What Have you Dane for me Lately?

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The Health of your Great Dane

When any human decides to welcome a dog into their home they hope the dog chosen will live a long and full life. Many dogs live to be 16, 17, and even 18. Pure bread animals can often have a shorter life expectancy. Many sources state that the average Great Dane lifespan is in between 7 to 10 years. This shortened lifespan is said to occur for many diverse reasons.

There are a few health concerns that come with the Great Dane. One of the more common ailments for the Great Dane is Hypertrophic Osteodystrophy. This condition presents as lameness in the wrist area of the foreleg. For the rest of this  New Hub Page Article Click Here 

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What's Your Great Dane Potential?

What's Your Great Dane Potential?

Find your Great Dane Potential and Donate, Foster or Rescue a Great Dane or Great Dane Organization in your local area. It will undoubtably be a great decision for you and your new furry family member.

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Trailers, Beds and Kennels

If your bringing a Great Dane Pup into your home something you must consider is the size of his or hers kennel, if your going to “crate” train and also where your puppy will sleep if not in his or her kennel.  There are many many options for dog beds but finding something for a Great Dane I have personally found it be a very interesting search.  Presently I am using a double futon mattress on the floor one small side folded up against the wall.  Charlie seems to like leaning up on one side of things and this gives him a good option for laying both ways I find, or he can still lye flat out on the bed.  I would think as Charlie grows a little more, in2-3 years he’ll need a full bed.  Great Dane Beds are not something I have seen in any pet store.  Largest one I found lasted Charlie about 8 months, a 2 seater couch with low arm rests works great for lounging if you have the space for a spare two seater couch that is! I wonder about one of those giant bean bag sacks? Does anyone have one of those for their Great Dane Beds?

Charlie 3 milk crates to his left on the deck railing

Great Dane Kennels or “crates” have also been something of great discussion since becoming a Great Dane owner.  We opted for crate training, as it is a natural comfort for your furry little friend.  Really now I am thankful we did as everything in the house can pretty much be reached.  No closet door stands a chance to those “raptor claws” if a Great Dane feels determined.  Last week Charlie was standing up against a 6 foot wall looking over the top of it.  Then is the time you realize you have a Giant Breed Dog, smacks you right in the face.  Often I find myself forgetting how big he really is.  The largest crate we found at a Pet S has been really good in size, not too small but on the verge now, I have found something suitable as a “Great Dane Crate” but shipping is equal the cage or no delivery to my p.o. so still I search. 

Great Dane Kennels can also be a soft, tented shape style of kennel.  They are used mainly for Great Dane Dog Shows so my feeling on it is that until your Dane can be out alone in the house he or she would just shred the soft kennel in no time.  I will be attempting to go camping with the little man this summer.  I hope he does not shred my tent, if so I guess training will follow until the whole tent is shredded and Brian Griffin recovers from all those bee stings he received on “Episode VI”

Just kidding. But I am serious.

I would like to touch a little bit on the importance of car safety with your Great Dane or any other dog breed.  Summer is coming and we all know, especially for us Canadians that that means windows down. Cruizin the strip, scenic drives, hard tops off and soft tops down and above all else distractions and distracted drivers.  Your furry loved one can become a very large projectile in the result of an unexpected maneuver or excessive braking or with Charlie I am pretty paranoid of him toppling over or blowing a knee or something trying to struggle for balance.  A seat belt harness we purchased online XXL works really well with our big boy and room for him to grow into it.  Heavy buckles and clips, metal rings, locking carabiner, leather strap for his chest plate.  It clips into the strap of the seat belt itself, either shoulder or lap sections.  Charlie can maneuver wherever he likes across the back seat, or sit on the front seat and use the strap to keep his balance whenever leaning on the corners.  All in all it has been an excellent purchase and I feel much better in my vehicle knowing my Great Dane will be with me the entire ride no matter what the outcome. Please be sure to secure your pet when traveling in a vehicle.  It could save both your lives.

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Lets Talk About the ..it Link to a nice little Article on Dane Rescue and one Bonus Tail...

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Evening of Calmness

Rescue Your Newest Family Member.

If you are thinking about adding a Great Dane to your home and family it can often be more rewarding to rescue one. There are many reasons why Great Danes are put up for adoption and/or rescue. Many times buyers are unaware of the additional costs and responsibilities that come with owning such a large breed. This misunderstanding can often lead to a Dane needing a new loving home. Many times young puppies are rescued from mills and or illegitimate breeders. Some are retrieved from abusive homes and owners, or from those who do not have the time and space to house these beautiful giants. The reasons are diverse and always vary. Many times people can and are turned off of Great Dane rescue because of the assumption that most, if not all, rescue animals have behavioral problems. While rescue animals do come with challenges not all those challenges are behavioral. It is true that some Great Dane rescue cases may have temperament issues but always remember that no dog is beyond help and often the need for rescue has nothing to do with behavior.

