*PLEASE MAKE SURE YOU READ THIS THOROUGHLY!*

NEW PUPPY INFORMATION & INSTRUCTIONS

You have just purchased a new puppy from Into the Wilderness Great Danes & American Bullies. Your puppy needs to visit the vet within 72 business hours. When you take your puppy to the Vet, keep your puppy in a crate or in our lap. Do not let it play on the floor or furniture and most certainly do not allow it to socialize with other animals that may be in the office at the same time. In addition, it is not a good idea to let people touch your puppy when at the vet. It may seem mean to tell them not to, but they may be there with their that is sick. You do not want your puppy to catch what their puppy or dog may have. This is the time to establish an immunization schedule, take the Puppy’s health record with you. This is very important for your puppy’s protection.

FEEDING YOUR PUPPY Your puppy is eating from Purina Pro Plan Chicken and Rice Formula. Leave a bowl of water down 24 hours a day. New food should be mixed with the puppy’s food you received from us. This will prevent your puppy from getting sick. You need to watch and make sure your puppy is eating. Do not just assume he or she is eating. It may be necessary to add baby food (chicken or beef) for added flavor to encourage the puppy to eat better. You can soak the food in some chicken broth to make it soft, and they like that too. It also makes it easier for the tiny puppies to eat the softened food. You can also feed it some canned puppy food; NEVER confine a small puppy for any length of time with no food or water. Puppies also have to eat and drink during the night. Never withhold food from a very tiny puppy in an effort to teach it to eat its new food. This could kill your puppy. DO NOT EVER EVER FEED PUPPY FOOD! You need to make sure your puppy is on a good quality food that is less than 26% protein no more than 1% phosphorus or sodium. Calcium levels should also be low.

Making your puppy feel safe Remember when you first bring home your new puppy it will be scared. Our puppies stay with their moms and littermates until they leave for their new homes. When you bring your puppy home, he/she will be lonely and lost at first. It is not recommended to sleep with your puppy. This will ruin their house training or the puppy can be injured by falling off the bed or rolled on by its new owner. Just talk to the puppy and make him/her feel secure. Puppies have no concept of heights. They will walk right off the edge of any furniture if they are left unattended. So please warn children not to play with them on the sofa or the bed. Play with them on the floor for their own safety. Do not let them jump off of any high place such as couches, or beds, or other furniture. If your children hold the puppy, please make sure they are sitting down, puppies can be very wiggly. Also please be aware how tight your child is holding the puppy. Some children have injured small puppies by holding them too tight.

Confinement is Essential to training We recommend using an x-pen, which can be bought, at any pet store. If you do not have the room for this then a puppy gate in the doorway to a bathroom will work almost as well. Make sure it is a puppy gate and not a baby gate. Puppy will eat through the baby gate. If the owner allows too much freedom, the puppy will get into bad habits of doing his thing in a well-hidden place. Do not allow this to happen. If you give him too much freedom at first you will end up with a dog that is not house broken.

TRAINING YOUR PUPPY It is very essential that YOU become the pack leader of your puppy. Your puppy will be VERY large and could easily have their way with you once full grown. Establishing your position as pack leader at a young age is essential to having a well mannered adult. I suggest puppy training classes and lots of socialization.

Overview

The Great Dane was originally bred to hunt , but he probably wouldn't be very good at it today. The ferociousness necessary to track down such a large, wily animal was eventually bred out of the Great Dane. He's now a gentle soul who generally gets along well with other , animals, and humans. However, his size and his power bark will scare the wits out of a burglar. Anyone who owns one of these dogs eventually understands that while you may be used to his awesome size, others usually need a little time to get there. The Great Dane was developed from -type dogs, but he's more refined than other descendants of this ancient breed. A Great Dane is sleek and elegant. He has an athletic, muscular body. His massive head — and massive is the right word — is long and narrow. He's got a long, graceful neck. His ears can be cropped or left natural. (Cropped ears are common in the U.S., but in other countries, ear- is banned.) His size can present problems. Eyeballing 1 a dog who weighs what you do makes some folks nervous. His tail can knock over a lot of things, particularly in a small space. And given the opportunity, he's an impressive counter surfer. Luckily, he isn't rambunctious or highly energetic. Size notwithstanding, a Great Dane is a sweet, affectionate companion. He loves to play and is gentle with children. He has a peaceful disposition, although he hasn't lost any of the courageousness that helped him hunt wild boar. Although he isn't particularly vocal (despite his killer power bark), he wouldn't hesitate to defend his family. Even given his inherent gentleness, it's advisable to teach him good manners and attend obedience training classes when he's young. His sheer size alone could make him impossible to control when he's an adult, and — as with any dog — you never know when he might see something he just has to chase. He's eager to please and highly people-oriented, demanding a great deal of attention from those around him. He tends to nudge people with that big old head of his when he wants to be petted. Sometimes you'll meet one with lapdog tendencies who see no reason not to hop onto the sofa and drape themselves on you. Surprisingly, the Great Dane typically doesn't eat as much food as you'd think. And while he needs daily exercise, he doesn't need a huge yard to play in (although he certainly would enjoy one). Because of his beauty and gentle nature, more and more people are discovering the Great Dane. He currently ranks as the 24th most popular , according to registrations with the . Just be aware that because of his size, he's got a relatively short life span of around eight years old. That means he takes up a huge space in your heart for a short amount of time

