Things Your Great Dane Does Not Like
Things Great Danes Do Not Like
Hi there! I’m a Great Dane, and I want to tell you about some things that bug me and my giant dog friends.
First off, LOUD NOISES ARE THE WORST! When those scary boom-boom sounds happen during thunderstorms, I turn into a 150-pound scaredy-cat. And don’t even get me started on fireworks – they make me want to hide under the bed (which is pretty funny since I’m way too big to fit). Construction workers with their hammering and drilling? No, thank you! My ears are super sensitive, so all that racket makes me shake like a leaf.
I also dislike it when people don’t respect my personal space. Yeah, I’m huge, but I still need my personal room – about 2-3 feet around me, please! When strangers grab me too tight or try to wrestle with me, it makes me uncomfortable. I’m not a stuffed animal, people!
Living in tiny spaces is another big problem when you’re my size. Imagine trying to live in a closet – that’s what a small apartment feels like to me! I need room to stretch my long legs and wag my tail without knocking everything over.
Mean training makes me sad, too. I’m pretty smart and want to make you happy, so yelling at me just hurts my feelings. And if you don’t let me sleep my 12-18 hours a day? Well, let’s say I get pretty cranky. A tired Great Dane is not a happy Great Dane!
Key Takeaways
Things I Really Don’t Like (From a Great Dane’s Point of View)
Perhaps if you understand what I dislike, we can become even better friends!
First off, loud noises are the worst! When fireworks go BOOM or thunder crashes, I get super scared. Construction sounds, with all that banging and drilling, make me want to hide under the bed. My ears are susceptible to sound, so these sounds seem extra loud to me. I might shake or try to squeeze into tiny spaces when I’m scared.
I also really don’t like it when people grab me too hard or squeeze me around my neck and chest. I know I’m big, but I’m pretty gentle! When someone handles me roughly or holds me too tightly, it makes me uncomfortable and worried. Please be gentle with me – I promise I’ll be good!
Living in small spaces is no fun when you’re as big as I am. I need lots of room to stretch out and move around. When I’m stuck in cramped places, I feel grumpy and might accidentally knock things over or bite into things I shouldn’t. I can’t help it – I just need space to be happy!
Here’s something that might surprise you: I don’t like it when people suddenly get too close to me. I need about 2 or 3 feet of space around me to feel comfortable. If you come charging up to me without warning, it makes me nervous. Just give me a heads up so I know you’re coming!
The last thing I dislike is when people yell at me or try to train me with harsh methods. Loud, angry voices make me confused and scared. I want to make you happy, but yelling confuses my brain. Be patient with me and use nice words – I learn much better that way!
Now you know what makes this big dog unhappy. But don’t worry – there are lots of things I DO love, and I bet we can have tons of fun together!
Loud Noises and Sudden Environmental Changes
Hi there! I’m a Great Dane, and I want to tell you about something that might surprise you. Even though I’m huge and look super tough, I’m scared of lots of sounds!
You know how you might jump when someone slams a door? Well, imagine that feeling but with EVERYTHING loud. When there’s construction going on outside, I turn into a big baby. Those hammers and drills make me want to hide under the bed – if I could fit under there!
Don’t even get me started on fireworks. People think they’re pretty, but to me they sound like the world is ending. My ears are really big, which means I hear everything way louder than you do. It’s like having built-in amplifiers that I can’t turn down.
Thunder makes me shake like a leaf, and I might weigh 150 pounds, but I’ll still try to squeeze into my human’s lap when storms come.
The worst part? When my family moves furniture around or brings home new people, I get all confused and worried. I like things to stay the same because it makes me feel safe. Anxiety from loud noises can make my heart race and leave me feeling unsettled.
When my food bowl moves to a different spot, I might stare at the space for ten minutes, wondering where dinner went!
My family helps me feel better by keeping things quiet when they can and not making too many changes at once. They’re pretty great that way.
Inappropriate Handling and Physical Restraint
Hi there! I’m a Great Dane, and I want to tell you about something super important – how to handle us big dogs the right way!
Even though we’re gentle giants, we can get stressed out when people are rough with us or hold us down too tight. It’s like when someone gives you a hug that’s way too strong – not fun at all! When people squeeze our chest or neck too hard, we get scared, and our stress levels go through the roof.
