Great Dane Care: Essential Tips & Real Owner Advice

Caring for a Great Dane requires a different approach than smaller breeds. Because of their size, sensitivity, and unique personalities, Great Dane care is not always straightforward.

With the right knowledge, consistency, and preparation, life with your gentle giant becomes far more rewarding and far less stressful. Over time, I’ve learned that small, steady habits make the biggest difference.

Whether you’re raising a playful puppy or managing the needs of an adult, successful Great Dane care begins with understanding both their physical and emotional needs.

Training Resources

What actually worked with my Danes: redirection, recall, crate training, and confidence building.

Browse training →

Feeding Recommendations

What I fed my Danes over the years and the habits that helped prevent bloat (GDV) and stomach upset.

Nutrition tips →

Great Dane Puppy Care Tips

What I learned raising multiple litters: crate habits, feeding, joints, bonding, and handling anxiety early.

Puppy care →

Why Great Dane Care Has to Be Calm

Great Danes are wonderful companions, but because they are giant dogs with very specific needs, proper Great Dane care requires intention and patience. Diet quality, feeding timing, exercise style, calm redirection, and understanding anxiety all play a major role in long-term success.

Great Danes are sensitive, gentle dogs with a talent for pulling at your heartstrings. Harsh corrections usually do more harm than good. Calm guidance, clear routines, and consistent cues go much further.

Trust is the foundation. If your dog fears you, real trust never develops. Focus on calm leadership, reward-based training, and steady routines that make everyday life smoother and safer for both of you.

Feeding

When it comes to proper Great Dane care, getting feeding routines right plays a critical role in supporting healthy digestion, preventing stomach upset, and helping reduce the risk of bloat.

Feed multiple smaller meals daily instead of one large meal.
Use slow-feeders to reduce gulping and air intake.
Avoid heavy exercise before or after eating.
Control water intake right after meals and offer smaller sips.
Monitor how fast they eat and adjust bowl type as needed.

Stainless Slow-Feeder Bowl

Designed to slow down vacuum-style eating, this stainless steel slow feeder supports better digestion and is much easier to clean than plastic alternatives.

Product Info

Stainless Steel Slow Feeder Bowl – Safer Eating, Better Digestion

Help your dog eat at a healthier pace with the Stainless Steel Slow Feeder Dog Bowl, designed to reduce gulping and support better digestion. The unique raised pattern inside the bowl encourages slower eating, helping prevent common issues like indigestion, bloating, and vomiting.

Slow Feeding Design Reduces Gulping

The flower-shaped hump design creates natural obstacles that force your dog to take smaller bites and chew more thoroughly. This helps reduce how quickly food is consumed and limits the amount of air swallowed during meals.

Durable Stainless Steel Construction

Made from food-grade stainless steel, this bowl is strong, rust-resistant, and built for long-term use. It provides a safer and more hygienic alternative to plastic bowls, helping prevent bacteria buildup and wear over time.

Heavy-Duty, Non-Slip Stability

The double-wall construction adds weight and durability, while the non-slip rubber base keeps the bowl firmly in place. This prevents sliding, tipping, and unnecessary mess during feeding.

Perfect Size for Medium to Large Dogs

With a 3-cup capacity, this bowl is ideal for medium to large breed dogs. It works well for portion-controlled feeding and helps maintain a consistent routine.

Safe for All Types of Food

Designed for versatility, this bowl can be used with dry kibble, wet food, or fresh meals. The stainless steel material is food-safe and dishwasher safe, making cleanup quick and easy.

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Anti-Gulping Water Bowl

Encourages slower, more controlled drinking, which can help reduce stomach discomfort, burping, and gas.

Product Info

Stainless Steel No-Spill Dog Water Bowl – Slow Drinking & Cleaner Floors

Keep your dog hydrated without the mess using the Stainless Steel No-Spill Dog Water Bowl, designed to control splashing and slow down drinking. With a modern stainless steel design and built-in anti-spill features, this bowl helps create a cleaner, more controlled drinking experience.

Slow Drinking Design Reduces Gulping

A self-adjusting floating disk uses the buoyancy of water to regulate how quickly your dog can drink. This helps reduce gulping, limits how much air is swallowed, and supports safer, more controlled hydration.