Great Dane rescue can be one of the most rewarding things you do. Often Great Dane rescue cases are in desperate need of one thing, love. The Great Dane has an enormous bond with their families. Many sources state that the Great Dane will defend their family’s to the death and many times when in need of a new loving home the only thing a rescue case needs to rehabilitate is love and a new family to form a bond with. It is important for all potential owners to bear in mind that there are thousands of unwanted and homeless dogs in our very own neighborhoods. This should be reason enough to look into and consider Great Dane rescue. If you are looking to get a pup, remember, not all Great Dane rescue cases are mature adults there are lots of Great Dane pups that are in need of rescue as well.

The cost of buying a Great Dane pup from a commercial breeder can often range from $1000 to $2000 plus dollars. It goes without saying that Great Dane rescue is much more cost efficient then buying a pup. Most often rescue centers operate as none profit organizations that only desire one thing, finding Great Dane rescue cases a new loving home. There are many centers that will work with their Danes to help rehabilitate them before they are homed out, helping to ease some of the potential challenges that come with adoption. There are plenty of organizations to choose from all of which have different criteria that must be met before they will be willing to home out a Great Dane rescue to you. Some may find this process unnecessary, however, it is so important for the Dane to make sure their new home is the right home. I urge you to look past this red tape process to the checkered flag finish line. If you meet the right profile you can end up with not only an amazing animal but also, the best most loyal friend you could ever ask for.

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Insure to be Sure

       As dog owners we all, from time to time, find ourselves at the Veterinarian. Weather the problem is large, medium or small, a simple check up or a major surgery it all cost money. Many of us would contest that no cost is too great for our four legged furry friends, however, this does not mean that it doesn’t hurt the pocket book. For giant breed owners these vet visits can do more then just hurt the pocket book, they can cripple it. Anyone choosing to own a dog should most certainly be financially prepared. A great way to start is by preparing a pet insurance comparison and looking into a pet insurance plan.
With numerous companies out there it can be hard to choose which pet insurance plan and company are right for you, your family and your bank account. Often there are many different options within one company. These options can include but aren’t limited to; monthly cost, dollar amount covered, deductibles, including or excluding specialized procedures, and how often claims can be made. All of these factors, plus many more, make it very helpful to prepare a pet insurance comparison. To do this simply select five to ten companies that you feel could work for you. Prepare a chart that documents price, percentage of cost covered, and specialty procedures. Looking at price remember that the most inexpencive plans might be a great deal per month but may not have the coverage you want for your dog. Typically the more you spend on your pet insurance plan the more specialty procedures are covered. This may not matter for some dog owners, however, giant breed dogs and some pure breads are prone to less common conditions leading to expensive treatments and procedures. Depending on your dogs needs choosing a pet insurance plan could be the most important decision you make in relation to your furry family member.
It can be very helpful to talk to your Veterinarian about your pet insurance options. Many times vets will deal with one particular company. If you decide to choose the pet insurance plan that your vet recomends or the company they deal with then be sure to find out if they can take care of the paper work for you. Having your Veterinarian able to file claims for you is so handy. It means you will never forget to file and therefore never missing out on getting your money back. Many companies will give a time frame for which claims can be made after the visit. This time frame can range from three months, to a year, or in some case no time limitations at all. Obviously having no time frame is ideal, however, if the pet insurance plan you do choose has these limitations having your vet file for you is so convenient.
Remember to take your time. As stated above, choosing the right pet insurance plan for your dog might be the most important decision you make. Generally the cost of your insurance will seem insignificant when weighed against the peace of mind and security it will provide you and your dog with. Never having to worry if you can afford the very best for your best friend is priceless.
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Setting up for Failure Can be a Cool Hand

