The Great Dane is a breed of dog known for its GIANT size. Today we are discussing the Great Dane breed standard!
This standard is the official illustrated guide that outlines the breed structure, temperament, movement, and features. It was created to help owners, breeders, and judges identify the ideal Great Dane.
WHAT DOES THE GREAT DANE BREED STANDARD MEAN?
The Great Dane illustrated standard covers all aspects of the breed including:
The history and origins of the Great Dane
The physical features that make up the Great Dane Breed Standard
The structure and movement of a well-built Great Dane
The ideal temperament of the Great Dane
The differences between a Dog (male) and a Bitch (female) Great Dane
When incorrect structure, health, and temperament find their way into a pedigree, it can be difficult to get rid of.
We all want healthy, robust, loving family dogs. By adhering to a breed standard, ethical breeders are able to create sound, beautiful, healthy dogs for years to come.
The standard covers everything from physical appearance to temperament and movement. Because Great Danes are so large, having proper structure is key.
When you see a Great Dane with a sway back, no angulation, droopy red haws (eyes), flat feet, or cow hocks you are looking at a Great Dane that was not bred with the written standard in mind.
The written standard keeps the breed that we love healthy and strong!
Great Danes at Dog Shows
Dog shows are one way that breeders can share how they are intentionally and thoughtfully breeding dogs who meet the standard.
Close attention is paid to choosing parents who have excellent structure, movement, angles, and temperament.
Not all pets are show dogs, but all show dogs are pets!
Pat Trotter, BIS Judge 2021 Westminster Kennel Club
If you are interested in showing your Great Dane, you will need to find a reputable breeder who is knowledgeable about the breed standard and the general appearance of a thoughtfully bred Great Dane.
Unfortunately, many Great Danes are bred by breeders who are more focused on profits, designer color, or ‘EURO’ hyper types than they are on health, structure, and preservation of the breed. This can have a serious effect on the health of the dogs being bred.
Dogs from those breeders will not typically do well in dog shows, as they may have poor structure, unstable temperaments, and other significant faults that mean they don’t meet the written standard.
A good breeder will be able to help get you started on the right foot. They can provide guidance on nutrition, socialization, training, conformation handling, and more.
A breeder who shows their dogs is a breeder that is 110% dedicated not only to the breed but to the owners of the puppies they produce.
Not all puppies from a litter will be ‘show quality’, and will need to be placed in great pet homes.
Don’t be afraid to talk to a show breeder about purchasing a Great Dane puppy or getting into showing (and breeding) dogs yourself! These are the breeders who are at the top of the field.
One of the most striking features of the Great Dane is the head. Many people call the Dane head ‘brick on brick’, meaning that it should be angular and strong with a well-defined ‘STOP’ from the forehead to the bridge of the nose.
A round dome-shaped head, short muzzle, and/or excessive jowls are faults.
The ideal ratio of muzzle to the skull is 50/50. This is different from many other breeds, which often have longer muzzles.
Great Danes should have a strong jaw, with a complete scissor bite. This means that the top teeth should just barely touch the bottom teeth when the mouth is closed.
The eyes of a Great Dane should be large and dark, with an almond shape. They should be fairly deep-set well into the skull and give the dog an intelligent and alert expression. Some colors may have lighter eyes, however, most will have amber-colored eyes.
Photo Credit to Tina Schneider at https://www.facebook.com/tina.siegel1
The ears of a Great Dane can be either cropped or left natural. If they are cropped, they should be done so at an early age, before the cartilage has set.
The natural ears should be medium in size and set high on the head. They should be triangular in shape, and taper to a point.
When natural, the ears should be soft and hang close to the head. When cropped, they should be erect and point forward.
The body of a Great Dane should be long and rectangular. They should have well-sprung ribs and a deep chest. The top line should be level, with a slight rise over the loin.
The Dane’s underline should be slightly tucked up. This gives them the ‘waist’ that is characteristic of the breed. Great Danes are a lean breed that should never be stocky or bulky.
Great Danes should have well-angulated hindquarters.
Danes should have round, firm cat feet. The toes should be well-arched and close together.
The nails should be short and dark on most colors, however light nails are acceptable on Harlequin, Mantle, and Merle Great Danes. Dewclaws are typically removed.
Danes should have a long, strong tail that is set high on the rump. When the dog is in motion, the tail should be carried level with the back, or slightly above.
A ‘hook’ tail or tail carried high above the back are faults.
Photo Credit to Tina Schneider at https://www.facebook.com/tina.siegel1
Great Dane Size
Great Danes are a large breed, with a height range of 28-32 inches for males and 26-30 inches for females.
The weight range for Great Danes is 100-180 pounds for males and 80-140 pounds for females.
While these are the ideal heights and weights, many Danes will fall outside of that range.
Great Danes fed an incorrect diet, or overfed can become too tall or too large. This is bad for their orthopedic health and may also cause problems for their bones, heart, thyroid, or pancreas.
Danes should be kept lean with good muscle, and be fed an age-appropriate, highly-researched diet.
There are seven recognized colors of Great Dane. Click on any heading to see the color in more detail!
Black. A black Great Dane should have a shiny, even black coat without any fading. The only acceptable white markings are on the chest and toes.
Blue. A blue Great Dane should have a pure steel-blue coat with no fading. The only acceptable white markings are on the chest and toes.
Merle. A merle Great Dane is just like a harlequin, but with a dark or light grey base coat. Torn black patches are scattered over the entire body. An ideal version of merle includes solid merle or the ‘mantle merle’ coat pattern. The white blaze is optional.
Fawn. A fawn Great Dane should have a stunning light golden coat and a black mask on the face. There should be no white markings.
Brindle. A brindle Great Dane should have a fawn coat with dark stripes all over, and a black mask on the face. Ideally, there are no white markings.
Harlequin. A harlequin Great Dane should have a white base coat with large black patches evenly distributed over the body. The ideal harlequin has as much white as possible, and the white collar is preferred.
Mantle.A mantle Great Dane should have a solid black blanket extending from the neck to the tail with a white chest, neck, blaze, and white-tipped black tail. The rest of the body should be either all black or predominately black with small amounts of white.
ALL ABOUT OFF-STANDARD AND DESIGNER COLOR GREAT DANES
Great Danes do come in many, many other colors, however! Only a few are recognized and accepted by the breed club.
Some of the more unusual colors include lilac, blue fawn, fawnequin, brindlequin, blue harlequin, chocolate, and tan point.
For more information on the ethical breeding of Great Danes, and on designer colors, read here.
Ear Cropping in Great Danes
As mentioned before, Great Danes can have either cropped or natural ears.
The practice of cropping ears has been around for centuries. It was originally done as a utilitarian measure, to help protect the dog’s ears from being torn and shredded by wild boar during hunts. Great Danes were originally bred to hunt wild board!
Nowadays, ear cropping is done purely for cosmetic reasons.
The practice is controversial, and many countries have banned it outright. In the United States, it is still legal but must be performed by a licensed veterinarian.
When done by a highly qualified veterinarian with an excellent portfolio of cropping (showcasing talent and experience), the procedure is humane.
People believe that there are two types of Great Danes: American and Euro.
They believe that the American Dane is smaller and more refined, almost ‘greyhound like’ in their appearance.
They also believe that the ‘Euro’ Great Dane is stocky, beefy and droopy with a more ‘mastiff like’ appearance.
When comparing the written standard for Great Danes from both America and Europe, the dogs should be nearly identical.
‘American’ and ‘Euro’ are essentially made up terms.
There is only one Great Dane breed, in other words. A Great Dane that is either too refined (‘American’) or too exaggerated (‘Euro’) is a Great Dane that was bred outside of the written standard.
When looking for a Great Dane breeder, it is important to find one that adheres to the breed standard. This can help ensure that your Great Dane puppy comes from genetics that have been proven for structure and temperament.
For ethical reasons, it is important that we are only breeding well-structured Great Danes! Poor structure leads to orthopedic break down including wobblers, pain, arthritis and injuries.
Temperament is genetic!
A Great Dane that meets the breed standard for temperament will be confident, friendly and courageous. Not timid or fearful.
Aggressive and fearful behavior has genetic roots. Your breeder should be proving that they are creating sound, stable dogs that enjoy activities, people and socialization.
A well-bred Great Dane will be easy to train, friendly, calm and ready for anything.
It’s a myth that Great Danes are timid and fearful!
One way that you can ensure you’ve chosen an ethical breeder is to ask them if they do ENS or Puppy Culture. These proven early-socialization practices take stable, well-bred puppies and turn them into excellent companions and family pets!
Ask the breeder about titles. We recommend that in the pedigree that are titles for conformation, obedience, and/or sports. Former puppies may carry these titles, or the parents might as well (ideal).
These titles are earned at sanctioned AKC, FCI and Canadian Kennel Club events.
Common titles you might see include (but are not limited to):
When they are correctly built and have robust, well-angled structure they are very athletic dogs that love to run, move and play.
Great Danes benefit the most from off-leash exercise, being allowed to freely explore varied terrain. We recommend that all Danes be reliably off-leash trained for this reason.
Walks on hard pavement are not ideal for the joints, nor do they do much to help build muscle and stamina. While there is nothing wrong with ‘walking your dog’, we highly recommend balancing regular walks with off-leash play.
Mature Great Danes should be lean and muscular, not bulky, lanky, unstable, or slow.
Puppies especially benefit from free play on varied outdoor terrain!
We do not recommend fetch, running or long leashed walks for puppies.
Great Danes are prone to a number of health conditions, most of which are genetic, and all of which contribute to the so often ‘shorter lifespan’ seen in Great Danes.
A responsible breeder will have health clearances for their dogs as well as knowledge about how to avoid or minimize the impact of these disorders on the puppies they breed.
It’s also important to speak with your veterinarian about choosing an appropriate food for your Great Dane! There is a lot of misinformation being spread, and that information is unfortunately hurting our breed.
Now that you’ve read about the Great Dane Breed Standard, everything you need to know, we hope you’ll consider this amazing breed when looking for your next furry family member!
If you have any questions that weren’t answered here, please reach out and we’ll be happy to help!
Housebreaking Great Dane puppies means a giant size amount of pee and usually stress. But Great Dane puppies are quick learners (sometimes) and owners can pull some fast ones on them to get them house trained in no time.
If you’re the proud owner of a Great Dane puppy, then you know just how adorable and sweet they can be. But like all puppies, they need to be housebroken in order to learn proper bathroom etiquette. In this blog post, we will provide you with the ultimate guide on how to housebreak your Great Dane puppy quickly and effectively!
HOUSEBREAKING GREAT DANE PUPPIES: THE GREAT DANE POTTY TRAINING PROCESS
Potty training is never easy , but it can be especially challenging depending on your Great Dane. They are one of the largest dog breeds and can be quite stubborn, so it’s important to be patient and consistent when teaching them where to relieve themselves. The process will take some time and patience, but we promise it’ll be worth it in the end!
CRATE TRAINING YOUR GREAT DANE PUPPY
The first thing we recommend with your new puppy is crate training them.
Training your Great Dane puppy with a crate allows them to have their own space that is just for them. It’s important to make sure that the crate is not too big or too small – you want them to be able to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably, but you don’t want it to be so spacious that they can use one end as a bathroom.
You’ll begin to train your pup with a crate the day they come home. You never want your puppy to be anxious or fearful in the crate. It might take time for them to enjoy being in the crate by themselves, but training them to enjoy it will significantly help the potty training process.
Use an Xpen to create an area where your Great Dane can play, walk around and have some room.
Put the crate in the room and let your Dane play for a little while. Sit with them and make sure that this area is a positive space.
Keep the crate door open so that they can go in and out. You can make them want to walk inside by putting fun things in the crate, like toys or treats.
You will be surprised that eventually your pup will venture inside the crate on its own and consider it their own designated area for rest.
If you are looking to get your pup potty trained, you want to make sure you get the right crate.
Great Danes grow very quickly so you want to get a crate that will be big enough for them as they grow.
However, giving any dog a space that feels overwhelming will create anxiety. Additionally, puppies usually do not potty where they sleep, so you want to make their crate as small as possible without making them feel cramped.
A great way to do this is to buy a crate that has a divider. This way, you can make the space smaller when they are younger and gradually make it bigger as they age. Otherwise, your puppy might use the front of the crate to sleep and the back of the crate as a bathroom area.
SHOULD I USE POTTY PADS TO POTTY TRAIN MY GREAT DANE?
It is not recommended to potty train your Great Dane with potty pads. The reason potty pads are looked down against is that although accidents happen, pee pads can encourage your Great Dane to have accidents inside.
Your pup might start to associate the pee pad with peeing inside and begin to have accidents in the house without even knowing it is the wrong place.
Stay away from pee pads as much as you can while working on Great Dane potty training.
SHOULD YOU PUNISH A GREAT DANE PUPPY WHEN THEY HAVE AN ACCIDENT INSIDE?
No puppy should be ‘punished’ when they have accidents.
Your pup is experiencing so many new things all at once and pet owners should be patient.
Accidents happen all the time with puppies.
Never push your puppy’s nose into the pee. Your puppy will just be confused and have no idea what they did wrong.
TIME OUTS FOR A PUPPY HAVING AN ACCIDENT INSIDE
Some pet parents give ‘timeouts’ for puppies having accidents in the house while potty training.
It is crucial to know that at such a young age, your puppy did not know that they went pee in the wrong spot.
Giving them a timeout after they pee will likely just confuse them and begin to cause them to associate their crate with something negative.
WHAT SHOULD I DO WHEN MY GREAT DANE HAS AN ACCIDENT?
If you are working hard to potty train and your puppy goes to the bathroom in the house, the first thing you should do is immediately take them outside to go potty.
Find a designated bathroom area outside and wait until your puppy goes potty.
Most puppies will begin to associate these moments with quickly being taken outside after each accident and house training will begin to ‘click’.
USING A BELL TO POTTY TRAIN MY GREAT DANE PUPPY
Using a bell for dogs who are potty training can be a great strategy.
If your puppy is ready to go to the bathroom, take them to the door of the house that leads to the potty space you want them to use.
Hang a bell on the door and before leaving the house, hit the bell with your hand or the hand of your Great Dane.
Then, go outside and take your puppy to go potty in the same spot each time. You are training your puppy to go potty outside just by continuing to practice this routine.
Soon, your puppy will start to realize that whenever they hit the bell the door will open and they can go outside to go to the bathroom.
You can purchase a potty training bell here, on Amazon.
USING POSITIVE REINFORCEMENT WHEN POTTY TRAINING A GREAT DANE
KEEPING A SCHEDULE WHILE GREAT DANE POTTY TRAINING
As much as possible, put your puppy on a regular schedule.
This will help them learn when it is time to go and make potty training easier for both of you.
A good rule of thumb is taking your puppy out first thing in the morning, after every meal, before bedtime, and anytime they have been playing or napping.
If you notice that you are seeing more pee accidents, increase the potty breaks.
POTTY TRAINING A GREAT DANE PUPPY WHEN YOU WORK
If you work full time, there are a few things to keep in mind for potty training your Great Dane.
The first consideration is that you are most likely going to need to hire a dog walker or dog sitter to come let your puppy out at regular intervals throughout the day.
Great Dane pup, Maysie, standing
Great Danes are going to need to use the bathroom throughout the day while house training.
A Great Dane puppy will not be able to wait all day while you are at work for a potty break.
PROVIDING PLAY TIME AND ENRICHMENT FOR A GREAT DANE PUPPY
Allowing play time and interaction with other dogs is crucial for your Great Dane pup.