Spill-Proof System with Extra Protection

The floating disk design minimizes splashing, while an added waterproof silicone tray provides a second layer of protection for your floors. Together, they help eliminate puddles and keep your feeding area clean.

Durable 304 Stainless Steel Construction

Made from 304/18-8 food-grade stainless steel, this bowl is safe, durable, and resistant to rust and wear. Even the floating disk is constructed from stainless steel, ensuring long-term reliability and a hygienic drinking surface.

Large Capacity for Daily Use & Travel

With a 3-liter capacity, this bowl provides plenty of water for large dogs or multi-pet households. It also works well as a travel water bowl, helping ensure your dog stays hydrated without constant refilling.

Easy to Use & Train Your Dog

To get started, simply press the floating disk to allow water to rise and show your dog how it works. Adding a small treat on the disk can help encourage them to interact with the bowl and learn the new drinking method quickly.

Easy to Clean & Maintain

All components are dishwasher safe, making cleanup quick and simple. The durable materials and thoughtful design help maintain a clean, hygienic water source for everyday use.

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Elevated Dog Bowls (Large)

Elevated bowls can make meals more comfortable for giant breeds and help reduce some of the chaos that comes with messy eaters.

Product Info

Elevated No-Spill Dog Water Bowl – Cleaner Drinking, Less Mess

Keep your floors dry and your dog hydrated with the Elevated No-Spill Dog Water Bowl, designed to reduce splashing, slow drinking, and create a cleaner feeding area. With its elevated stand and smart anti-spill features, this bowl is ideal for medium to large dogs and messy drinkers.

Slow Drinking Design Reduces Gulping

An automatic floating plate helps regulate how quickly your dog drinks, preventing gulping and reducing the amount of air they swallow. This can help minimize choking, wet fur, and excess water intake during drinking.

No-Spill Design for Cleaner Floors

The widened bowl edge and raised border help contain splashes, while also preventing dogs from pawing or digging into the water. This keeps your feeding area cleaner and eliminates the constant puddles left behind by enthusiastic drinkers.

Adjustable Height for Growing Dogs

With two adjustable height options (8.3” and 15.4”), this raised bowl adapts as your dog grows. Elevation provides a more comfortable drinking position and can help reduce strain on joints and neck, especially for larger breeds.

Large Capacity for Fewer Refills

The 1.1-gallon (4.4L) stainless steel bowl offers plenty of water for medium to large dogs or multi-pet households. This reduces the need for constant refilling while ensuring your dog always has access to fresh water.

Durable, Safe & Easy to Clean

Made from food-grade stainless steel, the bowl is rust-resistant, dent-resistant, and dishwasher safe. The stable base includes non-slip feet to prevent sliding, keeping the bowl securely in place during use.

Built for Everyday Convenience

The stand is easy to assemble, disassemble, and transport, making it a practical option for both home use and travel. A hollow base design also provides convenient storage space for small pet accessories.

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No-Spill Dog Feeder

Not really a health tool, but very helpful for keeping giant-breed mealtimes from turning into a water park.

Product Info

Neater Feeder Raised Dog Bowl – Cleaner Feeding, Less Mess

Keep your feeding area clean and controlled with the Neater Feeder Raised Dog Bowl, a smart solution designed to contain spills and reduce mess. With a built-in system that separates food and water overflow, this feeding station helps keep your floors dry and your dog’s eating space organized.

Mess-Proof Design with Smart Drainage System

Spilled food stays contained on the top level, while excess water drains into a lower basin, preventing puddles from spreading across your floor. This two-level design helps eliminate the constant cleanup that comes with traditional dog bowls.

Elevated Feeding for Comfort & Digestion

Raised to an 8-inch feeding height, this bowl stand provides a more comfortable eating position for large dogs. Elevation can help reduce strain on the neck and joints while also supporting better digestion during mealtime.

Designed for Large Breed Dogs

Built for dogs over 40 pounds, this feeder includes a 7-cup food bowl and a 9-cup extra-capacity water bowl. Its sturdy size and design make it ideal for larger breeds that need more space and durability during feeding.

Reduces Spills, Sliding & Splashing

Splash-proof walls help contain water, while non-skid rubber feet keep the feeder in place during use. This prevents sliding, tipping, and unnecessary mess, even with enthusiastic eaters.

