Tag: Training

Are Great Danes Good with Kids?
Are you wondering if Great Danes are good with kids and babies?

They are MASSIVE dogs, but are they really gentle with children?

We believe that Great Danes make great pets for families with children, but you might want to learn a bit about this huge dog breed before committing.

They are gentle giants and love to play and cuddle, chase, run, zoomie, and…steal kids’ stuffies.

In this blog post, we will discuss the temperament of Great Danes and whether or not they are good with kids and babies.

We will also provide some tips on how to raise a Great Dane if you do decide to get one!

Are Great Danes Good with Kids and Babies?

Let’s dig in! We’ve included a helpful table of contents below:

All About Great Danes

If you are new to Great Danes, you might be wondering what they are all about.

This breed is loyal, loving, and protective of its family. Danes are an affectionate breed that is also very intelligent.

Many people believe Danes are couch potatoes. This is a myth! A lot of Great Danes are actually very active, athletic dogs. What they DO have, however, is an off-switch!

When they aren’t running and playing, they love to lounge and keep the couch (and your lap) warm.

Great Dane Temperament

You may have heard from others that Great Danes are timid, aggressive, shy, or scared of everything.

This is simply not true!

Great Danes are gentle giants who love nothing more than to cuddle with their humans. They are also playful and silly and will make you laugh on a daily basis.

The Great Dane is an intelligent, gentle, breed and they can be easy to train if you start young and help them understand proper behavior.

The written breed standard for Great Danes states that they should be “friendly and courageous’.

The truth is that a timid, aggressive, fearful or overly anxious Great Dane is not normal. We’re providing resources below on how to find a Great Dane that will be a great fit for your family!

How Long do Great Danes Live?

How do I Potty Train a Dane Puppy?

Rescue or Breeder? What’s best for me?

THE HELLO DANES GREAT DANE PUPPY RESOURCE PAGE

Everything you need to know! ↗

Great Dane Size

Great Danes are the tallest of all dog breeds, and they are also one of the heaviest.

Males can weigh up to 175 pounds (79 kg) and females can weigh up to 150 pounds (68 kg).

Their height ranges from 28-34 inches (71-86 cm), with males being taller, averaging as tall as 37″ at the shoulder!

Because they are so big, it is important to work on obedience training so that your new Great Dane and your kids can interact safely. There is nothing worse than having a human-sized dog pull on the lead or jump on guests (or your kids)!

Danes are highly intelligent dogs that thrive on human interaction. Well-bred, well-socialized, and well-trained Great Danes generally love being around young children and will be calm, friendly, and tolerant.

We’ve included Dane puppy training tips below so that you can raise a good family dog that is loved by everybody in the house, including the young kids.

Don’t be afraid of their size, Great Danes truly are gentle giants.

How to teach a Great Dane to Walk on a Leash

The Best Toys for Great Danes

The Hardest Part About Potty Training Puppies

Finding a Great Dane for your Family

Finding the right dog for your family may take some time and effort on your part. It’s important that you do your research to find a reputable breeder who health tests their dogs and raises them in a loving home environment.

We’ve put together some tips on what to look for when choosing a Great Dane puppy that will be a good fit for your family.

Choosing an ethical breeder

If you are looking for a Great Dane puppy to add to your family, choosing the right breeder can mean the difference between an excellent family pet and a nightmare.

A well-bred Great Dane puppy will be confident, friendly, calm, mature, and easy to train.

A poorly-bred Great Dane puppy will be timid, nippy, destructive, anxious, and riddled with health problems.

Choose a breeder that meets the following criteria, with no exceptions:
- Full health testing of both parents, including heart, hips, eyes, and thyroid. Verify this at www.ofa.org (Pro Tip: MOST breeders will fail at this key point!)
- Keeps puppies with litter mates until 8-10 weeks of age and utilizes ENS and puppy culture to socialize them
- Has excellent parents who are beautifully structured and proven in dog shows, obedience/training, or therapy work
- Will support you and your puppy for the life of the dog
- Raises the puppies around other animals, children, etc. Not in a barn or on a tile floor with no interaction outside of that.
Choosing a rescue Dane

If you want to skip the puppy phase, consider adopting an adult Great Dane dog!

There are many great family dogs of all ages in need of homes, and reputable rescues will be focused on finding you the right fit.

When adopting a Dane, look for a rescue that:

Takes the time to get to know you and your family before placing a dog with you.

Has resources to educate you with modern information about owning, loving, and caring for Great Danes, including proper training techniques, nutrition and more.

Will support you and your dog for the life of the dog, including if things don’t work out for some reason.

Reasons why a Dog Rescue may Deny Your Application

Anxiety and stress in Great Danes – What you Need to Know

Kids & Great Danes

As long as you have done your research and chosen the right Great Dane for your family, you will have a beautiful, loving, loyal companion for life!

Here are some tips to help get your kids and your new dog off on the right foot:

Introduce them slowly: When you first bring your new dog home (especially a young puppy), do NOT overwhelm it!

Many people introduce their new pup to their excited, jumping, screaming, hovering young children that want to pick the puppy up.

If you want your puppy to LOVE the kids (and this interaction is the first one that they have with children), you’ve already made a massive mistake.

Introduce your new dog to your kids in a calm, positive manner.

Teaching kids to be responsible with dogs

Most kids love dogs, but they also don’t know how to safely interact with them.

Did you know that most dog bites are from unsupervised interactions between kids and a loved family pet?

www.stopthe77.com is a great resource for learning more about this.

We aren’t here to scare you, but you should know why this happens and how to prevent dog bites. Most Great Danes are exceptionally tolerant and gentle, however, they can still accidentally hurt a child.

Your children’s safety matters most.

It’s so important to teach your kids how to be safe around dogs, even if the dog is a family member. It’s also important to understand dog body language, so you can intervene before anything bad happens!

All about Great Danes & Kids Together

What to Feed a Great Dane Puppy

A Guide to Bringing your New Puppy Home

Here are some tips on keeping your kids safe around dogs:
- Teach your children to never sit on, lay on, or climb on your Great Dane. While this may be cute, it can be harmful to your dog and may result in growling, nipping, snapping, and even bites.
- Make sure your kids never take food, bones, or toys from the dog. They should not be playing in the food bowl or trying to pet your puppy while your dog is eating.
- Do not allow your kids to approach a dog that is sleeping, as a startled dog may respond aggressively.
- Encourage your children to maintain a calm presence around dogs. Squealing, screaming, and throwing things can make puppies see them as a threat, or as if they are other dogs to play with and tackle.
Did you know that the idea of ‘nanny dogs’ is a myth?

While Great Danes are often gentle and loving with children, you still need to supervise when they are together.

‘Nanny Dogs’ is something of a marketing term, used to sell Great Danes (and other powerful breeds) to families with small children.

The bottom line is that all dogs are individuals. Some will be better with kids than others, and some will have zero patience for them.

It’s important that you do your research before getting any dog, especially if you have small children in the home!

Need ideas for healthy socialization?

Introducing a baby to a Great Dane

If you are bringing a baby home, it’s important to get your house (and your Great Dane) ready!

Make sure your Dane has a dedicated space to get away from loud noises (such as babies crying).

Put a plan in place to make sure that your dog receives enough exercise and enrichment during the first few weeks of having the baby home. You can hire a dog walker or ask a friend for help.

Before the baby comes home, play baby noises on your phone at low volume, and toss high-value treats on the ground.

Your dog will have a positive association with this sound by the time you bring the baby home!

When it comes time to introduce them to each other, keep your Great Dane on a leash and allow a quick sniff, then redirect, reward, and praise. Do not allow hovering, licking, pawing, or whining.

WHAT IS PUPPY CULTURE?

Is your breeder making confident puppies? ↗

Great Dane Puppy Training

It is important that you work on your puppy training from day one. Never let your new Great Dane practice behaviors that you don’t want to see when they weigh 140lbs!

This includes jumping, running away, chasing the kids, pulling on a leash, stealing, and counter surfing.

Remember that good training is 90% YES! If you are spending a lot of time shouting ‘NO’ or STOP’, think about how you can flip that around. Teach more YES behaviors.

Need a Great Dane T Shirt?

5 things all Great Dane puppies should know

We believe that for Great Danes and kids to coexist beautifully, it’s important the dog is taught a few key things. Great family pets are part genetics, part training. Unwanted behavior from large dogs can actually be dangerous!

A bored, under-enriched, poorly trained giant breed dog with pent-up energy will be difficult to live with, no matter what. So get out the treats and start working with your new pet.

We recommend teaching Great Danes from an early age, the following obedience commands:
- Down (so they don’t hover over and intimidate children)
- Leave it (so you can redirect them away from children, food, and toys)
- Off (so you can tell them to get OFF the couch of OFF your lap)
- Place (so they have a safe spot to go where they aren’t chasing your kids)
- Come (so they can be off-leash and enjoy family life with you)
The more time you can spend rewarding these behaviors, the more times your puppy will repeat them and respond enthusiastically to your commands.

This is how you create dependable dogs who love being with you and become incredible members of the family. It’s all about repetition, training, and positive socialization (check out our popular Great Dane socialization guide below).

5 Great Reasons to E-Collar Train your Great Dane

Canine Good Citizen Testing for Dane Puppies

5 Common Great Dane Puppy Training Mistakes

Crate Training for Great Danes

Crate training your Great Dane puppy means that your puppy will be given a safe, kid-free space and YOU will be given a safe, dog-free space, too!

Overtired puppies will chase, nip, and rough house with children. Positive crate training means that your puppy will have a place to be where everybody is calm and safe.

