MaKoda

I think charges should have been laid....against the drunken idiot for abusing the dog!!!!! Very happy to hear the dog wasnt punished for the idots wrong doings, of course any animal will bite if you try to do a stupid act like that... including a human.

Not just large dogs It tends to be the smaller ones that have the attitude problems & owners that encourage the bad behaviour. I think it people should have to apply for a permit to own a dog & agree with compulsory training.

I am with Bozleys_Angel... Great Danes are the cutest pups

We have it for our 2 Danes, we're with ProSure Pet Insurance & pay $37 p/mth for the first Dane & $33 p/mth for the second (10% discount for 2 or more pets). Ours has no excess on claims & covers 80% of the bill, although you do have to pay the vet account up front & ProSure then reimburse you. It is wise to get it when your pets are young, coz any previous or pre-existing aliments 'will not' be covered under the policy. Do your research though, there are lots of options out there.

I just saw that news article on Yahoo News How disgusting !! "The way this employee describes it, it's a massacre absolutely, a criminal code offence. These dogs were killed in front of the other dogs that were all tethered up." The man's personal injury lawyer Cory Steinberg told news radio station CKNW, "It wasn't always a clean, one-shot kill. Inevitably he ended up seeing and having to put the end to some horrific scenes." The incident took place at Howling Dog Tours in Whistler, British Columbia." Shut them down for good !! How on earth could anyone do that, the employee should have refused to do it.. no sympathy for him. RIP beautiful dogs.

Unfortunately I live in this City/Shire. It is pronouce Cohburn, as mentioned :rolleyes: I agree entirely with this, my thoughts exactly !! I want to know what the boy did? He had to of got close or did something, even showing fear could provoke an anxious dog. Temps havent been too hot here:

I need a good one SOR, in Southern River somewhere.. one that knows & undertsand all the needs associated with a Great Dane. I havent had much luck so far. I liked the service & support I received at Morley Vet Center when I had Mako castrated. I went there soley to see a female vet who owns a Dane but it was a 45mins drive (one way) from where I live.

Happy Birthday Kuges Huge congrats on making 16 big fella.. you are truly a special boy Wonderful news HFB

Hi everyone I am a West Aussie.. well waaaaay up north tho, Broome to be exact. I have 2 Great danes, Mako who is a black male & turns 3 on the 11th Dec & Koda who is a merle female who is 9mths old. We dont have shows or any of that fun doggie stuff up here Although we'll be moving to Perth in Feb-March 2010 so I will finally get the chance to get out & see some.

And so it should - in either direction. My small dogs have been victimised in the local off leash park by larger dogs. The owner turned to me and said 'oh they're just playing'. Crap. I dont care what size a dog is - they're either well behaved or the owner is at fault. If one of my small dogs acted the same he'd be taken straight home and sin binned. Its just unfortunate that IME all small dogs get away with this. The sentence you quoted was also refering to mine ALWAYS being on a leash when this happens to me !! ABSOLUTELY !! That last sentence hit the nail on the head for those small dog owners that dont understand the consquences of their dogs actions. These actions & altercations from small breeds cause long term effects on our large dogs. Who says they're not allowed to react? They shouldn't have to tolerate aggression from any dog. However, when was the last time you saw a large breed dog confronted by another dog that weighed more than 10 times what it did? No dog should be forced to defend itself but the frequency that larger breeds feel the need to may be less than for small dogs. I personally believe that if every dog owner took responsibity for the control and safety of their dogs, we'd have a lot fewer of the "small dog vs big dog" threads we see here. They're all dogs and sometimes people need to remember that. I think PF has hit the nail on the head. Sometimes a simple thing like a playful wayward paw from a big dog can really hurt a small dog. Big dog owners (and small dog owners too) quite often can't understand this, and the fact that 'he's just playing' doesn't really make any difference. However, it is up tot he small dog owner to protect their dog from situations like this too, which is why my dog only plays with dogs I know, because he already has fear issues mainly resulting from being hurt by big dogs playing with him (thank you puppy school). That said I do think small dogs get away with a lot more and I don't necessarily think they should. All dogs should have manners. I bet the % or number of experiences of small dogs rushing/being agressive to large dogs is far greater than the other way. I have always owned large breeds & this is always a major problem, in fact the only problem with owning them. Not silly enough to let their small dogs tangle with a staffy? You are blessed. In my neighbourhood they are quite happy to let their small dogs leap to bite the faces of two adult sighthounds weighing 45 kg and 36 kgs respectively. They must assume my guys are gentle giants who will take all and any crap without retaliating, but they too are just dogs, and have their limits. I won't be aplogising if they get pushed past them. Wow yes you are lucky, for my Malamute every incident/attack was from a Staffy. His first was at 8mths when we were down the beach & a female Staffy latched onto his throat for no reason, in fact she dragged 2 toddlers several metres (who were holding her on a rope) just to get to him... Nice "effective control" of your dog on their part hey.