Easy to Clean & Dishwasher Safe

All components, including the stainless steel bowls and feeder base, are top-rack dishwasher safe. This makes cleanup simple and helps maintain a hygienic feeding environment for your dog.

Durable, Safe & Made with Quality Materials

The outer feeder is made in the USA, while the stainless steel bowls are BPA-free and lead-free for safe, everyday use. Built for durability and backed by patented design features, this feeder is made to last.

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Training

Training Great Danes is about clear communication and positive reinforcement. They want to please, but they get overwhelmed easily.

Focus on short, positive sessions.
Use redirection instead of scolding.
Teach confidence with stairs, cars, slippery floors, and new rooms.
Reward calm behaviors heavily.
Practice crate training early.
Use high-value treats only for training.

Long Training Lead

Essential for recall work. Gives your dog room to move while still letting you stay safely in control.

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Soft Training Treats

Easy to break into tiny pieces, strongly scented, and useful for frequent rewards without going overboard.

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Training Pouch

Keeps treats, bags, and tools together so rewarding good behavior is quick and consistent.

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Chew Toys

Chewing is a critical part of healthy Great Dane care. Durable, safe chew toys help redirect nervous energy, protect your furniture, and reduce stress.

Bury some toys in a dirty laundry basket for a couple days.
Let some toys pick up your scent in an old sock or hoodie.
Rotate textures to keep them interesting.
Choose toys large enough that they cannot be swallowed.
Avoid brittle chews that splinter.
Redirect to toys instead of scolding.

Feeko Rope Toys

Rope toys are great for interactive play with your Great Dane, whether it’s a game of tug or keeping multiple dogs engaged together. They help burn energy, encourage bonding, and give your dog a healthy outlet for play.However, rope toys should be used for supervised play, not as a chew toy. Some dogs will try to pull apart and swallow the fibers, which can lead to digestive issues. Always monitor playtime and remove the toy if it starts to fray or come apart.

Product Info

XL Rope Toy Set for Interactive Play & Tugging

Keep your dog active and engaged with the XL Dog Rope Toy Set, designed for large breeds and strong chewers. This 2-pack includes extra-large rope toys built for tug-of-war, interactive play, and multi-dog households.

Durable Natural Cotton Construction

Made from 100% natural cotton, these rope toys are strong, washable, and safe for everyday use. The thick woven design adds durability while still being gentle enough for regular play sessions.

Supports Dental Health

As dogs chew and play, the rope fibers can help clean between teeth, reducing buildup and supporting better oral hygiene. This makes it a simple way to add light dental support during playtime.

Perfect for Tug-of-War & Interactive Play

Designed for tugging and shared play, these ropes help strengthen your bond with your dog while giving them a healthy outlet for energy. They’re also great for multiple dogs playing together.

Important Safety Note

Rope toys are best used for supervised play, not long-term chewing. If the toy begins to fray or come apart, remove it to prevent your dog from swallowing loose fibers.

A Fun Gift for Any Dog

This rope toy set makes a great gift for birthdays, adoption anniversaries, or everyday play. It’s a simple way to keep your dog active, engaged, and entertained.

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Hedgehog No Stuffing Squeaker Toy

I think the best toys for Great Danes are the ones without Stuffing. They last longer and the dogs do not tear them apart as fast. This toy lasted a year before eventually it disappeared outside, but was easily one of their favorite toys. I ended up replacing it after the first one disappeared.

Product Info

2-in-1 Plush Dog Toy – Fun Outside, Durable Inside

Keep your dog entertained longer with the 2-in-1 Plush Squeaky Dog Toy, designed with a hidden surprise inside. Once the outer plush layer is torn open, a durable spiky ball is revealed, giving your dog a second toy to continue the fun.

No-Stuffing Design for Less Mess

This plush toy is made without stuffing, so you don’t have to deal with the usual mess when your dog gets a little too enthusiastic. The soft outer material is still engaging and satisfying for dogs who love to chew and shake their toys.

Built-In Squeaker for Engagement

A built-in squeaker helps grab your dog’s attention and keeps them mentally stimulated during play. This makes it a great option for reducing boredom and encouraging interactive play.

