Hello ...

[CalvinsMom]

Hey everyone...

My name is Jen and I just adopted 3 month old gorgeous Dane from a puppy mill bust. I have been visiting for a while and decided to indtroduce ourselves....



I have been working with Calvin on a leash which is going well. However, sitting and down are a bit tedious. His attention span is short as it usually is in pups so young...is it too early for obedience training?

Also, I have read some of the responses regarding diet, but still confused. Right now he is on Nutro Large breed puppy...and the vet suggested calcium supplements...then I heard this was not right. Which is correct?

Thank you,
Jen & Calvin

[alicat613]

Hi Jen & Calvin!

Wow, calcium supplements!?!? That is a no no for giant breeds. Studies have shown excessive nutrients, including calcium, can lead to bone and growth problems in Danes (HOD, pano, etc). Dane puppies should be fed a high quality adult food around 21-23% protein. No puppy food, not even large breed, except Eagle's which is within the protein guidelines. I don't really care for Nutro. I feel it is overpriced for the ingredients, which are a lot of grains and grain parts, and it is high in ash I believe. I fed it for a while to my cats and we wasted so much money on it because we had to feed a lot more. Natural Balance and Canidae are 2 great foods that are pretty easy to find and well-priced. There is a lot of info in the diet section here, and also a lot of great articles at www.greatdanelady.com

You might want to search for a more Dane knowledgeable vet. Local breed clubs can give you references.

It's not too early for training classes. Many puppy classes have vaccine requirements so check on those. Its also a good way to socialize him.

Congratulations on your new friend!
And welcome to DOL!
Alisha & Parker

[chillygirl]

Welcome Jen! I'm not too far from you, I'm in Kennesaw. alicat gave some great advice on the feeding, so I'll leave it at that.

On the sit and down, the way that worked best for me with Kiley was this: Take a really yummy treat and hold it at eye level. Bring the treat over their nose and towards the back of the head saying Sit! By slowly moving the treat slightly up and back the dog will naturally sit to follow the treat. Down is the same concept except you move the treat forwards and down while saying Down!

Keep us posted and show pictures!