Your puppy can watch how other dogs socialize and interact and pick up on cues. This is why it is super important that you pick closely who you want your dog to play with while they are still impressionable and young.
Keeping your puppy socialized doesn’t always mean putting them in a dog park and allowing them to play with every dog in the neighborhood.
You can also provide socialization opportunities by taking your puppy to parks and letting them watch other dogs, going on walks in the neighborhood, and set up play dates with dog friends.
POTTY TRAINING A GREAT DANE PUPPY CAN BE EASY
With a little bit of patience and consistency, potty training a dog does not have to ruin your house or cause stress on you and your family.
Start potty training right away and be consistent with your pup.
It will take time and patience but soon will be a blurb in the road.
When you bring home a new puppy, there are a lot of things that you need to do to ensure that he or she is comfortable and safe in your home. It can be a lot of work, but it’s definitely worth it! In this blog post, we will provide you with a checklist of items that you should take care of when bringing home your new furry friend.
Your new puppy will likely not love the crate at first and that is okay! But if you keep practicing, you will find that your puppy ends up finding their crate a safe spot.
Before your new puppy thinks that your bed is it’s own bed- you should invest in a high quality dog bed.
Puppies love to have their own space, even if they are a bit anxious at first. New puppy owners can help their puppy feel better about sleeping alone by comforting them and making sure they feel safe.
We recommend getting a dog bed that comes with a waterproof liner as you will likely have lots of puppy pee in those first few weeks!
You are going to have to invest in many products for your new puppy, but Big Barker is one that comes with a 10 year guarantee and is worth the extra spend.
The bed will protect your dog from orthopedic issues like arthritis and hip dysplasia by keeping their joints off of the hard floor.
This is one item on your new puppy checklist you do not want to skimp on.
When you bring your puppy home it’s important to choose a dog food that you plan to feed them. Switching up the dog food choice frequently can cause an upset stomach.
New puppy parents should research the dog food ahead of time.
New puppies should be on puppy food while they are growing as it is better formulated for their needs. Some unbalanced dog foods can cause issues like knuckling or Panosteitis.
During potty training you’ll want to keep lots of cleaning supplies on hand for accidents. Make sure to keep all the supplies out of the puppy’s reach as most cleaning items are toxic to puppies.
Puppy proofing your home is an important step in bringing home a new puppy– but don’t forget to get the supplies to keep them looking and feeling good too!
Pet Insurance
Accidents happen, and sometimes they happen to puppies.
New pet parents should look into pet insurance plans that cover their pet’s health from puppy to adult dogs.
Your new puppy can get basic health essentials covered like vaccines, routine check-ups, and more.
As your puppy matures into a dog you will have the assurance of having more serious issues covered by insurance as well as accidents like broken limbs or torn muscles.
Pet insurance is something that not every owner thinks their new puppy needs, but it can be a lifesaver down the road.
Puppy Toys
Your puppy is going to need lots of mental stimulation in addition to physical activity.
Puppy toys that are designed for their age group can help with this!
Look for dog toys that are soft on gums, easy to carry, and make noise.
Your puppy requires extended periods of both sleep and play. Use a chew toy to teach them what is okay to chew on and what is off limits. Dog chew toys can be a great way for your canine companion to get their energy out as your puppy grows.
Bark Box offers Super Chewer monthly themed boxes delivered to your door with adorable toys and best of all- they are made for SUPER CHEWERS! Click here to check them out.
We love homemade chew toys too! Let your pup use a cardboard box as a chew toy- it’s exploratory and fun!
Dog Trainer
Many new puppy parents choose to invest in a dog trainer.
A dog trainer can help you with housebreaking, obedience training, socialization, and more.
You will have the guidance of a professional as you start your journey of raising a puppy into a well-rounded adult dog.
Dog trainers can help with puppy training, potty training and even help you to know what to do during your own training sessions with your puppy at home.
All puppies need different methods of puppy training, but no puppies require ‘alpha’ or ‘dominant’ training.
Look for someone who gives puppy training tips that utilize positive reinforcement and humane methods only.
A good dog trainer will help you to understand your puppy’s needs and how to properly communicate with your new furry friend.
Pet Sitter
Some dog owners forget that they should probably look for a dog sitter and dog walker prior to bringing their new puppy home.
Bringing a new dog into the house can be exhausting, and sometimes even overwhelming.
It is so important during those first few weeks for dog owners to be able to get away and take a break.
Having someone that you trust available to take your puppy for a walk or even spend an evening with them is priceless.
You want to be able to relax and not have to worry about your new puppy while you’re away from home.
Don’t forget- your puppy needs socialization!
Look for a pet sitter that will take your new puppy on adventures, to the park, or even on playdates with other puppies.
Leash and Collar
A leash and collar is something that is so much fun to shop for for puppies.
Now that you know what supplies you need for your new pup, it’s time to get shopping!
And don’t forget- have fun and enjoy every minute! Puppies are only small for a short window of time. Soon your puppy will be a dog and your relationship will be entirely different.
Enjoy while you have them as teeny puppies!
JOIN OUR COMMUNITY
Do you like modern positive+balanced off-leash dog training, science-based information, life with Danes, educated ownership and chatting with other like-minded people?
Excited puppy peeing is a common, fixable problem that happens when a Great Dane puppy is nervous or excited.
If your Great Dane puppy peeing and you are looking to stop submissive urination, we’re sharing some tips and ideas below!
A confident dog comes from good training and socialization. This means addressing puppy submissive urination correctly so you can get rid of this unwanted behavior and enjoy your new dog!
Excited Puppy Peeing & Great Danes
What is submissive urination?
Submissive urination episodes in Great Dane puppies happen when they are anxious, nervous, scared, or excited.
You may have noticed that your puppy will pee on the floor right in front of you, for no apparent reason as if they cannot control themselves.
Some people call this ‘submissive urination’ because they believe it’s a dog being ‘submissive’ to you as the handler. To be fair, submissive peeing is often seen in submissive dogs: these are dogs that are naturally more inclined to follow than they are to lead.
You may notice your Dane puppy dog urinates submissively when you make direct eye contact or assume a dominant position. Doing so can be very intimidating to dogs, especially puppies that are fearful or don’t know yet if they can trust you.
Your body language and response to your puppy dog can actually have a lot to do with submissive urination and even separation anxiety!
Submissive urination also happens when puppies (or adults) are excited. Their immature bladder cannot hold the pee as they jump, wiggle, and bounce around the room.
Most Great Dane puppies outgrow inappropriate urination by the time they are fully and reliably house trained. Most dogs mature out of this behavior, so it’s important to stay calm and be patient.
Submissive urination has nothing to do with dominance, stubbornness, or spite! Toss those old dog training ideas out the door, they are irrelevant.
Is submissive urination a medical problem?
Submissive or excitement urination is not usually the result of medical reasons, however, it’s helpful to take your dog to the veterinarian if you are concerned.
For example, a urinary tract infection can cause a dog to pee often and lose all of the work you put into positive reinforcement potty training. This condition must be treated by a veterinarian; your pet’s health and comfort matter and your vet can offer the best course of treatment for your dog.
Urinary incontinence may also contribute; puppy bladders are immature and often just need time to develop. Dogs that urinate submissively often just need time to mature and grow up both physically and emotionally.
An older or elderly dog may develop urinary incontinence (including complications related to kidney disease) as they age; in this case, a veterinarian can give the best advice.
Why is my Great Dane puppy peeing when scared?
Fear, anxiety, and stress can absolutely cause a Great Dane puppy to pee when scared.
For these puppies, it’s important to assume a non threatening posture and act like the dog pee on the floor at your feet is no big deal.
You may have a negative response and feel like becoming angry when your pet pees in front of you, but that is one of the worst things you can do.
Stay calm, focus on non dominant postures and use management techniques to avoid the behavior popping up in the first place.
It can be helpful to lower your body down to your dog’s level and use calming touch and voice to encourage relaxed behavior.
If you notice submissive peeing when your pet is being greeted by other dogs or people, it is important for you to step in at that moment and advocate for your dog. This reaction is based on fear and insecurity.
Some socially dominant dogs may hover over insecure dogs. This can cause fear that may make the problem worse. Take control of this situation and encourage your pet to be confident and walk away from dogs that are rude.
Great Dane puppy socialization and training
Good socialization using positive reinforcement and lots of friendly exposure to novel things in the environment will go a long way to reduce inappropriate urination.
We recommend following our guide, which outlines everything you need to know about socializing your Great Dane puppy so they are friendly, confident, and resilient.
Young dogs have a small window of opportunity to work on this, and if you are reading this article chances are that time is now!
Calm, confident Great Dane dogs are less likely to struggle with house training, submissive peeing, and separation anxiety.
The following tips can help you reduce inappropriate peeing so that your puppy dog is on the right track when it comes to their house training.
Use an enzymatic cleaner such as Skout’s Honor or Rocco & Roxie to clean up any big or little accident that has occurred. It’s important that no urine scent remains, especially if other dogs in your home have urine marking issues or might view that area as an appropriate spot to pee.
Don’t look your dog directly in the eyes or use a hovering, intimidating posture. Remember, intimidation can lead a timid or excited dog to submissively urinate out of fear.
Encourage calm behavior; amping your pup up can cause and worsen excitement peeing!
Use puppy pads in areas where you know your pup tends to do this. Common places include the front door or just outside of the crate. This simple tip will help with cleanup!
While it may be frustrating, excited peeing is not something that becomes a habit overnight. It’s primarily related to immaturity and emotions and not necessarily a potty training problem.
Use simple commands that your dog knows to encourage calmness and confidence without peeing. Avoid direct eye contact unless you are teaching your dog the ‘look’ command, where your pup is rewarded for focusing on you.
Puppy pee can stink up your house fast, so we recommend Rocco and Roxie urine odor remover to clean up messes. It smells amazing and works beautifully on dog pee.
For more Great Dane potty training tips, read here!
Rescued dogs and dogs from the humane society may need extra time here: for those dogs, we recommend revisiting potty training 101, just like you would do with a young dog. This is true even if you were told that your new rescue dog was potty trained!
We also recommend a minimum 2-3 week low-key dog decompression period.
This means keeping your new pet in a calm specially prepared area where they can feel safe, engaging them in fun active play and positive training that they enjoy, and developing a positive relationship based on trust.
Training methods that make the problem worse
It will be very hard to get rid of submissive or excitement urination if you use a lot of rough treatment or harsh, intimidating dog training methods.
Do not scold your dog for peeing, even if the peeing continues as you try and usher them out the door.
Rubbing a dog’s nose in their urine only teaches them to avoid peeing in front of you.
Incorrectly and harshly trained dogs urinate when they know you aren’t watching, often behind furniture or in bedding where they can bury it.
This is not spite nor is it stubbornness! It’s simply a symptom of what they are being taught.
If you want your pup to confidently pee outside, on a leash, or when you watching it’s important that you don’t resort to punitive training.
What should I do when my dog pees in front of me?
While it seems counter-intuitive, the best thing you can do in this situation is to ignore the pee.
If your pet is fearful, reduce your presence and clean up the mess when your pup isn’t watching.
Turn your body to the side and crouch if you need to. You may have to walk away and give your dog space. Fearful dogs need confidence building, basic obedience training, and lots of positive socialization.
If your puppy is excited, it’s also very important that you are very calm! Teach your dog a gentle demeanor by being gentle and cool yourself.
Potty training for Great Danes
Dogs pee whenever and wherever they want, especially without diligent management and training. For information on how to potty train your Great Dane dog, read below!
Do adult dogs have submissive urination?
Yes, adults can also have this problem! If you have an older dog that urinates in the wrong place or when scared, you may want to seek out the help of a dog trainer.
Medical causes for peeing
A pet dog with bladder stones, kidney problems, incontinence, infection or a UTI may urinate in your home.
Medical causes should always be ruled out, especially for older dogs that use to be perfectly house trained. Being an educated pet owner means recognizing the difference between training problems and medical problems! Always talk to your veterinarian if you are unsure.
When to see a veterinarian for excitement urination in dogs
If your dog pees uncontrollably despite calming protocols, positive training, management, and confidence-building you must see your veterinarian.
A pet dog that has separation anxiety and other signs of timid, anxious, or stressed behavior may have underlying health and temperament problems that can be addressed by professionals.
Potty training a puppy in an apartment brings several unique challenges.
If you’re like most people, you live in an apartment. And if you’re like most people, you have a puppy. So what do you do when it’s time to potty train your puppy? You follow these 7 simple steps!
One: Feeding Schedule
Potty training a young puppy can be a challenge, especially if you live in an apartment. One way to make the process easier is to create a feeding schedule.
By stick to a regular routine of feeding times, you will be able to better predict when your puppy needs to go out. House training will also be easier if you take your puppy out immediately after eating or drinking.
What is a ‘Feeding Schedule’?
As any dog owner knows, potty training can be a challenge. Dogs are creatures of habit, and they typically need to go outside at regular intervals throughout the day.
These values are averages. Your pet may need more or less. Always talk to your veterinarian and use the manufacturer’s feeding chart as a guideline.
This can be difficult to manage if you live in an apartment, where there may not always be someone around to take your dog out.
One way to help make potty training easier is to create a feeding schedule. Dogs typically need to eliminate shortly after eating, so by making sure that your dog eats at regular times throughout the day, you can help them develop a regular bathroom schedule.
In addition, it’s important to take your dog out frequently throughout the day, especially after meals and before bedtime. By following these simple tips, you can help make potty training a little bit easier for both you and your dog.
Two: A Note on Pee Pads
While potty training a Great Dane puppy in an apartment can often seem like an uphill battle, using pee pads or potty pads can actually make the process much harder.
What are Pee Pads?
Pee pads are designed to absorb fluids and contain odors, allowing your puppy to potty in a designated area without getting dirty.
Should I Use Pee Pads?
However, these pads can train your puppy to potty indoors, rather than outdoors like they should be doing.
By eliminating pee pads or potty pads completely, you can help refocus your puppy’s potty habits, making potty training them an easier and more successful process overall. So if you want to help your Great Dane achieve potty training success in your home, it is best to ditch the pee pads for good!
What Should I Do Instead of Pee Pads?
Training your pup to use real grass is a much better solution in the long run.
For one thing, it’s more natural – most dogs prefer to do their business on real grass instead of synthetic materials.
In addition, real grass helps to neutralize odors more effectively than potty pads, keeping your apartment smelling fresh and clean.
Finally, using real grass will help your puppy learn that there are certain places where it’s appropriate to relieve themselves, and certain places where it’s not.
So if you’re looking for a way to make potty training easier, ditch the potty pads and potty pad training and head for the real thing.
Three: Potty Accidents
As any puppy owner knows, potty accidents are inevitable. You can take all the precautions in the world, but sometimes puppies just gotta go – and when they do, it’s usually in the most inconvenient place possible.
Bark Box offers Super Chewer monthly themed boxes delivered to your door with adorable toys and best of all- they are made for SUPER CHEWERS! Click here to check them out.
If you’re potty training your Great Dane puppy in an apartment, you’re bound to have a few indoor accidents.
But don’t worry – it’s not necessarily a sign of bad behavior. Great Danes are simply big dogs with big bladders, and it takes them a little longer to learn to hold it. So be patient, keep up with the potty training, and designate some safe indoor potty areas for your pup. With a little time and patience, those accidents will become a thing of the past.
How to Go From Accidents to No Accidents
When potty training your Great Dane puppy in an apartment, it is essential to understand that accidents are going to happen. This can be stressful and frustrating, but with the right approach, you can achieve desired behavior and help your pup learn how to go to the bathroom outside.
