Bringing a GIANT in...how to introduce to Bentley
 

Well, we have decided to add to our family. A great dane. She is a rescue and is 1yr. Im going to pick her up tomorrow and at a year old she is already waist high and 80lbs. How should I introduce her to Bentley and vice versa. Im pretty nervous. She is really good with little ones. Not at all aggressive but being so big I just want to make sure I get it right. I was thinking outside may be best. I am SO excited to add a big dog to our family and really want introductions to go well. Anyone that has any experience with this that could share some advice, it would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

I brought Fergie home where Ginger (95lb Golden) has had domain for seven years.

I knew Ginger was a softie but am still careful in introducing a new animal. Even a month later they aren't allowed to sleep together at night and have separate crates.

For the initial meeting I thought about doing it outside but figured in or out wouldn't matter much.

I brought Fergie in on her harness/leash and kept it short. I kept her close to me with me on the floor knowing Ginger wouldn't bite me if she decided to go after Ferg's (which I didn't expect..but still planned for the worst case scenario).

After the intro sniffing I let Ferg's leash out and kept her within arms reach for about 30 minutes while being attentive and present at all times. After the 30 minutes I showed Ferg's the kitchen and feeding area then took her off the leash to let her explore. Ginger tagged along and they get along fine.

I would put both of them on a leash and let them sniff each other and I don't think it matters if it is inside or out.

If you have never owned a Great Dane you are in for a HUGE treat. They are the best, sweetest, loving dogs and you will fall in love.. The only draw back on owning one is they have a short life span...and they are lap dogs Ha!

I hope you have a great time with this rescue.

P.S. watch out for the tail....they can clean a coffee table in seconds.

oohhh, post pics please! i love big dogs!

Just an update....we ended up not adopting the great dane. She was beautiful but too much for me to handle. She weighs about as much as me. We ended up taking a look at another rescue and she ended up coming home with us. A boxer. Her name is Dixie and she is great. Bentley being the big dog he is (haha) lets her know when he has had enough and doesnt feel like playing anymore. She's young at 11 months old and is the typical boxer. Very high energy and excited. She needs a bit of training but as I type is sleeping on the floor inches away from Charlie (our dachshund) snoring. She is adjusting well and settling into a camler lifestyle. A totally different environment than where she was previously. Im so happy Bentley likes her. Walks with both of them will be tough for a little while. Its a big difference walking little Bentley and Dixie who needs to learn some leash manners. We are all going to the dog park in our neighborhood later to play some fetch and hopefully burn some of that energy. Oddly, Bentley seems to have the same amount. Just in a smaller body. Haha! And Dixie has figured out that they are much smaller than her and has eased up on the "boxing" she was trying to do at first. Bentley put a stop to that really fast. Haha! Just wanted to update everyone and I will post pics of Dixie soon. :)

Congratulations on bringing a rescue into your home.

Sounds like you will have your hands full for a little while.

Congratulations on your new family member. I absolutely LOVE Boxers. Pictures please!

Our Boxer, Boo was the greatest Yorkie baby sitter ever. She was already an adult when we brought in tiny little Chattie. We lost Boo on June 28th to old age - she was a little over 15 years. Broke my heart. If you have already, please discuss a condition called Boxer Cardio Myopothay (maybe spelled wrong). It is a very scary condition that can be easily treated with meds.

I did not know Boo died. :( I am so sorry. I loved seeing her photos, what a sweetheart. And 15 years! Wow!

I hope to have a GSD or a English Mastiff one day... not anytime soon, but I just love the big dogs too. But must admit, the smaller ones are easier! And less hairy ;)

Just noticed my son is playing with the Wii cord. Its crazy around here. Haha!