Great Dane Rescue

Q.: Should I get a Great Dane puppy or a rescue Dane?

A.: The answer really depends on your family circumstances and history.  If you have several small children, lots of other pets, little fluffies, livestock etc, it may be easier to teach a puppy right from the start how to interact with them all.

An older Dane with an uncertain history may have ‘issues’ with chooks for example, and you may only find out when it’s too late for the chooks! However, if you really don’t want to go through that puppy stage all over again, then please discuss this with me and I may find that perfect Dane to suit you and your menagerie.

Q.: What should I feed a rescue Great Dane?

A.: If the Dane is older than twelve months of age, it has done most of its vertical growing and fine-tuning the diet is not as important as during the first twelve months of its life. Good nutrition is still important but I am generally happy enough to recommend a basic diet of middle-of-the-road kibble, a semi-lean kennel mince and occasional changes such as sardines, eggs, chicken mince, scraps etc.

Breakfast can consist of raw bones such as chicken necks/frames/wings or lamb flaps etc. I recommend that Great Danes be fed twice a day all their lives. This helps to prevent gorging once a day and possibly causing bloat. I strongly advise against adding calcium to the diet.

Q.: How do I introduce a rescue Dane to my other dog/s?

A.: I find it best if the dogs can be introduced on neutral territory, such as a park, a footpath etc. This helps prevent territorial behaviour from the dog you already own, which is quite normal and predictable.

Remember that a little growling or other ‘verbal’ altercations are just the pack order being established and are usually resolved without our interference. Physical fights with wounds being the result are more serious and should obviously not be allowed to continue.

Q.: How long does it take for a rescue Dane to settle in?

A.: As a general rule of thumb, I will tell new owners that what you have after two weeks is what you will have for ever. This can be different in the case of Danes that have been seriously abused, neglected or mistreated.

Some ‘normal’ behavioural traits in re homed Danes can be food possessiveness, separation anxiety, possessiveness towards the new owner, fear of sudden noises or what the Dane may perceive to be a weapon such as a broom, shovel and  other tools. I am more than happy to discuss how to handle these issues if they arise.

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