Hidden Spiky Ball for Extended Play

Inside the toy is a food-grade TPR rubber ball with textured spikes that encourage chewing and help support gum health. Once revealed, it provides a second phase of play, keeping your dog engaged longer.

Soft, Lightweight & Easy to Carry

The rounded, lightweight design makes this toy easy for dogs to carry, toss, and play with both indoors and outdoors. It’s also gentle on teeth and gums, making it suitable for everyday play.

Great for Reducing Boredom & Anxiety

With multiple textures, sounds, and layers, this toy helps keep dogs mentally engaged. It’s especially useful for reducing boredom and mild separation anxiety while encouraging active play.

Important Safety Note

This toy is not designed for heavy chewers. Always supervise play and replace the toy if it becomes damaged to ensure safe use.

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Nocciola Stuffing Squeaker Toys

More no stuffing squeaker toys. These are fantastic toys. I purchase these every couple months and my dogs go crazy. These are perfect for “Smells Like Success!” Honestly, I have never needed to transfer my scent to these guys. My dogs enjoy playing with these, they are light weight and get tossed around a lot. They can get the squeaker out of these guys, but they will continue to play and chew on them without the squeaker.

Product Info

Squeaky Plush Toy Set – Interactive Fun for Active Dogs

Keep your dog entertained and engaged with the Squeaky Plush Dog Toy Set, a multi-piece collection designed to stimulate play and reduce boredom. With a mix of long and short toys, this set is ideal for medium to large dogs who enjoy interactive play.

Dual Squeakers for Maximum Engagement

Each toy features squeakers in both the head and tail, along with crinkle material that mimics prey-like sounds. These features tap into your dog’s natural hunting instincts and keep them coming back for more play.

Helps Reduce Boredom & Destructive Behavior

Squeaky toys can help keep dogs occupied when you’re away, reducing anxiety and redirecting energy away from chewing on furniture, shoes, or household items. A mentally engaged dog is far less likely to create chaos at home.

Encourages Exercise & Bonding

These toys are perfect for interactive games like fetch or tug, helping your dog stay active while strengthening your bond. Regular playtime supports both physical health and mental stimulation.

Soft, Durable & Dog-Friendly Materials

Made with soft, high-quality plush materials, these toys are designed to be both engaging and safe. The durable construction helps them hold up during regular play while remaining gentle on teeth and gums.

Great Variety for Ongoing Interest

With multiple toys included, you can rotate them to keep playtime fresh and exciting. This variety helps prevent boredom and keeps your dog interested longer.

Important Safety Note

These toys are best suited for supervised play and are not intended for aggressive chewers. Replace any damaged toys to ensure safe use.

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Screaming Chicken Squeaker Toy

The squeaker on this makes me laugh every time I hear one of my dogs playing with it. This squeaker is so annoying, I send these toys to everyone I know who has a dog, and then I just giggle non-stop for 10 minutes. Boo always picks one of these guys up and begins playing with it when we are right in the middle of our show, never fails.

Product Info

Rubber Chicken Dog Toy Set – Loud, Fun & Hard to Ignore

Add some energy to playtime with the Rubber Chicken Dog Toy Set, a collection of squeaky toys designed to grab your dog’s attention and keep them engaged. With multiple chickens included, this set gives your dog plenty of options for play and entertainment.

Durable, Pet-Safe Latex Material

Made from non-toxic latex, these toys are safe for dogs while still being durable enough to handle regular play. The flexible material holds up well during chewing and interactive games.

Squeaky Sound Keeps Dogs Engaged

Each toy features a built-in squeaker that produces a loud, attention-grabbing sound. This helps stimulate your dog’s natural instincts and keeps them interested in play longer.

Bright Colors for Easy Visibility

Designed in vibrant colors, these toys are easy to spot both indoors and outdoors. Whether in the yard or around the house, you won’t have to search long to find them.

Great Size for Dogs of All Types

Large enough for bigger dogs to enjoy yet lightweight enough for smaller dogs to carry, these toys are suitable for a wide range of breeds and play styles.

Helps Reduce Boredom & Destructive Behavior

Providing engaging toys like these can help redirect energy and reduce boredom-related behaviors. Keeping your dog mentally stimulated helps protect your furniture, shoes, and anything else they might otherwise decide to “redecorate.”