Highlights

The Great Dane is sweet, eager to please, people-oriented, easy to housetrain, and he responds well to training using positive reinforcement. Like many giant dogs, Great Danes are short-lived. Great Danes require a lot of space. Even though they make great house dogs, they need a lot of room just to move around. There's little that they can't reach (kitchen counters and dinner tables are no problem), and their tails can easily sweep your coffee table clean. Everything costs more when you have a big dog — collars, veterinary care, heartworm prevention, food. In addition, you'll need both a crate and a vehicle that are large enough to hold your Great Dane without crumpling him into a pretzel. And let's face it, you'll scoop up a lot of poop. It takes a while for the bones and joints of large dogs such as Great Danes to stop growing and become stable. Don't allow your Great Dane puppy to jump, and don't take him jogging until he's at least 18 months old; this will reduce stress on the growing bones and joints. The Dane's special giant-breed dietary requirements have to be followed, or else orthopedic issues can develop. Great Danes aren't particularly suited to apartments or small houses, simply because they're so big. They're not jumpers, fortunately, so a six-foot fence will contain them. To get a healthy dog, never buy a puppy from an irresponsible breeder, puppy mill, or pet store. Look for a reputable breeder who tests her breeding dogs to make sure they're free of genetic diseases that they might pass onto the puppies, and that they have sound temperaments.

History

Drawings of dogs who look like Great Danes have been found on Egyptian artifacts dating back to 3000 B.C. and in Babylonian temples that were built around 2000 B.C. There's evidence that similar dogs originated in Tibet, with written reports of such dogs appearing in Chinese literature in 1121 B.C. The breed is thought to have been taken into various parts of the world by the Assyrians, who traded their dogs to the Greeks and Romans. The Greeks and Romans then bred these dogs with other breeds. Ancestors of the were probably involved in the breed development, and some folks believe that the or Irish Greyhound also may have played a role. Great Danes originally were called Boar , because boars were what they were bred to hunt. Their ears were cropped to prevent boar tusks from tearing them. In the 16th century, the name of the breed was changed to "English Dogges." Late in the 1600s, however, many German nobles began keeping the largest and most handsome of their dogs in their homes, calling them Kammerhunde (Chamber Dogs). These dogs were pampered and wore gilded collars lined with velvet. Talk about a sweet life. The name Great Dane arose in the 1700s, when a French naturalist traveled to and saw a version of the Boar who was slimmer and more like a Greyhound in appearance. He called this dog Grand Danois, which eventually became Great Danish Dog, with the more massive examples of the breed called Danish Mastiffs. The name stuck, even though Denmark did not develop the breed. Most breed historians give credit to German breeders for refining the breed to be the well-balanced, elegant dog we love today. In 1880, breeders and judges held a meeting in Berlin and agreed that since the dogs they were breeding were distinctly different from the English Mastiff, they would give it its own name — Deutsche Dogge (German Dog). They founded the Deutscher Doggen-Klub of , and many other European countries took up the name as well. The Italians and English-speaking countries didn't accept this name, however. (Even today, the Italians call the breed Alano, meaning Mastiff; and in English-speaking countries, of course, they're called Great Danes.) Throughout the late 1800s, wealthy German breeders continued to refine the breed. They turned their attention to the dog's temperament, because Great Danes had aggressive, ferocious temperaments due to the fact that they were originally bred to hunt wild boar, a particularly ferocious beast. These breeders tried to produce more gentle animals, and — luckily for us today — they succeeded. We don't know when the first Great Danes were brought to the U.S., or even where they came from, but the Great Dane Club of America was formed in 1889. It was the fourth breed club allowed to join the American Kennel Club.

2 Size Male Great Danes are 30 to 38 inches tall and weigh 120 to 200 pounds. Females are 28 to 35 inches tall and weigh 100 to 130 pounds. A Height and weight chart is attached at the back of this packet.

Personality A well-bred Dane is one of the best-natured dogs around. He's a gentle, sweet, affectionate pet who loves to play and is relaxed with children. He has a great desire to please, which makes him easy to train. Please remember that they are LARGE puppies and they will play as any puppy does. Just because of their size they still bite, chew and have razor sharp teeth.