You might consider a bed with a waterproof liner for potty training months. This Big Barker bed with waterproof liner is what we highly recommend:
First, it is important to set up several designated potty areas throughout your apartment. These should be areas that are easy for your puppy to access, such as small rooms or corners where they can go off by themselves. You should also make a clear delineation between these potty areas and places that are off-limits for bathroom purposes, such as bedrooms or living rooms.
Chippin’ Cricket Treats are known for being a powerful food topper for digestion- and dogs LOVE them!
Try to Remain Present During House Training
In addition, you should always make sure that you are present when your puppy goes to the bathroom indoors. One way of incentivizing good behavior is by providing a reward each time they go in their designated potty area instead of on the floor or other surfaces. This might mean giving them a treat or praising them with bellowing tones to show your appreciation for their effort.
Photo Credit to Hellen at Mumukodogsquad (Picture of sweet Dakota!) Photo Credit to Hellen at Mumukodogsquad (Picture of sweet Dakota!)
Never Get Angry About House Training Accidents
Of course, there will undoubtedly be times when your puppy has an accident even when you are being attentive and following these guidelines. If this happens, try not to react negatively – getting angry or punishing them will only make the potty process more difficult. Instead, simply clean up the mess and continue to provide positive reinforcement for good behavior. With time and patience, your puppy will get the hang of it!
Crate training. It’s a term that strikes fear into the hearts of many new dog owners, but it doesn’t have to be a daunting task. Crate training is simply a way of teaching your dog or puppy that their crate is their safe space – a place where they can go to relax and enjoy some peace and quiet. The key to successful crate training is to take things slowly and make sure that your furry friend is comfortable and happy at every stage.
Young Puppies Can Utilize Crates for the House Training
For young puppies, the process can start even before they come home to their new family. If you’re picking up your pup from a breeder, ask if they wouldn’t mind starting crate training.
This will make the transition to their new home much less stressful for everyone involved. And when you do bring your puppy home, take things slowly at first.
Let them explore their new surroundings and get used to their crate before you start trying to train them to use it. Once they’re comfortable, you can begin the training process.
Potty Training is Very Difficult..But…
If you’ve ever potty trained a puppy, you know that it’s no easy feat. But what if there was a way to make the process a little bit easier?
The idea is to create a positive association with the crate by using things like treats and toys. Once your dog is comfortable with the crate, you can start to use it as a tool for potty training.
For example, make sure their crate only has enough room for them to sleep in, with no room for them to have ‘potty space’. This will help to train their brain to associate the crate with sleeping and not going to the bathroom.
It’s important to remember that training your dog to use a crate is only one tool in the potty training arsenal. It’s not a magic solution, but it can be a helpful way to make the process a little bit easier.
With patience and positive training, using a crate can be an effective way to potty train your pup.
Five: Basic Training Time
Most puppies need some basic training in order to furry companion. This is true for everything from housebreaking to obedience. The following five tips will help you get started on training your puppy.
1. Be Consistent: Puppies learn best when they are given consistent, clear commands. Make sure everyone in the family uses the same words and phrases when talking to the puppy.
2. Be Patient: Puppies are not born knowing what is expected of them. They will make mistakes, and it will take time for them to learn the behaviors you want. Be patient and praise your puppy when he or she does something right.
3. Use Rewards: Dogs are motivated by food, so using treats as rewards for good behavior is an effective way to train your puppy. Start with small treats that can be easily eaten, and gradually increase the size as your puppy gets older.
4. Avoid Punishment: punishing your puppy will only make him or her more afraid of you and less likely to obey your commands. If your puppy does something wrong, simply ignore it and praise him or her when he or she does something right.
5. Take Things Slow: Don’t try to teach your puppy everything at once.
How to Obedience Train a Puppy in an Apartment?
When it comes to training a Great Dane in an apartment, there are a few key considerations that are essential for success.
First, it is important to establish structure and routine from the very beginning of the training process. This means establishing regular feeding times and walking schedules, as well as incorporating fun activities like playtime or training sessions into your pup’s daily routine.
If you live in an apartment, you will need to be intentional with your dog or puppy to achieve success with any training, including potty training a Great Dane.
Bark Box offers Super Chewer monthly themed boxes delivered to your door with adorable toys and best of all- they are made for SUPER CHEWERS! Click here to check them out.
Owning a dog while living in an apartment requires some intentionality on your part. You’ll need to take extra care to make sure your pup doesn’t become bored or restless which can lead to destructive behaviors.
That means being mindful of things like how much exercise they’re getting and providing them with plenty of toys and stimulation.
But it’s all worth it when you come home to a wagging tail and a furry friend who’s always happy to see you.
Positive Reinforcement
When it comes to training a Great Dane in an apartment, there is no one-size-fits-all approach.
Some people may be tempted to get angry with their puppy and instill fear in order to get them to behave, but this is not actually the best way to train a dog. It is best for so many reasons to remain calm and patient while teaching your puppy new tricks.
Instead, the most effective way to train a puppy in an apartment is with positive training techniques. This can involve rewarding good behavior with treats or praise, and gently redirecting negative behaviors such as jumping or chewing on furniture.
Finding a Balanced Trainer
In order to reap the benefits of positive training techniques, it’s important to consult a certified dog trainer or other experienced expert who can help you design a customized training plan for your specific situation.
Whether you’re dealing with separation anxiety or having trouble teaching your puppy to walk on a leash or working through potty training, having someone knowledgeable on hand can make all the difference when it comes to making sure your pup gets the best possible care and training.
So if you’re looking for ways to train your puppy in an apartment, remember that positive reinforcement and hard work with consistency are always key ingredients!
Seven: Designate a Potty Area
When potty training a puppy in an apartment, it is important to designate a specific area for your pup to do his business. This area should outdoors, and should be an area that is easily accessible for your pup.
If you live in an apartment, this may mean taking your pup down to a nearby park or other designated potty area.
When beginning to train a puppy how to fit into a potty schedule, there are certain things you will need to conduct training in an apartment building.
The priorities for items you will need include items for safety, a means of keeping your puppy on a schedule, and items to manage accidents.
A few key items for success in potty training a Great Dane in an apartment include:
A belly band
Exercise Pen and/or baby gates
Crate
Plenty of treats
Supplies for cleaning up messes
Leash/Collar
Dog Walker
Toys and chews
Plenty of Patience
Belly Band
A belly band can be a resource/tool used for male puppies in the potty training process. It is a type of “diaper” that goes around the male’s waist and covers his penis.
Belly bands can serve two purposes: they can help with managing accidents by catching any urine that may leak out, and they can also be used as a form of positive training.
For example, if you put the belly band on your puppy before he goes outside to Potty, and he successfully relieves himself outdoors, you can give him a treat as a reward.
This will help your puppy understand that he is being rewarded for going potty in the correct place.
The second reason belly bands can be helpful is to prevent your male puppy from peeing indoors.
If you catch your puppy beginning to lift his leg to pee inside, you can make a loud noise (clapping your hands, for example) to startle him and interrupt the behavior.
Then, take him outside immediately so that he can finish going potty in the correct place.
Remember to praise and reward him when he finishes going potty outdoors!
Exercise Pen or Baby Gate:
Using an exercise pen or baby gate will confine your puppy to a certain area so he does not have full range of the apartment and an accident.
To use a baby gate, find one that is tall enough your puppy cannot jump over it, and wide enough so it can fit snugly in the doorway without gaps. You will also need to find a way to prop open the door so the baby gate can stay in place.
Secure your dog within a safe and baby proofed area with the gate. It is crucial to make sure that there is nothing that they can get themselves into- like foods or trash.
Once your pup is safe in the area with the baby gate keeping them inside, you can let them practice their independence by leaving them in there for a few minutes at a time.
This practice will help your pup learn what it means to be by themselves, and also that it is not okay to pee inside.
Crate
A crate will be used for times when you are not able to watch your Great dane or he needs a time out to calm down. Using a crate helps your new Great Dane know that they should not potty inside.
Using a crate helps to create a space that is just for your Great Dane pup- it should be their own personal space where they can feel safe and comfortable.
Your Great Dane pup’s crate should be big enough for them to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably. It should not be so big that they can use one end as a bathroom.
You will also want to make sure that the crate is in a place where there is not too much stimulation- like near the TV or stereo.
And finally, you will want to get your puppy used to spending time in their crate gradually- start with only leaving them in there for short periods of time (a few minutes) and gradually increase the amount of time they spend in there as they get more comfortable.
Plenty of Treats
Treats are a great way to reward your Great Dane for going potty in the correct place, and they can also be used to help teach your puppy where they should go potty.
For example, if you are walking your Great Dane and he starts to sniff around and circle like he needs to go potty, you can give him the cue word or phrase that you have chosen (like “go potty” or “hurry up”).
As soon as he starts going potty, praise him and give him a treat. This will help him understand that he is doing what you want him to do.
You can also use treats to help teach your Great Dane specific places that you’d like them to pee or poo.
Here are some of our favorite treats:
Interested in making your own homemade treats? Coopers Treats offers kits to make your own baked treats and pupcicles.
Supplies for cleaning up messes:
Last but not least, you’ll need to have some supplies on hand for cleaning up any accidents that happen.
Paper towels, a pet Stain & Odor Remover (we like Nature’s Miracle), and a black light will help you clean up any accidents quickly and effectively.
The paper towels are for blotting up the urine or feces, the stain & odor remover is for removing any lingering smells, and the black light will help you find any hidden stains.
With these supplies on hand, you’ll be able to deal with accidents quickly and efficiently so that your Great Dane can learn from them and start going potty in the right place!
Poop Bags
Potty bags are an essential during the entire life of your pup for when your puppy relieves itself. Some apartments have bags offered in dog friendly spaces, so keep an eye out. If your apartment does not offer poop bags, you might want to stock up- with large dogs comes quite a lot of poop!
A standard collar will be necessary while working on bathroom breaks, or during any other training session.
There are an abundance of collars on the market, including nylon, leather, and even GPS collars. You will want to find a collar that is comfortable for your puppy to wear and also suits your needs as an owner.
Here is one of our favorites:
Custom velvet collar, bowtie and leash set. Make your own here.
Dog Walker
Depending on your work hours, you might need to hire someone to come let your dog outside. This is especially important if you have a young dog who is learning to potty train. This will help with any accidents that may happen while you are away.
The rule of thumb for how long your dog should be in its kennel by itself without a potty break is one hour for every month of age, plus one.
Therefore, one of the most important things you can do when training a puppy in an apartment is to schedule regular potty breaks. This means taking your pup out at regular intervals throughout the day, and especially after meals or naps.
Chews/Rewards
Look for a heavy chew that will last your new puppy a long time to get through. Do not use rawhide as it is very dangerous!
Remember to have patience during this process and use a reward system for your puppy when they use the restroom outside or in their designated potty area.
A great way to do this is with treats, verbal praise, or even petting and belly rubs!
Eight: Mental and Physical Exercise for Your Puppy
It is extremely important during any type of dog training that your dog gets mental and physical exercise. Stimulating your dog both mentally and physically can help drain some of that extra energy that might be causing mischief.
Mental stimulation can come in the form of food puzzles or interactive toys, while physical exercise can be anything from a long walk to a swim.
Both forms of exercise are important for dogs of all ages, but puppies especially need plenty of both in order to stay happy and healthy.
What is mental exercise?
Mental exercise means that your dog is getting his brain worked just as much as his body.
Some ways to give your young puppy mental exercise are through simple things such as obedience training, learning tricks, or even playing interactive games.
Remember that your puppy’s nose is WAY more powerful than ours. A dog’s nose has a tremendous amount of smell nerves inside of it, so when trying to train a puppy, using scent work is an incredible way to help wear them out while working their brain.
Using a slow feeder is also a great way of mental engagement. A slow feeder is a type of dog bowl that has a special insert inside of it that breaks up the food so your pup can’t just scarf it all down at once.
This forces your puppy to use his nose and brain power to figure out how to eat his meal, and is a great way to give them some extra mental stimulation during the day.
Physical exercise is just as important for a healthy and well-rounded pup. Going on walks, playing with other dogs, or swimming are nice, low impact exercises for your dog.
You might find that you reach more success with your new dog while you are working with them on real-life training. Dogs love to learn, and the more you can work with your puppy on getting them involved in new things will help them feel that they can pick up on things like becoming house trained, or understanding potty cues.
Your new puppy might have trouble training at first, but training a puppy is NEVER an easy or overnight task. Even if your puppy learns slowly, just know that they are soaking in all of the fun and interactive information that you are giving them.
Nine: Dog Treats
Dog treats are an incredible way to train a puppy. Dog training can be highly effective when you use treats that highly motivate your dog.
Whether you’re looking to train a puppy or simply want to get your dog potty trained, dog treats can be an essential tool.
With their powerful reward-based learning system, rewards like treats are highly motivating for dogs and can help to train them effectively in no time.
We recommend training a puppy to go to the bathroom using treats regularly. Some of our favorites are here:
How do you use treats to potty train a puppy to go to the bathroom?
To potty train a puppy you will need to take them to go to the bathroom often, making sure to bring treats.
You should go outside with your puppy on a leash, and whenever they go to the bathroom give them a treat immediately.
Bathroom training a puppy becomes fun for the dog when there is something really enticing involved. When you are taking your puppy outside to potty, bring along some of their favorite treats.
Using a Marker Word When Bathroom Training a Puppy
As soon as they relieve themselves in the desired location, immediately praise them and give them a treat. It is helpful to also train dogs using a ‘marker word’. A marker word is a word that you say to your dog as soon as they do the desired action, in this case going potty outside.
Some people like to use the words ‘yes’, ‘good’, or ‘treat’. As long as you are consistent with which word you use, any word can be a marker. After you’ve said the marker word, give your dog the treat.
Your puppy will start to associate going potty outside with getting a yummy treat, and will want to do it more often!
Using Treats in an Apartment to Potty Train a Puppy
Using treats can be used anywhere, including in an apartment.
When you live in an apartment, you will need to give your puppy and yourself more time to get downstairs and outside to go to the bathroom for potty breaks.
Make sure that you know where the nearest potty area is, clear of other dogs and distractions. Your puppy might think that another dog nearby means play time, and we want them to really focus on their potty time.
Another Note on the Puppy Pads
Just because you are confined in an apartment does not mean you need to use puppy pads. A puppy pad gives your dog the idea that they can urinate inside, ultimately giving them way too much freedom. Work hard NOT to make puppy pads apart of the routine that you and your dog develops. Taking frequent potty breaks can help eliminate the need for your dog to use a puppy pad, ultimately providing them with a solid foundation of training as your puppy grows.
Troubleshooting Tips
If you find that your puppy is having accidents in the apartment despite your best efforts, here are a few troubleshooting tips:
Take your pup out more frequently. This means every hour or so, and especially after they eat or drink.
Do not give your puppy too much freedom in the apartment. If possible, keep them confined to one room or area until they have more bladder control.
Make sure you are using a marker word consistently, and rewarding your dog immediately after they go potty outside.
Limit food after dinner, and limit water about 2 hours before bed.
Do not punish your puppy if they have an accident. This will only make them scared of you, and confused about what they are supposed to do.
Leash your dog in the house, and tie the leash to your waist.
Be patient, and keep up the good work! Teaching a pup to know where to potty and where not to takes time, but eventually your dog will get it with proper guidance from you.
To Wrap It Up
You and your puppy are going to be together, bonding over something difficult. It is hard to train any animal from puppy to dog, but the loyalty and companionship you will gain is worth it.
Every time you are carrying your puppy down the fifth floor, fourth floor, third floor and more to their potty area, just remember that one day you will see that same spot and look back with fond memories of when your dog was just a teeny puppy.
