WHAT TO DO WITH NOTORIOUS LEANERS

    First, don’t worry- this is a completely normal behavior in Great Danes. You might notice your Great Dane try to lean on you when they are tired, want attention or even when they are just happy to see you.

    One thing to be aware of is that if your Great Dane starts to lean on you when they are feeling threatened or scared, this could be a sign of anxiety or even aggression. If you notice this behavior, it’s best to stay on top of it!

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    Another thing to keep in mind is that if your Great Dane begins leaning more than usual, this could be a sign of an ear infection or even hip dysplasia. If you notice your dog leaning to one side or walking unsteadily, make an appointment with the vet right away.

    IN CONCLUSION

    As you can see, there are a few different reasons why your Great Dane might be leaning. However, the most important thing to remember is that this is a completely normal behavior and there is no need to worry. Just enjoy the snuggles! :). Thanks for reading!

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  • The Best Prong Collar for a Great Dane: Everything You Need to Know

    The Best Prong Collar for a Great Dane: Everything You Need to Know

    If you’re the proud owner of a Great Dane, you know that they can be a handful on a leash, especially if you don’t work on obedience training with them! Today we’re talking about how to find and choose the best prong collar for a Great Dane.

    These can be a great tool to help train and control your Great Dane, and no, it’s not abusive to use one!

    In this blog post, we will discuss everything you need to know about prong collars for Great Danes.

    What is the Best Prong Collar for a Great Dane?

    712hzL0nWwL. AC SL1500
    A Herm Sprenger Prong Collar – see it on Amazon

    All About this European Brand

    We only recommend the Herm Sprenger prong dog collars, from Germany, for Great Danes because they have been designed correctly to be used as a pressure tool, NOT a poking and stabbing tool.

    The ends of each prong must be rounded, not sharp. Sharp pointy ends are a sign that you’ve purchased a knock-off or cheap collar, and those can and do hurt your dog.

    Herm Sprenger has been around since 1892, and they’re still the best on the market.

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    Sizing a Prong Collar for a Great Dane

    The training collar comes in sizes 18″-26″. The size you need will depend on the circumference of your dog’s neck.

    To find out what size your Great Dane needs, measure their neck where the collar will be placed (high and tight behind the ears) and then add 2″.

    Order the size that most closely matches this measurement, and then remove or add links as necessary to achieve a perfect fit.

    You will notice that they also come in different widths, from 2.25mm to 4.0mm.

    www.leerburg.com, one of the most reliable sources of balanced dog training gear, would size most Great Danes into a 3.0-4.0 Large or Extra Large training collar.

    Or choose the smaller 2.25mm size and add several additional links to fit.

    https://leerburg.com/fit-prong.htm

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    Prong Dog Collars from the Pet Store

    A prong-type collar from the pet store may harm your dog by poking and stabbing them.

    This is what gives these training tools such a bad name! Many dog owners have been misled to believe that you should never use a prong dog collar for a Great Dane because it is somehow abusive, and this is why.

    The pet store versions and bargain options on Amazon are usually made of cheap materials that may wear quickly and break. If you’ve ever heard of people losing their dog because the prong collar broke, this is why!

    If you’re going to use a prong collar on your dog, it’s important to get one that is high quality and will not hurt them.

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    PURCHASE A HERM SPRENGER PRONG COLLAR
    IMG 4020
    A Mantle Great Dane

    Starmark Training Collar vs. Prong

    The Starmark training collar is essentially a version of prong-style collars that are made of plastic. It has plastic nubs that are blunt, not sharp.

    The Starmark is a good option for those who are opposed to using a pinch collar on their dog but still want the benefits of a training collar.

    We don’t recommend them, however, for dog parents who have dogs that pull and lunge wildly, as the plastic parts may not hold up to that.

    How do Prong Dog Collars Work?

    They work by placing pressure evenly around the neck when your dog pulls. This is different than a traditional collar, where the pressure from pulling and lunging goes straight into the trachea at the front of the throat.

    A properly fitted prong should only tighten enough to cause discomfort, not pain. While the spikes look scary and painful, they are not meant to stab or poke!

    We believe that these, and the modern E-Collar, are some of the best Great Dane collars and training tools available.

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    When & Why to Use a Prong Dog Collar

    A correctly used prong is actually one of the most humane and effective tools you can use to train your dog.

    One of the key benefits is that they are so effective at stopping pulling that your dog will no longer injure themselves or cause pain and damage to their trachea, neck, spine, shoulders, or chest.

    A prong training collar is effective at accomplishing this, without being needlessly harsh, painful, or frustrating to your giant breed dog.

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    Is Your Great Dane Aggressive?

    We recommend using this tool for your Great Dane when:

    • Your dog is able to do basic obedience commands such as sit, down, stay, and ‘look at me’ in a low distraction environment
    • Your dog knows how to learn and is enthusiastic about training with you
    • You have watched several videos on Youtube about “How to Introduce a Herm Sprenger Prong Collar“, and have a basic understanding of the method and how the collar works
    • You yourself are calm and not frustrated with your dog
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    How to Fit a Prong on a Great Dane

    The correct fit of training collars on your Great Dane is key. Great Danes have short fur, so it can be tricky to get the fit right.

    The collar should sit high on the neck, right behind their ears.

    It should be snug enough that it can’t slide over the dog’s head or off to the side, but not so tight that it is choking them.

    You should be able to put a finger or two under the collar, while still having it snug enough that it doesn’t slide around.

    You can add or remove links to your prong collar as needed to achieve this fit on your Great Dane.

    It is important that you add and remove links in groups of two; one on each side of the trachea plate, so that the plate can still sit squarely at the front of the neck.

    The chain loop and leash attachment point should be at the back of neck, right behind the ears.

    An incorrectly fit prong will be painful, damaging and frustrating to your dog. It is the incorrect use of these collars that have led to animal rights groups lobbying to make them illegal. Do not contribute to this problem.

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    fit prong

    When NOT to use a Prong Collar

    We do not recommend using this tool:

    – on Great Dane puppies under the age of six months

    – with Great Danes who are not adequately trained in basic obedience commands such as sit, stay, come, etc.

    – on a dog or Great Dane puppy who is injured or recovering from an injury

    -with Great Danes that are showing extreme fear and aggression that is not being first evaluated by a highly qualified dog trainer or credentialed behaviorist

    Additionally, we do not recommend using this tool on your Great Dane if you:

    -have an aggressive dog and are hoping to get them ‘in control’ by shutting them down with harsh corrections

    -don’t have a basic understanding of how to use reinforcement to reward and teach behaviors

    -aren’t willing to put the time into proper conditioning

    -plan to use it to force a timid or fearful Great Dane into public interaction

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    Purchase a Herm Sprenger Dog Training Collar

    Positive Reinforcement + Pressure

    Positive reinforcement (R+) is the basis for all good dog training.

    You will use R+ to teach your dog to politely walk next to you (see the leash training 101 section, below).

    With a combination of positive rewards (YES!) and pressure (NO!), your Great Dane will quickly learn not to pull or lunge on the leash.

    R+ means to give your dog something they want (usually a treat) when they do something you want.

    For example, if you are teaching your dog to ‘sit’, you will give them a treat when they sit. In this case, you will ask your dog to ‘heel’ and give them a treat for walking next to you.

    The pressure part of this equation is the prong collar. It works by applying pressure to the neck when the dog pulls.

    When they move towards you or stop pulling, the pressure immediately stops.

    This will give your dog a “lightbulb” moment! The dog is in control of both the reward AND the pressure, it’s their choice. That’s what makes this one of the best training collar options available.

    The pressure, when released, reinforces (increases) the behavior of removing tension on the leash.

    When you make the choice of not pulling more valuable, and the choice of pulling less valuable, you effectively balance your training for your Great Dane.

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    R Positive Reinforcement

    No-Pull Training Tools Overview

    Here are some common and popular no-pull training tools. It’s important to keep in mind that there is no such thing as ‘positive’ training collars.

    All tools, even harnesses, will rely on pressure, restrictions and force in some way. The difference is in how that pressure and force is applied.

    When it comes to giant breed dogs, additional considerations are at play. Because Great Danes are prone to orthopedic problems, it’s important to find a tool that uses the least amount of restriction and force.

    While the prong may look like a tool of pain and force, it’s surprisingly simple, elegant and gentle compared to the alternatives. We will dig into this more below.

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    How do dogs learn? Find out here.

    Prong Collar

    The Prong works by applying pressure evenly around the neck when your dog pulls. The collar should only tighten enough to cause annoyance, not pain. A flat collar will tighten and cause pain, but most dogs will ignore it even though it’s damaging. That’s where this tool is different.

    This annoyance can be used to communicate ‘NO’ while you simultaneously reward YES using rewards.

    Most dogs are incredibly responsive to the communication from a prong and learn very quickly that pulling and lunging is not an option.

    Unlike other tools, a minimal amount of force is used.

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    Head Collar

    The head collar (AKA the “Gentle Leader” or “Halti Head Harness”) is a type of training collar that wraps around your dog’s muzzle.