We also don’t like it when people pet us in weird ways. Please don’t pat us fast like you’re playing drums, or grab our legs and paws – yikes! That makes us want to run away, and our muscles tense up.
Here’s the thing about being huge – we need special care at the vet’s office. Our big bones need to be positioned just right so we don’t hurt ourselves. It’s kind of like being a tall person trying to fit in a tiny car!
The best way to work with us? Take it slow and give us treats when we’re being good. Those old-school “be the boss” methods just make us more nervous and sometimes even grumpy. Nobody likes a grumpy Great Dane!
It’s essential to recognize that early exposure to diverse environments helps us develop confidence and reduces our fear.
Trust me, if you’re patient and kind with us, we’ll be your best friends forever. However, if you try to force us around, we’ll only become more anxious and upset. We’re big softies who just want to be treated nicely!
Overcrowded Spaces and Poor Living Conditions
Hi there! I’m a Great Dane, and let me tell you about what happens when us giant dogs get squished into tiny spaces.
Picture this – I’m about as big as a miniature horse, but someone thinks I can live happily in a space the size of a closet. Not fun! When I don’t have enough room to stretch out my super long legs or walk around normally, I get pretty stressed out. My body starts feeling all tense and worried.
You know how you feel cranky when you’re stuck in a car for too long? That’s me when my house is too small! I need lots of space to move around because, well, I’m HUGE. My legs are like tree trunks, and I’m taller than most kids when I stand up.
When I’m all cramped up, weird things start happening. I walk back and forth, back and forth – my humans call it pacing, but I call it “trying not to go crazy.” Sometimes I might chew up shoes or furniture because I’m so frustrated. It’s not that I’m a bad dog – I’m just going stir-crazy!
My back and legs start hurting too, because I can’t stand up straight or lie down properly. Imagine trying to sleep in a bed that’s way too small for you every single night. Ouch! Additionally, having enough space is crucial for my overall well-being, as it allows for adequate physical activity and helps prevent anxiety-related behaviors.
Cramped Indoor Living Areas
Hi there! I’m a Great Dane, and let me tell you – I’m HUGE! I’m about as tall as your kitchen counter and weigh more than most people. That’s why I need lots of room to move around, just like you do.
When my humans try to squeeze me into tiny spaces, bad things happen to my body. My muscles become weak and my joints become stiff because I can’t stretch properly. It’s like trying to sleep in a bed that’s way too small – super uncomfortable! I can’t even lie down the right way or do my favorite big dog stretches.
Having enough space isn’t just nice to have – I really, really need it to stay healthy. My bones and muscles work best when I can move around freely. When I’m crammed up, my body makes stress chemicals that make me feel awful and can even make me sick.
Plus, when I don’t have enough room, I get worried and anxious. Sometimes I might chew things I’m not supposed to or act up because I’m so uncomfortable. It’s not that I’m being bad – I just feel frustrated! Regular exercise is crucial for managing energy levels and maintaining my overall well-being.
Restrictive Movement Environments
Hi there! I’m a Great Dane, and I need to tell you something important about us big dogs and having enough room to move around.
When we don’t have enough space, it’s tough on us! Think of it like trying to live in a closet when you’re super tall. We get stressed, and that stress can make our bodies feel unwell. Our hearts beat too fast, and we don’t feel good.
We need lots of room to run around so our hearts stay strong and our joints don’t get stiff.
Those tight harnesses? Ugh, don’t get me started! It’s like wearing a shirt that’s way too small. We can’t breathe right, and trust me, when you’re as big as we are, you need all the air you can get!
Here’s the thing – if we can’t run and play enough, our bones get weak and our muscles get smaller. That’s not good for any dog, but it isn’t good for us Great Danes. Our hips and elbows can get sore and painful. Preventive measures for hip dysplasia involve controlled exercise and maintaining a healthy weight, which can be difficult in small spaces.
When we’re confined to small spaces all the time, we start acting strangely. We might walk in circles over and over, feel scared about everything, or even get grumpy. Nobody wants a grumpy Great Dane!
We need a large house with approximately 2,000 square feet and a yard where we can play and ride whenever we want. That’s how we stay happy and healthy!
Disrespectful Social Interactions and Boundary Violations
Hi there! I’m a Great Dane, and I want to tell you something important about how us big dogs feel when people don’t listen to what we’re saying.
