Mistakes new Great Dane owners make

Introduction

Great Danes, often referred to as “gentle giants,” are beloved for their affectionate and calm nature. However, due to their enormous size and specific needs, caring for a Great Dane can be quite different from caring for smaller breeds. For new Great Dane owners, there are common mistakes that can be easily avoided with the right knowledge. In this guide, we’ll cover the top five mistakes new Great Dane owners make and provide tips to ensure a happy and healthy life for your giant friend.

Table of Contents

• Mistake 1: Underestimating the Size of a Great Dane
• Mistake 2: Inadequate Exercise and Over-Exertion
• Mistake 3: Neglecting Proper Nutrition
• Mistake 4: Inconsistent Training and Socialization
• Mistake 5: Ignoring Health and Joint Care
• Conclusion

Mistake 1: Underestimating the Size of a Great Dane

One of the most common mistakes new Great Dane owners make is underestimating just how large these dogs will get. A full-grown male Great Dane can reach up to 34 inches tall at the shoulder and weigh between 140-175 pounds. This size brings unique challenges that require specific accommodations.

What Happens:

• Lack of Space: Many new owners don’t consider whether their home or apartment has enough space for a dog of this size. Great Danes need room to move around comfortably, as well as a spacious area to rest.
• Furniture Destruction: Their size and clumsiness can lead to accidental damage to furniture, decorations, or even walls, especially in smaller living spaces.

How to Avoid This Mistake:

• Prepare Your Home: Ensure your home has enough open space and wide walkways to accommodate a Great Dane’s size. Move fragile items out of reach and choose sturdy furniture that can withstand a big, clumsy dog.
• Teach Spatial Awareness: Begin training your Great Dane early on to be aware of their body and space. Teaching them to navigate small spaces without knocking things over can help prevent accidents.

Mistake 2: Inadequate Exercise and Over-Exertion

Finding the right balance for exercise is crucial for Great Danes. While they are relatively low-energy compared to some other breeds, they still need regular exercise to maintain a healthy weight and prevent behavioral issues. However, over-exercising them, especially as puppies, can cause harm to their growing joints and bones.

What Happens:

• Lack of Exercise: Without proper exercise, Great Danes can become bored, anxious, and even destructive. They may also gain weight, which can strain their joints and heart.
• Over-Exercising Puppies: On the other hand, too much high-impact exercise at a young age can lead to joint problems and growth issues.

How to Avoid This Mistake:

• Moderate Exercise: Adult Great Danes typically need around 30-60 minutes of moderate exercise each day, such as walks and gentle playtime. Avoid long-distance running or excessive jumping, especially with puppies.
• Low-Impact Activities: Engage your Great Dane in low-impact activities like swimming or walking on soft surfaces to keep their joints healthy while still meeting their exercise needs.

Mistake 3: Neglecting Proper Nutrition

Feeding a Great Dane requires careful attention to their dietary needs. They grow rapidly and need a diet that supports steady growth, joint health, and weight management. New owners often make the mistake of feeding them too much or not providing the right type of food, leading to obesity or skeletal issues.

What Happens:

• Overfeeding: Overfeeding can lead to rapid weight gain, which puts strain on their joints and heart, increasing the risk of health issues like bloat (gastric dilatation-volvulus) and joint dysplasia.
• Inappropriate Food: Feeding Great Danes regular dog food instead of large-breed formulas can lead to improper growth rates and deficiencies in essential nutrients like calcium and phosphorus.Mistakes new Great Dane owners make

How to Avoid This Mistake:

• Choose Large-Breed Dog Food: Opt for high-quality, large-breed dog food that’s specifically formulated to meet the nutritional needs of giant breeds. This helps promote steady growth and joint health.
• Portion Control: Follow your veterinarian’s recommendations for portion sizes and avoid overfeeding, especially in puppies. Split meals into two or three smaller portions per day to help prevent bloat.

Mistake 4: Inconsistent Training and Socialization

Great Danes are gentle and affectionate, but their large size makes proper training essential. Without consistent training and early socialization, their size and strength can make them difficult to handle. Many new owners underestimate how crucial it is to start training early and stick to a routine.

What Happens:

• Pulling on the Leash: An untrained Great Dane that pulls on the leash can easily overpower even the strongest owners, making walks difficult and dangerous.
• Jumping and Rough Play: Due to their size, behaviors like jumping or rough play can be overwhelming and even dangerous to other pets or small children.

How to Avoid This Mistake:

• Start Training Early: Begin obedience training as soon as you bring your Great Dane home. Teach them basic commands like “sit,” “stay,” and “heel” to establish good behavior early.
• Positive Reinforcement: Use positive reinforcement techniques, such as treats and praise, to encourage good behavior. Avoid harsh punishment, as Great Danes are sensitive and respond better to gentle correction.
• Socialize Regularly: Expose your Great Dane to different people, pets, and environments from a young age to prevent fear or aggression in new situations.

Mistake 5: Ignoring Health and Joint Care

Due to their size, Great Danes are prone to certain health issues, including joint problems, heart disease, and bloat. New owners sometimes neglect preventive health care or fail to recognize early signs of these conditions, leading to more serious problems later on.

What Happens:

• Hip Dysplasia and Arthritis: Without proper joint care, Great Danes are at a high risk of developing hip dysplasia or arthritis, leading to pain and limited mobility.
• Bloat: This life-threatening condition is common in Great Danes and requires immediate attention. Failing to prevent or address it can be fatal.

How to Avoid This Mistake:

• Joint Supplements: Consider giving your Great Dane joint supplements like glucosamine and chondroitin to support their joints as they age.
• Vet Checkups: Schedule regular vet checkups to monitor their overall health and catch any potential issues early.
• Prevent Bloat: Feed your Great Dane smaller, more frequent meals and avoid exercise immediately after eating to reduce the risk of bloat. You may also want to consult with your vet about preventive gastropexy surgery.

Conclusion

Bringing a Great Dane into your home is a rewarding experience, but it comes with its own set of challenges. By understanding and avoiding these common mistakes, new Great Dane owners can ensure a smoother transition for both themselves and their giant companion. Proper nutrition, consistent training, regular exercise, and preventive health care will help keep your Great Dane happy, healthy, and thriving for years to come.