    Many people consider the head collar to be a “positive” and dog friendly tool, however, most Great Dane dogs find them extremely aversive and will paw, whine and scratch to get them off.

    Additionally, because of how they are designed and how they work, head collars increase the risk of damage to the head, eyes, neck and sensitive facial nerves.

    For some dogs and owners who are diligent about training, conditioning and appropriate use, they can be ok but for most people with giant breed dogs, we don’t recommend them.

    Is the Gentle Leader an Abusive Tool?

    Gentle Leader vs. Prong Collar: The Ultimate Match-Up

    Gentle LeaderProng Collar
    Aversive to wear, no matter the fitNon-aversive to wear with correct fit
    Requires conditioning for wearing & usingRequires training for using, not wearing
    Looks ‘Gentle’ and seems positiveLooks scary and painful, but is misunderstood
    InexpensiveSpendy
    Can damage nerves, eyes, neck, and spine when used normallyCan only cause damage to the skin if used abusively or incorrectly
    May cause sores on the bridge of the noseDoes not cause skin sores or abrasions
    People rarely judge this tool People are often judgmental
    May exacerbate underlying health problemsUnlikely to cause orthopedic damage
    Dangerous for dogs with orthopedic issues, especially wobblers An alternative choice for dogs who should not be pulling into a harness or collar for any reason
    Negative body language is seen with normal ‘positive’ useNegative body language is seen with harsh and incorrect use
    Effective at reducing pullingEffective at reducing pulling

    E-Collar

    The E-Collar is different than a shock collar, and can be used to teach better leash skills both off and on leash.

    E-collars are also known as “remote trainers” or “stimulation collars” and use a form of virtual pressure that replaces the sensation delivered through a leash. They are extremely gentle because they rely on absolutely no physical pressure at all. For this reason, they cannot physically harm your dog in any way.

    We recommend the use of modern E-Collars for off-leash training, which will translate to better on-leash skills, too.

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    Front Clip Harness

    The front clip harness (AKA the “Easy-Walk Harness” or “Freedom No-Pull”) works by restricting natural movement and applying pressure to the chest, shoulders and torso instead of the throat.

    They can be an appropriate short-term solution for dogs with a minor pulling problem, but should not be used long term or relied upon.

    Unlike other training tools, the pressure from a no-pull harness is constant whether the dog is pulling or not.

    There is no clear communication as a result, and the fact that they work by altering the dogs ability to move naturally should be alarming to all Great Dane owners.

    Is Positive Training Really Positive?

    Flat Collar

    Flat collars don’t do much to deter pulling. It is dangerous and uncomfortable for your dog to pull into one, and we only recommend flat collars for dogs that are 100% reliable both on and off-leash.

    A prong is a much safer and more friendly alternative than a flat collar for dogs that pull. Use a leather collar to hold your dogs tags and be decorative, but don’t expect it to be the best or safest choice for leash walking.

    When your Great Dane pulls, you want to know that they aren’t harming themselves (or you!), so consider other options when looking for the perfect collar your dog.

    Chain, Slip or Choke Collar

    These type of collars are NOT typically recommended for use with giant breeds.

    They can cause damage to your dog’s neck, and because they rely on a form of harsh physical punishment, they can also lead to aggression problems.

    The only effective way to use a collar like this to stop a dog from pulling is to either completely choke them with it or harshly snap the leash on the dogs neck. These are often unfair training methods, in our opinion, and likely to be a source of frustration and fear for your dog.

    A good training collar will not require heavy-handed corrections, and these typically do.

    All training tools do have their place, of course, including chain collars, and they should only be used with highly qualified professional guidance.

    There is ONE exception to all of this. Slip leads and martingale-type collars are almost impossible for a dog to escape from and are highly recommended for dogs that are a flight risk. We recommend heavy, wide fabric martingale collars for Great Danes that might try to run away.

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    How to Stop Leash Pulling

    Leash Training 101

    If you have a Great Dane that pulls, lunges and takes you for a walk, you’ve come to the right place!

    This is Great Dane pinch collar training 101. Let’s get started!

    PURCHASE A HERM SPRENGER PRONG COLLAR

    The Basics of Leash Walking

    When you are first starting out, we recommend working in a low distraction environment such as your yard or living room.

    Teach and reinforce the skills of engaging with you, looking at you on command, and walking politely next to you.

    This is easy to do using positive reinforcement!

    Start off-leash with your dog next to you, and then give them the cue to “walk” or “let’s go”.

    Take a step and as soon as they start moving with you, mark with a “YES!” and then offer a treat.

    For dogs that are new to this process, you may have to start by luring them with the treat.

    Add more steps in between treats until your dog can confidently walk next to you as you walk around obstacles.

    Make this fun and rewarding for your dog by using high value treats, and soon you will have a dog that is happy to walk next to you!

    Now let’s move on to the next step.

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    Teaching Prong Collar Pressure

    Once your dog has a basic foundation of walking near you (the YES behavior), it’s time to upgrade.

    As before, make sure you are using the right size Great Dane collar, fit high and tight.

    Work first in a low distraction environment and make this process FUN!

    The goal with this training is to teach your dog how to turn off the pressure from the prong. At no point will you yank your dog around, harshly correct them, scold them, or become frustrated.

    With your dog in front of you on a leash, take a few steps back until the leash has some gentle tension on it.

    Your dog will immediately respond to this pressure and come towards you. As soon as your dog ‘gives in’ to this pressure, mark with a “YES!” and then reward your dog with a treat.

    You will find that your dog starts to offer this behavior more frequently as they understand that turning towards you and releasing tension on the leash makes the pressure go away.

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    Off Leash and Out of Control: Funny Stories

    Fun Games using Leash Pressure

    Make this fun and zig zag, circle and move around objects to teach your dog that they are in control of the pressure from their collar! Use a lot of positive reinforcement and rewards for the YES behavior.

    Once your dog is responding consistently, you can start to add in distractions by going out of your yard.

    The key is to make sure that your dog is responding quickly and correctly to the pressure before moving on.

    If at any point your dog becomes frustrated or seems irritated, confused or fearful, take a step back in your training and make it easier for your dog to succeed.

    With patience and consistent reinforcement, your dog will learn how to turn off the pressure from the collar and be a happy, well-mannered companion on walks!

    Great Dane Puppy Fear Stages

    How to Stop a Great Dane from Jumping Up

    How to Teach a Great Dane to Walk on Leash

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    A Herm Sprenger Prong Collar – see it on Amazon

    Increasing the Skill

    Once the foundation is built, you can begin to increase the skill level by visiting places that have more distractions.

    Remember to keep it fun, and focus on rewarding your dog for the correct behavior.

    Try visiting an open field where children are playing nearby, or walk through a quiet suburban street.

    With time and practice, you’ll be able to confidently and calmly walk your Great Dane dog through busy areas including the farmer’s market or even past your neighbors (whose dogs bark and yell when you pass by).

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    Prong tools are great for all large and giant breed dogs!

    Avoid Reliance on Training Tools

    The goal with most training tools is to eliminate reliance. This means that you should also continue to practice your leash walking skills without relying on pressure or corrections!

    Start by walking in your yard or a quiet park, and gradually move to more difficult situations.

    Corrections with Training Collars

    If at any point you find yourself using more pressure than necessary, or if your dog is not responding as quickly as they should, take a step back and make it easier for your dog to be successful.

    One thing to keep in mind when using a prong dog collar is that any ‘correction’ you do will be much more gentle than the correction your dog might experience from a halter, martingale collar or front-clip harness.

    Do not use a heavy hand, in other words!

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    Great Dane Leash Training FAQ

    Here are some answers to a few commonly asked questions when it comes to Great Dane training and choosing the best collar for a Great Dane.

    Can I use a dog training shock collar and a prong at the same time?

    No. Do not use any type of electronic collar (shock, e-collar, remote training collar) in conjunction with a prong dog collar. They are different tools and should be used for different reasons. Your dog can wear them at the same time, but make sure that your dog is taught to understand what each means.

    We do recommend the use of E-collars for off-leash training, and the method is similar. Read more HERE.

    How do I know if the collar is too tight or too loose on my Great Dane?

    The general rule is that you should be able to fit two fingers between the links of the collar and your dog’s neck.

    If the collar is too loose, it will be ineffective. If the collar is too tight, it will be uncomfortable for your dog and could cause injury.

    Is a prong dog collar cruel?

    No. When used correctly, a prong dog collar is a humane training tool that can help you teach your Great Dane leash manners!

    Can I use a tool like this on adult dogs that already have bad habits?

    Yes! It doesn’t matter how far behind you are with your dog training, choosing the right collar can be the difference between a successful training experience and a frustrating one.

    Remember, the key is to keep it fun for your dog while consistently reinforcing the correct behavior. With time and practice, you’ll be able to walk even largest, most tenacious giant breed dog down the street on a loose leash!

    A positive trainer told me that I was abusing my dog. Now what?

    There is a lot of misinformation out there about dog training, and it can be difficult to sort through everything.

    If you’re ever unsure about whether or not you are using a tool correctly, we recommend reaching out to a qualified trainer in your area for help.

    The most important thing is that you and your dog are moving forward together in life, and enjoying the time you have!