You might think we can’t talk, but we totally can! When I’m feeling worried or scared, I do things like licking my lips (and not because I smell treats), yawning when I’m not tired, or going stiff all over like a statue.
Sometimes I might even back away from someone. These are my ways of saying, “Hey, I need some space right now!”
But here’s the funny thing – lots of humans seem to think we’re speaking a different language! They see me backing away and think, “Oh, that cute giant dog wants to play chase!” Um, no thanks!
Or they see me getting stiff and think I want a big bear hug. That’s like if you were putting your hands up to say “stop” and someone thought you were waving hello!
When people grab us or pet us without asking (well, asking in dog language), it makes us super uncomfortable. Imagine if a stranger just walked up and started messing with your hair without saying hi first – yikes!
We might get grumpy or scared, and nobody wants that. Proper training can help humans better understand our signals, leading to more respectful interactions.
Ignoring Warning Signals
Sometimes I try hard to tell you when I’m feeling worried or scared, but you don’t listen to me! That makes me feel sad because I’m doing my best to be a good dog and talk to you nicely.
Here’s what I do when I want to say, “Hey, I’m not feeling great about this”:
- I lift my lips a little – This is like me saying “Um, excuse me?” It’s my polite way of asking for space.
- I show the whites of my eyes – You guys call this “whale eye,” which is pretty funny! When you see the white parts, it means I’m feeling nervous.
- I get stiff – My whole body gets tight like a statue. This means I’m super stressed out!
- I do weird stuff – Like panting when I’m not hot or yawning when I’m not sleepy. I know it looks silly, but it’s my way of saying I need help!
When you ignore my polite signals, I feel like nobody’s listening to me. It’s like if you kept saying “please” and “excuse me” but everyone ignored you!
Then I might’ve to be louder or do something you don’t like, and neither of us wants that.
Please listen when I try to tell you how I feel. I promise I’m always trying to be the best big dog I can be! Additionally, remember that early socialization is vital for adapting to new environments and reducing anxiety in dogs like me.
Forced Physical Contact
Help! They Won’t Stop Hugging Me!
Hi there! I’m Bruno, a Great Dane, and I have something important to tell you. Sometimes humans don’t listen when I try to say “no thanks” to hugs and pets. Let me explain what it’s like being a giant dog who sometimes wants some space.
You know how you might not want your little brother to hug you when you’re grumpy? Well, I feel the same way! I need about 2-3 feet of space around me to feel comfortable. That’s like having my invisible bubble. But sometimes people pop my bubble without asking!
Here’s what happens to my body when someone forces me into a hug or holds me when I don’t want it:
| What They Do to Me | How My Body Feels | What I Do |
|---|---|---|
| Surprise bear hugs | My heart beats super fast | I freeze up like a statue |
| Holding me tight | I feel stressed out | I try to wiggle away |
| Petting me too much | My muscles get tight | I do weird things like yawn or lick my lips |
The worst part is when this keeps happening repeatedly. Sometimes I just give up and let it happen, even though I don’t like it. Other times I might growl or try to hide. Some dogs even stop wanting to be around people at all!
But here’s the good news – when humans ask permission first and let me choose, I LOVE cuddles! I just want to decide when I’m in the mood for them. It’s like the difference between someone asking, “Want a cookie?” versus someone shoving a cookie in your mouth. Same cookie, but one way is much nicer! Remember, a gentle approach promotes positive social interactions that help me feel safe and happy.
Harsh Training Methods and Inconsistent Rules
Why Yelling at Me Just Makes Everything Worse (From Your Friendly Neighborhood Great Dane)
Hi there! I’m a Great Dane, and I want to tell you something important about training us big dogs. We’re pretty smart cookies, and we really, really want to make you happy. But here’s the thing – when you get mean or keep changing the rules on us, we just can’t handle it!
Picture this: I’m the size of a miniature horse, but inside I’m just a big baby who wants belly rubs and treats. When someone yells at me or gets rough, I don’t think “Oh, I should listen better.” Instead, I believe “SCARY HUMAN ALERT!” and I either hide behind the couch (yes, all of me tries to fit back there) or I get so worried I start shaking.
Scientists who study dogs, like me, have figured out that we learn much better when we’re treated nicely and always use the same words for the same things.
Here’s what messes with our giant heads:
- Being mean to teach us lessons – If you push me around, I get scared and confused.
