The Great Dane. You hear the word, you think big dog but never does it seem that you are quite prepared as you think you are when you actually see one. I have had the front row seat for quite a few surprising encounters in the last year and they always leave me with a definite story to tell in one form or another. It is almost to the point that the normal every day encounters you imagine are becoming the oddity. Charlie is a very happy go lucky Great Dane and only once do I ever recall him showing any aggressive behavior was around my cat Tai at feeding time and Tai thinking he could just reach in for a bite, was instead on the receiving end of a large mouth still partially full of dog food pinning him to the table. Moments later both animals playing, Tai from the counter top where he is pretty much eye to eye with Charlie. Everyone talks about how size doesn’t matter in life but in dog life size definitely matters. Very regularly am I reminded that life with any other dog would not be the same. From your every day pizza delivery guy, the cable guy, even your co -workers. The first meeting of your Great Dane is definitely one they will not forget. While most are met with amazement rather than fear, there are times when a dog of such size is just way too much to handle. Remember your own energy towards the situation will directly reflect in your dog. Stay calm.
In recent weeks I have noticed Charlie jumping up around joggers and bikers. Now I realize this is quite common in young dogs, something I am sure all dog owners can relate to. However with Charlie instead of him kind of getting up on you he is pretty much jumping up as high as six and a half feet. For a jogger, biker or even a young adult this is a lot of Charlie to be coming at you. Its one thing to have him greet you at the door with me but yet another to have this huge dog coming towards you bounding along trying to get his play on. Needles to say, Charlie and I will be having some on leash training for a while until he figures out that joggers, bikers and basically everyone is not just there for play. There is a time for fun and a time for appropriate behavior.
While looking for many accessories it is good to note here once again size does matter with a Great Dane. Dog cages, harnesses, collars, jackets and the lot should all be measured or at the very least easily returned and exchanged. In many cases the large or even the extra large does not fit your Great Dane. Recently I found myself just looking for Great Dane dog items specifically. Cages, beds and harnesses usually top the list. Some people have asked me about mini horse blankets for beds or for outside and though the thought has crossed my mind I have not personally seen a Great Dane in a horse blanket. One thing is certain; Great Danes are giants of the dog world, small in the horse world. Maybe something we can all add to our personal web page, or social network page? A Great Dane Super Poke. Served up really big, full of nice and a healthy portion of play. A gentle giant but a giant all the same.
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