    For more information on how to choose an ethical, high-quality dog trainer, read HERE.

    What does it mean when my Great Dane leans on me?

    Random bonus question!

    Leaning is often seen as a sign of affection, but it can also be a sign of insecurity or anxiety.

    If your dog is leaning on you during leash walks, it’s likely that they are feeling a bit anxious and are looking to you for reassurance.

    The best thing you can do in this situation is to remain calm and confident yourself, and to provide gentle reassurance as needed. With time and patience, your dog will learn to trust you, trust the process and feel more secure on walks.

    Where can I get more information about Great Dane Training?

    We offer a ton of blog posts and resources for training your Great Dane! Just click on our menus above to search topics.

    You can also find us on Facebook and Instagram.

    We love hearing from our readers, so please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions or comments!

  • Great Dane Toenail Problems: How to Keep Your Dog’s Nails Healthy

    Great Dane Toenail Problems: How to Keep Your Dog’s Nails Healthy

    Great Dane toenail problems are a common issue for this breed of dog. Luckily, there are ways to keep your dog’s nails healthy and avoid any potential issues. In this blog post, we will discuss the best ways to care for your Great Dane’s nails and how to prevent any problems from arising.

    Toenail Problems

    GREAT DANE TOENAIL PROBLEMS: WHY DOES IT MATTER?

    As the owner of a Great Dane, you may be wondering why it is so important to keep your dog’s nails healthy. After all, they are just nails, right? Wrong!

    Your dog’s nails play an important role in their overall health and well-being. Here are a few reasons why keeping your Great Dane’s nails healthy is so important:

    • It helps prevent pain and discomfort: If your dog’s nails are too long, they can begin to curl under and grow into the pads of their feet. This can cause your dog a great deal of pain and discomfort.
    • It prevents infection: Long or overgrown nails can also lead to infection. This is because the nail beds become irritated and inflamed, which provides the perfect environment for bacteria to grow.
    • It helps them move more comfortably: Overgrown nails can make it difficult for your dog to walk and run comfortably. This is because they put pressure on the toe joints, which can lead to pain and discomfort.
    • It improves their appearance: Let’s face it, overgrown nails are not a good look! Not only do they affect your dog’s appearance, but they can also be quite painful.
    Toenail Problems

    So, as you can see, there are many reasons why keeping your Great Dane’s nails healthy is so important. But how do you go about doing that? Read on to find out!

    GREAT DANE TOENAIL PROBLEMS: HOW TO PREVENT THEM

    Broken nails, brittle nails and other nail issues are far too common with dogs.

    Toenail Problems

    But there are ways to prevent these problems from occurring. Here are a few tips:

    1. Keep them trimmed: One of the best ways to keep your Dane’s nails healthy is to keep them trimmed on a regular basis. You can do this yourself at home with a nail clipper or you can take them to a groomer. If you’re not comfortable trimming your dog’s nails, then we recommend taking them to a groomer. They will be able to quickly and safely trim your dog’s nails without causing any pain or discomfort.
    2. Use the right products: It is important that you use the right products when trimming your Great Dane’s nails. We recommend using a nail grinder instead of a nail clipper. This is because it is much easier to control and prevents you from accidentally cutting too close to the quick (the blood vessel in the nail).
    3. Be careful: When trimming your Great Dane’s nails, it is important to be careful. You don’t want to cut too close to the quick as this can cause a great deal of pain. If you are unsure of how to properly trim your Great Dane’s nails, we recommend seeking out professional help. following these simple tips, you can help keep your Great Dane’s nails healthy and avoid any potential problems.
    4. Start Young: It is important to start taking care of your Great Danes nails at a young age. This will get them used to the process and make it easier for you in the long run.
    5. Be Consistent: Once you start taking care of your Great Dane’s nails, it is important to be consistent. This means trimming them on a regular basis (every two to three weeks is ideal).
    6. Don’t be Lazy: Nail trimming requires that owners take care of their fur babies nails REGULARLY, and that means every single week if not twice a week. Don’t be lazy! 🙂 It just never works out.
    7. Use a Veterinarian: If you or your pet are fearful when it comes to their feet, call your Veterinarian! They can help you!

    TRIMMING YOUR GREAT DANES NAILS

    Toenail Problems

    If you fail to trim your Great Danes nails, they will get broken nails and it can become extremely painful.

    Nail health doesn’t need to be super complex.

    In order to trim your dog’s toenails, you need to decide on a product that works for you and your pet.

    There are two main types of nail grooming supplies: the Dremmel and clippers.

    NAIL DREMMEL FOR PETS

    Using a Dremel is something that many pet owners prefer as they can control the length of the nail bed more easily with this tool.

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    Since the Dremmel is automatic, it can be loud, but that does not mean it is painful.

    Some find that it is less likely to cause human error than clippers.

    When using a Dremmel, take the paw of your dog and begin to file one nail at a time. If your dog is afraid of the Dremmel, you will want to start slow. File only one nail on the first day, and proceed with another nail the next day.

    THE BEST NAIL CLIPPERS AND FILERS FOR BIG DOGS
    GREAT DANE NAIL TOOLS
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    If your dog is extremely scared of the tool, you can begin by handling its paw and getting it used to the feeling of you touching its paw or leg nearby its toe.

    IS MY DOG AFRAID OR AGGRESSIVE?

    Over time, with practice you can get your dog to feel less nervous about the tool and you will be able to file back nails much quicker.

    CLIPPERS FOR DOGS

    Clippers are another tool used to cut the nails of your dog.

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    READ MORE ABOUT TOOLS WE RECOMMEND FOR TRIMMING HERE

    Clippers are less expensive than a Dremmel and can be found at most stores.

    They are also much quieter which may help your dog feel more comfortable.

    To use clippers, you will want to find a type that is comfortable for you to hold.

    You will also want to make sure the blades are sharp so that you can get a clean cut on the nail.

    Start by gently holding your dog’s paw in your hand and proceed to clip one nail at a time being very careful not to cut too close to the quick (blood vessel).

    BLEEDING NAILS WITH CLIPPERS

    If you do accidentally cut the quick, it will bleed and be painful for your dog, but the bleeding does not mean that the nail is broken.

    Applying pressure with a styptic pencil or cornstarch can help stop the bleeding paw at the first sign and help the foot to feel better in no time.

    You can use Kwik Stop as a safe and nontoxic method to solve the bleeding.

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    BROKEN TOENAIL ISSUES

    Typically, broken toenail issues come when a dog has been running and hits its toe or nails on something.

    This can cause the nail to crack, splinter, or even fall off.

    Toenail Problems

    If this happens, you will want to clean up the broken nail as fast as you can because your dog can get a bacterial nail bed infection. Cleaning the paw, foot and nail can help prevent the broken nail from getting an infection or continued bleeding.

    You will also want to keep an eye on the broken nail as it may need to be removed if it does not heal properly.

    WHY DOES MY DOG GET BLEEDING OR BROKEN NAILS?

    If you have a dog who consistently has a breakage issue on their nail, their nails are most likely just too long. However, it can also happen from a loose nail grabbing on to something when your dog is running.

    Toenail Problems

    THE NAIL ON YOUR DOGS FOOT IS JUST TOO LONG

    One of the primary reasons for keeping their nails short is to prevent this from happening.

    If you find that your dog’s nails are too long and causing them issues, you will want to take them to the vet or a professional groomer to have them trimmed down.

    This is a quick and easy fix that can save your dog from a lot of discomfort in the future.

    There are many reasons why your dog may have broken or bleeding nails, but the most common reason is because their nails are too long.

    Toenail Problems

    If you find that your dog’s nails are causing them discomfort, you should take them to the vet or a professional groomer to have them trimmed down.

    This is a quick and easy fix that can save your dog from a lot of discomfort in the future.

    A NAIL GETTING SNAGGED ON SOMETHING

    Another reason that a dog can break a nail is if they catch their nail on something while running and get pulled the wrong way, even if their nail is not too long.

    If this happens, you will want to clean up the broken nail as fast as you can because your dog can get a bacterial nail bed infection.

    Cleaning the paw, foot and nail can help prevent the broken nail from getting an infection or continued bleeding.

    SKIN ISSUES

    Some dogs are very prone to skin issues. (How to Solve Skin Issues in Dogs)

    If your pet has dry, itchy skin there are some things you can try before going to a Veterinarian.

    1. Work on decreasing grains and increasing fatty acids and vitamins into their diet. (Fish Oil)
    2. Rinse your dog off with warm water every time you are outside. Environmental allergies play a huge role in skin disease and can be so easily eliminated with a quick rinse.
    3. If your pup’s skin around their nails are causing them discomfort, you should take them to the vet or a professional groomer to have them trimmed down. This is a quick and easy fix that can save your dog from a lot of discomfort in the future. You will also want to keep an eye on the broken nail as it may need to infection.
    4. Use a soothing home remedy like aloe vera or coconut oil, which has fungal fighting properties, to help ease the discomfort of yeast or chronic allergies.
    5. Using CBD can be a tremendous relief for dogs suffering with a constant itch. (Read more about CBD here)

    If you have tried to solve skin issues with your pet and are still having trouble, you can visit a Veterinary Dermatologist whom are experts in all things skin disease and can help your pup live an itch free life.