- Changing up your commands – Yesterday, “down” meant “lie down,” today it means “get off the couch”? HELP!
- Yelling at us – Your angry voice makes my stress levels go through the roof.
- Making up rules as you go – Sometimes I can be on the furniture, sometimes I can’t? My brain hurts!
Look, our brains need time to grow just like our enormous paws do. When you’re patient and kind with us, we turn into the best dogs ever. Did you know that pet ownership correlates with lower blood pressure?
When you’re all over the place with training, we turn into anxious messes who might accidentally knock over your coffee table while trying to escape the confusion.
Excessive Stimulation and Inadequate Rest Periods
Why This Giant Dog Needs His Beauty Sleep****
Hey there, humans! Let me tell you something important about us, Great Danes – we’re giant sleepyheads who need our rest!
I sleep about 12 to 18 hours every day, and before you call me lazy, that’s normal for dogs like me. Please think of me as a large smartphone that requires a lot of charging time. When I don’t get enough sleep, I get cranky just like you do when you stay up too late on a school night.
My ears pick up everything – the mailman three blocks away, your neighbor’s cat walking across their fence, even the refrigerator humming in the kitchen. All those sounds can make my brain feel super busy and tired. It’s like trying to do homework while everyone in your class is talking at once!
Since I’m huge (I probably weigh more than you!), my body works extra hard during playtime. After running around the yard or going for a walk, my muscles need time to rest and recover. It’s like how you need to sit down after running fast.
When I get too much excitement and not enough sleep, I might start acting strangely. I could get worried about everything, chew up your favorite shoes, or bark too much. I don’t mean to be bad – I’m just telling you I need a break!
Here’s what makes me a happy, well-rested Great Dane: quiet spots where I can stretch out, a schedule I can count on, and humans who understand that even though I’m big, I need lots of downtime. Regular exercise and physical activity are also essential for maintaining my calm and relaxed state.
Trust me, a sleepy Great Dane is a good Great Dane!
Questions
Do Great Danes Dislike Specific Types of Food or Feeding Schedules?
Hi there! I’m a Great Dane, and let me tell you about my food feelings.
My tummy gets grumpy when my humans forget when it’s dinner time. Like, seriously, humans – I have an internal clock that’s better than your phone! When you feed me at 6 PM on Monday but then 8 PM on Tuesday, my stomach starts making weird noises, and I give you those sad puppy eyes.
And don’t even get me started on some of those weird foods you try to give me. Some proteins make my belly feel icky. It’s like when you eat something that doesn’t agree with you – except I can’t tell you with words, so I just refuse to eat it or make dramatic sighing sounds.
I’m a giant furry person who really, really likes routine. Feed me at the same time every day, and I’m the happiest pup ever! My tail wags so hard it could knock over a small child. But mess with my schedule? Well, let’s just say I might “forget” where I’m supposed to go potty.
Trust me, keeping me on a regular eating schedule makes both of us much happier. Plus, you get to avoid my dramatic “I’m starving” performance every day!
Are Great Danes Sensitive to Certain Weather Conditions or Seasonal Changes?
Hey there! It’s me, your friendly neighborhood Great Dane, and boy, do I have some things to tell you about the weather!
So here’s the deal – us Great Danes are basically like giant weather stations with legs. My thin fur coat makes me feel every little temperature change. When it gets super hot outside, I turn into a giant panting machine because my huge body gets way too warm. It’s like being a walking furnace that can’t turn off!
And don’t even get me started on winter! When those cold winds start blowing, I start shivering like a leaf. My humans always laugh because such a big dog like me gets so cold, but hey, this thin coat isn’t doing me any favors! I became a 150-pound popsicle.
Spring and fall are my favorite times because the weather is just right – not too hot and not too cold. It’s like Goldilocks weather for us gentle giants!
My humans have learned to watch the weather forecast just for me. They make sure I have a warm coat for winter walks and plenty of water and shade when it’s hot. Sometimes I think they care more about the weather than I do!
The funny thing is, even though I’m huge, I’m pretty sensitive to all these weather changes. Mother Nature sure has a sense of humor, making such big dogs so affected by a little wind and temperature!
How Do Great Danes React to Being Left Alone for Extended Periods?
Woof! Let me tell you what happens when my humans leave me alone for too long. It’s like they don’t understand that I’m a gentle giant who just wants to be with my pack!
