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QUESTION: I am keeping a 14 week old great Dane puppy for a friend who's son became highly allergic to it.  Just until she finds her a home.  My problems is the dog is wild!  She is the most destructive puppy!  She also will not leave my two Chihuahuas' alone.  I'm not a stranger to dogs and their training, having done it for over ten years.  However, I have not been able to even make a dent in attempting to train this dog!  Trust me, she is not bored or lonely.  Any suggestions?  I have NEVER had a Great Dane.  Is this normal for them?  Any suggestions?

ANSWER: Debbie,

Great Danes in general are a mischievous breed, especially when they are puppies. Great Danes are also harder to train then most breeds, being part of the Mastiff family they are very stubborn and take a lot more time to train. Although Great Dane Puppies cannot be strenuously exercised, 3 walks a day for 20 minutes should eliminate some of the energy that she is displaying. A tired puppy is a healthy puppy.

Patience and Persistence are the most important part when training a Great Dane puppy.

Where are you located and how is your friend going about looking for a new home for the puppy?

Hope this answers your questions and if you have anymore please do not hesitate to ask.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thank you for answering my question.  We are in Alabama near Fort Benning, which is just outside of Phenix City Alabama and Columbus Georgia.  Although I don't agree, she put the dog on Craigslist.
I do walk the dog, plus I have two acres of property.  She is just so full of energy!  
Cute though!  If I didn't have this problem, I would keep her.  I had a Rott that passed away not too long ago at a ripe old age.  Miss having a big dog.
Thanks again.

Answer
Debbie,

I am sure that there are some great Great Dane Rescues in the area. Why don't you try to do some research, just type in Great Dane Rescue Alabama and you should get a few hits.

Craigslist is a dangerous place for finding a puppy a home. Now if you are going to take the time to do a home visit, reference check such as a veterinarian they have taken their past dogs to and a few friends and have them sign a contract then I don't see a problem. However most people just give the dog to the first person that comes to their door.

I have someone bringing a Mastiff to me this weekend for training from FL, I am sure they will be going through Alabama. If you want me to ask them if they will take the puppy then if your friend would agree I would help with the placement on my end. I would hate for this puppy to end up in a situation being bounced around from home to home because someone does not understand the needs of the breed.

As you have seen taking care of her she is quite a handful, even for someone that has had large breed experience.

Let me know if you need my help. I also know a Great Rescue in South Carolina that would be more then willing to help.

You can also contact me privately through this forum for my personal contact information.