Fun Variety for Ongoing Play

With multiple toys included, you can rotate them to keep playtime fresh and exciting. This makes it a great option for everyday use or as a fun gift for any dog lover.

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White Noise & Calming Sound

Devices like this can also be a simple way to create consistent white noise for your dog when you’re away. Playing soft background sounds, music, or even a familiar voice can help reduce anxiety, especially for dogs that struggle with being alone. It helps mask outside noises and creates a calmer, more predictable environment. As a bonus, you can still use it for everyday tasks, making it a practical addition to your home for both you and your dog.

Use a white noise maker to break silence.
Leave a TV or radio on when you are gone.
Use the same sound when you are home so leaving feels less dramatic.
Audiobooks can help too if your dog settles better hearing voices.

Amazon Echo Pop

The Echo Pop is a compact and affordable way to add smart features to any room. It’s perfect for playing music, setting timers, or creating white noise for your dog when you’re away. Small enough to fit anywhere, but powerful enough to make daily tasks easier, it’s a simple upgrade that quickly becomes part of your routine.

Product Info

NFL Limited-Edition Echo Pop – Smart Speaker with Team Style

Upgrade your space with the NFL Limited-Edition Echo Pop, a compact smart speaker with Alexa that delivers full, rich sound in a small design. Featuring officially licensed NFL team designs, it’s a perfect addition to any fan’s setup.

Compact Design with Powerful Sound

Small enough to fit seamlessly into bedrooms, offices, or smaller spaces, this speaker still delivers clear, high-quality audio. It’s designed to blend into your setup while still making an impact.

Official NFL Team Designs

Celebrate your favorite team with newly released designs for the current season. The included licensed NFL faceplate and sleeve give this speaker a unique look that stands out during game day and beyond.

Voice Control with Alexa

With built-in Alexa, you can control your music, check the weather, set reminders, and more using just your voice. Alexa also supports thousands of skills, helping you customize your experience based on your needs.

Stream Music & Audio Easily

Ask Alexa to play music, podcasts, or audiobooks from popular services like Amazon Music, Spotify, Apple Music, Pandora, and SiriusXM. You can also connect via Bluetooth to stream audio from your devices.

Turn Any Space into a Smart Home Hub

Control compatible smart home devices such as lights, plugs, and more using your voice or the Alexa app. It’s an easy way to add convenience and automation to your everyday routine.

Built with Privacy in Mind

Alexa only begins listening when it hears the wake word, and the light bar turns blue to indicate activation. This provides clear, visible confirmation when the device is in use.

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Amazon Echo Show 11

If you’ve never used one of these before, they can be incredibly helpful—especially in the kitchen. You can ask Alexa for recipes, cooking temperatures, conversions, or step-by-step instructions without ever touching your phone. It makes cooking easier, faster, and a lot less frustrating when your hands are full.

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Echo Show 11 – Smart Display with More Screen, More Control

Upgrade your space with the Echo Show 11, featuring a vibrant Full-HD 11” touchscreen with 60% more viewing area than previous models. Designed for performance and personalization, it combines powerful hardware with smart features to simplify your daily routine.

Immersive Display & Enhanced Audio

Enjoy your favorite shows, videos, and music with a crisp Full-HD display and room-filling spatial audio. With improved bass, clearer vocals, and a wider sound stage, this device delivers a more immersive entertainment experience.

Your Everyday Smart Assistant

From managing calendars and shopping lists to finding recipes and ordering groceries, this smart display helps keep your day organized. With Alexa, you can quickly access information, plan meals, and stay on top of daily tasks with ease.

Built-In Smart Home Hub

Control compatible smart home devices like lights, thermostats, and cameras without needing additional hubs. With intuitive on-screen controls and voice commands, managing your home becomes simple and efficient.

Crystal-Clear Video Calls & Live View

Stay connected with high-quality video calls using an auto-framing camera with zoom and noise reduction. You can also check in on your home, pets, or family with live view when you’re away.

Personalized Experience with Smart Technology

With advanced processing and Omnisense technology, this display can adapt to your preferences and routines. Trigger actions based on presence, temperature, or visual recognition for a more customized experience.

Photo Display When Idle

When not in use, the screen doubles as a digital photo frame, displaying your favorite memories. You can also ask Alexa to find specific photos or create curated slideshows.