When my family walks out that door, my tail stops wagging and my ears droop down. At first, I try to be a good boy and just nap on my favorite couch spot. But after a few hours, things get ruff – and I mean ruff!
I start pacing around the house, as if searching for buried treasure, except the treasure is my humans. Sometimes I get so worried that I accidentally knock things over with my huge paws. Oops! My mom’s favorite plant has taken a few tumbles because of my nervous energy.
The worst part? I start howling like I’m auditioning for a doggy opera. I can’t help it! I’m just trying to call my pack back home. The neighbors probably think there’s a wolf living next door, but nope – it’s just me missing my people.
My stomach even gets upset when I’m alone too long. Being a Great Dane means I have big feelings to match my big body! I need my humans around to feel safe and happy. We’re pack animals, after all, and my pack happens to include those two-legged creatures I love so much.
Do Great Danes Have Preferences About Sleeping Surfaces or Bedding Materials?
Hi there! I’m a Great Dane, and I’d like to share with you my sleeping preferences. Trust me, when you’re as big as I am, finding the right bed is super important!
First off, I’m the size of a miniature horse, so regular dog beds just don’t cut it. I need something BIG – like really, really big. My humans learned this the hard way when I kept hanging off their tiny dog beds like a furry waterfall.
My joints get pretty sore because I’m so tall and heavy. Think about it – I’m like a walking skyscraper! That’s why I LOVE memory foam beds. They’re like sleeping on a cloud that hugs all my achy spots. Regular thin beds make me feel like I’m sleeping on concrete, and nobody wants that.
I also need thick padding because my bony parts stick out everywhere. My elbows, hips, and shoulders are pretty pointy, and without good cushioning, I wake up feeling like I wrestled with a rock. My humans say I can get pressure sores if my bed isn’t soft enough, which sounds awful.
Sometimes I try to sleep on the couch, but I’m way too long. My head hangs off one end while my back legs dangle off the other. It’s quite amusing, but not particularly comfortable! That’s why I stick to my special orthopedic bed – it keeps this gentle giant happy and well-rested.
What Grooming Activities Do Great Danes Find Most Uncomfortable or Stressful?
Hi there! I’m a Great Dane, and let me tell you about the grooming stuff that makes me shake like a leaf in a thunderstorm.
First up – nail trimming. Oh boy, do I hate those clipper things! When my humans bring them out, I suddenly forget I’m the size of a small horse and try to hide behind the couch. My heart starts beating extremely fast, I start panting as if I’ve just run a marathon, and my legs become wobbly. I know my nails need cutting, but those clippers look scary!
Then there’s bath time. You’d think since I’m so big and brave, a little water wouldn’t bother me. Wrong! The second I hear that bathtub filling up, I’m outta there. I’ll try to squeeze my giant self into the tiniest hiding spots. Sometimes I even try to become invisible by closing my eyes tightly. The water isn’t even that bad once I’m in there, but getting me to the tub is a different story. Good luck, humans!
What gets me stressed is when my people start acting all nervous, too. If they’re worried about grooming me, then I know something scary is about to happen. My whole body starts trembling, and I might even drool a little extra.
The worst part? I want to be a good dog, but these grooming things just make my brain go “NOPE!” and my paws start doing their own thing.
Final Thoughts
Hi there! I’m a Great Dane, and boy, do I have some things to tell you about stuff I don’t like!
First off, LOUD NOISES! Ugh! When people slam doors or play music extremely loudly, my heart starts beating rapidly. I’m already pretty big, so when I get scared, I turn into a giant shaking furball. Not cool, humans!
And don’t even get me started on people trying to push me around. Look, I know I’m huge, but that doesn’t mean you can shove me wherever you want me to go. My legs are long and my body is big – when you try to force me to move, it hurts! I’m like a gentle giant, not a wrestling partner.
Small spaces make me feel super weird, too. I mean, have you seen how tall I am? Putting me in tiny rooms is like trying to squeeze a giraffe into a phone booth. I can’t even turn around without bumping into something!
When other dogs or people are mean to me, I become extremely stressed. My tummy gets all twisted up and I just want to hide. I’m pretty sensitive, even though I look tough.
Oh, and when people try to train me by being mean or yelling? That makes me more confused and scared. My brain doesn’t work well when I’m upset.
Too much crazy stuff happening at once makes my head spin. I need things to be calm and peaceful to be a happy pup!
