How to Care for a Great Dane Puppy

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By Edward Vance
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Care for a Great Dane Puppy

Great Danes are gentle giants. They make excellent companions for adults and children. The Great Dane typically does very well with other pets.

This article will help the new enthusiastic care for the Great Dane puppy during its first year.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Step 1

Immediately on acquiring your Great Dane puppy, schedule a trip to your veterinarian. You will want to make sure that the puppy is in good health, has its vaccinations updated and is introduced to a schedule of heart worm medication, flea, tick and parasite control.
Step 2

The Great Dane is an indoor dog. Never house your pet in an outside kennel or an igloo in the back yard. Without proper socialization, you run the risk of having a neurotic and possible a dangerous dog for a pet.

If you are not able to provide an indoor home for the Great Dane, do not get the dog. Period.

Provide a "crate" for the Great Dane puppy. The crate is the dog's special place for sleeping and quiet time. A Great Dane sees the crate as its "den". The crate should be large enough for your pet to stand and stretch out while sleeping. You may end up acquiring one or two new crates as the animal reaches maturity.
Step 3

Begin the Great Dane puppy on a schedule of potty training. When you take the dog from its crate, take it straight outside, to the place where you want her to do her business. Lots of praise for a good job!

Take the puppy outside 5 to 10 minutes after eating or drinking water.

After the puppy has played for awhile, take her outside again. Put her back in her crate until it's time for another romp with the family.

Accidents will happen. Be patient and continue the training. Never hit or yell at the animal.
Step 4

Great Danes need exercise. At least once a day, take your new pet on a nice walk, always with a lead. Safety first!

Begin to socialize the puppy as soon as she is brought home. Slowly introduce her to other pets and any children in the home.
Step 5

Feed the Great Dane puppy a high quality large or giant breed puppy food. At around 6 months of age, switch over to an adult large or giant dog food.

This will help the dog to avoid growing too fast, thereby reducing the chance that your pet will develop arthritis or other bone and joint maladies.

Never let the Great Dane engage in serious playing or exercise for 40 minutes prior to eating and for 40 minutes after eating.

Giant dog breeds are susceptible to gastrointestinal issues, such as "bloat", which are usually fatal to the dog.
Step 6

Great Danes can be somewhat "willful". At around 3 or 4 months, enroll the puppy in an obedience program. I have found private sessions to be the best for Great Danes.

Remember, these dogs can grow to be 35 inches tall and up to 160 pounds. It is best to have a well trained pet!
Step 7

Give serious consideration to spaying the dog. If you opt to do so, it is best to have this done prior to her first heat cycle. Males should be neutered after 6 months of age. Always consult the veterinarian for the proper age to spay.
Step 8

The Great Dane loves its people, and although usually not aggressive, the Dane will die for its family.

With proper care, you will have a wonderful companion!

Comments

billips said

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on 11/3/2009 Love your compassionate and knowledgeable article - these are lovely dogs - our neighbor used to have one and I was amazed that such a giant was so gentle and adaptable - glad you mentioned that they are indoor dogs - 5* - B.

alltrails said

on 10/22/2009 Terrific article on how to care for a Great Dane puppy. Danes are great dogs - you have to make sure you have a big enough house to hold one, though! 5 stars - thanks!