Not all dogs love the crate at first; we recommend starting slow and encouraging positive experiences in the crate. Never allow your new puppy to ‘cry it out’.

Truly calm dogs are secure and confident, not shut down and frustrated!

Do not let your puppy practice incorrect emotional behavior in the crate. Instead, take a step back and start with shorter, more rewards-focused training sessions.

The BEST Crates for Great Dane Puppies

Fast Potty Training Tips

How to Crate Train a Great Dane Puppy

Stop Puppy Biting

Great Dane puppy biting catches a lot of family members off guard.

They are so big and their mouths are so BIG!

The first thing to remember is that puppies bite. It is developmentally appropriate for them as they are teething and exploring the world with their mouths.

That being said, there are things we can do to help redirect this behavior:

Encourage your puppy to nap! Over-tired puppies tend to roughhouse and become inconsolably wild. See above where we talk about dog crate training; this is a major reason why!

Make sure your puppy is getting enough calm socialization, exercise, and mental stimulation throughout the day.

Provide your puppy with age-appropriate chew toys and bones. This will help redirect their need to mouth on you and your clothes.

Be consistent with rules and boundaries. Keep your puppy on a leash and redirect them away from puppy biting and playing rough.

Teach your children (and yourself) to cross your arms, sigh, turn your back, and WALK AWAY from a wild nippy Great Dane puppy!

The puppy will quickly learn that the biting game means nobody wants to play with them, and the behavior will go away.

How to Stop Great Dane Puppy Biting

Get a FREE Jolly Ball with the purchase of a Big Barker bed.

Teach your puppy to stop chasing kids

Great Danes make excellent family dogs but you have to get past the rough play stage.

While your kids play in the yard, you may find that your puppy wants to chase, nip and jump on them. A puppy must be taught how to behave properly in this situation, as large dogs like this can accidentally hurt children (without meaning to).

We recommend that you keep your puppy on a leash while they are outside during training. This will help you to control them and stop them from chasing after your kids.

You should then use LOTS of positive reinforcement to reward calm behavior!

Practice releasing your puppy to play with the kids gently. As soon as rough play starts, say ‘uh-oh’ and bring your pup back to your side on a leash. After a few repetitions, most Great Dane puppies are smart enough to understand the rules.

THE HELLO DANES GREAT DANE PUPPY RESOURCE PAGE

Everything you need to know! ↗

Off-leash training for Great Danes

We recommend that all Great Danes be off-leash obedience trained.

Harnesses, collars, and long leashes can cause frustration or worse, orthopedic damage. A dog that is responsive off-leash will be safer on-leash, too! This kind of obedience will keep you, your kids, and your dogs safe.

When you E-Collar train your Great Dane puppy (don’t worry, it’s not a shock collar and we have TONS of resources for you) you won’t have to stress about the kids leaving a door or gate open.

Pulling on the leash, bolting out of doors, chasing after kids in the neighborhood, and jumping the fence will be a thing of the past!

Not to mention the fact that Great Dane dogs benefit greatly from being able to move and explore freely and naturally without physical restraint. 10/10, highly recommend.

Here are some additional resources on E-Collar training!

5 Reasons to E-Collar Train your Dog
6 E-Collar Training Myths BUSTED

JOIN OUR COMMUNITY

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READ MORE:

What is the best leash for Great Danes?
July 16, 2022

Are Brindle Great Danes Rare? An Introduction Guide To This 1 in a Million Coat

Are Brindle Great Danes Rare? If you are in the market for a Great Dane but are unsure which color will best suit your family, you may consider a Brindle Great Dane.

5 Facts about Brindle Great Danes
Are Brindle Great Danes ‘American’ Great Danes?

While all Great Danes are typically seen as gentle giants and are known for their calm, loving demeanors, not all coat colors are created equal. By the end of this post, you will be able to identify the different variations of Brindle Great Danes, familiarize yourself with health issues and AKC breed standards, and learn a few interesting facts!

Origin of the Color: Are Brindle Great Danes Rare?

“I’ve never seen them come in THAT color!” is something Dior and I hear on nearly every outing.

The tiger-striped pattern of Dior’s coat is so unique, you can see why people might snap their necks trying to get a good look at him. Whether we are in the car, or at the grocery store – he really does turn a lot of heads.

But how uncommon is the brindle color REALLY!?

Brindle Danes- Are They Rare?

In short – no, Brindle coat colors and patterns have been around for as long as dogs have walked the earth.

An article written at Simply Dog Owners states, “The term [brindle] comes from an old French word for the striped animal: brin d’he (meaning “whisker”), which was later shortened into English usage with just one letter dropped off – hence today’s spelling: `BRINDLE.’

Brindle Great Danes
Blue Great Danes
Mantle Great Danes
Black Great Danes
Double Merle Great Danes

A brindle striped coat can contain several colors, but you will most typically see a solid brown base color with overlaying brown stripes. The brown stripes can vary in color which makes for another way to categorize the coat.

FUN FACT: White is actually the most rare coat color of the breed because of its increased susceptibility to health issues and genetic defects. You can read more about double-merle Great Danes here.

Brindle vs Reverse Brindle: Which is Which?

Nowadays, you may or may not have heard these terms thrown around, however the differentiation between the two coat colors is not currently recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC).

BRINDLE

Brindle refers to a darker brown coat with hints of lighter stripes throughout. Usually these dogs appear black or dark brown in color with hints of tan and red markings. (Read more: All Things Brindle)

REVERSE BRINDLE

On the other hand, a reverse brindle coat is the opposite. The coat appears to be light brown with hints of darker stripes throughout. According to these two terms, Dior is referred to as a reverse brindle Great Dane.

Interestingly enough, all brindle-coated dogs technically have a black or dark brown base coat with lighter stripes – but sometimes there is less pigmentation from the base coat and more from the stripes (hence the reverse brindle).

Before I confuse you further, let’s dive into the genetics behind this fascinating coat.

Genetics Behind The Brindle Color

Gregor Mendel, also known as the Father of Genetics, is the one who proved that an offspring of any kind is a product of two parents. While he illustrated his theory with pea plants, the science behind genetics applies to all forms of life – including dogs.

According to the VCA Animal Hospital, “…the mother and father each randomly contribute one allele from each locus, giving each allele a 50% chance of being passed on to the pups.”

Dogs contain 39 pairs of chromosomes (or genetic material), that is passed down from their mother and father. These genes determine the sex of the dog and everything else that makes them unique from the color of their eyes down to the pattern of their coat.

The brindle trait itself can be either dominant or recessive, but it is important to note that they come from the same color family as fawns. (Fawn Great Danes)

“Brindle is caused by a complex gene process and is technically a form of mosaicism, where some cells express one allele (K^B) and some express the other (k^y),” says Dog Genetics. If you are interested in a more in-depth overview of the science behind the brindle coat and all of the variations throughout, I encourage you to check out this article!

Health & Breeding

I would like to preface this by saying I am not a veterinarian and you should not use this section as medical advice.

Furthermore, there is a lot more that goes into breeding Great Danes then just mixing colors to see what you’ll get – therefore, I would suggest you read this article about the dangers of backyard breeding.

Bad Breeders
Scam Breeders: What to Look For
Breeders: Shady Business
Should I Choose a Breeder or Rescue?
Choosing a Dog From a Show Breeder
What Makes a Breeder Good?

Brindle Great Danes & Their Health Issues

Great Danes are prone to a variety of health issues like Gastric Tortion / Bloat (GDV), Wobblers Syndrome, Hip Dysplasia, and different forms of Cancer. Be that as it may, brindle Great Danes are not specifically susceptible to any of these conditions in particular just based on their coat color.

BLOAT
What is Bloat?
Can You Prevent Bloat?
Stomach Tacking: Pros and Cons
Bloat and Gut Health
The Scary Bloat Timeline

JOINT ISSUES
Arthritis in Great Danes
Laser Therapy for Joint Pain
How to Help a Dog with a Broken Leg
Using CBD for My Dog’s Pain
Canine Hip Dysplasia
Growing Pains in Dogs

WOBBLERS
Wobblers and Controlling Pain

If you are concerned for the health of your Great Dane, please consult your veterinarian. If you’re in the process of bringing a Great Dane into your home, it is my recommendation that you request health tests to the parent Danes to see if your dog might be at greater risk of developing any of the above conditions.

Can You Breed Brindle Great Danes?

As previously mentioned, I would discourage you from breeding your dog unless you comply with the AKC Responsible Breeding Standards BUT yes, brindle Great Danes can be bred.

Brindle is one of the nine colors that are deemed acceptable for show in regards to AKC standards but there are several other variations to the brindle coat that include:

Brindle mantle
Blue brindle
Blue brindle mantle
Brindle merle
Brindle merle mantle
Blue brindle merle
Blue brindle merle mantle
Brindle harlequin (aka brindlequin)
Brindle harlequin mantle
Blue brindle harlequin mantle

It is uncommon for an ethical breeder to breed outside of the color family (brindles & fawns), but that doesn’t always mean it doesn’t happen. If we take a look back at genetics, recessive traits are not always present in adult dogs and therefore some can be passed down through generations (even if undesirable).

The AKC Brindle Standard

Don’t let the word ‘undesirable’ turn you off bringing home a brindle Great Dane. The color of their coat does not influence their demeanor or personality – but if you are looking to show your Great Dane the AKC standards will be something to consider.

