Have you recently added a Great Dane puppy to your home?
Congratulations! It’s an exciting time, but also slightly overwhelming. Especially if you are a first-time dog owner.
To help you prepare, we put together this guide, breaking down the most important points to consider when caring for a Great Dane puppy.
Are Great Danes High Maintenance?
The Great Dane breed is relatively low maintenance. Don’t let their big size fool you!
This breed isn’t a high-energy breed. While your puppy will still need regular exercise, he will thrive on 30 minutes to an hour, twice a day.
For grooming, the Great Dane’s needs are minimal.
They are smooth coated. You don’t have to worry about the tangles and mats that many other dogs face. But, your puppy will need regular bathing.
Plan on bathing your Great Dane puppy at least once every 6 to 8 weeks. But, it can be as frequent as once a week if needed.
Your puppy will also need regular nail trims, ear cleaning, and dental care.
What is the Best Food for a Great Dane Puppy?
Due to their large signs, the food that you feed your Great Dane is an important consideration.
You should choose a high-quality puppy food that will support your puppy’s growth. They should continue to eat this puppy food until they are fully grown, between 18 and 24 months old.
The best food for a Great Dane puppy will contain at least 22% protein, although this could go up to 30%.
How Much Do You Feed a Great Dane Puppy?
After you have chosen the food, it’s time to decide how much you should feed your puppy.
Too much food (and treats) can cause unwanted weight gain, contributing to obesity. This puts your puppy at risk of many health concerns including diabetes, heart disease, and arthritis.
Take some time to read the recommended feeding guidelines on the packaging of the food you choose.
These recommendations are often given as a range. This means that the best meal size for your dog may take some trial and error.
If you have a puppy that is more active, start higher on that range. But, if your dog is more laid-back, you may want to stick to the lower end of the recommended amount.
After you start feeding your puppy, pay attention to his growth, weight, and body condition.
Do you notice your puppy gaining weight too quickly? Cut back on the amount of food.
Is your puppy not growing fast enough or appearing too thin? Increase the meals slightly, watch for any changes, and reevaluate in a couple of weeks.
Are Great Danes Hard to Potty Train?
Great Danes are highly intelligent dogs, which means that they are easy to train – even as puppies!
This means that potty training should be successful if you approach it correctly. To do this, you will need to commit to being consistent in your efforts.
Restrict the space that your puppy has access to in the beginning. You can do this with crate training or by using a baby gate.
In your puppy’s space, be sure to include a comfortable dog bed or blanket for sleeping.
Instinctively, a dog doesn’t want to go to the bathroom in the same place that they are sleeping. This will help to prevent accidents.
Set a schedule with frequent potty breaks including after meals, playtime, and naps. Make sure to praise and reward your puppy each time they go to the bathroom outside.
