Great Dane: The first 90 days
During a Great Dane puppy's first 90 days, choose manageable experiences and protect recovery between them. Schedule the first attempt after the dog's normal age-appropriate outlet, not at peak excitement. Sequence sleep, toilet training, handling, food routines, socialisation, and short training sessions with rest between them. Space new experiences with sleep and familiar routines; progress by recovery, not by a calendar target.
What to protect during the first 90 days
Great Dane's exercise is recorded as Great Danes may seem sedate, but they require daily exercise appropriate to their age. Here, that matters because it changes the amount and timing of movement, stimulation, and recovery this situation needs.
A manageable order of experiences
- Sequence sleep, toilet training, handling, food routines, socialisation, and short training sessions with rest between them.
- Use this exercise note (Great Danes may seem sedate, but they require daily exercise appropriate to their age) to choose the starting amount of movement and the length of the recovery period.
- Space new experiences with sleep and familiar routines; progress by recovery, not by a calendar target.
Pause and seek help if
Pause and seek help when development, appetite, sleep, movement, or fear responses change unexpectedly.
References
Height: 30-32 inches (male), 28-30 inches (female)
AKC page PageMap DataObject > height
Weight: 140-175 pounds (male), 110-140 pounds (female)
AKC page PageMap DataObject > weight
Life expectancy: 7-10 years
AKC page PageMap DataObject > life_expectancy
Grooming: For most of the year the Great Dane's short, smooth coat doesn't shed much, but given the size of the dog, this can still amount to a fair bit of hair. Weekly brushing with a medium-bristle brush, a rubber grooming mitt or tool, or a hound glove will help keep shedding to a minimum. During shedding season once or twice a year, however, hair loss will be…
AKC page Grooming > official section copy
Exercise: Great Danes may seem sedate, but they require daily exercise appropriate to their age. A brisk walk two or three times a day can be enough. They can make good companions on jogs or hikes, but you must wait until the dog is 2 years old to avoid damage to growing joints. Because of the risk of bloat, avoid rigorous exercise around mealtimes. Danes tend to…
AKC page Exercise > official section copy
Training: Early socialization and puppy training classes are recommended. For a breed as large and powerful as the Great Dane, obedience training is a must. Socialization'gently exposing the puppy to a wide variety of people, places, and situations'will help him develop into a well-adjusted adult. Great Danes are sociable, friendly, and eager to please, and they…
AKC page Training > official section copy
Official breed description: The easygoing Great Dane, the mighty
AKC page About the Breed > official breed description
Recommended parent-club health tests: ['Hip Evaluation', 'Cardiac Exam', 'Ophthalmologist Evaluation', 'Thyroid Evaluation']
AKC page Health > Recommended Health Tests From the National Breed Club
Official breed standard: http://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/GreatDane.pdf
AKC page The Breed Standard > View Full Breed Standard
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