Time really flies with a puppy, so try to soak in every single moment that you can while training your puppy. Your new family member is going to test your patience, but in the end your puppy will be your best friend.
Whatever method you use, one thing’s for sure: potty training a puppy can be a breeze when you’ve got the right treat on your side!
Is your Great Dane not eating enough? This can be concerning and it’s a popular topic in the Great Dane community! There are various reasons why a Great Dane might become picky or stop eating, ranging from temporary issues like stress, changes in the environment, or minor digestive upsets, to more serious health conditions such as dental problems, gastrointestinal disorders, or metabolic issues.
Before we dig more into this, I have to remind readers that if a dog is truly not eating and is losing weight, this is considered a medical emergency. Always see your veterinarian if you are worried about your Great Dane not eating enough, or not eating at all.
Great Dane Not Eating Enough…or At All!
Buckle up, this is a big one! If your Great Dane is picky, acting strange, or just not eating much, the answers are here for you. There are times when a loss of appetite can absolutely be a concern.
Here is a list of reasons why a dog won’t eat, that require veterinary care ASAP. If any of these could be true for your dog, do not read the rest of this article, call your veterinarian or if life-threatening, GO!
Anxiety (if it results in withholding food for more than 24 hours)
Bloat or other gastro-based emergency
Cancer
Here are some less serious reasons why your Great Dane isn’t eating enough:
Tummy upset
They are eating enough, you just think they need more (common!)
They just finished a growth spurt
It’s hot out and their appetite is down
Anxiety & stress
They are not receiving as much exercise as usual
The feeding area is dirty, noisy, or scary
The food is bad (read about the recent Victor recall, they had been selling contaminated food for months and many dogs had refused to eat it before the recall was finally issued)
They are receiving too many toppers, treats, and chews
Notice I didn’t mention picky eating! We’ll get more into that later.
What to do if a new Great Dane puppy won’t eat
It can be alarming if your new Great Dane puppy won’t eat! We all know that Dane pups NEED a lot of food to grow, so it can be scary when they aren’t ravenous for their food.
Great Dane puppies grow fast and a loss of appetite can be alarming, but keep this in mind: for growing large breed dogs, overnutrition is just as dangerous as undernutrition! Overfeeding Great Dane puppies leads to orthopedic growth disorders, too fast growth, and problems such as carpal laxity that are hard on the joints.
Always go by your veterinarian’s advice regarding overall body condition; Dane puppies should be lean, not round.
What if my Great Dane Puppy is a picky eater?
You’ll notice that ‘picky’ is not listed here as one of the reasons why a puppy dog won’t eat! Many people believe that they have a picky dog on their hands, but it’s actually very rare.
Picky eaters are most often a symptom of the environment, and the harsh, honest truth here is that your picky pooch has likely trained YOU!
Every time you add a topper, canned food, boiled chicken, table scraps, or dog treats to encourage eating, your Great Dane puppy learns that if they ignore their food better things will come.
Most dogs are very smart this way, and the only way to solve this problem is to be strong. Our Stop Picky Eating post is super helpful for picky pups!
Stop bribing your puppy
To put this simply, stop bribing your dog to eat unless your veterinarian has encouraged you to do so following an illness! Your puppy will not allow itself to starve to death, and will eventually eat the dog food that was presented to them as-is.
Every time you switch foods to try and appease your ‘picky pup’, you also risk upsetting the stomach more. Many people start to believe that the resulting chronic loose stools are ‘allergies’, change foods again, and thus will begin a never-ending cycle of gut issues.
These problems can be brought on by constant changes to food and nutrition while the puppies’ digestive system was still maturing.
When you switch foods, the balance of nutrition and gut flora is thrown off again; it can take up to 12 weeks for a dog to acclimate to a new food. Every time you find your dog not eating the way that you think he should, we encourage you to look at health first before making changes.
We cannot state this enough: if you are feeding an appropriate, science-based large breed kibble and your puppy is not knuckling or experiencing growth disorders, STICK WITH IT!
Stop switching foods. It’s really not healthy.
What to feed a Great Dane puppy so that they eat
The best dog foods for a Great Dane puppy will be science-backed, highly researched, formulated for the growth of large and/or giant breed dogs, and from a company that employs a veterinary nutritionist (or team of them) to formulate, oversee, research and test the diet.
Many boutique food brands that sound ‘healthy and holistic’ are often the creation of great marketing, not necessarily of great research and excellent nutrition.
We recommend checking the credentials of any food brand you are considering as your pup’s main diet. The wrong food can cause heart problems, kidney problems, issues with vitamin and mineral levels and more.
Thankfully, the Pet Nutrition Alliance did the work for us and compiled the important information on each brand on a spreadsheet. This makes dog food brand decisions super easy!
We recommend a Large Breed Puppy formula from Purina Pro Plan or Eukanuba, and as above, STICK WITH IT! For more information on how to feed a Great Dane and the best dog dry food and amounts for growing Dane pups, read our famous Ultimate Great Dane feeding chart post here!
Here are our favorite science-backed foods for Great Dane Puppies. Click to shop on Chewy. Pro tip: autoship saves you money and time!
Check out THE GIANT DOG FOOD PROJECT to compare brands and values.
Your puppy is overwhelmed, fearful, or scared
It’s not uncommon for Great Dane puppies to feel a little overwhelmed during the first days in a new home. An overwhelmed, overtired, and overexcited dog won’t eat reliably, and that’s ok.
Not only have there been several changes to their life and routine, but they’ve likely had vaccines and possibly even ear cropping. Veterinary care like this can make them feel a little icky for a few days, so you may just need to be patient.
Your puppy has parasites
As above, worming medication can cause tummy upset, and so can parasites!
Your veterinarian will likely do a stool sample and worm your puppy with an oral medication. If your puppy has worms, this medication can make your puppy feel not-so-great while the worms die.
Common worms and parasites include tapeworms and roundworms, which you may see in their stool! There is another very tiny parasite called giardia that is a very common cause of loose stools in Great Danes.
If you are struggling with your puppy’s stomach upset, ask your veterinarian to test for Giardia, which requires antibiotics to treat.
Parasites are very common in puppies and treatable. As long as you have gotten your puppy from a reputable Great Dane breeder and had your first vet visit, this should be no big deal.
Your puppy has a stomach upset
Another common cause of stomach upset in Great Dane puppies is switching foods! Many pet parents are excited to switch foods and may immediately jump to a food brand that the puppy had never had before.
We ONLY recommend that puppies be fed a science-based and highly researched large breed puppy kibble diet formulated for large and giant breed growth (our favorites are below).
If your breeder was feeding something else, switch slowly to avoid further stomach upset.
Note: If your puppy is knuckling or experiencing HOD, Panosteitis or other orthopedic growth problems, your puppy must switch to an appropriate, science-backed large breed puppy kibble immediately.
Too many treats can make a dog eat less
Training treats can also cause a puppy to become full or overloaded with the wrong nutrition! Too much of a good thing can result in a decreased appetite, which can be alarming AND lead to loose stools, growth disorders, and more.
Take it easy with dog treats. Keep bites teeny tiny and consider doing as much training as you can with your puppy’s kibble, instead!
(No, your dog will not bloat if you feed them kibble for training! Contrary to popular belief, ‘resting’ before and after eating is not reliable for preventing bloat in Great Danes).
Too many training treats can also throw off the important balance of nutrition needed for proper growth. Too much food, fat, nutrition, and unbalanced amino acids and calcium and phosphorus levels are dangerous for growing puppies.
Here are some of our favorite holistic whole-food training treats for Great Danes. Use in moderation!
Your puppy is sick
Unfortunately, illness can be devastating for young Great Dane puppies. If your Dane pup has any of the following symptoms, seek veterinary care immediately:
Excessive amounts of diarrhea
Blood in stool
Pale gums
Vomiting
Low or high body temperature (use this thermometer to check)
Lethargy (no energy, even while awake)
Weakness, stumbling, unable to stand, walk or play
Cloudy or watery eyes
Discharge from the nose or mouth
Foul smell
Large, distended abdomen
Crooked paws
Showing pain signals including limping, whining, crying, chewing paws, aggression, etc.
Parvo in Great Dane Puppies
Parvo, for example, could be one reason that your puppy is not eating. While there are vaccines for Parvo, puppies are at risk until they are fully vaccinated.
This particular disease is extremely difficult to treat and also deadly. Early diagnosis is key; if you see any signs your puppy needs to see a veterinarian immediately.
A thorough physical examination is warranted anytime you feel something is ‘off’ with your puppy, including crooked paws (which could be a sign of knuckling).
Other symptoms of poor health can include whining while going potty, weight loss, and limping. A urinary tract infection is a common problem for Dane pups and one that can result in a reduced appetite in dogs.
Not only that, but a Dane pup can become dangerously dehydrated very quickly, so if your puppy is having trouble with loose stools and throwing up, get to the vet immediately.
Even if he or she’s drinking water, it may not be enough.
Your Great Dane Puppy is Full
Many times, a puppy that has no appetite is actually full!
Too much nutrition can lead to knuckling and loose stools, so keep that in mind if your dog loves to scarf food and eat too much.
Great Dane puppies grow fast and need a lot of nutrition, and your dog’s eating habits will change often throughout the first several months. As a matter of fact, you may find that your puppy is at the food bowl asking for food at odd times, and turning its nose up at other times!
Your pup will need more dog food before and during a growth spurt as well.
We say feed them and let them guide you! The goal with puppies is not to stuff them with an exact number of cups of food, but rather to give them the nutrition they need to grow slowly and with excellent body condition.
Our Great Dane puppy feeding chart can give you a rough idea of how much you might expect to feed, but only your puppy really knows what he needs.
Do not let your puppy (or adult Great Dane) gain excess weight. If your dog scarves food down and eats without stopping, it’s time to step in and strictly monitor intake.
Is it normal for puppies to not eat all of their food
Assuming that your healthy puppy has a quality, age-appropriate science-backed dog food and is otherwise vibrant, robust, and active it can be perfectly normal for your pup to leave food in the bowl.
As above, this is not a sign that your Great Dane is one of the reported ‘picky eaters’. A dog that is self-regulating its intake is very different than a dog that has had an actual loss of appetite.
It’s important to monitor your puppy and keep tabs on growth, overall health, and energy levels; this matters more than actual food intake!
As a pet parent, it’s normal to worry, but unless your dog recently suffered illness, is losing weight, or is showing other sights of stress or health problems, try not to stress. Keep your puppy on the same dry dog food and stick it out!
Having interest change from meal to meal and day to day is totally normal and to be expected. This chart below is just a guide; the food you choose and your puppies appetite will change these amounts.
When should I worry about my puppy not eating?
Of course, there does come a time when you should worry about your puppy not eating!
You definitely want to see medical attention for your dog if it is losing weight, acting lethargic, distressed, or having difficulty chewing.
Sometimes a stick or bone has become lodged inside of the jaw and it can make it difficult for a puppy to eat and drink water normally.
If your dog’s stool has blood in it, you will need to see your vet immediately as this can be a sign of foreign bodies or Parvo. Pale gums, coughing, and dehydration are also indicators of physical distress that will require immediate veterinary care.
If your puppy ate something they shouldn’t have such as socks, jewelry, or toxic foods such as grapes or Xylitol you will likely notice a reduction in appetite.
These things are a medical emergency and cause for concern.
At times, excessive treats, table scraps, or stolen food from the counter can lead to a condition called Pancreatitis. This can make your puppy stop eating and show signs of nausea, tummy upset, and weakness.
However, if your puppy is bright, vibrant, and playful while awake with nice tight feet and a great nap schedule (remember, Great Dane puppies need a LOT of sleep!), chances are everything is fine. Let your puppy sleep, they will eat when they are hungry!
A healthy Great Dane pup should be curious, friendly, active, and ready to go when awake!
Bonus Tip: Monitor water intake when your dog won’t eat
We do not recommend limiting water intake or withholding water for ‘potty training’.
This dated practice can lead to dehydration and may actually teach your puppy to gulp, hoard, and guard water as a valuable resource.
Of course, a pup doesn’t need to be drinking water overnight. But if you are taking up the bowl at dinner time so you don’t have to let your puppy out to pee at 2 in the morning, stop.
Let your puppy drink water as needed and desired until you all go to bed for the night.
Take your puppy out for one last late-night pee (use LOTS of treats and yes, kibble to reward this behavior!) and then quietly, calmly go out as needed through the night.
They will outgrow the need to go out and pee overnight once their bladder is mature, and you’ll be getting restful sleep again!
What to do when your puppy isn’t eating?
Many people start adding wet dog food, boiled chicken, treats, canned food, or other tasty toppers to entice their puppy to eat.
Others will attempt hand feeding or hydrating the food in warm water. It’s important to remember that appetite in dogs can and will fluctuate!
Note: some studies show that food moistened in warm water, that has citric acid in the formulation may increase bloat risk.
As we mentioned before, bribery is a dangerous path that will lead to a lot of frustration.
We believe in offering up to 5-10% of the diet as healthy toppers because, for Great Danes, it may reduce bloat risk.
However, there is a big difference between adding healthy foods to increase the intake of fibers and omegas and adding unbalanced junk food to make the dry kibble somehow more appealing.
We recommend rehydrated Olewo carrots for loose stools.
Balanced raw, fish oil, the occasional raw egg, or a few scoops of Dr. Harvey’s are also welcome additions to the Great Dane food bowl!
As above, these items should be added for health reasons, not as bribery.
Best Foods for Great Danes & The Appropriate Diet
Once your puppy learns that skipping meals means you bring out the good stuff, all bets are off. We promise, that if you are feeding an appropriate dry food diet, you do NOT need to switch to a new food so that your dog will eat!
If you are feeding a science-backed, highly respected solid food that is formulated for the growth of large breed dogs, stick with the same food. We recommend choosing brands that invest heavily in research, professional veterinary nutritionist formulation, development, ingredient sourcing, and formula testing. These brands include Purina, Eukanuba, and Iams.
Scheduled Feedings to Reduce Pickiness
If your dog won’t eat and there are clearly no health issues, wait it out. Put the bowl down, offer the meal, and walk away. Don’t make a fuss.
Pick it up again if your dog refuses it after 15-30 minutes. Offer it again later for a mid-day meal, and repeat this process until your dog gives in and eats their solid food.
Another trick you can try when your dog won’t eat is to make eating FUN. Use your dog’s normal food as training treats, and reward your dog throughout the day with a few pieces for awesome behavior.
The KONG WOBBLER can also be very engaging for dogs that need their food to ‘run’ so they can hunt for and chase it! We always love seeing food used as enrichment. If your dog won’t eat, this is a great trick to try!
Reasons for the loss of appetite in dogs
Like puppies, there are many reasons why an adult Great Dane will have a loss of appetite.
Here are just a few things to look for if you have a dog not eating:
A foreign body such as a sock in the digestive tract
Stomach upset from eating something toxic or irritating, including chocolate, grapes, certain house plants, and xylitol
Stomach upset from counter surfing things such as butter, roasts, cookies, or treats that are unbalanced, fatty, sugary, and sit heavy in the stomach (watch for signs of pancreatitis! See below).
Toxicity from exposure to essential oils such as eucalyptus oil, tea tree oil, cinnamon, citrus, peppermint, pine, wintergreen, and ylang-ylang that are not safe for dogs
Boredom. Like humans, bored dogs can become depressed, suppressed, and may turn their noses up at food. Make eating fun by using a puzzle feeder and food as training treats!