    NAIL DISORDERS IN DOGS

    Some dogs have nail disorders that can cause pain or infection.

    PARONYCHIA IN DOGS

    The most common form of nail disorder in dogs is called paronychia, which is an infection of the nail.

    Paronychia can be caused by bacteria, yeast, or even a foreign object such as a splinter.

    Toenail Problems

    If you think your dog may have paronychia, you should take them to the vet so they can prescribe the appropriate course of treatment.

    Treatment of Paronychia infection consists of antibiotics and/or antifungals depending on the causative agent. Antifungals will be required if the infection consists of a fungal infection.

    In severe cases, your dog may need to have their nail removed.

    NAIL BED TUMORS IN DOGS

    Nail bed tumors are growths that can form on the nail bed and are usually benign (non-cancerous).

    However, they can be painful and cause infection.

    Treatment of nail bed tumors usually involves surgery to remove the growth.

    Toenail Problems

    After the surgery, your dog will need to take antibiotics to prevent infection and pain medication to keep them comfortable.

    Prevention is the best medicine when it comes to keeping your pooch’s nails healthy.

    You can prevent most problems by keeping their nails trimmed and avoiding any potential injuries.

    If you do notice any problems with your Great Dane’s nails, be sure to take them to the vet so they can be treated as soon as the infection of the nail is noticed. Early detection and diagnostic testing is key to helping your dog quickly overcome a nail bed tumor, and when left untreated , these tumors can metastasize and become malignant.

    OTHER NAIL DISORDERS IN DOGS

    Other nail disorders in dogs include:

    1. Nail bed infections
    2. Nail bed bruising
    3. Nail bed ulcers
    4. Tumors of the nail bed
    5. Yeast infection in the dogs nail

    Having a nail disorder is very uncommon. Most of the time, treating your dog with a good, weekly nail trim is the solution and a great treatment plan for most of their paw problems.

    DOES DIET PLAY A ROLE IN NAIL CONDITION?

    Diet is correlated to a dog’s paws or feet?

    You might be surprised to find out that your pet health in entirety is highly correlated to their diet, including their feet.

    Toenail Problems

    A diet rich in vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients helps to keep all systems of the body functioning properly, including the nails.

    Poor nutrition can lead to a number of problems, including brittle nails that are more susceptible to breaking.

    If you are concerned about your dog’s diet and how it may be affecting their nails, talk to your family veterinarian or hire a canine nutritionist to help you create a high quality diet for your dog.

    SUPPLEMENTS TO HELP A DOG WITH THEIR SKIN AND NAIL HEALTH

    If you have a dog who has skin, paws, hair, or nail issues, there are a few easy supplements that you can add into their diet that will help them.

    1. Fish oil will not only help your Great Dane have softer fur and skin, but help their paws stay moisturized. Fish oil can be a great support for hair loss as well.
    2. Coconut oil is another great option for a topical treatment you can apply directly to their paws or coat. Not only does it smell amazing, but it has antibacterial and antifungal properties that can help prevent infections.
    3. You can also give your dog biotin supplements, which are often recommended for humans who want to grow long and healthy nails. Biotin is a water soluble vitamin that helps the body metabolize fats and proteins, and it’s essential for nail growth. You can find biotin supplements at your local pet store or online.
    4. Probiotics are a great way to help support your Great Dane with their gut health, which is connected to their overall health. Good gut health is a way to support allergies including dry skin or paws and itchy skin.

    HOW TO KEEP BLACK NAILS GROOMED?

    If your Great Dane has nails that are black in color, you might be wondering how you’re supposed to keep them looking nice and groomed.

    Toenail Problems

    The good news is that black nails are actually very easy to take care of. All you need is a little bit of time and the right tools, and you’ll have your Great Dane’s nails looking great in no time.

    Here are a few tips for taking care of black nails:

    1. Start by desensitizing your pet to the tool that you’d like to use (clippers, file, dremel, etc). Desensitization is key with any grooming tool, but it’s especially important with black nails because owners can be more timid to trim them, which dogs can pick up on.
    2. Clip your Great dane’s nails in short increments, being very careful not to cut too deep. If you do accidentally cut the quick, stop clipping and use styptic powder, Kwik Stop, or cornstarch to stop the bleeding.
    3. Do not try to trim multiple nails in one session if your Great Dane or pet is nervous. Just start with one!
    4. To find the quick of a nail that is black, hold the nail up to a light source. The quick will appear as a dark line running through the center of the nail.
    5. Use a high-quality nail clipper designed specifically for dogs, and make sure that it is sharp. This will help you get a clean cut and avoid splitting or cracks in the nails. If your Great Dane’s nails
    6. Use a file to smooth out any rough edges on the nails.

    It takes practice for both owner and dog, but if you start trimming your Great Dane’s nails as a puppy it is much easier and become like second nature over time.

    So, there you have it! A few things to keep in mind when it comes to keeping nails healthy. By keeping an eye on their nails and being proactive about trimming them down, you can help prevent any problems in the future. Thanks for reading!

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    READ MORE ABOUT NAIL HEALTH HERE: Great Dane Toenail Problems: How to Keep Your Dog’s Nails Healthy
  • The Great Dane Breed Standard

    The Great Dane Breed Standard

    The Great Dane is a breed of dog known for its GIANT size. Today we are discussing the Great Dane breed standard!

    The Great Dane Breed Standard

    This standard is the official illustrated guide that outlines the breed structure, temperament, movement, and features. It was created to help owners, breeders, and judges identify the ideal Great Dane.

    WHAT DOES THE GREAT DANE BREED STANDARD MEAN?

    The Great Dane illustrated standard covers all aspects of the breed including:

    1. The history and origins of the Great Dane
    2. The physical features that make up the Great Dane Breed Standard
    3. The structure and movement of a well-built Great Dane
    4. The ideal temperament of the Great Dane
    5. The differences between a Dog (male) and a Bitch (female) Great Dane
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    A well-bred Harlequin Great Dane. Photo Credit to Tina Schneider at https://www.facebook.com/tina.siegel1

    Why the Great Dane Breed Standard Matters

    The Great Dane breed standard is important because it ensures that all Great Danes are bred to be the best they can be.

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    When incorrect structure, health, and temperament find their way into a pedigree, it can be difficult to get rid of.

    We all want healthy, robust, loving family dogs. By adhering to a breed standard, ethical breeders are able to create sound, beautiful, healthy dogs for years to come.

    The standard covers everything from physical appearance to temperament and movement. Because Great Danes are so large, having proper structure is key.

    When you see a Great Dane with a sway back, no angulation, droopy red haws (eyes), flat feet, or cow hocks you are looking at a Great Dane that was not bred with the written standard in mind.

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    The written standard keeps the breed that we love healthy and strong!

    Great Danes at Dog Shows

    Dog shows are one way that breeders can share how they are intentionally and thoughtfully breeding dogs who meet the standard.

    Close attention is paid to choosing parents who have excellent structure, movement, angles, and temperament.

    Not all pets are show dogs, but all show dogs are pets!

    Pat Trotter, BIS Judge 2021 Westminster Kennel Club

    If you are interested in showing your Great Dane, you will need to find a reputable breeder who is knowledgeable about the breed standard and the general appearance of a thoughtfully bred Great Dane.

    FIND A GREAT DANE BREEDER!

    Unfortunately, many Great Danes are bred by breeders who are more focused on profits, designer color, or ‘EURO’ hyper types than they are on health, structure, and preservation of the breed. This can have a serious effect on the health of the dogs being bred.

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    WHAT IS A EURO GREAT DANE?

    Learn about the EURO Dane ↗

    Dogs from those breeders will not typically do well in dog shows, as they may have poor structure, unstable temperaments, and other significant faults that mean they don’t meet the written standard.

    A good breeder will be able to help get you started on the right foot. They can provide guidance on nutrition, socialization, training, conformation handling, and more.

    A breeder who shows their dogs is a breeder that is 110% dedicated not only to the breed but to the owners of the puppies they produce.

    Not all puppies from a litter will be ‘show quality’, and will need to be placed in great pet homes.

    Don’t be afraid to talk to a show breeder about purchasing a Great Dane puppy or getting into showing (and breeding) dogs yourself! These are the breeders who are at the top of the field.

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    Photo Credit to Tina Schneider at https://www.facebook.com/tina.siegel1

    The Great Dane Head

    One of the most striking features of the Great Dane is the head. Many people call the Dane head ‘brick on brick’, meaning that it should be angular and strong with a well-defined ‘STOP’ from the forehead to the bridge of the nose.

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    From the GDCA Illustrated Standard for Great Danes

    A round dome-shaped head, short muzzle, and/or excessive jowls are faults.

    The ideal ratio of muzzle to the skull is 50/50. This is different from many other breeds, which often have longer muzzles.

    Great Danes should have a strong jaw, with a complete scissor bite. This means that the top teeth should just barely touch the bottom teeth when the mouth is closed.