They are as follows:

Brindle Color:

COLOR: the base color shall be yellow gold and always be brindled with black cross stripes

Brindle Patterns:

PATTERNS/MARKINGS: Brindle shall have a black chevron pattern with a black mask. Black should appear on the eye rims and eyebrows and may appear on the ears and tail tip. The more intense the base color and the more distinct and evenly brindled, the more preferred will be the color. Too much or too little brindling are equally undesirable. White markings on the chest or toes; black fronted; dirty colored Brindles; are not desirable.

If competing with your Great Dane in show is something that interests you, you can find the full article here.

Brindle Great Danes: Interesting Facts

There is no doubt that the brindle coat contains the most unique color combinations. The tiger-striped pattern is not like any other, but are there any secrets behind the breed?

Unique Traits I’ve Noticed Regarding My Brindle Great Dane:

I mentioned before that I have raised three Great Danes from just a few months old, but Dior is my first brindle. My first Dane, Opal, has a blue coat and my second, Dymond, was a lightly-marked harlequin – but there are few differences I’ve noticed between the three…

3 Interesting Facts about Dior:

Dior is a spitting image of his father, but his mother was a black mantle Great Dane
His skin appears to be pale under his lighter stripes and darker under his base coat
In the summer Dior spends a lot of time outside, making his lighter skin tan (if you will). This causes his coat to appear darker in the summer and lighter in the winter

Other breeds / animals that carry the Brindle gene:

There are several other breeds of dogs that can possess a brindle coat like Boxers, Mastiffs, Greyhounds, French Bulldogs, Akitas, and many others – but did you know dogs aren’t the only ones that ‘come in that color’?

Cattle, guinea pigs, cats and rarely, horses can also be tiger-striped!

Are Brindle Great Danes Rare?

Whether you are looking for a Great Dane of any color, be cautious about where you are getting him/her from (regardless if it be a rescue or reputable breeder), and don’t be afraid to ask the breeder for health tests to the parent Danes.

WHAT WERE GREAT DANES BRED FOR?

Though there are no health issues with brindle Great Danes specifically, they are prone to other conditions you should be aware of.

Brindle Great Danes can be bred within the color family of fawns and other brindles, however several other variations can appear depending on the genes they inherit from their mother and father.

No brindle Dane is superior to the other, but you should familiarize yourself with the AKC show standards if you are looking to enter your Great Dane in competition.

The Great Dane Breed Standard

The brindle coat is not rare at all! In fact, there are several other breeds of dog and animal species that carry the brindle gene like cattle and guinea pigs.

Of the three Great Danes I have raised, Dior is my first brindle and I have noticed his coat change color intensity with the seasons and the color of his skin corresponds directly with the color of his fur!

If you’ve found this post about brindle Great Danes interesting, I suggest you check out my Instagram or TikTok where I uncover a lot of Dior’s personality and what it is like to live with a Great Dane! Additionally, if you are a first time Great Dane parent or a seasoned owner, come check out my blog where I upload new posts every Tuesday and Thursday!

CHECK OUT THE AUTHOR:
Hey there, my name is Haley and this is my Great Dane, Dior! We currently reside in Houston, Texas.

I’ve raised three Great Danes from the puppy stage and have developed an unconditional, profound love for the breed.

I’ve been sharing the good, bad, and ugly of being a Great Dane owner on my social media accounts since 2016, but have recently started compiling all of my knowledge into my own personal blog to help educate and inform past, present, and future Dane owners!

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/haleyandthedane/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@haleyandthedane
Blog: https://www.haleyandthedane.com

July 11, 2022

Fear Aggression in Dogs 101
In the intricate tapestry of canine behavior, fear aggression in dogs emerges as a complex and often misunderstood facet. Dogs, inherently social beings, can exhibit aggression rooted in fear when confronted with perceived threats or anxiety-inducing situations. You may have experienced this with a puppy suddenly acting fearful or defensive!

This form of aggression is a poignant expression of a dog’s attempt to cope with overwhelming fear, manifesting in defensive behaviors that range from growling and barking to more overt displays of aggression. Contrary to popular belief, this is not a result of ‘stubbornness’ or ‘dominance’.

Fear aggression can be directed at people, other dogs, or animals. It can also be generalized, which means the dog is afraid of anything and everything.

This post aims to:
- Understand why fearful dogs can act aggressive
- Address puppy fear stages (and how they can impact future aggressive traits)
- How to properly train, manage, and socialize dogs to avoid fear aggression
What Causes Fear Aggression in Dogs?

The most common cause of this behavior is a lack of socialization during the critical period (between 3 and 12 weeks old).

This is when puppies should be exposed positively to as many different people, animals, and situations as possible so they learn to cope with new things and don’t become fearful. However, many pet owners make the mistake of flooding puppies with these experiences and disregarding their emotional state while it’s happening.

For example, a timid puppy brought to a dog park and hides under a bench the whole time quickly learns that other dogs are scary! This is not a good experience and can result in defensiveness as the puppy grows.

Other causes of fear aggression include prior traumatic experiences, such as being attacked by another animal or being abused. Fear aggression can also be caused by health problems, such as brain damage or an injury that makes the dog sensitive to pain.

Fear aggression is a serious problem because it can lead to bites and other injuries. It can also make it difficult for the dog to be around people or other animals. This can make their life (and yours) very stressful!

Not all is lost, however! Many of us have had or worked with timid, fearful dogs and there are things you can do to help.

Fear Aggression is a Compounding Problem

In most cases, dogs that show aggression are doing so after a history of displaying more subtle signs of discomfort. By the time it gets to the point when we humans take notice, it’s gone too far.

Dogs give such subtle signals of distress that they can be easy to miss, or mistake for other emotions! Here are some examples of clues dogs give us that they are uncomfortable (and may escalate to aggression):
- Ears are pinned back
- Tense body
- Hunched posture
- Avoidance and hiding
- Lifting lips/showing teeth
- Tail tucked
- Shaking
- Skittishness
- Growling and grumbling
- Nipping or snapping
If a dog has a high-value food item and you try to take it away, they may initially react by cowering or lifting their lips. But if you ignore these signals and begin to take those items away (and punish the dog for showing teeth), the behavior often escalates to bites and severe aggression.

Dog aggression does not happen overnight. Many dogs will demonstrate one small behavior at the first sign of discomfort.

It is for this reason that many pet owners will say their dog “bit somebody out of the blue” or “snarled and lunged, but that’s not like him!” With certainty, we know those dogs had body language leading up to becoming aggressive. Their communications had been ignored.

What is the Difference Between Aggression and Fear Aggression?

Aggression and dangerous behaviors caused by fear are closely related. It can be hard to draw a line between the two! However, there are some forms of aggression caused by health problems, genetics, hormones, and overall temperament that have nothing to do with fear.

It is important to work with a highly qualified dog trainer if your dog is exhibiting dangerous reactivity and behaviors.

How Aggression Builds in Dogs

When dogs feel threatened, they react. For example, most humans are very frustrated by other people who cut in line or steal their food out of the employee break room.

Depending on the day, and the history of these occurrences in the past, humans may react to these situations with empathy and understanding, or anger and aggression. Dogs are not much different!

The BSAVA created a great demonstration of the ‘dog aggression ladder’, as shown below.

This ladder demonstrates that dogs do not just wake up one day and decide to bite. Instead, they travel through a known escalation of signs and signals before eventually snapping.

Common Triggers of Aggression in Dogs

Dogs experience fear and aggression for all sorts of different reasons. There are certain situations or “triggers” commonly seen for dogs. Take a look at this list and evaluate your pet. How many of these triggers are present in their life?
1. Interactions with people of all kinds
2. Interactions with unfamiliar dogs or dogs in general
3. A stressful or chaotic environment (such as the Farmer’s Market or an elementary school at recess)
4. The Veterinarian
5. Small children, especially those that run, squeal, or interact unsafely with dogs
How many of those triggers could be reduced, or better managed?

You may not fully understand what your dog is afraid of or why, but if they are fearful, it’s up to you to protect them and prevent their behavior from escalating.

Some great examples of ways to prevent fearful behavior and aggression in dogs include:
- Walking in quiet areas or during the day when less people and dogs are around
- Observing scary or chaotic environments from a distance
- Teaching children how to properly interact with dogs
- Working with a certified Fear Free Veterinarian
Is All Aggression in Dogs Caused by Fear?

There are many reasons for scary and aggressive behavior in dogs and no, they aren’t all related to fear.

Some other reasons that dogs can show aggressive behavior include:
1. Anxiety (ANXIOUS DOG)
2. Excitement
3. Chronic pain or new pain (TREATING PAIN)
4. Possessiveness (Resource Guarding)
5. Dominance
6. Protective Instincts
7. Socialization Issues (SOCIALIZATION GUIDE)
8. Heredity & Genetics
9. Mental Health Problems
In addition to speaking with your veterinarian to resolve health problems, we recommend feeding a correct diet, reducing stress and anxiety with mental enrichment, and working with a good dog trainer to address and treat behavior problems.

How to Socialize an Aggressive Dog

A lack of socialization can seriously impact a dog’s behavior. While the key socialization window is in puppies from birth to 3 months, all dogs benefit from socialization throughout life!

We will touch on socializing puppies to prevent aggression below. If you need to socialize an aggressive dog, start here!
1. Start Gradually: Introduce the dog to new people, animals, and environments in a controlled and gradual manner.
2. Positive Reinforcement: Reward calm behavior with treats or praise, reinforcing positive associations with social situations.
3. Professional Guidance: Consult a professional dog trainer or behaviorist to create a customized socialization plan.
4. Desensitization: Expose the dog to triggers at a distance and gradually decrease the distance as they become more comfortable.
5. Consistency: Maintain a consistent socialization routine, ensuring positive experiences to build the dog’s confidence over time.
Don’t make the common mistake of exposing your aggressive dog to something and harshly punishing them for reacting! This outdated training method can cause dangerous behaviors to escalate. Read here for more information on why reality TV dog training methods are unsafe.