The Great Dane wants to be where the family is. He likes people a lot, including strangers and children, and will welcome visitors happily, unless he thinks you need defending. Then he can be fiercely protective.

Some Danes wish they were (or truly believe they are) lap dogs, and they'll keep trying to get there even if you and your lap mysteriously keep moving.

Good-natured as they are, Great Danes definitely need early socialization — exposure to many different people, sights, sounds, and experiences — when they're young. Socialization helps ensure that your Great Dane puppy grows up to be a well-rounded dog.

Enrolling him in a puppy kindergarten class is a great start. Inviting visitors over regularly, and taking him to busy parks, stores that allow dogs, and on leisurely strolls to meet neighbors will also help him polish his social skills.

Health

Great Danes are generally healthy, but like all breeds, they're prone to certain health conditions. Not all Danes will get any or all of these diseases, but it's important to be aware of them if you're considering this breed.

Development Issues: Growing problems can develop in puppies and young adults. These are sometimes associated with an improper diet — often a diet too high in protein, calcium, or supplements. Hip Dysplasia: This is an inherited condition in which the thigh bone doesn't fit snugly into the hip joint. Some dogs show pain and lameness on one or both rear legs, but others don't display outward signs of discomfort. (X-ray screening is the most certain way to diagnose the problem.) Either way, arthritis can develop as the dog ages. Dogs with hip dysplasia should not be bred — so if you're buying a puppy, ask the breeder for proof that the parents have been tested for hip dysplasia and are free of problems. Gastric Torsion: Also called bloat, this is a life-threatening condition that can affect large, deep-chested dogs such as Great Danes. This is especially true if they are fed one large meal a day, eat rapidly, drink large volumes of water after eating, and exercise vigorously after eating. Bloat is more common among older dogs. It occurs when the stomach is distended with gas or air and then twists (torsion). The dog is unable to belch or vomit to rid himself of the excess air in the stomach, and the normal return of blood to the heart is impeded. Blood pressure drops and the dog goes into shock. Without immediate medical attention, the dog can die. Suspect bloat if your dog has a distended abdomen and is salivating excessively and retching without throwing up. He also may be restless, depressed, lethargic, and weak, with a rapid heart rate. It's important to get your dog to the vet as soon as possible if you see these signs. Bone Cancer: Sometimes known as osteosarcoma, this is the most common bone tumor found in dogs. It's usually seen in middle-aged or elderly dogs, but larger breeds such as the Great Dane tend to develop tumors at younger ages. Generally affecting large and giant breeds, osteosarcoma is an aggressive bone cancer. The first sign is lameness, but the dog will need X-rays to determine if the cause is cancer. Osteosarcoma is treated aggressively, usually with the amputation of the limb and chemotherapy. With treatment, dogs can live nine months to two years or more. Luckily, dogs adapt well to life on three legs. Heart Disease: Heart diseases affect Great Danes; varieties include dilated cardiomyopathy, mitral valve defects, tricuspid valve dysplasia, subaortic stenosis, patent ductus arteriosus, and persistent right aortic arch. Prognosis and treatment vary depending on the specific disorder and the dog's age and general health. Surgery: Surgical issues are a bit different for Great Danes than for smaller dogs. For any needed surgery, find a surgeon who is experienced with giant-breed dogs. Ask for a presurgical blood test and ask them to include a clotting profile (this is not part of typical pre surgical blood work).

Care

Despite his giant size, a Great Dane is mellow enough to be a good house dog, and surprisingly make great apartment dogs too to being couch potatoes! He can get cold in the winter, so he shouldn't be left outside in colder climates — but then no dog 3 should. In fact, he would enjoy having a sweater or fleece coat to keep him toasty warm when you go for a walk in a winter climate. He's relatively quiet indoors, but he needs a long walk at least once a day, or a large yard to play in. An adult Great Dane needs 30 to 60 minutes of daily exercise, depending on his age and activity level. Puppies and adolescents need about 90 minutes of exercise a day.

If you plan on keeping him in a yard occasionally, he'll need a six-foot fence, though he's not a jumper. If you're a gardening fan, understand that he really enjoys destroying the landscaping (just a little safety tip in hopes of preventing human heart attacks). While you may want a running partner, wait to take your Great Dane jogging until he's at least 18 months old. Before then his bones are still growing, and they're just not up to the task. In fact, he may not be ready to go jogging until he's two.

Crate training benefits every dog and is a kind way to ensure that your Great Dane doesn't have accidents in the house or get into things he shouldn't. A crate (a really big one) is also a place where he can retreat for a nap. Crate training at a young age will help your Dane accept confinement if he ever needs to be boarded or hospitalized.Never stick your Dane in a crate all day long, however. It's not a jail, and he shouldn't spend more than a few hours at a time in it except when he's sleeping at night. Great Danes are people dogs, and they aren't meant to spend their lives locked up in a crate or kennel.