    The eyes of a Great Dane should be large and dark, with an almond shape. They should be fairly deep-set well into the skull and give the dog an intelligent and alert expression. Some colors may have lighter eyes, however, most will have amber-colored eyes.

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    Photo Credit to Tina Schneider at https://www.facebook.com/tina.siegel1

    The ears of a Great Dane can be either cropped or left natural. If they are cropped, they should be done so at an early age, before the cartilage has set.

    The natural ears should be medium in size and set high on the head. They should be triangular in shape, and taper to a point.

    When natural, the ears should be soft and hang close to the head. When cropped, they should be erect and point forward.

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    https://gdca.org/wp-content/uploads/TheGreatDane/2021-GDCA-Illustrated-Standard-10_19_21.pdf

    The neck of a Great Dane should be thick and muscular, without being excessively long. It should taper slightly from the shoulders to the skull.

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    Ideal Structure for Great Danes

    The body of a Great Dane should be long and rectangular. They should have well-sprung ribs and a deep chest. The top line should be level, with a slight rise over the loin.

    The Dane’s underline should be slightly tucked up. This gives them the ‘waist’ that is characteristic of the breed. Great Danes are a lean breed that should never be stocky or bulky.

    Great Danes should have well-angulated hindquarters.

    Screen Shot 2022 06 28 at 12.57.30 PM

    Danes should have round, firm cat feet. The toes should be well-arched and close together.

    The nails should be short and dark on most colors, however light nails are acceptable on Harlequin, Mantle, and Merle Great Danes. Dewclaws are typically removed.

    Danes should have a long, strong tail that is set high on the rump. When the dog is in motion, the tail should be carried level with the back, or slightly above.

    A ‘hook’ tail or tail carried high above the back are faults.

    Great Dane
    Photo Credit to Tina Schneider at https://www.facebook.com/tina.siegel1

    Great Dane Size

    Great Danes are a large breed, with a height range of 28-32 inches for males and 26-30 inches for females.

    The weight range for Great Danes is 100-180 pounds for males and 80-140 pounds for females.

    While these are the ideal heights and weights, many Danes will fall outside of that range.

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    Great Danes fed an incorrect diet, or overfed can become too tall or too large. This is bad for their orthopedic health and may also cause problems for their bones, heart, thyroid, or pancreas.

    Danes should be kept lean with good muscle, and be fed an age-appropriate, highly-researched diet.

    Great Dane puppies

    THE BEST FOODS FOR GREAT DANE PUPPIES

    See what brands we recommend ↗

    Great Dane Colors

    There are seven recognized colors of Great Dane. Click on any heading to see the color in more detail!

    Black. A black Great Dane should have a shiny, even black coat without any fading. The only acceptable white markings are on the chest and toes.

    Blue. A blue Great Dane should have a pure steel-blue coat with no fading. The only acceptable white markings are on the chest and toes.

    Merle. A merle Great Dane is just like a harlequin, but with a dark or light grey base coat. Torn black patches are scattered over the entire body. An ideal version of merle includes solid merle or the ‘mantle merle’ coat pattern. The white blaze is optional.

    Fawn. A fawn Great Dane should have a stunning light golden coat and a black mask on the face. There should be no white markings.

    Brindle. A brindle Great Dane should have a fawn coat with dark stripes all over, and a black mask on the face. Ideally, there are no white markings.

    Harlequin. A harlequin Great Dane should have a white base coat with large black patches evenly distributed over the body. The ideal harlequin has as much white as possible, and the white collar is preferred.

    Mantle. A mantle Great Dane should have a solid black blanket extending from the neck to the tail with a white chest, neck, blaze, and white-tipped black tail. The rest of the body should be either all black or predominately black with small amounts of white.

    image 109

    ALL ABOUT OFF-STANDARD AND DESIGNER COLOR GREAT DANES

    Are they good or bad? ↗

    Great Danes do come in many, many other colors, however! Only a few are recognized and accepted by the breed club.

    Some of the more unusual colors include lilac, blue fawn, fawnequin, brindlequin, blue harlequin, chocolate, and tan point.

    For more information on the ethical breeding of Great Danes, and on designer colors, read here.

    image 89

    Ear Cropping in Great Danes

    As mentioned before, Great Danes can have either cropped or natural ears.

    The practice of cropping ears has been around for centuries. It was originally done as a utilitarian measure, to help protect the dog’s ears from being torn and shredded by wild boar during hunts. Great Danes were originally bred to hunt wild board!

    Nowadays, ear cropping is done purely for cosmetic reasons.

    The practice is controversial, and many countries have banned it outright. In the United States, it is still legal but must be performed by a licensed veterinarian.

    When done by a highly qualified veterinarian with an excellent portfolio of cropping (showcasing talent and experience), the procedure is humane.

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    Great Dane ear cropping featured image

    American vs. Euro Great Danes

    People believe that there are two types of Great Danes: American and Euro.

    They believe that the American Dane is smaller and more refined, almost ‘greyhound like’ in their appearance.

    They also believe that the ‘Euro’ Great Dane is stocky, beefy and droopy with a more ‘mastiff like’ appearance.

    When comparing the written standard for Great Danes from both America and Europe, the dogs should be nearly identical.

    ‘American’ and ‘Euro’ are essentially made up terms.

    There is only one Great Dane breed, in other words. A Great Dane that is either too refined (‘American’) or too exaggerated (‘Euro’) is a Great Dane that was bred outside of the written standard.

    What Does Euro Mean in Great Danes?

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    A Well-Bred Great Dane

    Olga Maderych and Gadabout Photography e1581777679468 1
    A Harlequin Great Dane

    A Euro-Bred Great Dane

    16

    How to choose a Great Dane Breeder

    When looking for a Great Dane breeder, it is important to find one that adheres to the breed standard. This can help ensure that your Great Dane puppy comes from genetics that have been proven for structure and temperament.

    For ethical reasons, it is important that we are only breeding well-structured Great Danes! Poor structure leads to orthopedic break down including wobblers, pain, arthritis and injuries.

    Temperament is genetic!

    A Great Dane that meets the breed standard for temperament will be confident, friendly and courageous. Not timid or fearful.

    Aggressive and fearful behavior has genetic roots. Your breeder should be proving that they are creating sound, stable dogs that enjoy activities, people and socialization.

    A well-bred Great Dane will be easy to train, friendly, calm and ready for anything.

    It’s a myth that Great Danes are timid and fearful!

    One way that you can ensure you’ve chosen an ethical breeder is to ask them if they do ENS or Puppy Culture. These proven early-socialization practices take stable, well-bred puppies and turn them into excellent companions and family pets!

    Harlequin Great Dane Puppy Standing 683x1024 1

    WHAT IS PUPPY CULTURE?

    Is your breeder making confident puppies? ↗

    Titles & Certifications

    Ask the breeder about titles. We recommend that in the pedigree that are titles for conformation, obedience, and/or sports. Former puppies may carry these titles, or the parents might as well (ideal).

    These titles are earned at sanctioned AKC, FCI and Canadian Kennel Club events.

    Common titles you might see include (but are not limited to):

    CH. – Champion (conformation)

    BIS – Best in Show (conformation)

    CGC – Canine Good Citizen

    THD – Therapy Dog

    It’s important to note that ‘service dog’ is NOT a title or a legitimate certification.

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    Health tests for Great Dane Breeding

    A responsible and reputable breeder will be able to show you health clearances for both of the dog’s parents.

    At minimum, the breeder must show proof that both dogs in the breed pairing have undergone (and passed) the following tests prior to breeding:

    Eye exam with a board -certified veterinary ophthalmologist

    Hip and elbow evaluation with the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) or PennHIP

    Cardiac evaluation by a board-certified veterinary cardiologist

    A thyroid panel reviewed by a veterinarian

    1215f4d68b0b2230e7a9615760b9ed2c 1

    WHAT IS OFA HEALTH TESTING AND WHY IS IT IMPORTANT?

    Learn about the tests your breeder MUST do before breeding ↗

    Some breeders will take this a step further and also include the following:

    A DNA test for von Willebrand’s disease

    A DNA test for Degenerative Myelopathy.

    A DNA test for color

    A DNA test for bloat

    A breeder who only does one or two of those tests is NOT reputable nor are they ethical, no matter how ‘friendly’ or ‘popular’ they seem.

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    Great Dane Exercise

    It’s a myth that Great Danes are fragile!

    When they are correctly built and have robust, well-angled structure they are very athletic dogs that love to run, move and play.

    Great Danes benefit the most from off-leash exercise, being allowed to freely explore varied terrain. We recommend that all Danes be reliably off-leash trained for this reason.

    Walks on hard pavement are not ideal for the joints, nor do they do much to help build muscle and stamina. While there is nothing wrong with ‘walking your dog’, we highly recommend balancing regular walks with off-leash play.

    Mature Great Danes should be lean and muscular, not bulky, lanky, unstable, or slow.

    Puppies especially benefit from free play on varied outdoor terrain!

    We do not recommend fetch, running or long leashed walks for puppies.

    9 Tips to Having a Trained Great Dane with Balanced Training

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    E collar 900 review: honest and unbiased

    Great Dane Health Conditions

    Great Danes are prone to a number of health conditions, most of which are genetic, and all of which contribute to the so often ‘shorter lifespan’ seen in Great Danes.

