What I Tell Every Giant Breed Owner Now
If I had five minutes with every new Great Dane owner, this is what I’d say. Not theory. Not “internet tips.” The stuff that actually matters.
Quick takeaway
Great Danes aren’t hard. They’re just big enough that “small mistakes” become expensive, painful, and sometimes fatal. Build safe habits early and you’ll save your dog a lot of suffering.
If you remember nothing else, remember this
- Learn about bloat (GDV) and bloat prevention immediately. Know the signs, know your emergency vet, and build calmer meal routines from day one.
- Do not over-feed your puppy. Fast growth isn’t “healthy growth.” Growing too quickly can set your dog up for joint pain and long-term problems.
- Regulate exercise when they’re puppies. Great Danes do not need endless exercise, and too much impact while growing can be bad for joints and soft tissue.
- Use redirection, not punishment. Many Great Danes are naturally sensitive or timid. Redirection builds confidence and learning without fear.
- Protect hips and shoulders while they grow. Limit stairs for the first year to year and a half. If you can carry them early on, do it as long as realistically possible.
- Don’t let them jump in and out of vehicles. Ideally, no jumping out of trucks at all. Realistically, at least avoid it until around age two. Use steps or a ramp whenever you can.
- Read, learn, and ask questions nonstop. The more you understand this breed, the better your decisions will be when something feels “off.”
Start with these guides
These pages cover the exact topics above in more detail.
This page is general education and personal experience, not veterinary advice. For health or mobility concerns, talk with your vet and consider a consult with an orthopedic specialist when appropriate.