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Things They Don’t Tell You About Owning A Great Dane

in Everyday, Family on 07/27/15

There were some things I knew when I committed to adding a Great Dane pup to my home.  I knew his temperament would make him the perfect family pet.  I knew our new little love was going to eat….a lot.  I knew he would be work and the cuteness factor was going to be ridiculous.  Just look at that face!

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So what didn’t I know when I brought home that little bundle of joy?  This:

*Great Danes may start out small, but seeminlyg grow up overnight.  The puppy days go by in the blink of an eye.  From just a few pounds at 5 weeks to almost 160 pounds at 9 months!IMG_0399

*Great Danes are truly huge and have a heart to match.

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*A Great Dane’s crate would be big enough for for five teenagers to sit in.

*These pups may be big, but that doesn’t make them brave.  This giant baby is afraid of hot air balloons, thunder, bubbles and nail polish.  Yes, nail polish, he hates when the girls of this house paint our nails, and barks at those teeny nail brushes.

*Danes make you invisible.  When you walk down the street with a Great Dane it doesn’t matter what you wear or how you look.  Not one person in the world will ever look at you again; it’s all about that miniature horse you are leading around on a leash.  PS Put him in an adorable coat and people will get whiplash trying to get a look at that dog!

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*Great Danes think they are people. They sit on the furniture and there is absolutely nothing you can do about it.  If you are sitting on said couch, they will sit on you.  These pups seem to have no idea how large they really are, somewhere in that giant brain of there’s they truly believe they are a lap dog.

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*Danes need their people.  If you are sick, they will bring you their toys.  If you cry, they will snuggle up beside you and snuggle until you feel better.  Sniffling at a movie?  They don’t like that and want to make you feel better. They are loyal beyond compare and feel your sadness and pain right along with you.

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*Drool. Ug, there is the drool.  They drink from their water bowls with gusto and then prance away without a care…a river left in their wake.  When a Great Dane gets excited.  Drool.  Stressed.  Drool.  Runs.  Drool.  It’s part of the package.  My advice.  Keep towels handy.

*Danes Hug:  The Great Dane “Lean”.  Great Danes love to be touched more than any other breed of dog I have ever met.  Not petting them?  They will amble up beside you and LEAN on you.  If you are not prepared for up to 200 lbs of dog coming in for a hug you are going down!  Beware of the lean.

*A Great Dane does not believe in personal space. Not even in the car.

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*Hardwood Floors Are Their Kryptonite: Remember the scene with Bambi on ice?  That’s my Great Dane on hardwood floors.

These are but a few of the discoveries I’ve made since welcoming a Great Dane pup into my life.  The house that was once kinda quiet during the day, is now full of more love, life and yes drool than I ever thought possible.  It’s true what they say, life is just better with a dog.

 

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    Comments

    1. Cheryl says

      August 31, 2015 at 1:23 pm

      I can just picture the Bambi on ice lol!! Had not to fall in love with those eyes 🙂

    2. Melinda L. says

      August 6, 2015 at 11:54 am

      Watson is looking so adorable. It’s amazing how quickly he grew up! And you never stop learning about your pets. Keep the posts and pictures coming please 🙂

    3. mrdisco says

      August 5, 2015 at 7:22 pm

      that is one magnificent beast

    4. Kathy the Dane lady says

      August 3, 2015 at 1:18 pm

      Adorable. Just know that sitting on your lap or standing over you is showing dominance. Not a good thing to allow. Being a Great Dane rescuer for 9 years or so we find that many of the Danes that are turned into us are between 18 mo. and two years. The cuteness has worn off, the Dane is very large and the training is woefully lacking. Start early. Let them know who is in charge. Make them wait to eat. Teach them the basics, sit, stay, down, wait, walk on leash w/o pulling and no jumping up!! Putting a 4 to 5 month old puppy with a really good trainer to teach the basics and then reinforcing the lessons along will almost certainly guarantee a great companion for many years.

    5. Linda Bragg says

      August 2, 2015 at 10:26 am

      This big guy is a beaut!!! I love dogs and have had around 5 over the years. My last two were my favorites and unfortunately I no longer have either due to moving out of country. I just can’t imagine having a dog as large as a great dane in our house due to lack of room for one. He looks so loveable!!!!

    6. Nolie says

      August 2, 2015 at 8:23 am

      What a sweetheart. I truly believe a house is not a home without a dog. I want to squish yours and let him sit on my lap for awhile.

    7. SassySis says

      July 30, 2015 at 8:08 pm

      Love this post – could he be any more adorable!

    8. Soozle says

      July 29, 2015 at 6:02 pm

      Awww I love the photos! What a sweetie! 🙂

      Interesting fact: danes have a different oil in their skin compared to most other dogs – so some people can be very allergic to them and not other breeds! I am one of those folks – I break out in hives on whatever area of my skin has touched one..

    9. Sheri says

      July 29, 2015 at 11:39 am

      I love him. I need to come get some more Watson kisses.

    10. Parent Club says

      July 29, 2015 at 7:37 am

      My husband grew up with great danes and he says they are the best breed of dog. Smart, humble, totally don’t know their own size…

    11. Mary says

      July 28, 2015 at 10:54 pm

      He’s magnificent! And his eyes….beautiful!

    12. Jackie M says

      July 28, 2015 at 9:35 pm

      He’s beautiful! Yes – as they grow older they grow into their name GREAT dane 😉

    13. Judy Cowan says

      July 27, 2015 at 7:44 pm

      He is a big boy but a very cute one! My 7lb Tiny Toy Poodle would really look tiny next to him…lol!

    14. Elizabeth Matthiesen says

      July 27, 2015 at 2:31 pm

      Yes, Great Danes are really massive, I can’t imagine feeding one, he must eat as much on his own as the rest of the family together!

    15. Deborah Pucci says

      July 27, 2015 at 12:55 pm

      He is just too cute and he is definitely big! Can’t imagine him sitting on my lap……

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    Travel addict, sun seeker, coffee drinker, fashion lover, picture taker. This is a peek behind the closed and competitive doors of the suburbs. A place to come to learn about the best places to travel with your kids in Canada, the United States, the Caribbean and beyond! stephanie@sassymodernmom.com
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