Feeding (AS SEEN ABOVE)

Diet is important for a rapidly growing giant-breed puppy like a Great Dane, more so than for most breeds. A Great Dane puppy should never eat regular puppy food because it's too rich for him; he needs the puppy food designed for large breeds. It's best not to supplement with anything, especially not with calcium.

Assuming a high-quality food, the amount to give your Great Dane varies greatly with age and gender. However, generalized daily amounts are:

Three to six months: females, 3 to 6 cups; males, 4 to 8 cups Eight months to one year: females, 5 to 8 cups; males, 6 to 10 cups Adolescents: females, 8 cups; males, 9 to 15 cups Adults: females, 6 to 8 cups; males 8 to 10 cups Until the age of four to five months, a Great Dane puppy should have three meals per day. After that, give him two meals per day for life. He should never have only one meal per day.

Coat, Color and Grooming

The six usual colors of Great Danes' smooth, short coats are:

Fawn (a golden color with a black mask) Brindle (fawn and black intermixed all over the body in a tiger-stripe pattern) Blue (steel blue, which is really a sort of gray) Black Harlequin (white with irregular black patches over the entire body) Mantle (black and white with a solid black blanket over the body) There are also coat colors that are the mixture of any of the above including Merle.

He sheds a lot, but his coat is easy to keep in top condition with regular brushing. Use a firm bristle brush and shampoo as needed. Regular brushing keeps your Great Dane's coat healthy and clean, and cuts down on the number of baths he needs. As you might imagine, bathing a Great Dane is a daunting task, particularly if he's not looking forward to it. Hard to imagine him hiding under the kitchen table while trying to escape a bath, but it happens. Brush your Dane's teeth at least two or three times a week to remove tartar buildup and the bacteria that lurk inside it. Daily brushing is even better if you want to prevent gum disease and bad breath. Trim his nails once or twice a month if your dog doesn't wear them down naturally to prevent painful tears and other problems. If you can hear them clicking on the floor, they're too long. Dog toenails have blood vessels in them, and if you cut too far you can cause bleeding — and your dog may not cooperate the next time he sees the nail clippers come out. So, if you're not experienced trimming dog nails, ask a vet or groomer for pointers. His ears should be checked weekly for redness or a bad odor, which can indicate an infection. When you check your dog's ears, wipe them out with a cotton ball dampened with gentle, pH-balanced ear cleaner to help prevent infections. Don't insert anything into the ear canal; just clean the outer ear. Begin getting your Dane used to being brushed and examined when he's a puppy. Handle his paws frequently —

4 dogs are touchy about their feet — and look inside his mouth. Make grooming a positive experience filled with praise and rewards, and you'll lay the groundwork for easy veterinary exams and other handling when he's an adult.

As you groom, check for sores, rashes, or signs of infection such as redness, tenderness, or inflammation on the skin, in the nose, mouth, and eyes, and on the feet. Eyes should be clear, with no redness or discharge. Your careful weekly exam will help you spot potential health problems early.

Children and other pets

A Great Dane loves children and is gentle with them, especially when raised with them from puppyhood. Keep in mind he doesn't have any idea how big he is compared to a small child, and so can accidentally knock them over quite easily.

As with every breed, you should always teach children how to approach and touch dogs, and always supervise any interactions between dogs and young children to prevent any biting or ear or tail pulling on the part of either party. Teach your child not to approach any dog while he's eating or sleeping or to try to take the dog's food away.

Generally speaking, a Great Dane will get along with other pets in the household, but occasionally some can be aggressive with livestock, or they just may not care for the other pets. It's an individual taste: some won't tolerate another animal in the house, while others will snooze with the cats and other dogs.

Birth weight: 1-2 lbs Week 1: 2-3 lbs Week 2: 3-5 lbs Week 3: 4-7 lbs Week 4: 5-8 lbs Week 6: 10-20 lbs Month 2: 15-30 lbs (13-17") Month 3: 30-45 lbs (17-22") Month 4: 50-65 lbs (21-25") Month 5: 65-85 lbs (25-30") Month 6: 70-100 lbs (27-32") Month 7: 75-110 lbs (27-33") Month 8: 80-115 lbs. (27-34") Month 9: 85-120 lbs. (28-34") One year: 90-135 lbs (28-36") Full grown: 100-190 lbs (28-38")--> For males: 135-170 lbs. & 33-36" is typical. for females: 110-140 lbs. & 30-33" is typical.

This information is for you to hold on to. IF YOU EVER HAVE ANY QUESTION PLEASE FEEL FREE TO CONTACT ME AT ANY TIME DAY OR NIGHT. You have LIFETIME breeder support with your new puppy, use it to your advantage!

Into the Wilderness Great Danes & American Bullies [email protected] Jodie Devroy (906) 371-0653

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