Privacy Controls You Can Trust

Built with multiple layers of privacy protection, including microphone and camera controls, this device gives you full control over when it listens or records. Visual indicators ensure transparency during use.

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Amazon Echo Dot Max

If you’ve used an Echo before, the Echo Dot Max is a noticeable upgrade. The sound is fuller, the bass is stronger, and it adapts to your space so everything sounds clearer without you having to mess with settings. It’s great for music, but also just as useful for everyday things like timers, reminders, or controlling lights and other smart devices. Once you start using it, it quickly becomes part of your routine.

Product Info

Echo Dot Max – Bigger Sound, Smarter Control

Experience powerful sound in a compact design with the Echo Dot Max, built to deliver rich, room-filling audio that adapts to your space. Powered by an advanced processor and smart technology, it offers both performance and convenience in one device.

Enhanced Audio with Deep Bass

With significantly more bass and improved clarity compared to previous models, this speaker creates a more immersive listening experience. Whether you’re streaming music, podcasts, or audiobooks, the sound is fuller and more dynamic.

Seamless Music Streaming & Pairing

Stream from popular services like Amazon Music, Spotify, Apple Music, and more. You can also pair multiple Echo devices across rooms or connect two Echo Dot Max speakers for a richer, more immersive sound setup.

Smart Home Control Made Simple

Control lights, locks, thermostats, and more using your voice or the Alexa app. With a built-in smart home hub and advanced automation features, you can create routines that respond to your presence or environment.

More Power with Alexa

Ask Alexa to check the weather, set reminders, answer questions, or manage your daily tasks. With a more conversational experience, Alexa can handle everything from simple requests to more detailed commands.

Expand Your Setup with Device Pairing

Pair with compatible Fire TV devices to create a home theater experience, or connect with other Echo devices to extend sound throughout your home. You can also improve connectivity with compatible network systems.

Built with Privacy in Mind

Designed with multiple layers of privacy protection, including a microphone on/off button, this device gives you control over when it listens. Clear indicators help ensure transparency during use.

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Amazon Echo Show 15

The Echo Show 15 is like having a family command center right on your wall or counter. It’s perfect for keeping track of schedules, to-do lists, and reminders, while also doubling as a TV and smart home hub. Whether you’re following a recipe, checking in on cameras, or watching a show while cooking, it keeps everything in one place and easy to manage.

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Echo Show 15 – Smart Display & Family Hub

Turn your space into a central command center with the Echo Show 15, featuring a large 15.6” Full-HD screen designed for organization, entertainment, and smart home control. Perfect for kitchens or shared spaces, it keeps everything you need visible and accessible at a glance.

Large Display for Everyday Use

The vibrant Full-HD screen gives you plenty of space to view calendars, to-do lists, weather updates, and more. Customizable widgets help keep your day organized without needing multiple devices.

Built-In Entertainment with Fire TV

With Fire TV built in, you can stream your favorite shows and movies from apps like Prime Video, Netflix, YouTube, and more. It’s a simple way to add entertainment to your kitchen or living space.

Smart Home Control Made Easy

Control lights, cameras, and other smart devices using your voice or the touchscreen dashboard. You can quickly check camera feeds or adjust your home environment without leaving the room.

Stay Connected with Video Calling

The built-in camera features auto-framing, zoom, and noise reduction to make video calls feel natural and clear. Stay connected with family and friends from anywhere in your home.

Display Your Favorite Memories

When not in use, the screen doubles as a digital photo frame, showcasing your favorite pictures. It’s a simple way to personalize your space while keeping it functional.

Built with Privacy in Mind

Designed with multiple layers of privacy protection, including a mic and camera off button and a physical shutter, giving you full control over when the device is active.

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Treats & Rewards

Treats are a powerful training tool, but the right kind matters. Soft, small, high-scent treats usually work best.

Use soft treats for training because they are faster to eat.
Scent matters when attention is hard to get.
Keep training treats small to avoid stomach upset.
Use crunchier treats for calm downtime moments.

Pup-Peroni

Easy to break apart, strongly scented, and extremely useful for training when you need your Dane to care immediately.

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Minties

Good as a structured daily reward and helpful for dental support, even if my dogs do not rank them as luxury cuisine.

