Characteristics of the Great Dane
Owning a Great Dane is not for everyone who thinks that they want one. Often, the size is what first attracts people to this breed, but it is also the main reason people later get rid of the dog. Please understand that if you buy a giant breed it is going to grow into a very large animal. Know that your coffee table will likely be emptied of its contents by one swipe of the tail, food left on the kitchen counter will mysteriously vanish, your garden will become a mine field and objects left in thoughtless places get knocked over and often broken. If you are not ready to have this happen in your home, then please consider a smaller breed. Before finalizing your decision to bring home a Dane, it is a good idea to spend some time with breeders or other Dane owners, in a house with at least one or two adult dogs running around. They always seem much larger indoors than they do when outside. If the breeder cares about the homes the pups are going to, then they will allow some of their adults to join in while discussing whether you will become a Great Dane owner. Do not buy unless you are sure you can live with the size. Get best beds for your Great Danes by clicking on DogBedZone.com.
It is an experience living with a Great Dane. Most people who have had one will always want another one. Despite their size, and popular opinion, these dogs can do well in smaller houses or apartments provided they are given daily exercise. They are quite happy to have their breakfast and then flop down on their beds for their morning snooze until they hear something worth investigating outside. Naturally, younger Danes will need to spend more time exploring and playing than the adult. This is important for their mental and physical development and you really do want them to burn off excess energy before coming inside. Youngsters can get rather rowdy, but can easily be taught that rough play happens outside and not in your living room. Basically, these are easy dogs to have around because they are generally quiet.
Great Danes are people-oriented dogs and love being around their owners. They are cuddly and very affectionate. They love leaning on people and if allowed, will happily climb into your lap. If you take time to pet and love them they become extremely ecstatic and you then have a friend for life. Should you go somewhere, they would absolutely love to come with and are easily taught that "no" means just that.
Intelligent dogs, Great Danes are often mischievous. They can learn to do things (especially when food is the end reward) such as opening cupboards and refrigerators. Some Dane owners resort to installing baby locks on their cupboards to keep their dog out of the trash can or pantry. It always helps to puppy-proof your house when your Dane is young, so that they do not learn such behaviours.
An important point to think of is a teething Dane pup. A huge amount of damage can happen in a very short space of time if chew toys are not provided, and a considerable effort made to prevent this kind of damage. Be ready to laugh it off should the dog eat your new sofa, because it does happen. It helps to have plenty of proper chew toys on hand. If your home is the kind where everything is in its place and is immaculately clean at all times, then a Great Dane is definitely not your breed. However, if you can laugh instead of cry when dinner goes missing; find it funny when a fully grown Dane plants his rear in your lap; not have a heart attack when your new favourite shoes are found in tatters and dripping in saliva, then you will enjoy living with a Great Dane. Around twelve days of age, the first baby teeth will appear and the teething period begins. This ends at about ten months with the full development of the adult teeth. Between three and four months, the deciduous teeth will fall out and the mature teeth will come in. This is the hardest time for your pup. The need to chew constantly on anything is clear. Ensure there are plenty of proper chew toys, such as Kong toys and Nylabones for your puppy. This will encourage your Dane to chew the correct things and keep your pup away from things it should not chew - like your furniture.
It is highly unlikely that a Great Dane owner will need to worry about intruders. Their sheer size alone, coupled with their deep bark, is usually enough to deter any would-be thieves and keep them away. These dogs have proven that they are truly great protectors when their owners are under threat. Even the mildest mannered Danes can surprise their owners by showing a sudden protectiveness when a situation becomes scary.