As the owner of an aggressive dog, it is also of key importance that you manage your pet. Use an appropriate muzzle (like this one) and a quality slip-proof martingale collar to prevent mistakes.

How to Socialize Puppies to Prevent Aggression

When socializing puppies, look for the following key experiences. Remember to keep exposure positive, fun, and rewarding! If your puppy seems nervous, take a step back. Look for ways to build their confidence around scary things (including the veterinarian). Use treats, praise, and play to make these experiences fun!
- Walk around on different textures such as grass, sand, and gravel
- Explore water such as puddles, kiddie pools, and ponds (with clean water)
- Touch your puppy all over. Brush their teeth, and praise them for letting you examine them.
- Play the sound of fireworks on your phone, and have treats magically appear after the sound is heard (fireworks predict treats)
- Visit a park and watch children and dogs from afar
- Have short, supervised play sessions with dogs that are known for being gentle and safe with puppies
- Avoid leash tension! (More on this below)
How Leash Tension Causes Dogs to Become Leash Reactive

Cute puppies get by with a LOT.

By that, I mean, many owners will put their puppy in a harness and let it bounce, pull, and lunge around on walks. Puppies are excited and direct their enthusiasm into their leash.

Over time, the puppy learns that there is a lot of tension associated with being out in the world. This is especially true if they pull to greet humans and other dogs.

Think about this logically for a moment.

For a more mature dog, what does that same tension mean? That sensation can be frustrating and dare I say, anxiety-inducing!

Instead of letting your puppy lunge around in a harness and learn bad leash manners, use a long leash to explore a field. Then take an AKC Star Puppy Class and learn how to install positive leash skills around other dogs.

Puppy Fear Stages

Puppy fear stages, also known as fear periods, are developmental phases during a puppy’s early life where they may exhibit heightened sensitivity and apprehension towards new stimuli.

These stages typically occur at key points in a puppy’s growth, often between 8-11 weeks and around 6-14 months. During these periods, puppies may become more cautious, startle easily, or be reluctant to engage with unfamiliar people, objects, or environments.

The reasons behind these fear stages are rooted in the puppy’s instinct for survival and self-preservation. It’s believed that these stages coincide with crucial developmental milestones, including brain and sensory system maturation.

To support a puppy through these developmental milestones, owners should provide positive exposure to new experiences, people, and surroundings. Gentle socialization, using treats and praise to reinforce positive behavior, and avoiding forceful or punitive measures can help build a puppy’s confidence and reduce fear-based responses.

Consistent, patient, and positive interactions during these stages contribute to a well-adjusted and resilient adult dog.

Chronic Pain & Aggression in Dogs

A dog who is in pain might begin to show behavioral problems. If you have ever been in pain, you might remember how short-tempered it made you!

Dogs who are typically well-mannered and have positive behaviors that suddenly begin to demonstrate aggression might be experiencing pain.

Hip Dysplasia or bad teeth are common reasons pets become more nippy and unstable than usual. Dogs with ongoing health problems related to kidney or heart disease may also have a short fuse.

If you think your dog’s sudden aggression might be due to pain, it is important to take them to the vet as soon as possible. We recommend ruling this out first anytime your pet isn’t being themselves.

For L/XL dogs, we recommend clinically backed joint support; this can be helpful for pets living with chronic joint pain! Talk to your veterinarian.
- Cosequin Hip & Joint Chewable Tablets
- Cosequin Omega 3 Hip & Joint Soft Chews
- Dasuquin Hip & Joint Chewable Tablets
- Dasuquin Joint Soft Chews
- Dasuquin Advanced (Veterinary Formula) Chewable Tablets
- Dasuquin Advanced (Veterinary Formula) Soft Chews
Dog Aggression Caused by Dominance

Dominance aggression in dogs refers to aggressive behaviors displayed by a dog attempting to assert control over a person, another animal, or a particular situation. People often refer to these dogs as “alpha”, implying that they are a leader.

It is essential to understand that the concept of dominance in dog behavior has been debated among experts, and some believe that the term may not accurately describe canine behavior.

If we look at our current scientific understanding of animal behavior, we now know that dogs are not always trying to assume the dominant position. However, this misunderstood concept still has a strong-hold in the community.

That’s not to say that dominance in dogs doesn’t exist, though! Like humans, dogs will position themselves for the best access to resources. These resources might include attention, food, toys, treats, or a spot on the couch.

Traditionally, dog trainers have approached rude ‘dominance’ behaviors with harsh punishment. Several wacky theories have even surfaced, surmising that owners can get control of their pets by biting their ears, jabbing them in the neck, or eating food first (while the pet watches).

This outdated methodology is known to cause and increase aggression and is no longer a gold standard approach for pushy pets.

If you have a dominant dog, look for ways to provide them safe access to resources while establishing good boundaries. Use positive reinforcement training to encourage the correct behavior, and don’t let them have free will to do as they please.

This may mean changing your routine.
- Don’t let a “dominant” or pushy dog be rude to other dogs. Say “uh-oh” and remove them from play.
- If your alpha dog is guarding resources (such as a couch), don’t give them access to those things
- Establish boundaries in your home. Rude dogs should not be allowed free roam.
How to Help a Fearful Dog

If you think that your dog is displaying signs of fear aggression, there are things that you can do with your dog to help their fearful behavior.

1. Create a Safe Space
- Designate a quiet and comfortable area where the dog can retreat when feeling scared.
- Provide a cozy bed, toys, and water to create a positive association with the safe space.
2. Gradual Exposure
- Introduce new people, environments, and stimuli gradually and in a controlled manner.
- Use treats and praise to reward calm behavior during exposure, reinforcing positive associations.
3. Positive Reinforcement
- Reward confident and relaxed behavior with treats and affection to build the dog’s confidence.
- Avoid punishment, as it can intensify fear and anxiety.
4. Desensitization
- Gradually expose the dog to fear-inducing stimuli at a distance and slowly decrease the distance as the dog becomes more comfortable.
- Patience is key; progress may take time, and each dog will respond differently.
5. Professional Assistance
- Consult with a professional dog trainer or behaviorist for a personalized plan.
- Professionals can provide guidance, assess the dog’s fears, and offer effective strategies for overcoming fear-based behaviors.
It is always best to seek a qualified professional when it comes to a dog that is fear aggressive. Fear aggressive dogs can be unpredictable. Fearful dogs are not bad dogs, but they can be dangerous if not properly trained.
July 11, 2022

Signs of Stress in Dogs: How to Help An Anxious Dog

Knowing the signs of stress in dogs can help pet parents know when their dog is stressed, what normal behaviors are vs. anxious dog’s body language, and ultimately help them keep their dog’s stress levels under control.

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE COMMON SIGNS OF STRESS IN DOGS?

Many dogs feel stressed out over a variety of situations. If you think your dog is feeling anxious, they may show some of the following signs:

PANTING AND PACING

Panting or pacing: If your dog is feeling stress, they may start to pant excessively or pace back and forth. This is their way of trying to burn off excess energy and calm themselves down.

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SHAKING OR TREMBLING

Shaking or trembling: Shaking or trembling can also be a sign that your dog is feeling stressed. This is usually accompanied by panting and pacing, as well as a wide-eyed, panicked look.

YAWNING

Yawning: Yawning may seem like an odd sign of stress, but it’s actually your dog’s way of trying to relieve tension.

LIP LICKING

Lip licking: Licking lips is another common sign that your dog is feeling stress. This is usually a calming signal that dogs use to try and diffuse a stressful situation.

EXCESSIVE SLEEPING

Abundance of sleeping: Some dogs will sleep to alleviate stress.

You should make sure you give your dog plenty of rest, but if they begin to sleep for a long period of time throughout the day, it may be their method of communicating to you that they feel stress.

Provide them with mental stimulation, get them active, and help them sleep and rest in short periods throughout the day that can help them feel their best.

FORWARD FACING EARS

Forward facing ears: In stressful situations, a dog may show body language that includes forward-facing ears.

STIFF BODY LANGUAGE

Stiff body language: Stiffness in the body can be a sign of stress, especially if your dog is usually relaxed and loose in their movements.

DESTRUCTIVE CHEWING

Destructive chewing: Some dogs will start to chew on things more when they’re feeling anxious. This may be due to boredom, or it could be a way to relieve stress.

Crate training is a great way to treat anxiety in dogs who are demonstrating stress.

Sometimes your pup just needs a break from the humans, kids, or other dogs in the home.

Giving your dog their favorite toy, favorite treats, or a meal in their crate can help relieve stress and help create a safe space.

TUCKED TAIL

Tucked Tail: When a pet is in fear or feels stress, sometimes they tuck their tail, a key indicator in your dog’s behavior that the dog is stressed.

If you notice your dog has a tucked tail in a situation that your dog likes typically, such as at a park surrounded by excited children or driving in a car, you should leave that situation or try to find solutions for the anxiety, as it is likely that your dog is experiencing stress.

WHALE EYE

Whale Eye: Dog owners can look for dilated pupils as stress signs in dogs.

Dilated pupils can occur in a dog who is experiencing stress because of fear, anxiety, or aggression.

If you notice large eyes on your pup, try to make eye contact and help calm their stress. Remain calm and speak to them in a low voice to soothe their stress level.

BARKING

Barking: Some dogs will resort to barking when they are anxious. Pet parents should identify the root cause for their dog barking before beginning to resolve the barking.