Chewing, it’s inevitable; chewing and puppies is like cuteness and puppies they just come together, but hey I will take a little chewing for all that cuteness most days… We all try to keep our puppies/dogs from chewing our valued items and I will take a show of hands whomever is successful in this endeavor. No hands? In the last year Charlie has gotten his teeth into one blackberry, one ipod, one lap top power cord, numerous baseball hats, a few books, and a clothes hamper just to name a few of our more cherished items on his list of destruction. We all know as well that you can’t do much unless you catch him in the act. Here is where setting up for failure can be your ace in the sleeve as it were. No one wants your furry family member to fail at anything but sometimes it is your best option in a bunch of bad options.
In this case I will be discussing the late night chew. Most nights Charlie simply shares the king size, sleeps at our feet or in the middle or on the outside. People hear this and make the frown, as it’s an awful thing having a Great Dane in your bed, personally my wife and I love it. We do have a double futon on the floor for Charlie and occasionally he will get up and get down on his own bed to stretch out while Sam and I just slumber on. Also Charlie will get up for a drink in the middle of the night out in the kitchen and dogs being dogs he will get distracted by something to chew. I am sure all of us as dog owners have awoken in the middle of the night to find the dog out chewing something to bits, hopefully something of no monetary value but not likely. I could of course just cage or crate Charlie for the night but I don’t like him in the cage all night, he’s just too big for that. So instead we leave items like sticks that he can’t usually have in the house in a very sniff friendly spot but not just out in the open. During a late night roaming Charlie will more than likely go for the stick . Easy and familiar then search out something that’s unknown, chews it a while, gets bored and jumps back in bed. Get up in the morning, find some wood chips, chewed on stick but no hats, cords, ipods, computers, no books ripped to shreds. I’ll take that as a win, maybe like a shoot out win, but I’ll still take it. Good Boy ☺


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The Best for Your BEST Friend

If you own a large breed dog I am sure you can relate to this small bone I have to pick. I have noticed some people that own smaller dogs tend to find inappropriate behavior cute. While small toy breeds seem harmless when the bark, nip, or jump up on people or other dogs the consequences, if you own a large or small dog, are one and the same. Plenty of times I have found myself at the dog beach with my Great Dane and lots of small toy breed dogs that are far more aggressive then their owners realize. Before I continue I must say, I know lots of wonderful small dogs with amazing owners and tons of large dogs with owners that fall short of the mark. I am in no way saying this is true of all small dog owners. However, the assumption that size means aggression or bad behavior is frustrating and basically ignorance, and I in the past I was just as guilty as the next person. Many times I have been jumped on, barked at, or nipped by small toy breeds and their owners have done nothing. If my Dane Charlie jumped up on someone (which has happened) I get screamed at, cursed at, and even threatened. I can’t say that this reaction is uncalled for. I know, as a giant breed owner, I have a monster responsibility to make sure that my Dane knows the rules and correct behavior so we can avoid any accidents. However when another owner gets angry with my dog for jumping up on them or their dog, threatens, curses, and screams at me then turns around and lets their Terrier, or Pug do the same to someone else without even batting an eye is definitely frustrating! All dog owners have the same responsibility, to teach, lead and show our dogs what behavior is acceptable, appropriate, and safe. Size and breed should hold no merit. So if you own a Great Dane, Bull Mastiff, Jake Russell Terrier, or a Miniature Pincher the responsibilities are the same. And if you don’t own a dog please think twice about accepting inappropriate behavior from a small dog and try to think how you would react if my Dane was the dog being inappropriate.
I don’t want to give out the wrong impression that I dislike small dogs, or that I am attacking small dog owners. However it does seem that small dogs and their owners live by a different set of rules. I also realize that owning a Giant Breed dog comes with Giant responsibilities of which I am more than happy to accept for my part, but a level playing field is not a Giant request and in that owning a small or mid size dog does not exempt you as an owner from taking the same responsibilities as any large breed owner. Snarling, barking, growling, and jumping up are unacceptable behavior no matter the size or the breed and should be dealt with appropriately. Do it not for you or for me but for your dog, because it is we as owners to teach our loved ones how to behave properly around people and other dogs ensuring a happy healthy best friend.

Educating people on Great Danes

Great Dane Size Me..

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.

Educating people on Great Danes

There’s Fondue & Then There’s Fondon’t

Just waiting for his
opportunity!

Jamie and I celebrated our two-year anniversary this past Wednesday. Jamie being a chef and myself, being the lucky lady that I am, he decided to make us an amazing fondue dinner for the occasion. It was delicious and we both enjoyed a decadent spread of amazing food. Later that night we cleaned the kitchen as usual, (for those of you who have a Great Dane or a dog that is equally as large you know nothing can be left out in your kitchen because nothing is out of bounds). We decided to leave the oil on the stove to cool before we put it away. The following day Jamie had a small job to do in the yard, Charlie was sleeping and taking the advice of an age-old saying he ‘let sleeping dogs lie'. Approximately 20 minutes later Jamie returned to the house to find the fondue pot, upright, lid off, on the floor. No oil anywhere. Jamie didn’t even clue into what had happened until Charlie retreated to the far corner of our living room and projectile vomited not once, not twice, but three times. Turns out the clever monster had pulled the pot off the stove without spilling a drop removed the lid and proceeded to lap up almost a liter of cooking oil. He was not the only culprit in this well thought out plan, our cat Tia was more then happy to get in on the action once the hard work was done. Needless to say when you mix a liter of oil with a counter sized dog, add a dash of cat, four cups of vomit and a third of a cup of diarrhea you get a very messy fonDON’T!!!

