Top Activities For Great Danes

Introduction

If you have become a proud owner of this grand breed of dog, you must be in awe both of the grandiose size of this dog and at the docility of its character. It’s certainly no coincidence Great Danes have been nicknamed ’the gentle giants’! But it’s completely reasonable you are out of your depth as to the most appropriate way to keep your new canine amigo amused and entertained. Have a look at these activities – if you do not find your inspiration here, then you’re definitely on your own!

Scavenger Hunt

Popular

0 Votes

Any Day

Moderate

Easy

30 - 50 min

Items needed

food

leash

balls or toys

various items

scent

Activity description

If you’re already familiar with the history of this breed, then you must know that the Great Dane was initially trained to help in hunting boars, deer, and even bears! Yes, your dog isn’t just a cuddly, friendly giant – they have the skill to sniff out and detain any wild animal you could possibly imagine. Of course, since you do not have any wild animals at your disposal, and since hunting for bears is probably not your favorite hobby, you could collect all of your old plush teddy bears and tennis balls and put them to good use! There’s no reason why you shouldn’t activate your Great Dane’s primal instincts with a fun scavenger hunt, especially if it’s raining outside.

Step

1

Prepare for the hunt

Be sure to use a scent your Great Dane likes – salmon, beef, chicken or the like. Put that scent on the toys, or if this scenting business is too troublesome for you, simply hide small amounts of food or treats around the house. To make this activity even more interesting, you could make an obstacle course out of furniture.

Step

2

Let the hunt begin

Remember – your Great Dane is a powerful sniff machine. Do not underestimate them and make the hunt too easy. Otherwise, you will end up with a Great Dane that just ate a lot of treats. You could easily make this activity into a fun event by calling your friends, relatives or your dog owner mates and making a group scavenger hunt - even a competition.

Outreach Therapy Program

Popular

0 Votes

Any Day

Cheap

Easy

1 - 2 hrs

Items needed

treats

enthusiasm

certificate

Activity description

Do you remember the movie Patch Adams - Robin Williams is a clown who cheers up ill children in hospitals. Why shouldn’t you and your Great Dane go on an Patch Adams campaign in local hospitals, nursing homes, schools, and kindergartens and cheer everyone up with your antics? Great Danes are truly affectionate and caring creatures – they are known as ’the world's biggest lap dogs’. Besides helping raise morale, the volunteering could also raise the stigma off of the possibly intimidating appearance of Great Danes. The only thing you need to do is get in touch with institutions and organizations that enable you to do this, as it is forbidden to just turn up at a hospital on your own with the demand to entertain sick children.

Step

1

Preparation

As mentioned, you have to go through training and gain a certificate in order to be able to participate in this kind of humanitarian work. If this extra amount of effort does not deter you from this activity, as it really shouldn’t because this could be a wonderful opportunity to do good and to meet lots of interesting people and also, other Great Dane owners, contact Pet Therapy’s Delta Society or any such organization.

Step

2

Enjoy the experience

The great thing about activities that involve other people and other pets is that just by showing up and participating, your work is done, and even more importantly than that, humanitarian work basically ceases to be work. Just think about it, you’re socializing, your Great Dane is being cuddled and adored, and somehow, by having fun you’re simultaneously helping the community. Can’t get better than that.

Nature Research

Popular

0 Votes

Any Day

Moderate

Easy

3 - 7 hrs

Items needed

food

water

leash

ball or toy

Activity description

Pack your bags, your Great Dane, and your family and head off to your favorite lake, forest, mountain or even park. Set up a picnic or camping site and start your nature adventure! The goal is to give your Great Dane a chance to adapt to the new surroundings and circumstances as Great Danes tend to be very shy if not given the opportunity to socialize with other people and other dogs. So, the best way to train your pup is to let them play with other people and enjoy the nature with them. Be sure to restrict the time that they spend playing, running and jumping. Especially during their development, Great Danes should not overdo the exercise, and since they are still puppies, they may not know exactly what their boundaries are. Since you are not a puppy, be sure to keep an eye on your dog and intervene if the kids are too reckless!

Step

1

Adapting

At first, your Great Dane may be too confused by the new environment. If this appears to be the case, try to give them a friendly push – ultimately, the goal is for them to relax, learn and enjoy, not to spend the day at your lap or between your legs. Hand over the leash to the kids – since they are not puppies, they will melt away all of your pup's insecurities.

Step

2

Moderate exercise

Throwing a ball or a Frisbee is completely fine, but, of course, in reasonable boundaries. Keep an eye on your dog’s movement. If you notice they are in a happiness frenzy, jumping and running like their life depends on it, try not to be seduced by this. They are still a puppy and not aware of their capabilities. Since you are not a puppy, be sure to slow down or completely stop the game.

Step

3

Encouragement

You need to let your puppy know that you are by their side – both physically and emotionally. Give them a treat for their good behavior or if they readily adhere to commands; cuddle them and show appreciation for their improvements. It’s not that easy for a human being to adapt to unfamiliar natural surroundings, let alone a young Great Dane. So, since you are not a puppy, make sure that your doggo feels loved and important and that they know what good of a job they are doing!

More Fun Ideas...

Fast Walking

As you are already aware, rather than running, your Great Dane is great at walking. Exploit this catwalk and go for a jog, or exercise by fast walking. Your dog will be the best trainer and will set the tempo for your jog.

Obstacle Training

Find a park that has an obstacle course especially designed for dogs. If not, make your own obstacle course inside your house or backyard. Develop your Great Dane’s athletic skills.

Conclusion

You are bound to enjoy yourself with a Great Dane as they are infinitely kind, attached, and lovable. Return the favor and be the best owner you can be. This dog will surely be thrilled and grateful that you’re spending so much time with them and making all of these activities your daily or weekly routine. But don’t stop here. Use your imagination and make every day as fun and as exciting as you possibly can.