Congenital problems such as heart or digestive system defects that haven’t been diagnosed
Liver disease or kidney disease
New food (switching too quickly can cause stomach upset, OR the new dog food has more nutrition and your dog won’t have to eat as much as they did with the previous food.
A senior dog will have a reduced appetite and will require a different dry dog food formulation than a puppy or adult.Dental disease in senior dogs can also cause decreased appetite; your veterinarian can address this with you.
Some dogs with advanced dental disease may need canned food or a liquid diet.
Signs of pancreatitis in Great Danes
Here are some signs of pancreatitis, which is a life-threatening illness that can happen when dogs ingest too many things that are fatty such as too many rich treats, roasts, butter or bacon.
Scavenging for food is one of the leading predictors of a dog experiencing pancreatitis; however other things may cause it.
Diarrhea
Abdominal Pain
Distress, including laying with the rear end high in the air
Fever
Lethargy
Vomiting
Decreased appetite
Nausea
Pancreatitis in dogs has other factors and causes as well, and the prognosis is based on severity and treatment. If your dog is showing these or other symptoms that are alarming to you, it’s important to seek veterinary care as soon as possible.
Counter surfing and trash surfing is a real problem for Great Danes! Learn how to solve this dangerous and annoying behavior.
Your pet’s health is at risk if you don’t implement training and management.
Balanced training is the most humane choice for dogs because it teaches and rewards them while also giving them all of the information they need to make mature decisions. This includes NO, a simple thing that can save your dog’s life.
A picky Great Dane dog with a decreased appetite is often caused by, get this, poor handling!
Biologically, dogs don’t want to starve. Let your dog’s eating habits be your guide here: many dogs are incredibly good at self-regulating intake, just by nature! Appetite in dogs is fluid and will change day-to-day, too.
If they don’t eat, it’s because they don’t need the food, have a medical problem, the food is bad, OR we’ve trained them to hold out for the good stuff. A dog not eating because they’ve learned this is a dog that is making the rules.
That last part…read it again.
We’ve trained them to hold out for the good stuff, and they’ve trained us to give it to them!
Every time you add toppers or change foods to encourage your Dane to eat, you teach them that if they turn their nose up at the food bowl better things will come. A dog not eating may actually be a dog that figured out a neat trick to eat treats with every meal.
If you’ve ruled out medical problems and you are feeding a fresh (not stale) high-quality, science-backed kibble that is correctly formulated for your Great Dane, chances are your Dane is either full or totally playing you.
Now of course it stands to reason that your Great Dane may get tired and bored of a certain food. We recommend changing proteins on occasion but stick with the food that is working for you.
When you change proteins, stick with the same formula
Example for an adult dog:
Purina Pro Plan Large Breed Chicken and Rice, switch to Purina Pro Plan Large Breed Beef and Ric
Are Great Danes picky eaters?
By nature, Great Danes are not picky eaters!
However, the myriad of health problems that plague this breed resulting from bad genetics and incorrect foods can make them seem picky or intolerant of certain foods.
Great Danes are unfortunately prone to a number of health issues that can result in a dog’s loss of interest in food.
When a dog won’t eat or flat out refuses, it might be helpful to rule out these common health issues:
Allergies. While dietary allergies are actually extremely rare, environmental allergies can make a dog uncomfortable.
Thyroid disorders.
Diabetes
Painful orthopedic problems including wobblers, HOD, Dysplasia or arthritis
Poor structural conformation that leads to painful joints and movement
Chances are, your Great Dane is not actually picky and other things are going on.
If you think it’s just general pickiness, wait it out! You might be surprised to find that your dog starts eating again after a day. If not, seek medical advice just in case.
When should I be concerned that my dog is not eating?
Anytime your dog’s appetite seems to have decreased drastically, you will want to watch for other signs and symptoms. A loss of appetite in dogs can be alarming, and it’s good that you are paying attention!
A dog that normally loves its dry dog food and that is suddenly refusing food of any kind may have medical problems that go far beyond a simple loss of appetite.
If your dog stops eating altogether and you aren’t sure why we recommend seeking professional help from your veterinarian before switching foods again.
Older dogs that stop eating
Older dogs that are not eating and that have other health problems may be towards the end of life; just like humans, a dog in hospice will often experience a loss of appetite and stop eating before passing away.
It is important to keep senior dogs in hospice staying hydrated, drinking water, and being as comfortable as possible!
A dog’s loss of appetite in the latest days of life is normal and may be an indication that it’s time to say goodbye.
Did you know that there are now canine hospice options? Chat with your veterinarian for referrals and advice. They can help guide you towards making sure that your elderly dog is drinking water and staying hydrated before you have to make any other end-of-life decisions.
How do I make my Great Dane eat more?
In most cases, you don’t actually need your Great Dane to eat more!
Many people are alarmed to see how ‘thin’ their Great Dane is. The truth here is that a little rib showing is normal and desired. Very few dogs are actually underweight, and very few dogs actually need to eat more.
The written breed standard for Great Danes in all Countries, including Europe and the U.S. defines them as being an athletic breed, never stocky.
For truly underweight dogs that need more nutrition, medical attention is needed first to rule out underlying causes such as disease, parasites, cancer, or congenital deformities such as megaesophagus.
Great Dane puppies in particular can be very lean and lanky as they grow. They will fill out once they are more mature, usually between 2 and 3 years of age.
Here is an image of three Great Dane dogs. One is underweight and malnourished. One is at a perfectly healthy weight. The third is overweight.
An Underweight Great Dane
A Healthy Weight Great Dane
An Overweight Great Dane
A malnourished, underweight dog will lack vibrancy and won’t have much energy. Many ‘thin’ dogs that are labeled as ‘underweight’ have shiny coats, muscle tone and lots of energy! Those dogs need to be left as-is.
Adding weight to a Great Dane is hard on the joints and can shorten the life span by 2 years, on average. For giant breed dogs that tend to have short lifespans in the first place, that is devastating.
If you think your dog is underweight and needs to eat more, talk to your vet first! Most people are so used to seeing ‘fat’ dogs that they don’t know what an appropriate waistline is on a dog.
A lot of ‘thin’ dogs can actually use some muscle building as well. Muscle and activity will nearly always come with an increased appetite, as the added nutrients are needed to build muscle.
We highly recommend that all Great Danes are off-leash trained and have the opportunity to move, explore, run and play freely without physical restraints such as harnesses, head collars, prong collars, or long leashes.
These natural activities help them build muscle and can improve balance, strength, and motor coordination. For off-leash training, modern E-Collars cannot be beat. We have tons of resources on this topic here.
When should I worry about my dog not eating?
If your dog is acting lethargic, it’s time to worry.
A dog that has no energy, dull eyes or that is weak needs medical assistance.
Muscle wasting is a problem for dogs that have begun to lose weight due to a too-low intake of food. Without the nutrition or fat reserves needed for survival, muscle tone will diminish.
Some dogs may be coming from rescue situations where severe neglect led them down this path.
A veterinarian can advise on the best course of action for food intake, water intake, and nutrition in dogs that are severely underweight. A new food will typically be advised, as there are certain dry dog food formulas that have more of the kind of nutrition a dog like this will need to rebuild their strength.
Some healthy dogs may eat less and begin to lose weight. This can be concerning to dog owners, especially when it’s clear that the dog’s appetite has changed or been reduced.
Many dogs are actually overweight, and a heavy dog not eating as much of their normal food may actually be a good thing. For those dogs, they may appear to look ‘too thin’ because their new body condition looks different, but it doesn’t mean that you need to be alarmed.
Always chat with your veterinarian to rule out health problems, including cancer, diabetes, thyroid issues, and heart problems if your dog’s appetite seems unusually different.
Is it normal for a dog to not finish their food?
It is very normal for a dog to not finish its food! If your dog won’t eat the entire bowl, consider that it could just be a matter of ‘too much’.
Think about how this applies in the wild. A dog is naturally inclined to not overeat because instinctually dogs know how much nutrition their body actually needs.
In most cases, we recommend trusting your dog here. If your Great Dane is eating but doesn’t finish their food, they are probably full and don’t need anymore!
Many people worry about food because they are concerned about bloat. They want their dog to eat on a schedule so that they can strictly monitor meal and rest times.
There are definitely much bigger things to be concerned about when it comes to bloat risk and minimizing the chance that your dog experiences it.
Genetics, gut health, and poor temperaments are key factors. For more information on bloat in Great Danes and how it relates to nutrition, read our Great Dane Bloat articles below.
If your dog has no aggression, food-scarfing, hoarding, training, or temperament issues it’s actually fine to allow your dog to graze on the food they leave in the bowl. As a matter of fact, frequent, smaller meals are correlated with a DECREASE in bloat risk!
If your dog is overweight, obese, frantic, aggressive, frustrated, or needs a lot of training, however, this is not recommended. For those dogs, 2-3 scheduled meals per day, served in a low-stress environment for just 15-20 minutes is ideal.
Monitoring your dog’s body condition is extremely important, and avoiding food scarfing, fights over food, and frustrating behaviors at the bowl is part of being an educated, dedicated Great Dane owner.
You know your dog best!
The case of too many treats
Many dogs are full and uninterested in food because they are getting too many treats!
Treats may be coming from cute puppy eyes at the treat jar, table scraps, bones, chews, table surfing, and yes, even your treat bag during training.
If you are working on training your Great Dane, try mixing some of your dog’s dry food ration for the day into your treat bag.
Use food as a reward so your dog receives correct, balanced nutrition and gains confidence doing a job well done.
Not only will this make their food more enticing because they have to ‘work for it’, but the variation of treats between high value (such as Ziwi Peak) and their kibble will work to make your dog that much more interested in working for the good stuff.
Every time they get a higher-value treat, it’s like hitting the jackpot!
Freeze-dried meats and organs (small amounts, don’t overdo it)
Cheerios
A trail mix made up of hotdogs, dry food, Ziwi peak, blueberries, and freeze-dried chicken
When your dog is eating dry food as a reward during training, you will find that your dog starts to really enjoy their meals! By nature, dogs want to ‘work’ and that includes hunting, searching, sniffing, sitting, and doing tricks.
As a matter of fact, a lot of behavior problems in Great Danes including destruction, chewing, separation anxiety, anxiety, lunging, barking, and pulling like a freight train are directly related to, get this, frustration and BOREDOM!
When we ask our dogs to work for their dry food, we are providing them with enrichment and mental games that will help them thrive.
Does your dog turn its nose up at kibble when used as a training treat? Make it a little more ‘enticing’ by spraying it with bone broth or warm water and as above, mixing it up with higher value treats.
PRO TIP: If you use hot dogs, the kibble will naturally become more appealing because the hot dogs will ‘scent’ the kibble in the treat bag!
If your dog likes to eat treats but not their normal food, you can also ‘trick’ them into thinking their dry food is a treat by using it as a filler for fun puzzle toys such as the West Paw Topple.
We believe Great Danes should have fun with their food, and that a dog’s appetite is often linked to how hard it was for them to get that food.
Sometimes it really is a matter of making a dog eat through the use of brain games and puzzles.
If your dog is not ok when you leave the house, you can actually use their meals, canned food, and dry food to your advantage!
We recommend creating a mixture of kibble, wet food, rehydrated Olewo carrots and a few high-value tidbits such as Dr. Harvey’s freeze-dried treats or Ziwi Peak.
Take this mush and stuff it into a Dane-sized West Paw Wobbler and stick it in the freezer!
Offer this frozen treat to your dog while they are in another room and confined away from you. Practice this daily, so your dog learns that you being in a different room and out of sight is ok!
They will enjoy the wet food as they work to get it out of the stuffed toy, and with practice, they will begin to have positive associations when you are away. You can make this puzzle even more enticing with the addition of canned food, something that many dogs love.
Separation anxiety is unhealthy for Great Danes and can increase their risk of experiencing bloat. Anxiety and stress have strong ties to bloat occurring!
It’s important to take steps to work on it, but it does take time and patience. If your dog won’t eat or work on the puzzle toy during these short practice sessions, lower the criteria. Leave for only 10 seconds, then 45, and so on.
The more time your dog can spend having a positive, no-stress experience with you out of site, the better.
What to give my dog if she is not eating?
The last thing you want to do is to bribe your Great Dane into eating.
A healthy, normal dog will not allow itself to starve to death! Decreased appetite in dogs happens for many reasons and many times the reason is both simple and benign.
It’s important to rule out medical reasons for reduced appetite in dogs such as parasites, pain, foreign objects or cancer, however!
If your Great Dane is not eating because of illness, your veterinarian may be able to offer an appetite stimulant in addition to treatment that will get your pup well again.
Canned food is highly palatable and many dogs experiencing a loss of appetite associated with illness will benefit from it.
Sick dogs need extra support: in this case, your veterinarian will advise you on an appropriate diet for your dog while healing. Dehydration is one of the biggest dangers for dogs that are not eating or drinking water.
You can encourage your Great Dane to drink water by adding a little bone broth or Nulo hydrator to make it more palatable. (Have you ever had a cold where water just didn’t taste good but you could chug orange juice? This happens in dogs, too!).
Cottage cheese, boiled bland chicken and rice, bone-broth, commercially available re-hydrators (such as NULO), hand-feeding, canned food, or a prescription liquid diet may be advised.
However, if you’ve determined that your dog is healthy, there are things you can do to encourage eating that will also benefit overall health!
We recommend the following options as toppers for kibble:
Rehydrated Olewo Carrots
This is the best remedy for loose stools and tummy upset! Not only that, but the added fiber may help reduce bloat risk.
For an adult Dane, measure 2 TBSP of dehydrated pellets and rehydrate in warm water before serving. You can use this mixture as stuffing for food puzzles or toys or as a mix-in or topper for kibble.
Dr. Harvey’s
Dr. Harvey’s food mixes contain dehydrated whole food ingredients such as oats, carrots, spinach, and blueberries. There are several options to choose from and dogs LOVE them!
Rehydrate a scoop with water and serve on top of your dog’s kibble as a way to encourage and entice eating. Remember to keep toppers, especially unbalanced ones to less than 10% of the diet.
Egg – any style!
It’s ok to occasionally offer eggs to your Great Dane. Raw is fine! Most dogs also love receiving a whole shell-on hardboiled egg that they have to open themselves. Scrambled eggs, poached eggs or sunny side up are fine as well, just make sure they are cool before serving.
We recommend offering no more than 1-2 eggs per week to Great Danes, unless part of a fully balanced and appropriately formulated raw diet.
Canned Food
Dogs love canned food. We recommend introducing canned food toppers slowly and using the same brand and formula as your kibble.
For example, an excellent pairing is Purina Pro Plan Large Breed paired with Purina Pro Plan Large Breed canned wet food.
(Note, most wet dog food is not recommended for growing Great Dane puppies, as it may not be formulated correctly for growth, only maintenance.
Always check the label! If you offer canned food to your Great Dane puppy, do so in moderation or look for an appropriate, science-backed formula that is appropriate for the growth of large breed dogs).
What if my dog won’t eat and is acting strange?
If your dog is acting strange, has had a loss of appetite, and seems unwilling to eat, it may be experiencing a medical emergency.
A Great Dane that is acting strange may be stumbling, pacing, foaming, crying, whining, shaking, hiding or unable or unwilling to get up. A dog won’t eat if they are in distress.
BLOAT in Great Danes is life-threatening and unfortunately common. If you see any of the following symptoms, it is imperative that you seek emergency care. This is true EVEN IF your Great Dane has had its stomach tacked!
Attempting to vomit
Pacing, whining, crying, and acting distressed
Distended abdomen
Foaming at the mouth
Excessive drool
Looking at the stomach area
Collapse
A dog may also act strange if they have ingested toxins or poisons, gotten into a fight with other dogs (internal injuries), or if they are in pain and have other symptoms such as shaking, coughing, excessive panting, or seizures.
