9 month old great dane behavior

Question
My dog Atticus is a 9 month old uncut male who my girlfriend
and I have had since he was 11 weeks old. He has a sweet,
friendly personality along with the clumsy and rambunctious
energy typical of a young dog. He's been well socialized
starting at an early age with both humans and other dogs.
While we have not attended obedience class, I have spent a
great deal of time working with him and he minds me quite
well. He's more than solid on the basic commands along with
a a few others. He heals wonderfully and will do so even off
his lead.
There is, however, a glaring exception to Atticus' overall
well mannered behavior. He has an overwhelming desire to
play with other dogs. Please understand that he has ALWAYS
had this desire. It isn't at all a recent development, and
doesn't seem a result of sexual maturation. He'll heal on
his lead as we approach another dog. We'll stop and I'll
command him to sit as they near. If they continue walking,
Atticus will remain sitting but if they stop to say hello,
Atticus will lurch forward and bounce around trying to play
with the other dog. There's some pawing but nothing
agressive. It's all play and it's with dogs of any size. I
cannot get him to calmly meet another dog no matter how many
times the situation repeats itself. We live on a lake and
take multiple walks a day and encounter plenty of other
dogs, so it's not a novel experience for him. I've tried
being calm and acting nonchalant in the encounters, and I've
tried being stern but his unwieldy behavior persists
regardless. I don't give in to his behavior by letting him
play, but if I am passing a friend who's walking his dog and
wants to stop and talk, I'm constantly having to pull
Atticus back and re-issue commands and make him sit or lay
down. I appreciate your input.

John  

Answer
John,

The first step to help your dog succeed is to get him castrated(neutered). This will help calm him down a little bit as it will curb testosterone flowing in his body and some of the urges that he has resulting in this. Please realize that is will not also be an immediate effect, it can take about 1-2 months to eliminate testosterone from a recently castrated dog.

Continuing his training will eventually stop the excessive need to play. However, if he is a dog that needs that kind of stimulation, I suggest you find a place for him to be able to play with other dogs. Try doing a doggy play date, although I would not suggest this until after he has been castrated.

Once you do have him castrated, consider signing him up for doggy day care, there he will be able to play with dogs all day.

He needs to go to a group obedience class with a professional trainer, this when they will be able to teach you proper reactions to distractions and you will have the opportunity to constantly work with other dog owners who have the same problem.

Keep in mind, he is a puppy, and some Danes do not mature until as late as three years old. Make sure you are vigilant with his walks, but at the same time do not over-exercise because this can also cause health problems.

I hope this answers some of your questions. If you have any others please feel free to send another email.

Have a great day!