If dog owners attempt to make their dog stop barking with a tool like a bark collar and the root cause of the barking is fear, it could make the problem worse and create more stress in the long run.

WHY IS MY DOG SUDDENLY EXPERIENCING STRESS AND ANXIETY?

If your dog is showing new signs of feeling stress, it’s important to figure out what is causing the anxiety. There are many different things that can cause a dog to feel anxious, and it’s often a combination of several factors. Some common causes of stress in dogs include:

Change in routine: Dogs thrive on routine and predictability. Any change in their daily routine can cause them to feel stressed and anxious. This could be something as simple as a change in the time you walk them, or it could be a major life event like a move to a new house.
Lack of socialization: Dogs who don’t get enough socialization can start to feel anxious and stressed. This is because they’re not used to being around people and other animals, and they don’t know how to act in social situations.
Loud noises: Dogs can be sensitive to loud noises, whether it’s the sound of fireworks or construction work. This can cause them to feel stressed and anxious.
New environments: If your dog isn’t used to being in new environments, it can be very stressful for them. This could be anything from going to the vet’s office to going on a hike.
Health Issues: If your furry friend is normally rather calm and hardly reacts in anxious situations, but you’ve noticed lately that there are signs your dog is stressed, there could be a health indicator that is making your dog feel anxious.

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As you can see, there are many different things that can cause a dog to feel stressed and anxious. If you think your dog is feeling stressed, it’s important to figure out what is causing the anxiety and try to remove or reduce those

WHAT CAUSES STRESS IN DOGS?

There are a variety of things that can cause stress in dogs.

Some dogs may be anxious due to genetics, while others may have traumatic experiences that have led to a fear of certain situations or objects. Here are some common causes of stress in dogs:

Loud noises: Dogs may be afraid of loud noises such as thunderstorms, fireworks, or construction work.
Changes in routine: Dogs may become stressed when their routine is changed, such as when a family member goes on vacation or there is a change in the household dynamic.
Separation anxiety: Many dogs suffer from separation anxiety, which can be triggered by anything from being left alone for too long to having a change in their daily routine.
Lack of exercise: A dog who isn’t given enough exercise may start to become anxious and stressed. This is because they have all this built-up energy with nowhere to release it.
Stressful situations: Some dogs cannot handle situations like a parade, crowded places, or meeting new people. This can lead to a feeling of anxiety or stress.

HOW TO HELP AN ANXIOUS DOG

There are a few things you can do to help an anxious dog.

IDENTIFY THE TRIGGER OF ANXIETY FOR YOUR DOG

First, it’s important to understand what is causing your dog’s anxiety. Once you know the trigger, it will be easier for both you and and your dog to avoid that situation that makes your dog stressed in the first place.

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For example, if your dog is anxious around other dogs, try to avoid taking them to the dog park or on walks in areas where there are a lot of dogs.

CREATE A SAFE SPACE FOR YOUR DOG

If you know your dog is going to be in a situation that makes them anxious, create a safe space for them to retreat to if they need it. This could be a crate or a quiet room where they can go to feel calm and safe.

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Shop the best crate for Great Danes on Chewys

PROVIDE COMFORT FOR YOUR DOG

If your dog is feeling stress, provide them with comfort in the form of treats, petting, or anything else that will help them relax. These Snuggle Puppies are a great tool to help your dog feel safe!

Signs of Stress in Dogs: How to Help An Anxious Dog 60 — Shop here for your own Snuggle Puppy.

Signs of Stress in Dogs: How to Help An Anxious Dog 61 — Shop here for your own Snuggle Puppy.

TRY DOG-CALMING PRODUCTS

There are a variety of dog-calming products on the market that can help to ease your dog’s anxiety. These include things like dog appeasing pheromones, calming CBD, and supplements.

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FEED YOUR PET AN APPROPRIATE DIET

Since gut health is linked to anxiety, and gut health is also linked to bloat, it is clear to see that all three are heavily related: gut health, anxiety and bloat.

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Feeding your dog an appropriate diet can help to relieve internal gut health and over time will help your dog relax and feel more like themselves. Consider adding in a Veterinarian approved probiotic:

Coping with anxiety in dogs is never an easy feat, but most dogs can learn to live very happy and normal lives. Just like humans, your pup will learn to navigate what triggers their stress and what they can handle.

It is up to you as their advocate and owner to keep their dog stress to a minimum and help your pet live the healthiest life possible.

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July 6, 2022

Dogs Scared of Vet? Here’s How to Help Them Overcome Their Fear
Dogs scared of vet? You’re not alone.

Vet visits are stressful, loud, sometimes painful and often overwhelming for our furry friends.

The good news is, there are things you can do to help your dog feel more comfortable at the vet.

Here are a few tips for pet owners who have anxious dogs in the Veterinary office.

ACKNOWLEDGE YOUR DOGS FEAR IS NORMAL

Vet visits are not fun for any dog, and most dogs have stress hormones that are released at the vet.

Your dog’s vet visit is full of loud noises, so many dogs or other animals, a busy waiting area, a cold exam table, a veterinary staff that might feel like a threat to your dog.

Your dog’s fear is NOT irrational.

When you take your dog to the vet, acknowledge that your dog’s behavior is ‘normal’.

However, even though the anxious dog behavior is normal, most vets and pet parents want to work with their pet to help them overcome their anxiety and fear and help them create a positive association with the vet and vet office.

REMAIN CALM AND TRY GIVE POSITIVE FEELINGS

When pet owners are taking their dog to the vet’s office, they should make their best efforts to create happy visits with calm energy.

Dog behavior is highly indicative of their owner’s energy, so as much as possible keep positive and comfortable/calm.

Going to the vet is not a time to play or have a party, but it should not be a time of stress and anxiety for either you or your dog.

USE ANTI ANXIETY MEDICATIONS

If your dog has severe anxiety, your veterinarian can prescribe medication to help take the edge off.

There are also many natural supplements that can be used for dogs who have mild to moderate anxiety.

These can often be found at your local pet store or online.

Some of these products have calming pheromones that can help soothe anxious dogs.

Other products contain ingredients like chamomile, L-theanine, and tryptophan, which all have calming effects on dogs.

A product called Solliquin is a popular choice for helping with vet office anxiety in dogs because it contains both pheromones and tryptophan.

SPEAK WITH YOUR VETERINARIAN ABOUT HOW TO REDUCE STRESS

Your vet will be able to work with you on what processes you can do prior to vet visits to help your dog’s behavior.

If your dog is afraid of other dogs, for example, your vet should provide you with a waiting room separate from the other dogs.

If your dog hates strangers, perhaps your waiting room can be separated from other people.

Most veterinary offices are equipped to accommodate for each individual dog and their behavior. It is up to the dog owners to advocate for their dogs and speak to the vet staff about what their dog needs to help their fear at the vet.

IF YOU ARE GOING TO A NEW VET, BE TRANSPARENT

Going to a new vet’s office is a scary transition for any dog, and sometimes even owner.

If you are going to a new vet, be sure to speak with the new vet about any positive experiences you had with your last vet that you may want to duplicate with this new vet.

Likewise, speak with the new vet’s office about your dog’s anxiety and what body language they can look for to prevent any undesirable or aggressive behaviors in the veterinary clinic.

If your dog is on medication for their anxiety, be sure to bring a list of those medications and the dosage to the new vet’s office.

This will help the new vet determine if they want to continue with the same treatment plan or change it up based on their own observations.

HAVE A FEAR FREE VET VISIT PLAN

Working with your veterinarian, you can create a fear free visit plan for your dog. This may include things such as:
1. Pre-visit planning and discussion with your veterinarian
2. Arriving at the vet office during off peak hours
3. Check in via phone or online to avoid the waiting room
4. Asking the vet staff to wear scrubs instead of lab coats
5. Using a towel or sheet to cover the exam table
These are just a few ideas, and you can work with your veterinarian to come up with a plan that will work best for your dog.

The most important thing is that you advocate for your dog and their needs, so that they can have a positive experience at the vet.

Dogs are scared of going to the vet because of all the new sights, smells, and sounds. With a vet that is willing to work with anything that your dog hates, your dog should be able to cope with the behavior.

LOOK FOR A FEAR FREE VET

Some veterinarians offer ‘Fear Free’ services for their entire practice.

For example, if your dog is not comfortable wearing a surgery suit after their spay, your vet might offer a ‘wrap and snuggle’ service instead.

This means that your dog will be wrapped in a soft fleece blanket during their surgery, which will provide both warmth and comfort.

After their surgery, they will be given extra time to wake up in a quiet room before being released to you.

There are many different ways that veterinarians can make the veterinary experience more Fear Free for your dog, so it is definitely worth looking into if you have a particularly anxious dog.

Dogs should not be scared of going to the vet, and with these tips, you can help your dog overcome their fear of the vet.

LOOK INTO HOME VISITS OR MOBILE VETS

Some dog owners find that using a mobile veterinary clinic comes with fewer stressors for their dogs because it eliminates many of the unknowns associated with going to a new place.

A mobile vet will come right to your door, which can help reduce your dog’s anxiety about going somewhere new.

If the dog anxiety is so bad that they are having major behavior issues at the vet, house calls can be a life saver.

During an at-home vet visit, the vet will make your home the exam room!

Typically, pets are MUCH more comfortable in the comfort of their home, so even if a dog hates going to the vet, they are comfortable if a vet comes to them!

WITH ANY AGGRESSIVE DOG, MUZZLE TRAIN

Muzzle training is a good idea for all dogs, in the event that any dog has to wear a muzzle.

However, with an aggressive dog, it is even more important that they are muzzle trained for their vet visit.