It’s always worth getting checked out and not ever assuming that your dog’s decreased appetite is related simply to food.
Liver disease, kidney disease, dental disease, and even heart disease can be ‘silent’ before they are deadly.
Some dog owners find it helpful to keep a journal or notebook that documents health from week to week and year to year. This practice will be insanely helpful to your veterinarian, too!
If you notice a decreased appetite in your dog who is otherwise acting normal, start documenting their daily intake of food, treats and water.
You can also take note of body condition, activity levels, and any unusual gain or loss of appetite.
Are you having a problem with a dog not eating, but still unsure if you are doing the right thing or not? We always recommend seeking veterinary care when you aren’t sure about what is going on with your dog.
Do you live with someone in particular who gives some Great Dane farts that can clear a room? Well, so do many Great Dane owners and we’re about to show you!
If you’re looking for a good laugh, then you’ve come to the right place! This blog post is all about Great Dane farts – the funniest collection of photos and videos on the internet.
These dogs are absolutely hilarious, and their farts will have you rolling on the floor with laughter.
We’ve gathered some of the best content from around the web, so be sure to check it out! You won’t regret it!
Great Dane Farts: Why Do Large Dog Breeds Fart So Much?
Well, its not just your giant dog that farts. Other dogs fart pretty much all the time too. Farting is just apart of having pets.
Large dogs might seem like they fart more than small dogs, because, well, their farts are just ‘big dog’ sized. Smaller dogs eat less food and probably have less farting.
You chose the giant dog life, it did not choose you. But admit it- your Great Dane is a perfect match for you even if they give your human family members a run for their money in the farting competition.
So, let’s ‘cut the crap’ and check out some good natured but bad smelling, intense farting Great Danes.
Roland the Farting Great Dane: Greek God or Smelly Cow
Check out this stinky guy… I mean gentle soul.
Roland is the self-proclaimed ‘Farting Great Dane’, and he has been from a young age as just a wee little Great Dane.
He shares his daily dose of Great Dane farting content, just for your enjoyment. Could your Great Dane compete with Roland?
I really hope his family has pet insurance on that dog and an insurance policy on the Glade Plug-In while they’re at it.
Well, hey, at least he is an adorable dog. I expect no less of Great Danes and their farts by looking at Roland’s sheer size. You have truly set the standard way too high for Great Danes, bud.
Anyways, moving on! Next dog-
Ellie the Great Dane is Good Natured with a SIGNIFICANT Amount of Gas
Oh Ellie, what an adorable Great Dane you are.
I’m sure you’re commonly referred to as honey, puppy, cutie or angel by your family. But today, we’re calling you ‘Stinky Dog’.
It appears that Ellie’s massive size has made her think that the cardboard box is actually puppy food. That’ll do it to the good old tum-tum. Let’s try some regular puppy food next time, Ellie.
Big dogs, I tell ya. Big, crazy, giant dogs who we fall in love with and then smell, all the time.
Mack: The Great Dane Who Knows How to Make Anyone Irish Exit
Oh Mack, you’re just the type to make a family fall in love with large breeds. A typical sweet dog who represents the Great Dane breed perfectly.
Great Danes are known for being gentle giants, they said.
Until your extremely people-oriented, adult Great Dane wants to snuggle on your lap as close to your face as possible and let out a loud one, Mack said.
Is that Great Dane breed to a T or what?
Nailed it, Mack!
Lauryn Does Not Understand that Willow is a Family Member who Expresses her Love by Farting
Willow is just an adorable Great Dane puppy who’s eager to see new sights, work hard in training, and get all the pets she can… oh, and did I mention fart in her sister Lauryns bed?
Dogs DO express love in form of fart. Willow told us so.
It’s just that Willow is a dog, and Lauryn has no idea what the heck this little gentle giant is trying to say.
Lauryn, honey, you’re in a Great Dane family. You have a Great Dane puppy. You can’t teach obedience training for farts- dogs really do not understand that.
Check back in about 20 years to see Lauryn as a Scooby Doo collector with a few of her own Great Danes- I’ll put money on it!
Sorry Lauryn, once a Great Dane lover- always a Great Dane lover.
Not really a breed that has an ‘opt out’ button!
Dog Farts so Loud He Scares Himself
To be fair, farting is actually pretty healthy for dogs. Especially Great Danes. But this dude takes it to the next level of dog farting.
Pupper dog says ‘nope not today’ to the life threatening condition called bloat.
‘I’ll prevent bloat myself, one good farting sit at a time.”
Nice battle against natural health issues buddy- get rid of that gas and be the grand danois you were meant to be!
Did you know that dogs with deep chests like Great Danes are prone to a condition called bloat and torsion? Bloat happens when a dogs stomach fills up with air.
Then, torsion happens, which is when the dogs stomach twists, often cutting off important supply to the dogs organs. When a dog farts, it releases air from its stomach, ultimately being a healthy sign of a normal stomach. If you’re looking for more information about dogs and bloat- check it out here:
Did you know that larger breeds of dogs are more prone to health problems that might lead them to having early arthritis or hip dysplasia? Generally speaking, you should be very careful with your dog’s joints if you own a Great Dane as the breed as a whole can be prone to joint disease.
We’ve got you covered with any information you may need about bone cancer, hip dysplasia, arthritis, pet insurance, pre existing conditions and more. Just click here:
This Great Dane named Enzo is half human. He even has a hat to prove it.
But what we do know is that he farts like a Great Dane. With that type of fart, the breed cannot be mistaken.
Enzo, you may be trying to get past us- but we can see right through the scheme. We know you’re a mean, fartin’ Great Dane machine.
Warning: the food you feed your dog is likely contributing to the levels of gas that they have.
If you notice your dog farting excessively, burping more than a few times a day, licking their lips, or acting like they have ‘acid reflux’, you should reexamine their gut health. We have some foods that we love for the Great Dane breed we will share below:
Great Dane is Scared of Dog Owners Fart
Well, this is embarrassing.
My owner is broken.
I’m looking for a new home.
I’m hoping my new home has friendly dogs, will take me for a long walk once a day, give me really good food, oh and puppies! I love puppies- please take me to a new home with a few puppies, or at least one puppy. Did I mention I am a Great Dane and VERY nice to other pets?
Whatever you do, please get me out of here- I’m currently a dog being held hostage with an owner who is letting extremely scary farts.
The Fun Stuff- The Truth About Great Danes and Farts
Now that we’ve gotten through some hilarious dogs and their farts, lets discuss a few important things that Great Dane owners should know about their dogs and farts.
The Food You Feed Will Impact Great Danes Digestion
First and foremost, the food you feed your dog plays a vital role in the level of gas that they pass. If you are feeding your Great Dane low quality food, chances are they will have more stomach issues and subsequently- more farts.
We Feed Raw provides complete mixes in a variety of proteins including Beef, Venison and Turkey.
Medication Can Cause the Breed to Have Gas
Additionally, if your Great Dane is taking any type of medication or supplement, this could also be causing them to fart more than usual. If you are concerned about the amount your dog is farting, we recommend discussing this with your veterinarian.
How to Stop Great Danes from Farting
There are a few things you can do at home to help reduce the level of gas your Great Dane produces:
Add probiotics and supplements to their diet- probiotics are live bacteria and yeasts that are good for your dog’s digestion. The ‘Runs Be Done’ supplement by Dr. Harveys is a great tool to keep in the toolbox for Great Danes with belly aches. Linked here for 10% off:
Feed them smaller meals more often throughout the day instead of one large meal. Reducing the size of meal for Great Danes helps with the amount of air they swallow while eating.
Exercise them regularly- this will help with their overall digestion as well as getting your Great Dane out for a walk or run will help them expel any gas build up.
Limit their intake of high fat foods- giving your dog or puppy table scraps like bacon, sausage, or fatty meats can lead to an upset stomach and more flatulence.
Add some raw food into their diet. A raw diet for dogs is full of enzymes that aid in their digestion. Here are a few of our favorite raw toppers:
Great Dane Puppies and Constant Farting
Great Danes do fart quite often, as shown above. Your puppy is likely adjusting to a new food, working on building up a puppy immune system or teething. All of these things can cause an increase in gassiness for your Great Dane puppy.
If you notice your puppy has extra farts, try to look in their mouth to see if they lost a tooth. You might find it interesting that when your puppy loses a tooth, it generally farts more that day. The reason for this is most of the time when a puppy loses a tooth, it swallows it.
Since teeth are made of so much calcium, swallowing a puppy tooth can give them more gas. It is totally normal for puppy Great Danes to swallow their baby teeth- so don’t panic!
E Collar Training Guide
Are you interested in training your Great Dane puppy? We offer an e collar course for large breed dogs (and any other dog breed) which can help you take your Great Dane from unreliable to manageable.
We fully understand that the Great Dane breed can be a challenge and we support the use of ethical e collar training.
Need help with modern e collar training? Check out our guide.
In Conclusion
We hope you enjoyed this lighthearted blog post about Great Danes, the breed, and their farts. Be sure to share with other dog lovers so they can get a good laugh too! And remember, the next time your Great Dane lets one rip- it’s just a sign that this breed was made just for you!
Do you have a funny story or video of your own dog farting? We would love to see the breed with all the farts possible. Join our Facebook page to let your Great Dane shine.
JOIN OUR COMMUNITY
Do you like modern positive+balanced off-leash dog training, science-based information, life with Danes, educated ownership and chatting with other like-minded people?
How to decide on the pick of the litter when choosing puppies? There are so many puppies out there to choose from, how do you know which one is the right fit for your family? It can be tough to decide, but with a little bit of knowledge it can be a lot easier. Adding a new Great Dane pup into your family is extremely exciting but also a tad overwhelming. After you decide to start looking for the perfect Great Dane pup, you may be wondering: now what?
In this blog post, we will discuss the things you need to consider when making your decision on choosing a Great Dane puppy from a litter.
So whether you’re looking for a Great dane, (Or other dog breeds like Labrador Retrievers or Golden Retrievers), read on for some tips on how to pick a puppy from an experienced breeder and most of all- make sure it’s the RIGHT Great Dane puppy!
Pick of the Litter When Choosing Puppies: So You Want The Perfect Puppy!
It makes sense. When looking for a new family member, everybody wants to make sure that they have the ‘best puppy’. But what exactly does it mean to have the best dog?
Is it an independent pup, a relaxed pup, a shy puppy? Great Dane owners are SO eager to bring their puppy home, that sometimes they forget to really consider what is the ‘right puppy’ for them.
I think for most people, the main priority is a HEALTHY puppy! But, when falling in love with a new puppy, dog owners often do have high hopes for more than just their new puppies health. (which is completely valid!)
So yes, above all, you want your Great Dane to be a healthy pup. But, when looking for a new puppy, you should evaluate exactly what it is that would make this new pup the ‘right pup’.
Let’s examine some common things that new Great Dane parents might look for. But before we jump in, it’s important to discuss ethical breeding and litter choosing. Bear with me!
Sometimes a Reputable Breeder Will Choose the Right Puppy for You
If you’re looking for a new dog, you might be considering going to a reputable breeder of Great Danes.
But did you know that sometimes a reputable breeder will choose the right dog for you? With a breed like Great Danes who quickly turn into massive adult dogs, it is SO important that a family is equipped with the tools to handle their puppy, even as it grows.
A good breeder will often temperament test their pups to help identify which puppy from a litter will be the best fit for each family. Sometimes, an individual puppy might work for most families but clash with another particular family.
For example, the very high-strung / energetic pup from the litter might do best with a family to match that pup’s personality. Controversially, that puppy’s personality may clash with another family who lives a more quiet and laid back lifestyle.
And while it’s certainly possible to find a good breeder who will let you pick your puppy from a litter, it’s also possible that the best breeder for you is one who will choose the right dog for your family.
It can be difficult for you not to be able to pick a puppy yourself, but sometimes it is best to admit that a responsible breeder does know their puppies best. Who knows, the perfect pup for you might just be the one who was meant to be and ultimately work out better for you in the long run.
Pick a Puppy from Rescue Groups
Rescuing a Great Dane pup can have many pros and be VERY rewarding, but it doesn’t come without cons.
When adopting a puppy from a rescue, you are often not given the chance to meet the parents of your new pup. This can make it difficult to know what traits your puppy might have inherited.
Additionally, puppies in rescues are often not as socialized as those who come from breeders or professional dog-rearing facilities. It is possible that you might adopt a perfectly healthy puppy who soon becomes an older dog with extreme socialization issues.
Lastly, health issues are usually very difficult to determine when adopting a dog- whether it be a puppy OR adult dog from a shelter or rescue. The reason for this is that often, the dog’s prior health history is unknown.
This means that any health problems the dog might have could go undetected until they suddenly surface later on in life. A rescue could clear a puppy from a litter ‘a healthy perfect puppy’ and soon after bringing your puppy home you could notice it needs major medical treatment.
All of this is not to say that adopting a puppy from a rescue is a bad idea. We are very supportive of ethical adoption! But it is important to be aware of some of the cons and identify an ethical rescue who is willing to take responsibility for appropriate health screening of their dogs PRIOR to rescuing them out.
My Family Wants a Relaxed Great Dane Puppy
So, you’ve decided to pick a Great Dane puppy from a litter! First of all, congratulations . You’ve done your research and you’re well on your way to becoming a great pup-parent.
Now, it’s time to think about what kind of Great Dane puppy would be best for your family. If you’re looking for a more relaxed dog, there are a few things to keep in mind when choosing from a litter.
It Might Not Happen: Your Great Dane Puppy Might Be Wild
First, you might not get a relaxed Great Dane puppy. Ask yourself if you do not end up getting the calm, sweet, shy pup that you want, is that okay with you? Are you and your family going to be able to adjust and live with a pup that is active and eager to learn / run / exercise?
Just like humans, as puppies the dog could be a relaxed pup but as it ages, it could develop energy and need an abundance of exercise.
As a responsible puppy and soon to be dog owner, you need to be prepared for an energetic dog, even if you want a relaxed one.
Speak with Your Breeder
Your breeder will be able to discuss which puppy is most suitable for a laid-back, calm lifestyle. (If they are helping you pick a puppy and a responsible, ethical and breeder).
Choosing the right Great Dane puppy for your family will be a joint effort between you, your breeder, and of course some good old fashioned fate!
The most important thing is that you do your research, ask lots of questions, and find a responsible breeder who is committed to helping you find the best possible pup for your you.
I Want To Bring Home Litter Mates
Litter mates is a term that means two or more puppies who were born in the same litter and are close in age.
There are pros and cons to taking home two puppies at once, but if you’re set on it there are a few things you should know before making your decision.
Custom velvet collar, bowtie and leash set. Make your own here.
Puppies Are A lot Of Work: Especially 2 Puppies At Once
No matter how you look at it, puppies are a lot of work. They need to be fed, watered, walked, played with and potty trained.
If you’re thinking about adding two pups to your family, you need to make sure that you’re prepared for the extra work of having not one, but two dogs.
Sometimes Bringing Home Littermates Can Create Issues
Sometimes, bringing home two puppies from the same litter can create issues later on down the road. The pups might have a strong bond with each other and not be as attached to you and your family.
Of course, this isn’t always the case and sometimes it works out perfectly- but it’s something to keep in mind when making the choice to add two dogs to your family at once.
If you’re going to bring home two puppies, you need to be prepared to train them both at the same time.
This means having twice the patience, and being twice as consistent with your commands and rules.
