Great Dane Care
Should you decide to take in a Great Dane, here are a few tips to ensure that the dog causes as few problems as possible.
Remember that the dog cannot be told why he/she is being re-homed & can be confused as to why we are leaving him/her with you.
You will use different words from his/her former owner but we will try and tell you as much as we know about his/her background and his reactions whilst in our kennels.
Remember that all dogs still have the instincts that allowed them to live happily in a wild pack, under the strict commands and order laid down by the dominant male and dominant female. All the family must understand this and the people around this dog come FIRST and the dog is bottom of the pile.
Always greet the family members first and the dog last. This is hard to master when he/she comes bounding up to you when you come home but do PLEASE TRY. They soon accept this as normal and feel happier when they know their place.
Feed people before dogs. The pack leaders always feed first, and don’t feed from the table or you are making the dog equal to you. If you find the dog cannot be shut away at meal times then use a child gate so they can see you but not get at the table. Table scraps can be added to the dog’s bowl but not too many, as most human food contains too much salt for most dogs.
The dog must earn its food and told to sit before being allowed to eat. Its not a good idea to try and take food away from the dog as it can lead to confrontation. They should be left to eat in peace but any left over food removed after 10 minutes.
Often dogs are encouraged to bark when people come to the door and rush up to welcome them. This needs to be discouraged. For the first few weeks, they should be restrained either shut away or put on a lead and asked to sit or lie down.
If the dog does something you cannot accept, ignore it, turn a cold shoulder, this gets the quickest response.
If the dog comes up for fuss do not always give it, especially if you are busy. Tell them to lie down and when you’re ready call the dog to you and praise it.
When playing games, you need to give the first and last commands and collect toys up and use them as rewards. Petting and treats need to be earned.
Don’t allow the dog on the furniture or bed especially, as you are again saying to the dog that it is an equal. This is IMPORTANT in the first few weeks & only if you are sure that you can get the dog from the furniture with a word of command, should this be allowed at all.
It is good practice to use a word of command when you want the dog to relieve itself. A made up word like “peewee” is better than one you use every day or you may forget and use the word in conversation only to find a large puddle (or worse!) on the floor. Make sure the Dane has done the necessary before going to bed especially in the first few weeks so somebody will have to go outside with a torch if needed to be sure. The change of home and routine can often upset toilet training so be patient.
Finally set aside a short time each day for training and only when you have the basic commands obeyed, should you go to training classes with an adult dog. Remember manners are learnt at home. Great Danes enjoy obedience and agility classes and it re-enforces the dog’s place in the community.
If you find that your dog gets upset by being left, is frightened by fireworks, distressed in the car, then try the DAP range of products. The plug-in is suitable for when the dog is a room, the collar will help to settle a dog down and back up the plug-in around the house or in the car and the spray can be used in the car or a kennel, useful if the dog is going to the vet!!
NEVER put a Great Dane on a chain as it causes distress and can cause neck and back injuries resulting in arthritis and spinal problems by middle age. A properly constructed outside heated kennel with a run is a much kinder and safer restraint. If we hear that the dog is kept on a chain we will take it back immediately.
Hopefully the move from rescue to the new home will be stress free for both you and the dog. If for any reason you think that the dog is not settling in as well as expected, then please contact us as soon as possible.
This charity is funded by donations and your Great Dane has been passed to you in return for a donation, you have NOT bought the dog. We are sure that you would agree it is therefore reasonable, ONLY in exceptional hardship cases, can we consider the return of the donation. Each application will be considered at the next meeting of the trustees. The returned donation will be less the transport costs of collecting the dog from your home.
© 2010 Great Dane Care Charitable Trust. Registered Charity: 1102041
Dedicated to the rescue and re-homing of Great Dane Dogs.
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