Newsletter Issue 8
Den’s Dispatch- Yeti Reports In #8
🦴 Trivia
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Great Danes were once used for hunting which animals?
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Answer at the bottom of the newsletter
🦴 Great Dane Video
Talking Great Dane & Yorkie
🦴 Danes Delight Podcast
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Step by Step Trail Buddy
🦴 Yeti’s Corner
So here’s the deal about this hip thing that us Great Danes worry about sometimes. Think of it like trying to walk through a really messy room in the dark – that’s what hip dysplasia can feel like for us big dogs.
We Great Danes are pretty awesome, but we have a genetic issue that can cause our hips to be a bit unstable. It’s like being born with legs that don’t quite fit right in our hip sockets. Not everyone understands it, but it happens often enough that our humans should be aware of it.
The good news is that our humans can watch for signs, such as us walking funny, not wanting to jump around as much, or acting grumpy when we get up from our naps. Hey, sometimes we’re just tired, but if it keeps happening, maybe it’s time for a vet visit!
Our humans can help us stay healthy by keeping us at a good weight (sorry, no more extra treats!), ensuring we get gentle exercise, and providing us with the right food. There are treatments, too, if we need them.
The bottom line is this: we Great Danes want to keep bouncing around and being our goofy selves for as long as possible. With our humans looking out for us, we can keep strutting our stuff and living our best giant dog lives!
🦴 How to stop your Great Dane from stealing food (and why they do it!)
Hey there, family! Yeti here—your resident food enthusiast, expert couch potato, and official GRDane.com taste tester. Today, we’re diving nose-first into a question every Great Dane family asks at least once:
Why did my gentle giant just steal dinner off the counter—and how do I make it stop?
Let’s break it down, step-by-step, so you can go from kitchen chaos to peace (and keep your snacks safe).
1. The #1 mistake I see new Dane families make with food
You know that feeling when you find a sandwich perfectly placed at eye level? Yeah—so do I. Most humans underestimate just how easy “counter surfing” is when you’re built like a furry giraffe. (Don’t blame us; we were born this tall!)
But here’s the honest truth: Leaving food within reach is basically an open invitation.
It’s not defiance—it’s instinct. We Danes have big appetites and even bigger noses. The solution? Outsmart us (more on that below).
2. What to do when you catch your Dane mid-snack raid
First, breathe. Remember, we’re not plotting world domination—just following our noses. Don’t yell (it only makes us sneakier). Calmly redirect with a cue we know (“leave it,” “off”), then offer a reward when we listen.
ACTION TIP:
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Practice “leave it” with treats on the floor or a low stool. Start with easy tasks, then work up to bigger challenges. Consistency = progress!
3. Behind the scenes: Why Danes are so food motivated
I’ll let you in on a secret: our bodies are giant engines. We need a lot of fuel, and our brains are wired to seek it out. When you skip meals, switch feeding times, or forget the treats, we get creative (sometimes a little too creative).
A regular feeding routine and high-quality food keep us full, happy, and far less likely to go hunting for your leftovers.
4. Tools and techniques I love for food theft prevention
Ready for a pro move? Here’s what works at my house:
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Keep counters clear (if we can see it, we’ll want it)
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Offer puzzle toys when you’re cooking (keeps our brains and mouths busy)
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Feed us first before the big family meal (less temptation)
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Use tall, closed trash cans (we’re not above a little dumpster diving)
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Reward good behavior with treats and praise (positive reinforcement WORKS)
5. Why the myth of the “bad dog” is all wrong
The real mindset shift? We’re not stealing—we’re relocating food to where it belongs (our stomachs!). It’s not about being “bad,” it’s about following instincts. When you set us up for success, we’re eager to exceed your expectations.
Remember: Start young, stay consistent, and always maintain a positive vibe.
Real talk: It’s not about perfection—it’s about partnership
You don’t have to be a dog trainer to keep your snacks safe. You just need a little knowledge and a lot of patience (and maybe a few drool towels on hand).
Want more tips, stories, and real-life solutions?
Or drop me a reply—your biggest, hungriest family member is always here to help!
See you in the kitchen (but hopefully not on the counter),
Yeti & the GRDane.com Crew
Want more tips (from a Dane’s perspective)?
🎧 Check out the Danes Delight Podcast—I spill all my secrets, straight from the couch. Learn from my triumphs and faceplants so you don’t have to make the same mistakes the hard way.
🦴 Facebook Page & Group
Visit our Facebook page and join our group for tips or to share info or pictures of your awesome Great Dane: @danesdelight.2025
Group: Yeti the Great Dane
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YouTube Channel
Thank you for reading Danes Delight Newsletter. Visit GRDane for more info and past newsletters, podcasts, and over 100 blog articles:
Answer to Trivia: Bears & Wild Boar