It’s not impossible to successfully train two puppies at once- but it is a big commitment.
Not only that, but it is recommended when bringing home littermates that they are trained separately from one another, to avoid littermate syndrome and develop independence.
Your Pups Might Differ in Personality and Interests
Each and every puppy is very unique! When looking at two pups, you may get one from a litter that is very dominant, and one who is a shy pup.
Of course, this is just an example and there are endless possibilities when it comes to pup personalities.
The point is, even if they come from the same litter- two puppies can be very different from one another.
This could, or could not, become a problem. If one puppy is indeed a shy pup and turns into a shy adult, the other more dominant one could take advantage and require more of your time.
I Can’t Decide on a Female Dog or Male Dog
When thinking about whether to get a female or male dog, there are a few things you need to take into consideration.
Size Differences
Size, activity level, and temperament can all vary greatly between male dogs and female dogs of the same breed.
Female Great Danes are usually on the smaller side (comparatively), while males are usually larger.
This doesn’t mean that every female dog will be small or every male dog will be large- but it’s something to keep in mind when making your decision.
Temperament Differences
There can also be temperament differences between male and female dogs.
Some people suggest that females are often a bit more “independent” and “protective”, while males are often considered to be more “easy going” and “go-with-the-flow”. These assumptions are, however, highly based on both nature AND nurture.
The Bottom Line
The most important thing is that you find a pup that is the right fit for you, your family, and your lifestyle- regardless of whether it’s a male or female dog.
Take your time, do your research and ask lots of questions to make sure you’re making the best decision for both you and your new Great Dane so that everyone involved can find success.
Should I Get a Puppy at a Pet Store?
Choosing a puppy at a pet-store is a very irresponsible decision. Most pet-shops source their pups from puppy mills, which are dangerous / unsanitary / unethical hoarders of little puppies that advertise available pups as ‘healthy and available’.
Usually puppy mills advertise their pups on websites with great design and beautiful photos that look clean and well-cared for, but this is not always the case.
When you purchase a pup from a store front, you are unknowingly (or hopefully now you know) supporting these puppy mills and their terrible practices.
Additionally, pet store pups often come with a number of health problems that can be expensive to treat.
These health problems are most likely not some that you can see while you look at that adorable little puppy and its shiny coat or sweet little tongue in the cage at the mall.
But I’m ‘SAVING’ the Puppy
Of course, we always have the heroes who think that by getting a puppy from a shop that they are saving this pup. And, technically, YES, you are saving that ONE PUPPY.
But, what about the rest of the litter who was left behind in deplorable conditions? What about the mother dog who wasn’t able to come and get sold to a loving home because its still needed to breed more dogs- for profit?
What about the father of that pup who is also likely being used as a breeding machine in a puppy mill, with little to no regard for his health or wellbeing?
When you get a puppy from a pet store, you are lining the pockets of these people, equipping them to produce litter after litter, ultimately putting other dogs into critical situations that they simply cannot get out of.
I am Afraid That Puppy Won’t Like My Other Animals
If you have more dogs in the house and are worried about how a new puppy will affect them, don’t be! Being cautiously aware, but not nervous, is the correct mindset to be at.
In most cases, puppies and adult dogs get along famously. The key to success is to introduce the puppy to your dogs gradually and under supervision so that everyone has time to adjust.
What Does Socialization Mean?
Puppy socialization means exposing your new puppy to as many different people, animals, and environments as possible in a positive way so that they can learn how to interact with the world around them.
Socialization is the way that puppies interact with the world. It DOES NOT mean that they should visit dog parks daily or be exposed to daycare facilities that do not guide them in appropriate behavior.
Practicing negative behavior will only lead to the development of negative habits.
For more information about how to balance play with other pups and include puppy based socialization, you will be interested in our guide:
Start play is important for all puppies, but Great Danes especially need early socialization because they are such a large breed.
Help: I Got My First Puppy and I’m Drowning in Work
If you’ve just gotten your first puppy and are starting to realize that you’re in over your head, it’s okay!
We’ve all been there. Every new pet owner needs a little help getting started.
Find a Few Pups You Trust
The first step is to find a few owners of well behaved dogs or puppies that you trust. If you’re not sure where to start, ask your veterinarian for recommendations or look for local dog training clubs.
If you have friends with well-behaved dogs, ask if their owners would be willing to help you out.
This is important so that your dog CAN interact with other puppies in a responsible way. Allow your puppy to start playing with them, and monitor the behavior between the crew so that they can all have positive learning experiences.
Get Some Training Tips
Once you’ve assembled a group of pups you’re comfortable with, it’s time to start working on some basic obedience training.
This will help your puppy learn how to behave around other dogs as well as people.
There are plenty of resources available to help you get started, including books, videos, and online courses.
Make a few purchases like treats and a long leash to get them used to wearing a leash. Treats should be used in a fun, loving way to help build self esteem and get your puppy’s attention.
Crate training is an important part of obedience training for puppies.
Not only does it help with housebreaking, but it also provides your puppy with a safe place to go when they’re feeling overwhelmed or need a break from play.
Start by introducing your puppy to their crate in a positive way. Put their food in the crate and let them eat in there.
Once they’re comfortable with that, you can start closing the door for short periods of time while they’re inside. gradually increase the amount of time they spend in the crate until they’re able to stay in there for several hours at a time.
Here is a compilation of our favorite crates for your pup:
In conclusion, choosing a new Great Dane is a very challenging task.
Be responsible when choosing a breeder, and be prepared for the challenges of housebreaking and obedience training.
But most importantly, have fun! Your new puppy is sure to bring you years of happiness. Thanks for reading!
JOIN OUR COMMUNITY
Do you like modern positive+balanced off-leash dog training, science-based information, life with Danes, educated ownership and chatting with other like-minded people?
Potty training a Great Dane is no easy feat. These dogs are big and powerful, and they can be quite stubborn when it comes to learning new things. In this blog post, we will discuss some tips and tricks that will make the process easier for both you and your dog. With a little patience and perseverance, you will be able to get your Great Dane potty trained in no time!
Potty Training a Great Dane is a LOT of Work!
Potty training a puppy is something that requires a lot of work – and it’s even more challenging when that puppy has a lot of clumsy energy and is on the go! Your Great Dane puppy is likely eager to learn, but very new to the world!
Great Danes are large dogs, and they have a lot of energy. This means that they need to go potty frequently – which can make potty training a real challenge.
However, there are some things you can do to make the process a little bit easier. First, make sure to take your puppy out often – at least every few hours. Second, be consistent with your commands and rewards. And third, be patient! It will take some time for your puppy to be fully house-trained, but eventually he’ll get the hang of it.
Let’s jump in to some foundations of how to potty train your new puppy.
Large Breed Pups and Bathroom Breaks
When it comes to potty training a large breed puppy, there are a few key things to keep in mind.
First, it is essential to create a designated potty area for your dog, such as a small patch of grass or another outdoor space. This helps with successful potty training by creating a clear distinction between potty time and playtime, making it easier for the puppy to understand when it’s time to go.
In addition, know that your new puppy may quickly seem older than they actually are. Large breed puppies grow quickly, even as a young puppy.
Their size does not correlate with their age! As a good rule of thumb, your puppy should be able to take potty breaks every hour up until about the age they are in months. For example, if your pup is 8 weeks (2 months), they will likely only be able to hold it for 2 hours.
Finally, it is important to remember that most dogs take longer than pet parents expect of their new pet when it comes to house training, so be sure to remain patient and consistent throughout the process.
Potty Accidents and the Potty Training Process
It is absolutely inevitable that your pup is going to go to the bathroom where they are not supposed to. A puppy has no idea what it means to control their bowel movements or their pee, so it is going to happen. And that’s okay! Part of the potty training process is learning from your mistakes.
Every Dog Will Have Accidents
If your puppy has an accident, the best thing you can do is to remain calm and clean up the mess immediately. Do not scold your puppy or punish them in any way – this will only make them afraid of peeing or pooping, and with a young puppy, this can cause issues even when they become fully potty trained.
Your Puppy NEEDS Positivity!
Use positive reinforcement to congratulate your puppy when they go to the bathroom in the right spot. Take more frequent trips and potty breaks than you ever knew possible! Provide a tasty treat and small play session after their potty break. Here are some of our favorite and long lasting tasty treats for your Great Dane to reward them.
All dogs will have accidents just like human babies. Practice patience and know that even though it may seem like a big deal, puppy potty training does not last forever.
Potty Pads Create Confusion
Potty pads are marketed as an easy solution for potty training puppies. However, many puppy owners find that potty pads actually create more accidents when potty training their pups.
This is because puppies often mistake potty pads for their crate or the off-limits area in their house. Puppies have a very hard time knowing where to go to the bathroom when the option is a potty pad or designated potty area INSIDE the house.
Your Dog Might Think They are Peeing in the Right Spot
As a result, they may start to associate the pads with the wrong spot to pee. In other words, a potty pad actually just shows your puppy that they can pee in the wrong place- INSIDE!
Eliminate As Much Confusion During Potty Training
Like mentioned earlier, puppy pads can be very confusing for puppies. They may not understand that the pads are only for peeing and may start to potty anywhere in the house. For these reasons, puppy pads are not always the best option for potty training puppies. Crate training or other methods may be more effective.
Keep it Simple For Your Puppy
Instead, simplify things for your puppy or dog and work to create a routine to take your puppy outside often so that they can find their potty spot and take a potty break. Once they eliminate outside, don’t forget: TREATS!
There is no particular reason that female puppies tend to get potty trained faster than male puppies. However, when learning to potty train, female puppies generally are more focused and interested in learning.
Whereas, male puppies learning to potty train are more aloof and ‘happy-go-lucky’. So, sometimes it can take a male puppy a little bit longer to get fully potty trained. However, no matter what gender, most dogs will pick up on potty training quickly with positive reinforcement and a consistent schedule.
Frequent Trips are Crucial for Your Puppy
In the early days of potty training, it’s important to take your puppy out frequently so that he can get used to eliminating in the right place. This may mean several trips outside during the day, but it will pay off in the long run and you will learn to love these special bonding times with your puppy. Just remember- soon your puppy will be a grown dog.
One day you will look back on these times and wish you could have just one more day with your puppy- even if it means repetitive trips outside!
Gear up with a TON of high quality treats, get your pup motivated- and you both will succeed. Here are some of our favorites. Be prepared for ‘gross’- they are made from crickets!
Chippin’ Cricket Treats are known for being a powerful food topper for digestion- and dogs LOVE them!
Just be sure to praise your puppy when he eliminates in the right place so that he knows he’s doing something good. And if your puppy has an accident inside, never punish him – just clean up the mess and try again next time.
Is House Training and Crate Training Correlated?
Many people wonder if crate training and potty training are correlated. Some sources claim that crate training can help to make it a breeze to house train, while others insist that crate training actually hinders success with house training.
In my experience, however, I have found that crate training is key to a successful potty training experience.
What is crate training?
Crate training is the process of training your puppy to feel comfortable and happy in their crate.
This may seem like an impossible task, but with a little patience and consistency, most puppies will eventually come to love their crate.
Crate training has many benefits – not only does it help with house training, but it also provides your puppy with a safe place to sleep and relax. Keep in mind that dogs are den animals. Many puppies actually end up LOVING their crate and having their own bed and their own space.
Every Dog Owner Has to Decide Whether or Not To Crate Train Their Puppy or Dog
At the end of the day, whether you choose to crate train your dog or not is up to you. But if you want reliable results when it comes to potty training your furry friend, you may want to consider investing in a high quality crate for your puppy. You might be surprised that your puppy loves it all the way until they become an adult dog.
Using Dog Treats for Puppy Potty Training
If you’re a puppy parent, you know the joys and challenges that come with potty training as well as how FAST things can change from a peaceful pup to one that has to pee- and now!
One minute your puppy is cuddling with you on the couch, and the next minute they’re peeing on your carpet.
But don’t worry, there are some things you can do to make the potty training process easier for both you and your puppy- one being a whole lot of treats! Here’s some of our favs that you can actually purchase a set and make at your house!
Interested in making your own homemade treats? Coopers Treats offers kits to make your own baked treats and pupcicles.
One of the most important things is to use positive reinforcement. Every time your puppy goes potty in the right place, give them a treat or praise them. This will help them to associate going potty with something positive. We also love these Himalayan Chews, as they are long-lasting and safe.
Although you cannot change around your entire house during the time you potty train your puppy, you can certainly make small changes to help your dog learn right from wrong faster.
Baby Gates
You should puppy proof your home by putting baby gates up and keeping toys and food out of reach. This way, your puppy won’t be tempted to have an accident in the house. Keep your puppy off of carpet and primarily on hardwood floor with thin, washable runners while they are learning to potty train.
That way, if your puppy pees, it is easy to pick up the rug and throw it into the wash.
The reason you don’t want to eliminate the rugs altogether while you potty train is due to slippery floors being somewhat dangerous for your puppy and dog’s joints.
Read more about knuckling and how slippery floors can play a role here:
IS YOUR GREAT DANE PUPPY KNUCKLING?
Check out our science-based and constantly always growing knuckling resource page.
There is a lot of debate over whether feeding schedules impact potty training in puppies. Some experts claim that feeding at regular intervals encourages puppies to go to the bathroom at specific times as well, making it easier for them to learn the appropriate times and places to do their business.
Others suggest that feeding regular meals just encourages puppies to hold their bladder for longer periods of time, which can result in accidents and confusion for the puppy during the potty training process.
Feeding Meals at the Same Time Every Day
Some early studies indicate that feeding meals at roughly the same time each day may be beneficial, but more research is needed in order to confirm this hypothesis.
As a puppy owner, I believe that it is important that you be consistent with feeding your pup and also encourage them to go outside on a regular basis so that they can practice good bathroom habits. Providing small, frequent meals for your puppy can be one way to help encourage them to use the bathroom often!
Do Not Withhold Water
Never withhold water while you are working to potty train your puppy, but it is probably smart to not feed your puppy or adult dog late at night, especially if they are having accidents through the night.
And remember: be patient, stay positive, and don’t get discouraged if it takes your puppy longer than expected to pick up these important skills or if your puppy eliminates in the house!
Click here to read our blog regarding the best puppy food for your Great Dane.
What Does It Mean if Older Dogs Are Having Accidents?
If you have an adult dog that is having issues with urinating or pooping in the house you should ask yourself a few questions:
Is my dog extremely anxious?
Has anything changed with my feeding schedule?
Is this a new behavior?
Is my dog experiencing any other signs or symptoms?
If the answer to questions 3 or 4 are yes, you should speak with a licensed veterinarian regarding your dog. An adult dog should not be having ‘random’ or unexplained bathroom issues in the house, and there is most likely a medical explanation.
How long do Great Danes live? Well, this sweetie named Harleigh is 10 and thriving! Read more here!
Sometimes adult dogs will have bathroom issues in the house when they get extremely anxious. Anxiety or separation anxiety is a plague that impacts many dogs and puppies. Sometimes, dogs will urinate or poop as a means to express their emotions. Other dogs might demonstrate their anxiety by barking, smacking their lips, tucking their tail or destroying things in the house.
Anxiety can be managed with CBD, crate training, or socialization. Be sure to check out all three resources we have for those topics here:
If your older dog is demonstrating any new behaviors that are not typical for them, especially related to their bowels or urine, you should speak with your vet. Great Danes do not have tiny bladders and should be able to hold their feces and urine for quite some times (as an adult dog), so ruling out any medical issues is important.
Does My Puppy Need Potty Breaks While I Am At Work?
Dog owners wonder if their young puppies needs to take a potty break while they are at work.