No need to worry, Charlie is just fine. I do, however, think it will be quite a while before we have fondue again! As for Charlie, I'd like to think he learned his lesson but......

Visit our website for awesome photos and great info about our oil hungry Dane Charlie at www.greatdanesforlife.com

For The Love Of 'Dog'

All you dog owners out there know what I mean when I say "Oh for the love of 'dog'". We love our dogs unconditionally. I can't speak for anyone else but I know here at my house we would do ANYTHING for our Charlie. However, when I wake up at 2:00am and hear a rustling in the living room I think to myself 'for the love of dog whats he up to now??'. I leave the comforts of my king size bed and drag my tired and already sleep deprived butt out to the living room only to find my handsome, lovable, and adorable pooch eating my tax return papers, a wooden spoon from the kitchen, my plastic sugar bowl, or all of the above. I don't mind though because as soon as I correct him and tell him no, he gazes up at me with his big loving eyes as if to say "I'm sorry, I didn't think you would catch me.." all I can do is smile. When we are out for a walk and he rolls in dead animal flesh, if he chases the cat through the house, or when he barks at the birds at 6:00am all I can do is correct him, love him, and think "for the love of dog". 
Our best friends (our dogs) are so smart. The funny thing is, each time I think "for the love of dog" I know he knows I'm thinking it!! All our furry friends want it to please us. My gentle giant wants nothing more then for me to approve of him. For this I am thankful. He is the best part of every single one of my days here on earth. I can't imagine my life without 2:00am wake-ups, half eaten kitchen spoons, and mangled paper work. Each time I find another chunk of tax papers, wood, or a heap of sugar I think to myself.... "for the love of dog"!!
For lots of awesome pictures of my handsome pup come visit our website at www.greatdanesforlife.com

Charlie and the Fish Factory

My husband, Charlie and myself live in coastal BC in an area that is known for its Salmon spawning. Of course this leads to dead Salmon everywhere at certain times of the year. This rash of dead fish brings lots of Bald Eagles, King Fishers and Seagulls to our area. While the bird watching attracts plenty of tourists it's not the birds my Dane is after. Like so many dogs ours LOVES dead fish. This is a problem we have had since day one. Not only will he roll in the dead flesh but he also loves to eat it. For anyone who doesn't know, this is not only disgusting but causes upset stomachs, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Earlier today on our afternoon walk we hit a trail we don't normally walk. The sun was shining, birds chirping and folks of all ages out enjoying the warmth. Since it is almost April most of the dead fish have been eaten by birds, however, my Charlie has a nose like no other and sure enough he found a carcase. I wasn't to concerned at first being that it was just bones he was trotting around so proudly. After a while he gave it up and meandered over to me. Much to my dismay I realized that not only did he have bits of dead fish hanging from his drooping jowl but his entire coat was covered in rotting, dead fish flesh. We came straight home and right up into the bath. An hour later, two lather rinse and repeats and I can still smell the dead fish lingering throughout my house!!

Charlie is now resting on my sofa, (getting it wet) content, dreaming of where and when he might find his next fish.....
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Charlie David - The Begining

Charlie David is my Great Dane. His story began long before he was born. When I was young my parents best friends lived on a farm. They owned a Dane named J.D. It was love at first sight for me. I had never seen a dog so large yet so gentle and loving. From that day on I knew I would own one. 

A year ago I received a facebook message from a cousin I hadn't seen in over 10 years. She was breeding her Dane Mika. I automatically, without hesitation, told her i wanted one of the puppies. My husband Jamie had never seen a great Dane. I'll never forget the look on his face when he met mika (charlie's mom) for the first time, I though his jaw was going to hit the floor. He was shocked at just how big she was. Charlie was all we talked about until the day we took him home and now that we have him he is still all we talk about. 
He is jet black with a small lightning bolt of white running down the center of his chest. he is the biggest joy in our lives. He is an enormous ball of love, affection, and energy. I cant imagine our home without him in it. each day he is up to new tricks and wacky adventures. he loves other dogs, small and large, as well as every person he can smell. 

Follow our adventures and get helpful training tips and hints along the way.......
For more information check out our website www.greatdanesforlife.com