Well said !! I have Great Danes & used to have an Alaskan Malamute. Unfortunately we have to leash our Danes when other dogs are in close proximity (simply to protect them) because for my Mally & now my male Dane, every encouter with a smaller dog has resulted in it snarling & latching on to them. My Mally became very aggressive due this (which I hated because I tried everything in my power to prevent it), eventually the slightest growl or snarl put my Mally on the defensive & he was ready to brawl. As mentioned above, the sad thing is my male Dane has now been the victim of several unruly incidents with smaller dogs also & I am worried he will become the same, although he doesnt have the fighter instinct like my Mally did so I guess I am more concerned for his welfare. My biggest pet hate is dog owners that see ours on leads & they do nothing to secure theirs but instead let them run up to ours & circle them If a large breed acted the same as a small breed it would be seriously frowned upon & deemed dangerous. The number of times I have stressed to small dog owners to secure their dogs & get them away from mine is insane... I get so sick of it that I now say say "imagine if I let mine go??"

Definitely wouldn't hesitate kicking an attacking dog after trying other options (yelling & stomping etc). We live in a light industrial area & there are always open yards with dogs roaming, I tried to teach my 6mth old Dane some leash work going around the block & had a scruffy mutt coming barking & charging out at us.. it was snapping at her heels before I knew it, I turned round & roared at it with a deep tone & stomped the ground right in front of its face. Its this shit (that constantly happens this in this pathetic town) that pisses me off & makes my dogs defensive or aggressive to other dogs & I hate it !!

Haha I didnt read all the replies but I did read your opening post. I loved puppy time, but yes it is very exhausting. In my eyes as someone who hasnt had a child it is very much like having one.. but easier !! I would have a puppy anyday but I am certainly not keen to have a child. My OH has done hardly anything with the puppy duties so that gives me an indicator of what he would be like with a real child

Oh the tears are flowing.. RIP Cassie What a beautiful tribute to a very loved friend & family member.

What a lovely & oh so teary opening I am truly sorry for the loss of your special babies, Cujo & Memphis. May their memories live on in your heart always. My heart & thoughts are with you all at this tradgic time. :D Cujo you big beautiful boy.. RIP baby keep little Memphis company & watch over your family forever.

I am so sorry for the tradgic loss of baby Memphis. Run free little man go play with Cujo & watch over your family. My heart & thoughts are with you all

RIP beautiful Bella So sorry for your loss, what a horrible state to see your baby in I had a similar experience with my girl Senna, although not with the fits. She had lost control of her bowels, was comatised & in a state of very laboured breathing with a temp of 42.5 degrees. Vets supspected snake bite & or heat stroke. We also had to make the call to have her pts due the the very low % of her recovering & if she did she would have brain or other bodily damage. Hugs to you, your ex & I hope his face is alright. Please gives Boss bigs cuddles from me, I've heard it said that dogs dont mourn coz its a human emotion but I believe they do, I experienced it !! Wazzat Xolo what an absolutely lovely poem