If your dog hates going to the vet so much that they have demonstrated dog aggression, using a muzzle is NOTHING to be ashamed of.

Shop this soft mesh muzzle on Amazon:

Get your dog comfortable wearing a muzzle and create positive associations with lots of treats and enthusiasm.

As your dog begins to see that the muzzle will not hurt them, you can begin to use the muzzle at the vet.

If your dog bites, has aggressive tendencies to other pets, humans or other dogs, shows any form of dog aggression behavior, etc, then they should be muzzled for the safety of the vet clinic and their workers.

A dog bite that happens at the vet is typically a behavior that stems from fear or pain: NOT aggression.

However, even if a dog bites out of fear or pain at the vet, it can still cause tremendous damage and pain to whomever they have bitten, so it is always best to prevent the behavior before it happens.

Shop this basket muzzle on Amazon:

Advocating for your dog sometimes means that you are protecting them with the use of ethical tools.

Stand up for them BEFORE the nasty bite happens.

Your dog deserves it!

YOUR DOG’S BEHAVIOR COULD BE ASSOCIATED WITH PAIN

Many times if your dog is acting extremely nervous and demonstrating negative associations with the vet, it is because they are in pain.

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Going to the vet can be a painful experience if your dog is injured or sick.

If this is the case, your dog might need medication to help them cope with the pain of going to the vet.

There are many different types of pain medication that your vet can prescribe for your dog, so be sure to ask about it if you think that might be the case.

Your dog’s behavior could also be associated with a previous traumatic event that happened at the vet.

For example, if your dog was once given a shot at the vet that caused them a lot of pain, they may now associate vet visits with getting shots and being in pain.

In this case, you will want to work with your veterinarian to make sure that your dog’s experience at the vet is as positive as possible so that they can overcome their previous trauma.

There are many different ways to help a dog who is scared of the vet, and it is important to work with your veterinarian to find what will work best for your dog. With a little bit of effort, you can help your dog overcome their fear of the vet and have a positive experience at their next visit.

What has worked for you in the past? Let us know in the comments below!

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July 5, 2022
11 Ways to Calm Dog Anxiety in Car Rides
Owners of nervous dogs are always looking for ways to calm dog anxiety in car rides.

Many dogs experience anxiety in the car. Even though a car ride may seem harmless to a human who is used to car travel, car anxiety is relatively normal for dogs.

If your dog is anxious in the car, there are a few things you can do to ease their anxiety and make the experience more enjoyable for everyone.
1. Get them used to the car gradually
2. Prevent motion sickness
3. Practice calm behavior
4. Take car rides to fun places
5. Take short trips
6. Get a car seatbelt or harness
7. Crate train
8. Use a car hammock
9. Get a Big Barker SUV bed
10. Bring along a high value treat or favorite toy
11. USE CBD or other calming supplements
If your dog isn’t used to car rides, some of these ideas may help make your dog’s car ride more of a positive association than a negative association.

GET THEM USED TO THE CAR GRADUALLY

If your dog experiences anxiety in the car, it’s important to get them used to the car gradually.

Puppy Fear Stages

This will help them feel more comfortable and relaxed in the car, rather than feeling anxious and scared.

There are a few ways you can do this, but one of the most important parts is to gradually introduce your dog to the car.

If your dog is anxious in the car, gradually introduce them to the car will help them to feel more comfortable and relaxed in the car, rather than feeling anxious and scared.

One way to gradually introduce your dog to the car is to take them on short trips around the block.

This will help them get used to the motion of the car and being in a confined space.

If your dog isn’t used to car rides, getting them in the car quickly can worsen their anxiety. It’s best to get them used to the car gradually so that they have a positive association with it.

You can start by leaving the door open and letting them sniff around and explore the car on their own. Once they seem comfortable , you can try getting in the car with them and giving them treats.

If they seem scared or anxious, it’s best to take things slowly and not force them into the car.

PREVENT MOTION SICKNESS

Motion sickness is a common problem for dogs that experience anxiety in the car.

There are a few things you can do to help prevent your dog from getting car sick:
1. Feed them a light meal before driving
2. Make sure they have plenty of fresh air
3. Use car sickness medication
4. Provide lots of cool water. Your dog’s water should be accessible often.
5. Keep your car cool
If your dog starts feeling sick, lip licking, or showing mild discomfort, pull the car over in a safe area and let your dog take a break. Getting out of the car often will help with motion sickness, which is often a major trigger of dog’s anxiety.

CAR FANS THAT MANY DOGS WILL LOVE FOR CAR RIDES

If you ride in the car often, you will want to invest in a car fan, which helps dogs get fresh air on their face. Having cool air can help with motion sickness and help them not get car sick during car travel.

PRACTICE CALM BEHAVIOR

Your dog is looking to you for how they should act and feel while riding in the car.

Overcoming dog car anxiety is much in part related to how you, the owner, act while you are taking car trips.

Are you blasting heavy metal music, or are you beginning the car ride with soothing music to set the tone correct and help your anxious dog feel better?

Is your energy level stressful, are you amped up on the phone during car rides?

Your dog is picking up on any extreme anxiety that you have. Many pet owners might not even realize that they use car rides as a time to decompress.

If you have your dog in the car with you, be careful to keep the car a safe and happy place to help your dog associate the car rides with something happy.

A dog’s sense of intuition is much stronger than pet owners realize. Also, a dog’s level of how in tune they are with their pet owners is much deeper than they realize. If you like to calm your dog, work to calm yourself.

TAKE CAR RIDES TO FUN PLACES

A happy German Shepherd mix breed dog is smiling with his tounge hanging out and his eyes closed as he sticks his head out the family car window while drving down the road.

Dog (labrador retriever) looking out of a car window on a rainy day.

Most of the time when a dog takes car rides, they are traveling to the vet’s office.

Dogs usually do not love going to the vet, thus they get car related anxiety.

Switch things up as often as you can. Take your dog on car rides to fun places too!
1. Take a car ride to the park
2. Take a car ride to dog parks, just make sure the dog park is safe and calm
3. Take a car ride to have a visit with other dogs
4. Take a car ride to a pet friendly store and get your dog a special treat
As much as you can, take your dog to fun places. Most dogs will begin to associate the car with exciting outings, and the car anxiety will eventually dissipate.

TAKE SHORT TRIPS

Car anxiety is usually not ‘random’.

Some dogs do not like to travel for extended periods of time, but it doesn’t mean they will always hate long car rides.

For starters, try to calm your dog in the car by taking them on short car rides.

Begin to take your dog on a car ride that is as short as just down the driveway and back up.

Get ready with lots of treats!

As your dog begins to not get as anxious on the short car rides, you can start to increase the amount of time that you are gone.

If your car ride is going to be longer, a few hours, make sure that you are taking the time to

INVEST IN A CAR HARNESS OR SEATBELT

A car harness or car seatbelt is an excellent way to help a dog with car anxiety.

The harness will help keep your dog safe and secure while in the car.

A seatbelt will also help to keep your dog from roaming around the car, which can often make car sickness worse.

There are many different types of car harnesses and seatbelts on the market, so take some time to find one that will work best for your dog and your vehicle. Here are some recommendations of products that can help calm your dog:

CAR SEATBELT:

This car seatbelt will help your dog feel more secure while in the car and help to keep them from pacing around or getting car sick.

CAR HARNESS:

This is a great harness that will help to keep your dog calm and secure while in the car. The harness is made with breathable fabric to help keep your dog cool and comfortable.

CRATE TRAINING

Crate training can help with car anxiety, car sickness, and just dog anxiety in general.

If possible, use a crate in the car for your dog and it could solve a ton of your problems with dog anxiety in the car.

CRASH PROOF CRATES

The Variocage Crash Proof Car Crate is an investment, but it is certain to help any level of dog anxiety in the car.

USE A CAR HAMMOCK

Some dogs who have major car anxiety love to be in something called a car hammock.

This Kong Travel Car Hammock will help your dog have it’s own safe area to either sit or lay.

In the hammock, you can tie their seatbelt through to add extra safety and security for your dog.

BRING ALONG A HIGH VALUE TREATS OR YOUR DOG’S FAVORITE TOY

Travel anxiety can happen to the best of any dogs.

But, with some behavior modification and planning on the owners part, dogs can begin to enjoy the car.

TREATS FOR A HAPPY DOG

You should plan on always having treats in the car during any travel so that you can toss treats to your dog as you go.

Best Toys for Great Danes
New Puppy Checklist
Day Pouch Treat Bag Review
Best Training Treats for Dogs and Puppies

Dogs love the Dr. Harveys treats, they are minimal ingredients which are great for dog’s motion sickness in the car, and they can help turn travel anxiety into making dogs love the car.

Code HELLODANES10 for 10% off all Dr. Harveys products

BRINGING ALONG A TOY FOR YOUR DOG

If your dog has a toy that they love, be sure to bring it to help their travel anxiety.

If you are looking for a toy that can help your dog with travel anxiety, look into the Snuggle Puppies.

Snuggle Puppies help by mimicking a heartbeat sound and feeling, which can help your dog feel physically secure, like they have a friend with them in the car.

The Snuggle Puppy might help your dog’s car anxiety.

GET A BIG BARKER SUV BED

Your dog’s car anxiety probably has somewhat to do with the movement, sudden turns, and feeling like they are lacking control.

The Big Barker SUV bed helps your dog feel like they aren’t going to roll around in the back.

With comfort and security, your dog car anxiety will diminish.

The Big Barker SUV bed is sturdy enough, but also relaxing and comfortable.

Purchase here.

KEEP THE DOG IN THE BACK OF THE CAR SAFELY

When your dog starts climbing up in to the front of the car, their car anxiety is going to get worse.

