How to Keep Great Danes Outside
The Great Dane is a large breed of dog, with adult males weighing up to 200 pounds and standing 30 to 34 inches off the ground. Because of their massive size, Great Danes require a lot of exercise -- while they are rather inactive inside the house, they will benefit a lot from the freedom a yard can provide. If you plan on keeping your Great Dane outside in the yard, there are a few considerations regarding the enclosure and other precautions.
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Instructions
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Enclosure
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Fence in a large portion of your yard. A Great Dane will require a tall fence to keep him enclosed. A chain link or wooden fence with a locking gate will keep your dog securely enclosed and prevent anyone from entering your yard.
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Put an e-collar on your dog to keep him inside the perimeter of your yard. If you do not have a fenced-in yard, or cannot afford to install one, you can use an electric collar to keep the dog in check. A wire is buried around the perimeter of the yard and the dog is administered a small, humane shock when he goes over the boundary.
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Tie up your Great Dane securely to a stake in the ground, or around an immovable object. If you don't have a fence, or are unwilling to use an e-collar, tie the dog to an immovable object in the yard. The dog should be tied with enough rope so it can roam comfortably around the yard. Keep an eye on the dog when he is tied up to make sure he has not become tangled.
Other Precautions
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Provide the Great Dane with ample amounts of water when he is kept outside. When dogs are outside, they will be under the heat of the sun and are more likely to be running around. Make sure your Great Dane has a constant supply of water to prevent dehydration and sunstroke.
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Do not keep your dog tied up near a garden or other area that can be damaged. When Great Danes are inside, they are less active than when they are outside. Make sure your dog is not placed in an area where he can dig up plants, ruin garden furniture or other items.
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Provide the dog with an outdoor shelter to protect him from the sun and inclement weather. If your dog is going to be outside in the sun, be sure he can get to a shaded area.
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Bring your dog inside during inclement weather. While Great Danes enjoy being outside, they are meant to be socialized as part of the family and shouldn't be kept outside all the time. If your dog spends a lot of time in the yard, bring him in when the heat and humidity are high. Likewise, bring the dog in during frigid conditions.
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Tips & Warnings
Keeping your dog outside should not be a full-time living arrangement. If you want to have a Great Dane in your household, be prepared for their size and make yourself aware of the breed's tendencies before buying this type of dog.
References
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