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Double Treat Bones Peanut Butter

Great for rewarding calm behavior during quieter moments, especially when I need everyone to settle and stop supervising me.

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Good ‘n’ Fun Kabob Treats

Smell terrible to humans, which of course means dogs think they are incredible. Open the bag and expect immediate company.

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Why Your Great Dane Follows You Everywhere

If your Great Dane follows you from room to room, you’re not alone. Danes are often called “velcro dogs” because of how closely they bond with their owners. They naturally form strong attachments and tend to stick by your side, seeing you as their person and source of comfort.

Part of this behavior comes from their background as working dogs. They’re social, aware of their surroundings, and like to stay involved in whatever is going on. Whether you’re cooking, relaxing, or just walking across the house, they want to be part of it.

There’s also a sense of security involved. Your dog feels safest when they’re near you, and in their mind, they may also be keeping an eye on you at the same time. Sometimes it’s loyalty… sometimes it’s curiosity… and sometimes it’s just hoping you might drop food.

In some cases, increased clinginess can be linked to anxiety or changes as they age, especially if their vision or hearing starts to decline. Paying attention to their behavior can help you understand whether it’s normal attachment or something that needs a little extra support.

Common Reasons Danes Follow You

Bonding, habit, boredom, anxiety, anticipation, and simple curiosity can all play a role.

Dogs repeat what feels rewarding. If following you usually leads to comfort, attention, movement, or access to the next interesting thing, they learn to keep doing it.

When It Is Normal

Calm, relaxed shadowing is usually just part of living with a Dane.

If your dog follows casually, settles nearby, and does not panic when separated, it is usually not a problem.

When It Needs More Attention

If following turns into whining, pacing, or panic, you may be looking at anxiety instead of affection.

Watch for signs like panting, inability to settle, whining when you leave, or distress when doors close between you.

Why Routine Matters for Great Danes

Bloat Prevention

When it comes to Great Dane Care, bloat prevention has to stay at the top of the list. In fact, I mention bloat on nearly every page of this website because it is one of the biggest killers of Great Danes. For that reason, routine matters more than people realize. When feeding and exercise follow a predictable schedule, managing bloat risk becomes much easier. For example, in our house, we rest before meals and we rest again after meals. That is simply part of our Great Dane Care routine. Generally, the dogs eat first thing in the morning, then they settle and rest. Later, after everyone has been home for a while and the energy in the house has calmed down, they eat again, and once again, they rest afterward.

Joint Health

Just as importantly, Great Dane Care also means protecting joint health through a steady routine. Because Great Danes grow so quickly, they are especially prone to hip dysplasia, joint strain, and arthritis. As a result, I try to keep exercise structured and low-impact rather than scattered and repetitive throughout the day. In our routine, exercise does not involve constant jumping, excessive stair climbing, or nonstop bursts of activity. Instead, stairs are usually saved for bedtime, and daily movement stays more controlled. This matters because if a Great Dane exercises a little, rests briefly, then exercises again over and over, the joints never get a true recovery period. Over time, that kind of stop-and-go strain can wear them down much faster.

Anxiety & Nervous Behavior

In addition, Great Dane Care often involves managing anxiety. Anyone who has spent enough time around Great Danes knows they can be sensitive, skittish, and high-strung at times. Because of that, a solid routine helps reduce stress in a big way. When dogs learn what to expect at certain times of the day, they cope better and settle faster. In other words, predictability creates security. A dependable Great Dane Care routine can also help reduce destructive behavior, since anxious dogs that are left uncertain and overstimulated are far more likely to chew, pace, or destroy things when left alone.

Training

Likewise, training needs to be a regular part of any Great Dane Care routine. When you live with a dog that can weigh 170 pounds or more, manners are not optional. Instead, they are part of keeping everyone safe. Great Danes are large enough to grab things off counters, knock people over, or turn a quick sprint through the house into a real hazard, especially on hard floors. Therefore, routine training helps set clear expectations. With a solid Great Dane Care routine, your dog learns that when you come inside, it is time to settle down and relax instead of exploding through the house like a wrecking ball with feelings.