In order for your dog to feel safe and have less car anxiety, they need to have a space that they feel secure.

So, it is important to have a barrier between the driver and the dog.

This one is affordable and strong, and will provide your dog with a barrier to keep them in the back seat, which will ultimately contribute to a decrease in the car anxiety.

USE CBD OR OTHER CALMING SUPPLEMENTS

Using anti anxiety medication can take a toll on your dog and leave you with a tired dog.

It CAN be the right choice to use prescription medications, but sometimes you may just want to use dog CBD.

Using CBD for My Dog’s Pain
Can You Use Human Medicine for Dogs?
7 Uses of CBD
How Can CBD Be Used?
Adding CBD Into Your Dog’s Diet

Using CBD for your dogs is a great way to help them stay grounded and calm in a moving vehicle.

When you give your dog their CBD, if you also play calming music or classical music, it can help give your dog additional relaxation.

IN CONCLUSION

So, although your dog may be afraid of the car right now, with some counter conditioning and desensitization, you can help your dog feel better about car rides.

If you have a dog with car anxiety, there are many things that you can do to help ease their anxiety.

First, try to find the root of the problem. If they are anxious about being in the car, start by making car rides fun and positive experiences.

Bring along their favorite toy or some high value treats to help them associate the car with something positive.

You can also try using a dog crate or hammock in the car to give them their own space.

And finally, consider using CBD or other calming supplements to help ease their anxiety.

With some patience and effort, you can help your dog overcome their car anxiety and enjoy car rides again.

READ MORE:
Training Mistakes
Best Training Treats for Great Dane Puppies
Why is Leash Training so Hard?
5 Leash Training Tips
Puppy Training: 5 Mistakes in Training
What is Balanced Training?
Respect Training Tips: How to Train Your Puppy Great Dane
Is My Great Dane Being Aggressive?
Canine Good Citizen Training for Great Danes
July 5, 2022
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.

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

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

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:

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?

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?

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

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!
July 3, 2022

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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PURCHASE A HERM SPRENGER PRONG COLLAR

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

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

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.

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

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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.

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

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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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

61ULHfq1gmL. AC SL1000 — 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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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.

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.

5 Leash Training Tips

Puppy Training: 5 Mistakes in Training

What is Balanced Training?

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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 Leader	Prong Collar
Aversive to wear, no matter the fit	Non-aversive to wear with correct fit
Requires conditioning for wearing & using	Requires training for using, not wearing
Looks ‘Gentle’ and seems positive	Looks scary and painful, but is misunderstood
Inexpensive	Spendy
Can damage nerves, eyes, neck, and spine when used normally	Can only cause damage to the skin if used abusively or incorrectly
May cause sores on the bridge of the nose	Does not cause skin sores or abrasions
People rarely judge this tool	People are often judgmental
May exacerbate underlying health problems	Unlikely 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’ use	Negative body language is seen with harsh and incorrect use
Effective at reducing pulling	Effective 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.

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.

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.

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

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).

jumping dog with ball near crop ethnic owner in park — 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!

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!

June 29, 2022

5 Great Reasons to E-Collar Train your Dog
There are many reasons to e-collar train your dog.

Some people may be hesitant to use this type of training because they think it is cruel or inhumane. However, nothing could be further from the truth!

When used correctly, e-collar training can provide a variety of benefits for both you and your dog. In this blog post, we will discuss five of the top reasons to e-collar train your dog.

1 – Off Leash Enrichment

One of the great benefits of e-collar training is that it allows you to have your dog off-leash in a safe and controlled manner.

This type of training provides your dog with the opportunity to explore and sniff things that they would not be able to if they were on a leash!

Off-leash dogs run, walk, circle, speed up, slow down, zig-zag, climb on things, go under things, play in the water, play chase with other dogs, and bounce through fields.

This kind of enrichment simply does not happen for dogs who are kept on a long leash. As a matter of fact, allowing a dog to move naturally like that, while on a long leash, is dangerous!

Being off-leash allows them to get much-needed freedom of movement, which can greatly benefit their mental and orthopedic health, too.

When working with training your dog to be off-leash, we recommend using a long line (30-50 feet) in addition to the e-collar, but only at first.

The long line is for your dog’s safety and will give you peace of mind while they are exploring and learning how to respond to their collar.

Only take your dog fully off leash when you are confident in their training, and when you are in a safe area where it is legal to allow your dog to be free of restraint.

2 – Reduce Stress & Anxiety

Modern E-Collar training is fun and positive! It should not be associated with punishment or negativity in any way.

You can use the e-collar to help give your dog a positive association with the things they may find scary or overwhelming. Because they are able to move freely in an E-Collar and aren’t trapped by a leash, many dogs who are fearful and reactive naturally become calmer and more confident!

When we reduce stress, anxiety, and reactivity by giving our dogs choice and freedom, we are also helping to improve their immune system and overall health.

Stress is one of the proven factors in bloat risk; so it’s important that we use positive, fun training methods that reduce anxiety! Modern e-collar training is FUN and positive!

E-Collar training should always be conducted in a positive manner, with the goal of helping your dog feel happy, confident, and safe.

If you have a dog who is fearful or anxious, we recommend working with a professional trainer who can help you create a positive training environment.

The Best Collars for Great Danes

The Difference Between an E-Collar and a Shock Collar

3 – No Damaging Physical Restraints

A key reason to E-Collar train your dog is the simple fact that, unlike harnesses, collars, head collars, or leashes, the E-Collar does not put any physical restraints on the dog’s body.

This is important for two reasons: first because it allows the dog to move freely without any risk of injury; and second, because pulling and lunging simply cannot happen in an E-Collar.

The gentle stimulation from a modern remote training device (e collar) replaces leash pressure. It works just like a cell phone; when your cell phone rings, you answer it. Your dog will learn to ‘answer their phone’.

Because there is no physical pressure or restraint, many timid and reactive dogs become more balanced and well-rounded!

Large and giant breed dogs are plagued with a number of orthopedic health conditions that can make traditional training tools such as ‘no-pull harnesses’ and head collars dangerous.

E-Collar training is a great way to provide your dog with the freedom they need and crave, while still keeping them safe and under your control.

Never again will your large or giant breed dog drag you down the street, and hurt themselves (or you) in the process!

There are many different types of e-collars on the market, so it’s important to do your research and find one that is right for you and your dog.

A modern e-collar is not the same thing as a shock collar. We use and recommend only collars by E Collar Technologies.

4 – Safety

One of the most important benefits of E-Collar training is the safety it provides for both you and your dog.

An e-collar can be used as a ‘virtual fence’, preventing your dog from running into traffic, chasing wildlife, or getting lost.

A dog that jumps the fence, runs out of the door, or is running around uncontrollably off-leash with nothing on is a liability to itself and to others.

When you choose to e-collar train your dog, you are choosing safety for your pet!

An e-collar-trained dog is amazing reliable off-leash, which gives you peace of mind knowing that your dog will come back to you when called, no matter what.

The added safety an e-collar provides is one of the main reasons we recommend remote collar training for all dogs!

5 – Responsible Dog Ownership

Being a responsible dog owner means making sure your dog is well-behaved and under control at all times.

An e-collar can help you do just that!

E-Collar training provides you with a positive, gentle, modern way to keep your dog safe and under control in any situation, whether you’re out on a hike, at the beach, or even just in your own yard.

By training your dog to be responsive to you off-leash, you reduce the need for physical restraint and increase the chances that you have a calm, friendly canine citizen who can be with you anywhere you go.

Other Reasons to E-Collar Train

Here are just some additional benefits:
- Simple way to communicate accurately and quickly from a distance
- No more tangled up long leashes
- Gentle & positive training method
- Pulling, lunging and leash reactivity become a thing of the past
- You may never have to worry again about about a door left open, broken fence or your dog running away
- Go hiking, explore the beach, visit a friend or hang out in your front yard with no worries at all
- Incredible solution for deaf dogs that will give them freedom!
Do you have questions about modern e-collar training?

We are happy to answer any questions you have, give you more reasons to e-collar train, and help you get started on the path to responsible dog ownership!

E-Collar Technologies has a wide variety of e-collars and training resources to fit your needs. Visit our shop to see more!

Great Dane Not Eating – What to Do
The Best Collars for Great Danes

My Review of the Gentle Lead Head Harness: 1 GIANT and Terrible Elephant In The Room
Review of the EZ 900 Device

Here is another great article on reasons to e-collar train your dog, directly from E Collar Technologies!

READ MORE:

What is the best leash Great Danes?
June 22, 2022
5 Big Dog Myths You Need to Know About
The large and giant breed dog communities are a literal stew of opinions, advice and ideas.

Heavy-handed dog training, resting after meals, and ‘Euro’ dogs are just some of the common big dog myths that I want to cover today!

Come sort through the stew with us!

You Must Rest Your Big Dog Before & After Meals

You’ve definitely heard this one.

“You MUST rest your dog before and after meals so they don’t bloat!”

You and your dog may be looking at a schedule like this:

AM Walk
Rest
Food
Rest
PM Walk
Rest
Food
Rest
Bed

That’s a lot of um…shall we say, sitting?

Bloat is a painful, dangerous, and DEADLY condition that plagues large and giant breed dogs. Great Danes tend to be the most susceptible! Bloat is scary, and ‘preventatives’ make us feel better about it.

Let’s bust this myth. Studies have found absolutely NO correlation between BLOAT and EXERCISE!

Not only that, but most dogs who bloat do so while resting and on an empty stomach.

