Dog Community

The Dane is the house!

Posted : 12/15/2006 2:47:07 PM

I just brought home the 9 month old Dane pup I had been interested in for a few weeks. The first meeting fell through, as another couple had taken her, first dibs. Then I got a call a few days ago that she was back as she was just "too big". So, I went to meet her and really fell in love. She really isn't that big for a Dane, and she is beautiful. But wow, does she have ENERGY!!! I thought I would be ready, this is not my first dog, but I feel almost panicy, like, what did I get myself into? She knows her sit, down and shake, but she is so wound up she rarely listens. I know it's only her first day here, I thought she would be a bit nervous, but she's having too much fun running around the joint knocking items off the shelves with that tail![

] I tried taking her for a quick walk, and she almost pulled me down anytime she saw something interesting. I have to use both hands when she's just walking normal (she pulls!!) but when she sees something she wants, I just dig my heels in and pray! I'm only 5'1 and she is taller than I when she stands on her hind legs (we have to teach her NOT to jump up on people!) Do you think a GL or halti would help? Is it normal to feel like I've gotten myself in too deep on only the first day? Good thing is, she's already housebroken and spayed. Very good with me handling any part of her body, isn't showing any kind of resource guarding, thinks shes a lap dog. How do I begin to bond with her? I'm sure she misses her owner, and I feel when she looks at me, shes thinking, Who in the heck is this lady? She is such a lover, loves to kiss and kiss (I didn't realize how much Danes drool either! lol) I promise to post some pictures of her once I figure out how, I just need somebody to tell me that this feeling of panic is normal! [

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olinda

Posted : 12/15/2006 2:51:52 PM

Congratulations on the new additon.[sm=dance.gif][sm=dance.gif][sm=dance.gif]

Don''t worry the feeling will pass. You both will go through your adjustment period, some obedience classes and when she matures, you will look back and smile. [

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Michelle

Posted : 12/15/2006 2:52:04 PM

Pause, take a look at this thread, someone else was going through what you are and there are a lot of encouraging posts and "bad first day" stories. That panic you're feeling can be normal!

http://forum.dog.com/asp/tm.asp?m=212035&mpage=1&key=𳲅

zsrg;lb ksr'pfjsoprej dfsg;va bjpskopa]

Posted : 12/15/2006 2:57:36 PM

With a lil work you'll be walkingher like a pro and be so proud of your girl! I have always been facasnated with big dogs and there is something so cute about seeing a lil woman walking a perfectly well mannered dog who happens to be twicer her size. I too am a shorty, 5'3!
Anyhoo I think a gentle lead or halti is worth a shot until she gets her training down. Most petsmarts have them on hand in the training section just to try them out around the store. Especially if you go early in the morning when its not so busy and there is sure to be a trainer there, just ask they are so nice.
I felt the same way when I got Rory. When I went to pick her out she was a tiny tiny lil red fur baby. Two weeks later when it was time to pick her up she was a rowdy ball of muscle and even though she was easily carryable she was strong! I thought "oh lord" but she's my best friend and knows not to pull my arms out of my sockets, he he!

Brianna

Posted : 12/15/2006 3:06:51 PM

Thank you guys! That thread helped a lot too! I mean, I have been researching Danes for months, believed I was completely ready to take one in. When I heard about Libby (the new Dane) the owner let me know firsthand that she is a chewer, has SA, and a lot of energy, but I have read up for years on dog training, obedience, behaviour, and been on this site long enough to know that she was just being a normal 9 month old puppy. But now that she is HERE, it's like all my knowledge is gone, I don't know what to do when she pulls on her leash, or refuses to sit when I ask, and she just made me jump out of my seat because she barked (or was that a roar?) at someone walking upstairs (I live in a fairly large apartment) I feel numb and clueless! Hopefully we will fall into place here soon, and figure out eachother and get to that point where I couldn't imagine life without her! I just think we have a ways to go.[

] Another question, I'm not fond of the name Libby, do you think I would be able to change it and get her to respond? I was thinking clicker train her to the new name, anyone ever tried that?

zsrg;lb ksr'pfjsoprej dfsg;va bjpskopa]

Posted : 12/15/2006 3:22:57 PM

I think her new start in your house could help ease some of the previous habits, nip them in the bud now, ya know? Did they say what they did to try and treat her SA? Chewing isnt a biggie, plus you seem to know a lot about doggy care! Maybe we can brain storm and think of a name that sounds close to Libby but one that you like.