When There Is No Routine

Finally, if raising your Great Dane feels harder than it should, it is worth taking a serious look at your routine. If your dog seems extremely disobedient, overstimulated, or difficult to manage, the problem is often not the dog alone. Instead, it may be the lack of a consistent daily structure. Ask yourself whether each day feels predictable or completely different from the last. Also consider whether there is enough exercise, enough training, and enough consistency from everyone in the house. More often than not, when there are ongoing behavior issues, the answer can be found somewhere in the routine. In many cases, better Great Dane Care starts by fixing the daily rhythm first.

Routine does not mean every minute has to be rigid. It means the overall rhythm of the day feels consistent enough that your dog is not constantly guessing what happens next.

What Routine Helps With

Stable routines can improve settling, digestion, potty habits, training, and anxiety.

Dogs do better when feeding, exercise, rest, and quiet time happen in a predictable pattern.

How Inconsistency Shows Up

A dog with no rhythm often looks restless, clingy, pushy, or overtired.

When mealtimes, activity, or departures are random, some dogs start hovering, pacing, pestering, or struggling to relax.

What a Good Routine Looks Like

Feed, potty, movement, downtime, and bedtime should happen in a pattern your dog can learn.

Even a simple routine helps: potty, breakfast, walk, rest, break, evening meal, calm family time, bedtime.

How to Stop Your Dog From Pacing

Lack of Stimulation

In many cases, pacing starts because a Great Dane needs more stimulation, more movement, or simply more interaction. Generally, when my dogs begin pacing, it is because they want my attention more than anything else. For example, they may go to the door, act like they want outside, and then come right back in a minute later. After that, they wander around, moan a little, and keep moving from place to place without really settling. Most of the time, this happens with Boo or Mavis. Usually, they are not trying to be difficult. Instead, they have extra energy, feel restless, or want me involved. Simply sending them outside alone is often not enough. However, if I get up, go with them, and let them move around a bit or get some light exercise, they usually calm down much faster.

Physical Discomfort or Pain

Sometimes pacing has nothing to do with boredom and everything to do with discomfort. In other words, they may not be able to find a comfortable position to rest. This becomes even more noticeable if a Great Dane is overweight, sore, aging, or already dealing with joint strain. Extra weight puts more pressure on the joints, which can make it harder for them to settle. For example, Mavis, who is carrying a little too much weight, will sometimes get up, turn in circles several times, lie down, get back up again, and repeat the whole routine. She may even walk to the door, stop, and turn back around. Usually, that tells me she needs to move around a bit outside, loosen up, and reset. In cases like that, pacing is often a sign that they are uncomfortable, not simply misbehaving.

Anxiety and Stress

In addition, pacing can be a sign of anxiety or stress. Many Great Danes are sensitive to their environment, so outside noise, sudden changes, or unfamiliar activity can make them restless. For example, construction noise, loud traffic, storms, or fireworks can trigger pacing in nervous dogs. This type of pacing can be more difficult to manage because the cause is not always something you can remove. In those situations, white noise can help reduce outside sound, and in more severe cases, some dogs may need medication prescribed by a veterinarian. For instance, my mom’s Great Dane, Max, gets very nervous during fireworks, so she uses sedatives from the vet to help him cope more comfortably.

Conclusion

Ultimately, pacing is usually a sign that something is off, not just a random bad habit. Sometimes a Great Dane needs more stimulation and attention. Other times, the cause may be discomfort, extra weight, soreness, or anxiety. For that reason, it is important to look at the full picture instead of only reacting to the pacing itself. In many cases, once you identify the real cause, whether it is lack of exercise, physical discomfort, or stress, it becomes much easier to help your dog settle. As with most Great Dane care, the goal is not just to stop the behavior. The goal is to understand what your dog is trying to tell you.

In Great Danes, pacing often shows up when routine is inconsistent, anxiety is building, energy is unmanaged, or something physical is bothering them.

Rule Out Physical Causes

Pain, stomach discomfort, overheating, or age-related issues can all cause pacing.

If pacing is sudden, intense, or paired with signs like drooling, panting, restlessness, or refusal to settle, take it seriously.

Reduce Stimulation

Too much excitement can make some dogs look energized when they are actually overwhelmed.

Lower room energy. Use calmer voices, less movement, fewer competing noises, and more structure.

Teach Settling

Some dogs do not magically learn how to relax. You have to show them.

Reward calm lying down. Keep routines predictable. Use quiet post-meal time, calm praise, and consistent rest spots.