    Those conditions include but are not limited to:

    Hip and elbow dysplasia

    DCM/Dilated Cardiomyopathy

    Wobblers Syndrome

    Cancer

    Bloat

    Arthritis

    Allergies

    Autoimmune conditions.

    A responsible breeder will have health clearances for their dogs as well as knowledge about how to avoid or minimize the impact of these disorders on the puppies they breed.

    It’s also important to speak with your veterinarian about choosing an appropriate food for your Great Dane! There is a lot of misinformation being spread, and that information is unfortunately hurting our breed.

    19 1

    Should I Feed My Great Dane Puppy or Adult Food?

    The Great Great Dane

    Now that you’ve read about the Great Dane Breed Standard, everything you need to know, we hope you’ll consider this amazing breed when looking for your next furry family member!

    If you have any questions that weren’t answered here, please reach out and we’ll be happy to help!

    READ MORE:
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  • Zeus the Great Dane: the World’s Tallest Dog

    Zeus the Great Dane: the World’s Tallest Dog

    There is a new king of the dog world, and his name is Zeus. This Great Dane was officially declared the tallest dog in the world by Guinness World Records.

    At 44 inches tall, Zeus the Great Dane towers over all other breeds of dogs. In this blog post, we will take a closer look at this giant breed and find out what makes them so special.

    Zeus the Great Dane

    Who is Zeus the Great Dane?

    Zeus is a Great Dane from Otsego, Michigan. He was born on November 24, 2011. His owner, Denise Doorlag, says that Zeus loves to play fetch and go for walks.

    He may be huge, but he’s still just like any other dog!

    Zeus was recorded by the Guinness World Records as the tallest dog in the world on October 11, 2011.

    He stands 44 inches tall at the shoulder and is seven feet four inches from the tip of his nose to the end of his tail.

    That means he is taller than many humans! In fact, Zeus is so big that he has to sleep in a queen-sized bed.

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    Screen Shot 2022 06 27 at 1.40.55 PM

    How much does Zeus the Great Dane weigh?

    Zeus the Great Dane weighs 155 pounds. That is about the same weight as a fully grown human!

    On average, a male Great Dane can weigh anywhere from 120 to 180 pounds and will be between 30 and 34 inches tall at the shoulder.

    That means Zeus is on the larger side for his breed, especially when it comes to his height!

    A Great Danes heigh is measured from the withers, which is the highest point of the shoulder blades, to the floor.

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    Zues the Tallest Great Dane in the world

    What is the life expectancy of a Great Dane?

    The average life expectancy of a Great Dane is between six and eight years old, though dogs from ethical breeders tend to have longer lifespans.

    Unfortunately, Zeus may have a shorter lifespan due to his large size and poor breeding.

    Great Danes are known to suffer from health problems such as hip dysplasia, Dilated Cardiomyopathy (AKA ‘DCM’), and bloat.

    All of these are largely genetic (and occasionally environmental) conditions that shorten lifespan.

    HOW DOES BACKYARD BREEDING IMPACT THE WAY A GREAT DANE LOOKS?

    What Makes a Breeder Good?

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    Zeus the tall black Great Dane

    Why is Zeus the Great Dane so tall?

    The answer to this question is largely due to genetics, however, environmental factors are also likely at play.

    Great Danes are a very old breed, and their large size is likely due to years of selective breeding.

    Zeus may have come from a breeder who was not diligent about choosing parents to continue the pedigree and thus may have received certain genes that encouraged fast, explosive growth and his excessive height.

    Incorrect nutrition in Great Danes can lead to orthopedic issues including low bone density, too-fast of growth, knuckling, dysplasia, and more.

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    In other words, oversized puppies (including ‘Euro’ pups) are often the result of backyard breeders who are not knowledgeable about the proper care and nutrition of Great Danes, let alone the actual breed standard.

    Early spay and neuter (prior to 18-24 months) can also contribute to excessive height and structural problems in Great Danes!

    Studies have shown that waiting to spay or neuter large and giant breed dogs can positively impact their future health.

    Big dogs that are ‘fixed’ too young may be excessively tall, gangly, and lanky. They may also be more prone to hip dysplasia, ACL/CCL tears, and arthritis.

    Here is an image of a well-bred, well-built intact male Great Dane from the GDCA Written Standard.

    Great Dane Illo 2
    An Image from the Official Illustrated Standard for Great Danes

    The Great Dane Breed Standard

    Today, many people choose to breed Great Danes for show or competition, which means that the dogs must meet certain standards in order to be competitive. This standard helps ensure that future Great Danes are robust, healthy, and correct in stature and size.

    Zeus is a loved family pet, however, he is outside of the breed standard for Great Danes.

    It is important to appreciate him for the amazing dog that he is, but NOT to wish for all Great Danes to experience his stature.

    It is unhealthy and unfortunately will be devastating for him, and his loving owners.

    While Zeus may be the tallest dog in the world, he is certainly not the only giant breed of dog out there. Other popular giant breeds include the Mastiff, Newfoundland, Saint Bernard, and Scottish Deerhound.

    Here is an image of a healthy, well-bred black Great Dane:

    A tall black great dane
    Photo Credit to Tina Schneider at https://www.facebook.com/tina.siegel1

    What does Zeus the Great Dane eat?

    Zeus the Great Dane eats 12 cups of food each day! Male Great Danes like Zeus require a lot of quality food to thrive, especially if they are active.

    Diet is an important part of keeping any dog healthy, but it is especially important for giant breeds like the Great Dane.

    When choosing a diet for a Great Dane, we recommend looking for a large or giant breed food from an established company that has a boarded Veterinary nutritionist on staff.

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    Is Zeus the Great Dane Still Alive?

    Unfortunately, Zeus passed away at the age of 5.

    He was such a loved family pet.

    Zeus leaves behind a legacy as the tallest dog in the world.

    He will be remembered for his gentle giant personality and will be greatly missed.

    Rest in peace, Zeus. You were one amazing dog!`

    READ MORE:

    Miniature Great Danes: The ‘Pocket’ Version of a Great Dane

  • What Were Great Danes Bred For? The Surprising History of This Popular Breed

    What Were Great Danes Bred For? The Surprising History of This Popular Breed

    Great Danes are SO lovable, caring and smart- but what were Great Danes bred for?

    WHAT WERE GREAT DANES BRED FOR

    If you’ve ever been around a Great Dane, you know that, like many giant breed dogs, they are some of the most gentle giants around. But their size can be quite intimidating, so you might be wondering- what were they bred for?

    Contrary to popular belief, Great Danes were not bred for hunting or as guard dogs. In fact, they were originally bred as boar hounds in Germany!

    But how did German breeders come to find this gentle giant suitable to hunt wild boar?

    Out of all dog breeds- why did they choose Great Danes, and how did these hunting dogs transform into the Great Dane puppy snoozing legs up on your couch?

    WHAT WERE GREAT DANES BRED FOR
    WHAT WERE GREAT DANES BRED FOR

    WHAT WERE GREAT DANES BRED FOR?

    The Great Dane breed was originally bred as boar hunting dogs.

    Not exactly what pet parents have in mind when they bring their puppy home.

    To hunt wild boar, a dog has to be brave, athletic and have a high prey drive.

    But, nonetheless the Great Dane breed was originally bred in Germany, where they were used as boar hunting dogs. These dogs had to be brave and athletic with a high prey drive in order to do their job well.

    WHAT WERE GREAT DANES BRED FOR

    GREAT DANE HISTORY

    You may be surprised that Great Danes were once some of the most powerful, strong and fast dog breeds that there were.

    Developed in the 14th Century in Germany and England, Great Danes were bred as ancestors to Greyhounds and English Mastiff / German Mastiff – a lethal combination of strength and speed that was then called the Grand Danois, and now called Great Dane.

    WHAT WERE GREAT DANES BRED FOR

    At the time, Europe had an extreme need for a dog breed that was able to take down their boar hound. Boars were some of the strongest, most dangerous animals in Europe and were wreaking havoc on crops, livestock and humans.

    Greyhounds were fast enough, but not strong enough. German Mastiffs / English Mastiffs were strong enough, but not fast enough.

    So the Grand Danois was born – a German dog, full of German nobility, that was big enough to take down a full grown wild boar, but also fast enough to keep up with the hunt, something that not any Great Danish dog could do at this time.

    The Great dane quickly became one of the most popular hunters in all of Europe, and were even used by the royalty. It is said that King Louis XVI of France owned several Grand Danois, as did Marie Antoinette.

    The breed was then brought to America in the late 1800s where they became popular as family pets and also working dogs on farms.

    EAR CROPPING IN THE GREAT DANE

    When giant dogs fight against wild boars, the boards began to rip and tear their ears.

    WHAT WERE GREAT DANES BRED FOR

    Owners began searching for a way to protect their large dogs, keep them safe and away from as many health issues as possible while they hunted.

    Thus, cropped ears began coming the ‘normal’ for Great Danes.