Brianna

Posted : 12/15/2006 3:41:52 PM

Her previous owners did not really try anything to correct the SA. They never crate trained her, but they did keep her confined to the bathroom. Thats what I was hoping, in this new enviroment, I might be able to try and start anew with some of her bad habits (or puppy habits anyway!) I asked what she did that made them believe she had SA, and they told me she would start drooling and panting before they would leave. She also tried to eat her way out of confinement a few times! So hopefully I will be able to help her overcome this.

Brianna

Posted : 12/15/2006 3:42:48 PM

Playing with my roommates Boston Terrier, who isn't sure what to make of her yet!

Brianna

Posted : 12/15/2006 3:44:47 PM

So funny when she folds her ears up like this, she does this when she's excited...so basically she's had her ears like this all day![

] Sorry for the large pictures, still learning how to post them correctly!

zsrg;lb ksr'pfjsoprej dfsg;va bjpskopa]

Posted : 12/15/2006 3:45:20 PM

Oh she is gorgeous!!! I've always favored ther black and gray ones! Hopefully with the extra steps your going to atke that her pervious owner didnt will make her comfertable being crate trained and ok feeling left alone. I hate to say this but some peopel just have bo common sense when it comes to dogs.

Brianna

Posted : 12/15/2006 3:51:02 PM

Unfortunately, these owners should not have ever been allowed to have dogs! When I went to meet her, the wife told me that when she jumps up or barks to "go ahead and hit her good and hard, it won't hurt her because she's so big and she needs to know who is boss." She was being fed the cheapo grocery store dog food, never walked because they had a new baby and didn't have time, and they wondered why she has energy! The husband would then pat his chest inviting Libby to jump up, so what's the poor dog to think with one human hitting her when she does it, and one human asking her to jump! Libby is currently resting her head on the computer desk watching me type! It still amazes me how she can just place her big jowls right up on the kitchen counter if she feels so inclined! [

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Brianna

Posted : 12/15/2006 4:01:41 PM

Look! She's lying down!! Hoorah! [

] Although, as soon as I move, she's up immediately going "Where we goin'?? Can I go? Can I have some food?? Wanna play? Wanna go outside? Huh, huh??"

zsrg;lb ksr'pfjsoprej dfsg;va bjpskopa]

Posted : 12/15/2006 4:13:37 PM

Ooh you know what? After she is comfertable and you have her where you want obediance wise you should drop in on the previous owner for a little visit and rub it in her snooty face.......well ideally speaking he he that would be funny!
They are just SO eager to please and I think she'll recognize the improved living environment and reward you everyday! Have you seen this video yet of the jumping Dane? Its hilarious!

[linkhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DNwi6q6i6jw]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DNwi6q6i6jw[/link]

Ruth

Posted : 12/15/2006 4:22:47 PM

Congrats on your new addition! She's beautiful.

I'd try the easy walk harness before the GL or halti. Some dogs, including mine, really, really hate the head halter. If your only trouble is pulling (not aggression or spookiness) I've found the easy-walk just as effective and dogs don't seem to mind it at all.

If you do go with the GL then make sure to acclimate her to it very gradually using lots of treats to make positive associations with it.

I changed my dog's name when I adopted him and it didn't take him long at all to figure it out. At first I wanted a similar name or one that rhymed, but then I just went with my heart and I haven't regretted that at all. New house, new rules, new family, new name, he got it right away. I've even read that for abused dogs it can be a positive to change the name to something different, as the dog may associate its name with the unpleasant environment and punishment.

DPU

Posted : 12/15/2006 4:36:27 PM

Congratulations! Libby looks just like my first Great Dane of many many years ago, Pepperdine.

Sorry to tell you but Danes are always kept in TWO#%92s. You need another and I know for sure there will be another one in your home in a short time. Libby does not seem to have true SA if the previous owners kept her confined in the bathroom. A SA dog would smash the sink and the toilet and the house would be all flooded. The door and the floor would be no match for a Dane. She is being a Velcro dog and has to learn to trust that you will return after a short separation. To me, Libby is getting use to her new home and her new people. Treats, a schedule, consistent treatment, kindness, obedience training and agility training will make this pup a very happy family member. Did I mention treats. I have 3 Great Danes and two of the old girls are sisters, total opposite in personality. Drizzle is very active, excitable, and always has to see what is going on. To channel her energy and when she was about Libby#%92s age, she went through two obedience courses and then agility. It was a lot of fun for me plus it helped in our bonding and her socialization with other people and other dogs. Libby#%92s personality and behavior will change on a week by week basis. She will be a different dog one month from now. Good Luck but if she turns out too much for you, just send her my way. I have a 2 year old GD that is sooo playful and needs an active playmate.