Adopting a Great Dane Senior

Question
We are considering adopting a female (spayed) Great Dane, age 4 1/2 yrs. and wish to know what we should look for and what to expect from a female of this age.  She has not had any formal training and I would like to take her to obedience classes.  She does have a aggressive tendency toward larger dogs, but adores small and mid-size dogs.  We have a Sheltie and a Pug (both 11 yrs. old) and have been assured that she will get along with them just fine.   Thank you in advance for any and all help you can give me.

Answer
Judith,

Adopting an older Dane can be just as rewarding an experience as adopting a young puppy or adolescence. What I will tell you is that 4 1/2 is by no means a "senior" for a Great Dane. This is an adult, but not a senior. I would highly suggest training if she has had no form or training in the past. Be aware that if she does have issues with larger dogs you need to make sure you can handle her in a situation when there is another large dog is present. I would also ask that you allow your dogs to meet her rather then be assured by someone that she gets along with small dogs. This is something that can also change and I would also remember to introduce the dogs on neutral territory. If you have never owned a Dane before do your research so that you know what diseases this breed is prone to and what the costs are associated with treating certain disease.

Of course this forum is always here to help with any questions that you may have but research will always go a long way. I would suggest getting a breed specific book and reading it through. Good luck with your rescue dog and I hope that she becomes a wonderful member of your family!

I apologize for not getting an answer back to you sooner, I have a lot of family things going on and my son was sick these last couple of days and I haven't had a chance to sit down to write everyone back.