1. What is my relationship with the breed? (ie breeder, first time owner etc) Owner of 2 Great Danes (had a 3rd but she died) 2. Where and why was the breed first developed? http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_Dane 4. What is the average lifespan? 7-10 years, some breeders are lucky enough to get slightly more 5. What is the general temperament/personality? Extremely unique.. very loving, loyal & affectionate. They love cuddles, they even think they are lap dogs at times. Mine have always loved human company over other dogs although they definitely need a freind/playmate with them when left alone. Great guard dogs just by sheer size & bark, although they are also protective of their loved ones. Males are more sooky & one-on-one where as females have a lot more spunk & are much more adventurous. They are indoor dogs, they always need to be near you or at least see you !! 6. How much daily exercise is needed for the average adult? Mine dont get huge amounts as we live on a large block. It is important not to excersise Danes too much esp while growing, at least till about 18-24mths. Mine get the basic walks for training/leash work & a trip to the beach once a week (on weekends) for a run, play & frolic in the water. Watch out & stand well clear when they do "zoomies". 7. Is it a breed that a first time dog owner could easily cope with? Yes & No.. You need to be fully aware of what you are getting into. They are very big which also means big expenses (vets, food etc) but they are the most amazing companions I have ever come across. A dane will touch your heart for life & there is never a dull moment. 8. Can solo dogs of this breed easily occupy themselves for long periods? Not in my experience, they need a companion otherwise they become a nuisance &/or can be very destructive. 9. How much grooming is required? Very little, a good comb & a bath every now & then is sufficient. They dont get that doggie smell, I mainly bath mine after the beach or simply to get the white's clean after being red from digging holes. 10. Is it too boisterous for very small children or for infirm people (unless the dog is well trained)? Training is a must.. especially beacuse of their size as an adult. If you dont want them to do something when 65+kgs then you definitely need to enforce that from the beginning (as a puppy). Danes are much better with small children if they have been fortunate enough to have grown up with them. Many say when interacted like this the Dane takes on a protector role of your children. If they arent socialised with children (like mine) then they get very excited at the site of a "mini-human". 11. Are there any common hereditary problems a puppy buyer should be aware of? Yes.. Do lots of research: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_Dane __________________________________________ My boy is 2.5 yrs now & has only just reached maturity.. although mentaly I still dont know about that

I love zoomies.. I have 2 great danes but fortunately they dont do them inside, as other have said playtime is outside & inside is quite time. The most action I let happen inside is a roll around on the mat chewing on each others ears & jowls etc. Ours are the same after a trip to the beach, we get home bath them & then its zoomies around the yard & they're dirty again

Haha.. I call them broggies. Mako does them at any moment (always outside tho) & you have to stay clear. Koda does them after dinner (which involves me trying to calm her down) or straight after a shower & towel down with me (yes, fortunately its a big roman bath style shower.. she loves them).

Haha.. Classic

I hope we get a result from the sample coz then at least we can know what we are dealing with. Ok.. no more rice, pumpkin it is (well get some on teh way home). Umm stupid question, I dont eat pumpkin so how do I cook it please?? I will stick with Bonnie until her stools are stable, she is enjoying it thoroughly. Thanks heaps, I have lots of notes & possible illnesses/issues to raise with the vet when they call. Oh I forgot, where can I get Lomatil from please ??

Faecal sample retrieved at 3am this morning & dropped off at the vets at 8am. I definiately want a result of some sort, however in the meantime I will transistion over to Bonnie Working Dog & rice. I would rather try to leave out the raw meat until I have answers. What ever the case she certainly hasnt lost her appetite, she is/has always been happy, playful & very boistorus... but we do want her better & asap. Haha.. Danois arent they aways large stools !!

Me.. I am just making a transition to Bonnie Working Dog while we wait for the vet's faecal results. I will certainly be watching for any changes in coat etc but I need to stop Koda's tummy problems as a priority. I went back to this as it was one of the breeders choices, I wondering if the Advance was too strong for her. We'll know in a few more days hopefully.

My girl is 3 months old too. Not sure about the peeing inside, little Koda can hold on all night now.. it was just a matter of being very consistant. I take her to the toilet before bed, sometimes I wake during the night & if she stirs I take her out again & then first thing in the morning. Every time they wake up = straight outside, after food = straight outisde, after a cuddle or play = straight outside. You must stand & wait with them, otherwise you dont know if the deed was done. Is he peeing in or around the same places?? If so are you cleaning up the pee with disinfectant or something simliar in order to cover/remove the smell?? As for the teething, replace the hand with a chew toy at the time. If a toy isnt nearby I simply say "no" in a firm voice & she stops straight away.. again repetition & consistency. Chewing is how pups play with siblings, that is what he is doing with you also. Siblings yelp if play gets rough & they know to back off, this is another option however "no" is easier. The joys of puppies.. I love em See this thread also: http://www.dolforums.com.au/index.php?showtopic=166477