AboutKen Humphries Expertise I have only four geat danes now, all fawn, although I have had brindles in the past. I have had them for 34 years and am an international judge of danes, I breed them occasionally and show them most weekends. I also organise seminars and lecture on Kennel Club regulations, how to judge dogs, canine anatomy, movement and stewarding at shows. I am on the committees of National Working & Pastoral Breeds, Midland & West of England Great Dane Club organising shows and I was chairman of Stratford Canine Society.
Experience I have had up to 20 great danes at any one time, fawn, brindle and blue,in the past. I have had them for 34 years and am an international judge of danes, I have judged the championship show of the Great Dane Club of South Australia. I breed them occasionally and show them most weekends. I also organise seminars for novice judges and instruct them on Kennel Club regulations and construction and movement.
A dane we bred and that I showed took the best dog award at Crufts.
Expert: Ken Humphries Date: 3/9/2008 Subject: Great Dane Depression
Question We have recently, four months, homed a 7 year old rescue great dane who has had a rough life. She has no concept of a ball, a ring, of fetch. She seems to take virtually no pleasure in anything. Maybe food and when I first suggest and get out for a walk, but then she lapses into a shamble of a walk. She bucks up when she sees a rabbit but only just makes it into a run to catch it.
Her front teeth are worn right down and the top of her nose are has long term damage I can only assume from having the front of her mouth thru a steel mesh.
She very rarely can be sparked into any sort of gamble. In short I am at my wits end to stimulate her into any sort of play, or attention
She barely acknowledges us when we come into a room after we have been out or in the morning. By that I mean she cannot often manage to raise her head let along get up and wag.
She rarely barks, and then with no passion !! or threat !!
Help......
Philip
Answer You may never get her to play or show any emthusiasm for life if her past experiences have been so bad. Lots of love, special treats when she shows some animation, like barking or preparing to go for a walk. Lots of treats when out for a walk so that she associates 'normal' activites with enjoyment.
She has fallen on her feet in her later years so you may have to be satisfied with giving her the best you can.