Bloat incidence has increased by 1500% in the last 30+ years, despite this common ‘advice’ to rest dogs before and after meals.

It’s time to let go of this old, unsubstantiated old wives’ tale. Rest your dog if it makes you feel better, but don’t encourage your dog to spend its entire life sitting around. If your dog is going to bloat, it won’t matter if they are moving or being a couch potato.

Don’t freak out. There are other science-backed ways to reduce bloat risk.

Bloat and Gut Health: Does it go together?

Big Dogs Have a Short Lifespan

You’re walking down the street with your Great Dane by your side when you are stopped by somebody gushing over how beautiful your dog is.

(Because it’s true, your dog is gorgeous).

Then she says “I just could never own one. They don’t live long”.

STOP. IT.

We are so over this myth. Sure, large and giant breed dogs are plagued by a number of health problems that shorten their life span…but it doesn’t mean that all large and giant breed dogs will be dead by age 7.

A solid majority of these dogs come from breeders who are NOT actively seeking to better the breed.

Minimal health testing, questionable pedigrees, and profit-driven practices are literally ruining these dogs and their genetics for generations to come.

If you want a robust, long-lived large or giant breed dog, choose an ethical, reputable breeder who is beyond diligent with the pedigree and actively seeks to eliminate common ‘early death’ problems.

This includes heart failure, bloat, fearful temperaments, poor structure, cancer, and arthritis which all have a genetic link.

Everything ‘EURO’ Dogs

“He’s not overweight, he’s EURO”

Buckle up, this is a fun one!

Any dog being labeled as ‘EURO’ is a dog that is being labeled with an unregulated marketing term.

EURO does not necessarily mean ‘EUROPEAN’.

It’s important to note that actual well-bred European dogs are not, in fact, meant to be larger, stockier, or droopier than American dogs!

Each Country will have a written standard for its breed. When you compare the legitimate, real written standard for the breed from each individual Country, you will notice that the standards are nearly identical!

The ‘EURO’ term plagues Great Danes, Mastiff’s, Rottweilers, and Dobermans in particular.

EURO nearly always just means one thing: out of standard.

Droopy eyes, blocky heads, and stocky, oversized bodies are considered significant faults in the breed standard for Great Danes in both countries.

The appeal of a larger, beefier dog with an exotic title (‘Euro’) is popular and persistent, however.

It’s fine to wish for a slightly larger dog, but NEVER at the expense of the health, comfort, and robust and proven genetics of the breed.

Want to know more about the TRUTH behind ‘Euro’ dogs? Read HERE.

Learn more about what makes a breeder ‘bad’.

Giant Dogs need Heavy-Handed Training

Reality television has taught us that we need to ‘pSSHHhhTTT’, intimidate, pin down, and harshly correct dogs, especially when they are large or giant breeds like Great Dane or St. Bernard.

People believe that big dogs need bigger shock collars, bigger corrections, and more forceful training methods overall.

Big dogs CAN and WILL destroy your house and take you for a walk if you don’t train them. Small dogs can try, but they don’t have the mass to make it happen. That’s the only difference.

It’s NOT that big dogs are more stubborn or defiant! They are just…bigger.

Being bigger doesn’t justify the use of fear, pain, and harsh punitive training.

Training must start on day one. With large and giant breed dogs you definitely have to teach ‘off’, ‘heel’, ‘down’, and ‘come’. These things are easy to teach with positive reinforcement!

We recommend that owners consider taking a class with an AKC ‘Canine Good Citizen’ instructor to learn how to teach, guide (and yes, correct when appropriate) their large and giant breed dogs.

(Don’t be THIS dog owner!)

The reality here is that forceful, harsh training methods (including the incorrect use of E-Collars) can lead to fear, anxiety, and aggression.

Danes and other giant breed dogs are not dumb. They learn the same way that all other dogs do. Applying more ‘force’ just serves our egos, not the dog or the relationships we have with it.

This is one big dog myth we can put to rest, once and for all.

Need help with modern e collar training? Check out our guide.

Adult Food Only, Never Puppy Food!

This common belief is rampant in the large and giant breed dog community.

For years, many giant breed dogs have been fed adult formula dry dog food from their first solid meal.

10+ years ago, this was acceptable and recommended because adult formulas were literally the only acceptable option for maintaining slow growth.

Thankfully, we have science, research, food trials, and updated large-breed puppy foods!

‘Adult food only’ is dated and dangerous advice for large and giant breed dogs. They should now be fed an appropriate, science-backed LARGE or GIANT breed PUPPY formula.

Make sure you choose a science-backed food brand. Boutique foods have not participated in the same level of diligent research and may not be correctly formulated for the growth of your large breed dog! For more information about choosing puppy food for your big dog, read here.

Knuckling, flat feet, low energy, HOD, or Panosteitis are just some of what you may experience if you choose the wrong food. Many large and giant breed dogs that are fed ‘adult food only’ will also struggle to develop lean, strong muscle and maintain an appropriate weight. Adult foods simply don’t have enough nutrition to support their growth.

We recommend:
- Purina Pro Plan Large Breed Puppy – any flavor!
- Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Skin & Stomach Large Breed puppy – TOP PICK, salmon-based
- Eukanuba Large Breed Puppy (Great for active and sporting dogs)
- Purina One Large Breed Puppy (Excellent budget option)
- Hill’s Science Diet Puppy Large Breed
- Royal Canin Giant Puppy Dry Dog food (to age 12 months) – TOP PICK, PREMIUM OPTION
- Royal Canin Giant Junior Dry Dog food (8-24 months)
- Purina Large Breed Puppy Chow
Check out THE GIANT DOG FOOD PROJECT to compare brands and values.

LEARN MORE ABOUT CHOOSING HEALTHY PET FOOD FOR YOUR BIG DOG

What other big dog myths can we bust for you?

Leave a comment below! We’d love to hear from you, or you can also join our helpful, friendly and open-minded community on Facebook.

JOIN OUR COMMUNITY

Do you like modern positive+balanced off-leash dog training, science-based information, life with Danes, educated ownership and chatting with other like-minded people?

Join our growing Facebook group!

HELLO DANES ON FACEBOOK
June 20, 2022

Tag: Training

Are Great Danes Good with Kids and Babies?

All About Great Danes

Great Dane Temperament

THE HELLO DANES GREAT DANE PUPPY RESOURCE PAGE

Great Dane Size

Finding a Great Dane for your Family

Choosing an ethical breeder

Choosing a rescue Dane

Kids & Great Danes

Teaching kids to be responsible with dogs

Introducing a baby to a Great Dane

WHAT IS PUPPY CULTURE?

Great Dane Puppy Training

5 things all Great Dane puppies should know

Crate Training for Great Danes

Stop Puppy Biting

Teach your puppy to stop chasing kids

THE HELLO DANES GREAT DANE PUPPY RESOURCE PAGE

Off-leash training for Great Danes

JOIN OUR COMMUNITY

Origin of the Color: Are Brindle Great Danes Rare?

Brindle Danes- Are They Rare?

Brindle vs Reverse Brindle: Which is Which?

BRINDLE

REVERSE BRINDLE

Genetics Behind The Brindle Color

Health & Breeding

Brindle Great Danes & Their Health Issues

Can You Breed Brindle Great Danes?

The AKC Brindle Standard

Brindle Color:

Brindle Patterns:

Brindle Great Danes: Interesting Facts

Unique Traits I’ve Noticed Regarding My Brindle Great Dane:

Other breeds / animals that carry the Brindle gene:

Are Brindle Great Danes Rare?

What Causes Fear Aggression in Dogs?

Fear Aggression is a Compounding Problem

What is the Difference Between Aggression and Fear Aggression?

How Aggression Builds in Dogs

Common Triggers of Aggression in Dogs

Is All Aggression in Dogs Caused by Fear?

How to Socialize an Aggressive Dog

How to Socialize Puppies to Prevent Aggression

How Leash Tension Causes Dogs to Become Leash Reactive

Puppy Fear Stages

Chronic Pain & Aggression in Dogs

Dog Aggression Caused by Dominance

How to Help a Fearful Dog

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE COMMON SIGNS OF STRESS IN DOGS?

PANTING AND PACING

SHAKING OR TREMBLING

YAWNING

LIP LICKING

EXCESSIVE SLEEPING

FORWARD FACING EARS

STIFF BODY LANGUAGE

DESTRUCTIVE CHEWING

TUCKED TAIL

WHALE EYE

BARKING

WHY IS MY DOG SUDDENLY EXPERIENCING STRESS AND ANXIETY?

WHAT CAUSES STRESS IN DOGS?

HOW TO HELP AN ANXIOUS DOG

IDENTIFY THE TRIGGER OF ANXIETY FOR YOUR DOG

CREATE A SAFE SPACE FOR YOUR DOG

PROVIDE COMFORT FOR YOUR DOG

TRY DOG-CALMING PRODUCTS

FEED YOUR PET AN APPROPRIATE DIET

ACKNOWLEDGE YOUR DOGS FEAR IS NORMAL

REMAIN CALM AND TRY GIVE POSITIVE FEELINGS

USE ANTI ANXIETY MEDICATIONS

SPEAK WITH YOUR VETERINARIAN ABOUT HOW TO REDUCE STRESS

IF YOU ARE GOING TO A NEW VET, BE TRANSPARENT

HAVE A FEAR FREE VET VISIT PLAN

LOOK FOR A FEAR FREE VET

LOOK INTO HOME VISITS OR MOBILE VETS

WITH ANY AGGRESSIVE DOG, MUZZLE TRAIN

YOUR DOG’S BEHAVIOR COULD BE ASSOCIATED WITH PAIN