How to Adopt a Great Dane

The Great Dane is also known as the "gentle giant" among dog lovers. Despite their large size, Great Danes are very sweet and gentle. They make great family pets since they love children. They should, however, be supervised around small kids simply due to their large size. Great Danes can be difficult to train as adult dogs, so it's essential to begin training when they are puppies. As a large-sized dog, the Great Dane requires regular exercise like long walks or jogs, and gets along best in a home with a yard. Here's how to go about adopting one.

Things You'll Need

  • Collar
  • Leash
  • Food bowl
  • Water bowl
  • Dog food
  • Dog brush
  • Dog shampoo
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Instructions

    • 1

      Search for Great Dane breeders. Most breeders will put photos of their latest litters up on their websites. Great Danes feature various colorings, including brindle, black, blue and black-masked fawn. Choose breeders that have adult dogs in the color you wish for your new puppy. You can sometimes even reserve a puppy while the mother is still pregnant.

    • 2

      Call pet stores in your area and inquire about Great Dane puppies. Since many pet stores specialize in small dogs, request that the store contact you when they have Great Dane puppies available.

    • 3

      Contact Great Dane rescue foundations, such as Rocky Mountain Great Dane Rescue and Gentle Giants Rescue and Adoption. Such organizations specialize in placing Great Danes in loving homes. Rescue organizations have both full-grown adult dogs and puppies available for adoption. Some organizations require that you undergo a background check to ensure you will provide a safe home for a Great Dane.

    • 4

      Prepare your home for your new pup. Keep in mind that Great Danes grow to be between 28 to 32 inches high, so secure any fragile objects at that level. Remember that wagging tails can knock objects off tables.

    • 5

      Brush your Great Dane once a month. With its short, shiny coat, your dog will require little grooming. A monthly brushing is a good idea to cut down on shedding and keep the coat's sheen brilliant.

    • 6

      Bathe your Great Dane only when necessary. Great Danes are clean dogs and don't require routine bathing. Due to their large size, they can be tough to bathe, so only do so when needed.

    • 7

      Begin training your Great Dane as soon as possible. Puppies respond best to training. While you can certainly train an adult Great Dane, it will take longer. Employ firm but kind training practices.

    • 8

      Exercise your Great Dane multiple times a day. The breed requires lots of activity, so make morning and nightly walks standard. Great Danes also enjoy jogs or runs, and will even run well alongside a bike or skateboard.