Great Danes. Rachel Cawley

exercise. • • TRAINING Though often seen in cartoons and films as slow learners, Great Danes can be taught. But because of their size, one must train them early and thoroughly. A full-grown Great Dane that misbehaves can be more than just a nuisance; he can be a hazard. • • • GROOMING Great Danes are pretty much “wash and wear” because of their short coats. The only factor is that their size means there is more to care for. • SHEDDING Although a Great Dane has short hair, they do shed twice a year. Generally, the white hairs are the ones that are the most visible on clothing, furniture, and such. • • ENERGY LEVEL Depending on the breeding and temperament, some Great Danes are quite calm and need little activity, whereas others seem constantly in motion. Watch the parents for some indication of the direction your puppy will take. • • • AFFECTION LEVEL Great Danes are certainly “people” dogs, as most love the companionship of humans. But because of breeding and raising techniques, you can find some more aloof. At the puppy stage, look for ones that come to you for attention. 4 Dots = Highest rating on scale • • • •

      Got cats? Unlike the cliché, dogs and cats really can get along. In fact, the casual, relaxed nature of some Great Danes can fit right into the world of felines. However, such friendships are not automatic. When your Great Dane and cat first meet, make sure that the cat has every opportunity to get away. During this introduction you may consider having your Great Dane on a leash, in a crate or secured ex-pen, or in a gated off-room while your cat is free to come and go at will. Some cats may be inquisitive and choose to check out the new family member. Other felines may be less happy and lash out, clawing your Great Dane’s face. Such a meeting should be supervised to help keep the peace and prevent injury. If things are going well, you may wish to reward good behavior with small quick-to-eat treats along with praise. Keeping such treats tiny can help prevent one animal from stealing the other’s.

      If you have smaller pets like rats, guinea pigs, and such, remember that a Great Dane has a big size advantage over them. To avoid “accidents” it is best to be sure the smaller ones have easy-to-reach places to get away from giant feet and bodies. A Great Dane plopping his 100-plus-pound body down on the floor would be bad for any small animal that cannot get out of the way. As always, try to introduce your smaller furred family members to the dog sooner rather than later. This will begin to build awareness between them. Also, the sooner he realizes that these are members of the family, and not strangers, toys, or pests, the better.

      Are feathered friends a part of your family? Small birds (finches, canaries, and so on) may be too frail to live in the same room as a Great Dane. His bark and sudden movements may be too startling for them. Large birds, such as parrots, can bite very hard and cause him to retaliate or become frightened of the bird. Just as every Great Dane has a slightly different personality, so will the bird. Generally, it may be safer to keep your birds caged when your Great Dane is in the room.

      In most cases, your new Great Dane will become good friends with all the members of the family, two legged or four. Of course, like people, it may take some time for everyone to warm up to each other. But if proper introductions are accomplished, and proper ranking is established, you should have one great happy family.