    Ear cropping was spread throughout the dog breed as a humane way to prevent the wild boars from nipping, shredding, and tearing the Great Danes ears off, which created a health hazard for the dogs.

    Now, if you see a Great Dane with cropped ears- that’s why!

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    IS EAR CROPPING IN GREAT DANES ACCEPTABLE NOW?

    While many people believe that cropped ears are cruel, it is actually done in a way to protect the dog while they are hunting and working.

    And today, many Great Danes are no longer used for hunting, but some owners still like a cropped appearance to their modern Great Dane.

    Some dogs who participate in dog sports may get their ears cropped to help protect them against ear issues.

    WHAT WERE GREAT DANES BRED FOR

    Some larger breeds get ear infections, and generally speaking some people suggest that the crop can help to prevent infection.

    Others prefer their Great Dane to have a ‘regal’ and ‘breed standard’ look to them, especially if they are being shown and apart of the Great Dane Club of America.

    No matter what, if an owner is cropping their dogs ears, it is not ‘abusive’, as long as they provide their dog with an excellent surgeon and get their ears cropped at a suitable age.

    HOW DID GREAT DANES CHANGE OVER TIME?

    Over time, more and more people were not using Great Dane dogs to hunt wild boars.

    WHAT WERE GREAT DANES BRED FOR

    With breeding and industrialization, most dogs were being transformed from a working dog to a family pet.

    Great Danes job is not the only thing that changed.

    Their appearance also changed as time morphed them from hunting down a wild boar to lounging on the sofa being hand fed ice cubes.

    GREAT DANES ARE TALLER NOW

    A Great Dane’s body is much taller now than it was in the 14th Century.

    When hunting, dogs needed to be muscular and strong. But now, as breeding takes place, the breed standard for Great Danes is to be taller and longer, with a slimmer build.

    WHAT WERE GREAT DANES BRED FOR

    This is why some people think that the Great Dane might not be as strong as it used to be – but this isn’t the case!

    They are still just as muscular, it’s just hidden under their extra tall and lanky frame.

    Great Danes have been bred to be one of the tallest dog breeds in the world.

    The average height for a male Great Dane is 30 inches (76 cm) at the shoulder, and 28 inches (71 cm) for females.

    While this may not seem that tall – remember they are standing on all fours!

    This would be like a human being around seven and a half to eight feet tall.

    The tallest Great Dane on record was Zeus, who stood an impressive 44 inches (112 cm) at the shoulder!

    Zeus lived in Michigan with his owner Denise Doorlag and weighed in at 245 pounds (111 kg).

    ZEUS THE TALLEST GREAT DANE

    While Zeus may have been the tallest Great Dane, it is important to keep in mind that breed characteristics are there for a reason and you should seek veterinary advice on what a Great Dane is SUPPOSED to look like BEFORE bringing a Great Dane home.

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    WHAT ARE GREAT DANES LIKE TODAY?

    Great Danes may still be chamber dogs, but more so just ones that consume our beds and eat all of our food.

    WHAT WERE GREAT DANES BRED FOR

    Great Danes are large breeds who are most definitely not spending their time hunting wild animals.

    GREAT DANE DOGS TEMPERAMENT

    A Great Dane and their temperament, like most dog breeds, highly depends on a few things:

    1. Breeder/breeding
    2. How they are raised in the litter
    3. Socialization
    4. Training
    5. Exposure to new things as a puppy
    6. Vaccine schedule/health issues
    7. Diet

    All of these things play a vital role in how a dog will turn out when they are fully grown.

    BREEDING

    WHAT WERE GREAT DANES BRED FOR

    A Great Dane that is raised by a responsible and reputable breeder, who gives them the proper socialization and training is going to be an excellent dog.

    On the other hand, if a Great Dane is raised in a neglectful or abusive home, chances are they will not be the best dog.

    A ‘backyard breeder’ is not always someone who abuses dogs, neglects dogs, or hurts dogs. A backyard breeder can be someone who does not health test their dogs, produces many litters of unhealthy Great Danes, and does not care to produce the best natured dogs that they can, which ultimately impacts the owners of that Great Dane for the entirety of the Great Danes life. Backyard breeders might even have their litter registered with the American Kennel Club.

    SOCIALIZATION

    WHAT WERE GREAT DANES BRED FOR
    WHAT WERE GREAT DANES BRED FOR

    A Great Dane that is properly socialized will be outgoing, friendly and love people.

    They should also be good with other animals – including dogs, cats and small mammals.

    Great Danes who have not been socialized may be skiddish, anxious or experience separation anxiety.

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    TRAINING

    WHAT WERE GREAT DANES BRED FOR

    Owners who bring Great Danes home bear a large responsibility to get their big dog trained at an early age, even more so than other breeds.

    Training such dogs requires getting started early, since Great Danes tend to grow VERY fast!

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    Great Danes are great family pets, but owners often find themselves in terrible situations when their dog is very young as they have neglected to provide them with the right amount of training while they are growing up.

    EXPOSURE TO NEW THINGS AS PUPPIES

    WHAT WERE GREAT DANES BRED FOR

    Great Dane owners should be mindful of their dog’s age and begin proper training and exposure ASAP!

    These dogs grow up faster and quicker than others, and exposure to new experiences is a must while they are impressionable.

    Schedule for Bringing Home a Great Dane Puppy

    Puppies should be taken on car rides, to the park, on walks around different neighborhoods and to as many places as possible.

    This will help them become well-rounded dogs who are not afraid of new experiences.

    FAILURE TO DO THIS can result in a Great Dane that is anxious or fearful of new environments and situations – which can be very dangerous for both the dog and their owner.

    VACCINE SCHEDULE/HEALTH ISSUES

    WHAT WERE GREAT DANES BRED FOR

    Another important factor in a Great Dane’s temperament is their health.

    Health Risks in Great Danes

    Great Dane puppies or dogs should NOT be given all of their vaccines at the same time.

    These big dogs have a tendency to not tolerate vaccines as well as small dogs and it can be dangerous to provide multiple vaccines at the same time.

    Some dogs will have reactions and long term illness or issues when given multiple vaccines at once. Some dogs can have temperament issues that lag on and on.

    When giving vaccines to your puppy or dog, speak to your Veterinarian and request veterinary guidance on creating a vaccine schedule for your dog that allows you to give 1 vaccine at a time.

    DIET

    WHAT WERE GREAT DANES BRED FOR

    It is common sense to think that a diet can have an impact on all dogs and other animals, too.

    Humans will admit that diet plays a huge role in the health of people, but it is very little talked about how diet impacts their dog.

    Diet plays a huge role in the temperament of any Great Dane.

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    If a Great Dane is not at a healthy weight, they can become irritable, anxious and even aggressive.

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    An obese dog is not a happy dog, and often their temperament will reflect that.

    Poor diet can also lead to health problems down the road, which in turn can impact a Great Dane’s temperament and personality. Since Hip Dysplasia, Arthritis, Bloat, Cancer, etc, all have an impact on the Great Dane breed, diet is something that should NOT be ignored.

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    A well-rounded diet, full of healthy ingredients is going to have a positive impact on any Great Dane dog.

    SIZE OF MODERN DAY GREAT DANES

    If you are looking for a dog that will consume your car, your home, your bed, your couch, and your heart – look no further than the Great Dane.

    These dogs are some of the largest breeds in the world and they are not for everyone.

    Their size is one of their most defining characteristics and it can also be one of their most challenging.

    GREAT DANE PUPPY WEIGHT AND GROWTH

    A Great Dane puppy is usually born at around two pounds, and they gain weight very quickly.

    By six weeks old, they are typically around 20 pounds.

    Here is a Great Dane Puppy Growth Chart:

    Birth1-2 lbs
    1 Week2-3 lbs
    2 Weeks3-5 lbs
    3 Weeks4-7 lbs
    1 Month5-8 lbs
    6 Weeks10-20 lbs
    2 Months15-30 lbs
    3 Months25-45 lbs
    4 Months45-65 lbs
    5 Months60-85 lbs
    6 Months65 – 100 lbs
    7 Months70-110 lbs
    8 Months80-120 lbs
    9 Months85-125 lbs
    1 Year95-120 lbs
    ADULT
    Female110-145lbs
    Male135-170lbs

    Great Dane puppies face issues such as knuckling or Panosteitis when they are growing, so helping them to grow VERY slow and steady is CRUCIAL. Every Great Dane who is less than 24 months old should be on a Buffered Esther Vitamin C supplement

    Read more here.

    Is My Great Dane Puppy Knuckling?
    How to Prevent Knuckling in Great Dane Puppies
    Is My Great Dane Puppy Too Small?
    Great Dane Puppy Growth Chart
    How to Fix Knuckling in Great Danes
    Is My Great Dane Too Small?

    FULL GROWN GREAT DANE GROWTH AND WEIGHT

    Full-grown Great Danes can range in size from 100 to 200 pounds and stand anywhere from 28 to 34 inches tall at the shoulder.

    Their large size means that they require a lot of food and their appetites can be larger.

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    A full-grown Great Dane will eat anywhere from four to eight cups of food per day, so be prepared to spend a pretty penny on their food bill each month!