The answer is- YES – Your puppy definitely needs to have breaks while you are at work or gone throughout the day. A puppy pees about the same amount of months they are. (2 months = 2 hours).
Photo Credit to Chelsea & Harleigh at @mixedwithout
This does not remain true past about 7 or 8 hours, however. So, if your puppy is about nine months, they should not be required to hold their pee for 9 hours. The max amount of time a dog or puppy should be asked to hold their pee or poop is about 7-8 hours (and this is for an adult dog).
But, as your puppy grows, they will be able to hold their pee for longer.
While you are teaching your puppy to potty train, it can be frustrating to have to either return home to let your dog outside or hire someone to come walk them. However, it does not last forever and soon your puppy will be completely out of the potty training stage.
Can I Potty Train with Pee Pads While I am at Work?
We recommend not being tempted to use pee pads to potty train while you are away at work. As stated earlier, a potty pad will confuse your puppy. Also, it could end up that your dog is resting or laying in its own urine or feces while you are away.
Ultimately, we want our dogs to stay safe and sanitary as well as learn to the best of their advantage using positive reinforcement and encouragement.
In Conclusion
In conclusion, the hardest part about potty training a Great Dane is probably the time commitment and effort required on your part as their owner. But, with these tips and tricks you will be able to successfully potty train your dog in no time! Just remember to stay patient and consistent throughout the process. Good luck!
Do you have any other tips or tricks for potty training your pup? Let us know!
JOIN OUR COMMUNITY
Do you like modern positive+balanced off-leash dog training, science-based information, life with Danes, educated ownership and chatting with other like-minded people?
There is a big debate going on in the world of big dogs. People are very confused about whether they should feed their Great Dane puppy food or adult food! Large breed dogs such as Great Danes need specific nutrition that is designed for their explosive growth, size, and needs. I’m going to clear this up today with a research-backed discussion, so you know what to feed YOUR big puppy!
In the world of Great Danes, there is a lot of misinformation about nutrition. Everybody has an opinion.
It used to be said that you should always feed a Great Dane puppy an ‘adult’ kibble.
The truth? A dog’s diet should change depending on its life stage!
Spoiler alert: Science has allowed dog food manufacturers to change and update their formulations. This means that finally, large-breed puppy formulas are now ideal for Great Dane puppies!
So today we are talking about the importance of large-breed puppy food for Great Dane puppies.
We are going to discuss the difference between puppy formula and adult dog food. We will also talk about what type of diet is best for large-breed adult dogs and Great Dane puppies!
BEST DOG FOOD PUPPY LARGE BREED FOR GREAT DANES
Large breed puppies such as Great Danes are prone to a number of growth disorders that can be caused or worsened by an incorrect diet.
Knuckling is a common developmental orthopedic disease that causes the puppy’s legs to ‘bow out. Other growth disorders include panosteitis, HOD, and hip or elbow dysplasia.
Choosing the right large breed dog food for a Great Dane puppy is extremely important. Smaller breeds don’t have the same requirements, so if you are new to Great Danes it’s time to research!
We believe that puppy foods are ideal for growing Great Dane puppies! Many large breed puppy foods are formulated with the growth of large dogs in mind and are appropriate for their brain, eye, joint, bone, and muscle development.
Important note: Dog food manufacturers consider Great Danes to be ‘large breed’ dogs. We know they are ‘gentle giants’, but for the purposes of science, let’s stick with ‘large’!
The most important factor to consider when choosing pet food for a large breed (such as a Great Dane) is the calcium and phosphorus ratios.
Calcium should be at or below 1.4%
Phosphorus should be slightly below calcium.
An example of an ideal calcium-phosphorus ratio to see on a bag of large breed dog foods is:
Calcium (Ca) (Min) 1.1%
Phosphorus (P) (Min) 0.9%
A properly balanced diet for large breed dogs will have a high-quality protein source (including meat and meat meals), omega fatty acids, probiotics, and balanced fat and carbohydrates to keep your puppy at a healthy weight.
NOTE:
Food with perfect calcium/phosphorus ratios can still cause growth problems!
The correct balance of amino acids, protein, carbs, fat, and vitamins is extremely important, too.
The special nutritional needs of Great Dane puppies have been addressed by dog food companies that have dedicated a lot of time, money, and effort to testing, research, and formulations.
In other words, the advice of ‘no puppy food ever’ for Great Dane puppies is now considered dated and inaccurate, especially when you are considering science-backed kibbles such as Purina Pro Plan that are heavily researched and tested.
Pet owners are not necessarily experts in nutrition, so it’s helpful to know that the dog food company you choose is extremely thoughtful, thorough, researched, up-to-date and diligent with your dog’s health.
We recommend choosing a large breed puppy dog food that is formulated by a board-certified Veterinary Nutritionist, from a company that has invested heavily in canine nutrition and health research.
Ideally, the kibble you choose is also clean with quality ingredients from known sources.
The dog food you choose for your Great Dane puppy should have one of the following AAFCO nutritional adequacy statements on the label.
These statements will help you make a more educated choice about the actual balance and nutrition behind the large breed formulas being compared.
Some minor variations in these statements are normal. Click any button on the left to see the AAFCO statement associated with each option for your Great Dane puppy.
IDEAL: Animal feeding tests using AAFCO procedures substantiate that [THIS FORMULA] provides complete and balanced nutrition for all life stages, including growth of large sized dogs (70 lb. or more as an adult).
MODERATELY ACCEPTABLE: [THIS FORMULA] is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for growth of puppies and maintenance of adult dogs, including growth of large sized dogs (70 lb or more as an adult).
NOT ACCEPTABLE: [THIS FORMULA] is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for maintenance of adult dogs.
QUESTIONABLE: [THIS FORMULA] is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for all life stages.
The following foods meet our guidelines for growing Great Dane puppies:
IS YOUR GREAT DANE PUPPY KNUCKLING?
Check out our science-based and constantly growing knuckling resource page.
BENEFITS OF LARGE BREED PUPPY DOG FOOD FOR GREAT DANE PUPPIES
Large breed dogs require specific nutrition that they will not get from small breed dog food.
A good quality diet for a Great Dane puppy will have been specifically formulated with large breeds in mind.
Healthy bones, healthy joints, healthy skin, and reducing the risk of growth disorders such as hip dysplasia and knuckling are just some of the considerations put into puppy kibble formulation.
Nutrition + research for large breed dog food
Puppy formulas from companies that are actively researching big dog nutrition and growth are most likely to have the correct balance of nutrients, proteins, fats, carbs, calcium, phosphorus, and amino acids for Great Dane puppies.
What do veterinarians say about large breeds + nutrition?
The veterinary community agrees! Large breed puppy dog foods are the best choice for growing giant breeds.
Food formulated for Great Dane puppies has a slightly higher protein level and a more appropriate balance of fat and carbs than adult dog food. Not to mention the correct ratios of vitamin d, fatty acids, amino acids and probiotics.
WHEN SHOULD A PUPPY TRANSITION TO AN ADULT FORMULA?
When deciding what age to transition your big dogs’ diet from a puppy to adult formula, keep in mind that large breeds don’t reach maturity until they are around 18-24 months of age.
While small breed dogs become adults much faster, large breeds are slow to mature and require a lot of time, excellent nutrition, and slow growth to reach peak health as an adult.
Large breed dog food for puppies is formulated to promote slow and healthy growth in big dogs.
Age ranges + food formulas
A scientifically formulated canine diet will actually indicate the recommended age range for their foods. If the food company you have chosen understands their product, they can also tell you (through customer service).
For example, Purina Pro Plan Large Breed food for puppies is food formulated to be fed to large breeds for the first 2 years of life! Other formulas are different and the nutrition is based on breed size and age.
Fish oils, probiotics and the correct balance of nutrition slow down the growth rate and contribute to energy levels, bone development and healthy skin.
These things matter a lot to a big dog, especially before large breeds fully mature! If you are surprised by all of this, keep in mind that small breed dogs mature so much faster, and that’s ok!
Do not rush or force the growth of your puppy. Having the ‘biggest dog’ can mean having the unhealthiest dog!
WHAT IS THE BEST FOOD FOR GIANT BREED DOGS?
When looking for a large breed food, make sure that meat or meat meals are listed in the first ingredients. Probiotics and omega fatty acids are also important.
You may notice ‘vitamin d’, riboflavin, biotin, and other important nutrients added as well. These necessary vitamins and minerals contribute to a balanced diet, although they may make the ingredient list look long!
A dog food (puppy large breed) that is ideal for your growing Great Dane will typically say ‘Large Breed Puppy Food’ on the label.
In some brands, a comparable large breed food for adult dogs may be acceptable (in lieu of a puppy formula). Talk to your veterinarian and read the AAFCO statement on the label before making a purchase.
A senior dog may benefit from a transition to senior dog foods, which will be labeled accordingly and may offer additional support for the kidneys, heart, joints, energy levels, and weight.
If you have a small breed dog in your house, we recommend feeding a comparable small breed dog food if possible.
Small breeds, like giants, have unique nutritional needs, and taking advantage of modern advances in science and nutrition is better for everybody!
DO LARGE BREED DOGS HAVE TO EAT LARGE BREED FOOD?
Large breed adult dogs can technically be fed any ‘all-life stages’ food however they greatly benefit from large breed food that is formulated specifically for them.
A pet’s health is often tied to their nutrition, so choosing the right pet food formula matters. A large breed dog needs more joint support than a small breed dog, and large breed dog food offers the correct balance of nutrients and supplements for their orthopedic needs.
Adult Great Dane health problems
A dog’s risk of developing arthritis increases as they age. Many Great Danes also gain weight once they have been spayed or neutered. Keeping your Great Dane at a healthy weight is a key element in increasing their lifespan and reducing their risk of painful joint problems!
These are just some of the reasons why choosing a large breed dog formula for the correct life stage (puppy vs. adult) is so important: the correct formulation for each life stage will help maintain appropriate growth, overall weight and joint health.
Unfortunately, not all dog food brands are created equal, and it can be difficult to know which one is best for your pet.
The nutritional needs of a Great Dane puppy are different than the needs of an adult. It is so important to choose an appropriate, large breed, science-backed food formulated by credentialed professionals!
Here are some great adult options for your Great Dane, once maturity is reached:
WHAT FOOD DO GREAT DANE BREEDERS USE?
The American Kennel Club supports breeders and recommends that dog owners speak with their veterinarian when choosing a food for their large and giant breed dogs.
Some breeders will recommend ‘Life’s Abundance’. You can read our blog post here on why we don’t consider this an appropriate, safe, ethical, or quality food.
The majority of breeders with the top show dogs in the world feed and recommend Purina Pro Plan formulas. Contrary to popular belief, Purina is not a low-quality food. It’s highly tested, extensively researched, and formulated by veterinary nutritionists.
While ‘sweet potatoes’ and ‘whole grain brown rice’ may sound healthy, the truth is that they are both carbs which may throw the nutrition and balance off!
Kidney disease, heart disease, allergies, weight gain or weight loss are just some of the problems with feeding a poorly balanced or incorrectly formulated food. This is especially true for senior dogs who need as much support as possible to maintain robust health.
We believe that this is why it is so important to not make purchase decisions just on the ingredients list of the food.
Dog food labels can be exceptionally confusing to dog owners. When you are in the pet stores searching for adult food or a puppy formula for your Great Dane, it’s helpful to have a basic understanding of dog food ingredients and analysis.
However, it’s also important to recognize that as a dog owner, you likely aren’t a nutritionist with a veterinary degree and advanced certifications (and probably don’t know anybody who is, either). Sales reps and staff at dog food stores generally lack reputable knowledge and education about nutrition as well.
Reading the ingredients and analysis label can only give you a tiny picture of the information needed to make a decision about which large breed food to choose for your Great Dane!
Look at science, then look at marketing
Look beyond the marketing of the brand. The claims of ‘robust health’, ‘human grade ingredients’, ‘no recalls’ and ‘all natural’ are all there to make you buy the food.
This list below from the WSAVA is a helpful guideline for choosing dog food!
You’d be surprised how many pet food brands do NOT meet these guidelines, despite being marketed as ‘high quality’, ‘natural’, and ‘family owned’.
(This information is helpful for owners of small breeds, too!)
Treat training pouches for training your Great Dane!
THE BEST LARGE BREED DOG FOOD FOR ADULT GREAT DANES
Unlike large breed puppies, an adult large breed dog is not growing and has different nutritional and support needs.
Adult formulas in general tend to be a lower calorie food with different vitamins, minerals and slightly different protein-fat-carb-fatty acids balance.
We recommend choosing large breed kibbles that, as above, are scientifically formulated and backed.
Your dog’s diet should be complete and fully balanced for their life stage. Keep toppers to a minimum (10% of less of the overall intake) to avoid creating picky dogs or causing your dog foods to become unbalanced.
Natural dog food for Great Danes
If you are looking for a more ‘natural’ option for your large breed puppies or adult dogs, Just Food For Dogs makes an excellent topper. Fiber and fresh foods can also help reduce the risk that your large breed dog will develop bloat!
A well balanced raw meat diet may also be appropriate for large breed dogs.
This option is worth looking into for dog owners that are willing to do diligent research and have the time and freezer space for it.
Large breed dogs that suffer from allergies and intolerances may thrive on a balanced raw diet; talk to your veterinarian!
IMPORTANT FDA ALERT ABOUT GRAIN-FREE KIBBLE AND HEART DISEASE IN GREAT DANES
FDA officials are investigating possible links to diets for dog heart diseases. DCM is a devastating and often silent disease that many large breed dogs, including Great Danes are prone too.
It is believed that poorly formulated and untested foods may be a contributing factor in dogs developing this heart condition, which often presents as sudden death before any symptoms are seen.
Suspect dog food ingredients
Some suspect ingredients in lower quality, untested large and giant breed kibbles include peas, lentils, potatoes, sweet potatoes, and garbanzo beans. When choosing your dog’s food, these ingredients are worth noting and asking a veterinarian about.
Dog nutrition can be complicated, especially when manufacturers must put as much nutrition as possible into a user-friendly baked and extruded kibble product!
DACVN & The Credentialed Veterinary Nutritionist
For information about veterinary nutritionists and the advanced degrees and certifications available to veterinarians to advance their knowledge of food and formulations, check out these links below:
American College of Veterinary Nutrition: www.acvn.org
Companies that do not have a board-certified veterinary nutritionist employed to formulate their large breed dog food kibbles are treading in dangerous water. Regardless of your stance on the grain-free vs. DCM debate, that’s an important take-away for anybody trying to choose a healthy kibble diet for their big dog or smaller dogs, too!
Please visit this link if you want more information and to find out if your pet’s food is putting them at risk.
Looking for more information on how much to feed a Great Dane puppy? Is free feeding or scheduled feeding a better choice?
Read our famous ‘Ultimate Great Dane Feeding Chart’ post and learn more about choosing a kibble, how much to feed, raw meat diets, home-cooked diets, and more.
Age
Timing
Amount
Puppies under 12 weeks
3x/day
2-4 cups/day
Puppies 12-24 weeks old
3x/day
3-6 cups/day
Puppies 24 + weeks (6 months) or older
2x/day
5-10 cups/day
Puppies 12-18 months
2x/day
6-12 cups/day
Adults 18+ Months
2x/day
4-8 cups/day
These values are averages. Your pet may need more or less. Always talk to your veterinarian and use the manufacturer’s feeding chart as a guideline.
JOIN OUR COMMUNITY
Do you like modern positive+balanced off-leash dog training, science-based information, life with Danes, educated ownership and chatting with other like-minded people?