    How Much Do Great Danes Eat?
    Euro Danes: A Big, Droopy Problem
    What Does Euro Mean in Great Danes?
    Miniature Great Danes: The Pocket Size Version

    LIFE EXPECTANCY

    The average life expectancy for a Great Dane is around 8-10, though some Danes have long outlived this.

    Bloat is one of the very top killers of Great Danes, and in some ways, is somewhat of a medical mystery.

    Canine education, however, has come a long way in the ability to provide veterinary advice on the topic.

    Read more here.

    LIFE EXPECTANCY OF A GREAT DANE
    Is My Dog ‘Filling Out’ or Getting Fat?
    Obesity in Great Danes: Fat Danes Face Serious Health Risks

    WHAT NEEDS DO GREAT DANES HAVE IN TERMS OF SPACE?

    Honestly, Great Danes truly do not need a whole ton of space. However, having said that, there are some things that they require that other dogs just do not.

    1. Yard/Space
    2. Bed
    3. Car
    4. Crate

    SPACE TO RUN AND PLAY

    They need a home with a yard, or an owner who is willing and able to provide them with plenty of exercise.

    A Dane that does not have enough space to run and play will become anxious and destructive.

    IS MY DOG BORED?

    The size of the Great Dane can also be more intimidating to some people than other dogs, which is why it is important that they are socialized and trained.

    E COLLAR TRAININGTRAINING WITHOUT AN E COLLAR
    E Collar Training Guide
    E Collar Myths
    What is an E Collar?
    What is the Difference Between an E Collar and a Shock Collar?
    9 Reasons to E Collar Train Your Great Dane Puppy
    99 Reasons Why to Use an E Collar and a Shock Ain’t One
    Things that are More Aversive Than an E Collar in Training
    E Collars are NOT Shock Collars
    Proper E Collar Placement
    E Collar 900 Review
    Using an E Collar to Teach Recall
    Dog Halo Collar Review

    		Is the Gentle Leader an Abusive Tool?
    Is My Great Dane Being Aggressive?
    What is Great Dane Dominance Training?
    How to Stop a Great Dane from Jumping Up
    How to Teach a Great Dane to Walk on Leash
    Day Pouch Treat Bag Review
    12 Potty Training Tips for a Great Dane Puppy

    Potty Training in an Apartment
    Best Training Treats for Great Dane Puppies

    BED

    No animal can go without a bed, and Great Danes need BIG ones.

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    Our favorite is the Big Barker, which has a 10 year guarantee and provides benefits to large puppers by keeping their hips and joints off of the hard surface, which can help to prevent joint disease like Arthritis and Hip Dysplasia.

    The Big Barker beds come in several colors:

    Burgundy Big Barker
    Chocolate Big Barker
    Charcoal Big Barker
    Khaki Big Barker

    If you purchase with following link, you will get a free Jolly Ball.

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    Romp n Roll Red
    Get a FREE Jolly Ball with the purchase of a Big Barker bed.

    CAR

    Sometimes people do not think about the fact that if you plan to drive your dog around, and you are getting a Great Dane, you’ll need a lot of room for them.

    Invest in an SUV bed from Big Barker, or get a nice car hammock. Plan on your Great Dane taking up the entire backseat.

    image 15
    Click here to shop for SUV Big Barker beds.

    CRATE

    Crate training is an absolute must for any Great Dane, but especially when they are little pups.

    How to Crate Train a Great Dane Puppy
    Crate Training: The Best Crates for Great Danes

    They are notorious for getting into mischief and if you are not able to keep a close eye on them, it is best to put them in their safe space.

    Also, crates serve as an amazing place to keep your puppy safe from harm when you are not home.

    Crate training can really help with potty training, separation anxiety, fear or even helping a dog get onto a great feeding schedule.

    As they grow older, they will still need a place to escape the hustle and bustle of family life, and their crate will provide them with that.

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    Shop the best crate for Great Danes on Chewys

    GREAT DANES AS FAMILY DOGS

    Great Danes make wonderful family dogs because of their gentle and loving nature.

    They are patient with children and have the ability to bond with multiple people.

    While they may be large, they are extremely gentle and typically can understand the difference in situations from running around with their peer-sized friends to interacting with a small child.

    From their humble beginnings as a hunting dog, to their popularity as a family pet – the Great Dane has truly come a long way.

    While they are no longer used for hunting, Great Danes have found a new purpose as gentle giants and loving companions.

    Do you have a Great Dane? We would love to hear your stories about your furry friend in the comments below!

    READ MORE:

    The Many Great Dane Spots, Colors, and Stripes

    Off-Color & ‘Designer Color’ Great Danes

    The Top 5 Adorable Facts About Great Dane Brindle Dogs

  • 5 Easy Phone Photography Tips for Dogs

    5 Easy Phone Photography Tips for Dogs

    Everybody wants to take amazing photos of their pet. Today we are sharing our 5 top phone photography tips for dogs!

    Here is the good news: you don’t need a fancy camera. Most cell phones take great photos, once you know the tricks of the trade. We are here to help!

    Good photography is all about lighting and the story being told. Are you ready to learn how to take better photos of your dog? Let’s get started. ?

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    Dog Phone Photography 101: Lighting is Key

    The difference between an ‘ok’ photo and a great photo of your dog is lighting!

    If you are indoors, get near a window and put the window behind your back. The light coming into the window will help illuminate your pet and make their eyes shine bright!

    If you are outdoors, here are some other dog photography lighting tips:

    • On sunny, bright days find a patch of open shade. Avoid harsh shadows and squinting by finding nice spots under trees and next to buildings!
    • On cloudy days, hold up your hand. Is it gray and dull? Turn your body around until the skin on your hand looks nice and warm. That’s where you want your dog to be when you take the photo!
    • On snowy days, get out and play! The bright snow and clouds consistently make for gorgeous, well-lit photos!
    • Use natural light as much as possible. Lightbulbs put out a color that will make your images look too warm, dingy, green, or pink.
      One exception is daylight-balanced LED lighting, which can help illuminate your indoor dog photos!
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    Put the window behind your back to illuminate your pet when taking a photo indoors.

    Train Your Dog to Stay for a Photo

    All of this beautiful lighting won’t matter if your dog won’t sit still for a minute!

    We recommend starting small with lots of positive reinforcement. Reward even the smallest ‘stay’ position and work your way up to stepping back with your phone in your hand.

    You can also use a toy as a reward!

    Teach your dog that in order to get the toy, they must SIT or WAIT! Practice this several times: sit, toy, sit, toy. Gradually increase the length of the sit, then reward with the toy.

    Once your dog can sit and stay, politely waiting for their toy or treat reward, for 5 seconds, add the camera. Make sure to be fun, upbeat and positive.

    When you are done taking photos (quickly, of course), say ‘FREE’ and praise your dog for a job well done.

    When your dog is REALLY good at this, you’ll even be able to use the toy to get their attention. This is how you will get those adorable dog expressions!

    Choose the Right Mode for Dog Portraits

    We recommend portrait mode for the best dog photos.

    This mode on most modern phones will identify your subject while blurring the background, giving your images a professional finished look.

    If you don’t have portrait mode, play with ‘flower’ or ‘macro’ mode and see what you can come up with!

    We also love to use wide-angle photos to capture the scenery and tell a story.

    Don’t be afraid to stray from the auto button, especially once you’ve got your head wrapped around how to use light when taking photos of your dog.

    How to Get Your Dog to Pose

    There is almost nothing worse than taking a beautiful, well lit portrait of your dog to see that their body language is well, stressed.

    Pinned ears, lip licking, stiffness, hunched back or shoulders, and tucked tails are signs that your dog is not wanting its photo taken.

    If you want your dog to perk their ears and look adorable in photos, follow these simple steps:

    • Don’t overwhelm your dog! Asking for a photo when they are already stressed is a recipe for disaster
    • Find a low-distraction area to work in
    • Be gentle with pressure. Don’t scold, physically handle or get too excited around dogs that are nervous about having their photo taken.
    • Remember that a little patience goes a long way
    • Make kissing and squeaking sounds, or use a toy
    • Say your dog’s favorite words, such as “treat” to get their attention (and be ready to click!)
    • Use high-value treats and reward often. Make this a fun experience and part of your routine!
    • Catch them in action, instead of asking them for a pose

    How to Edit your Dog Photos

    One of the biggest ways to improve your dog phone photos is to edit them!

    I highly recommend the Adobe Lightroom mobile app.

    You can use this app to adjust everything from the basics to individual colors, and you can even remove distracting objects from your photos!

    This app does have a learning curve but it’s incredibly functional, fully featured and free of junk and ads, too.

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    Presets (in Lightroom) can help you apply a cohesive look to every image that you take, too. This will make your IG Feed look amazing!

    BEFORE:

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    AFTER:

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    Dog Iphone-ography Summary

    If you follow this formula you will notice an immediate improvement in your dog photos!

    Lighting – Pose – Editing – Patience

    Want more phone photography tips for your dog? Here is another great article we found:

    https://backlightblog.com/pet-photography

    Have fun with the process, and don’t forget to share the story of YOUR giant breed dog with us!

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