About Ken 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: 3/3/2008 Subject: Too much attention?
Question 2 days ago we adopted a 1yr old female Dane from what appears to be a loving family with 5 cats and a Jack Russell.We have an 11 yr old Lab (neutered male)who has NOT bonded with her but has played a tad..but more than likely thinks we brought a pony home instead of a dog.They have gotten into a couple of scraps (no injuries yet). I can deal with that because introductions take time. The Dane though seems to be an "affection monger" and will stand between the lab and my husband..making the lab rather pissed off. We/I have spent the past 2 days making sure she felt 'comfy' in her new home. She has velcroed herself to my hip and if my hubby comes from the other room to say HI she stands up and growls, barks..looks mean. He laughs and just approaches her and says 'SHADOW! and then she is OK in a sec. Is this normal behavior? She has not growled at me yet. Maybe she is just trying to find the 'niche' in the way her new home operates? Is it BAD to give too much attention to her when she is good? She hasn't been bad yet..and I see that with some direction she won't.
BTW..The Lab is not lacking any attention. Hubby and I take shifts and the lab actually is being a great sport being as old as he is!
ALSO..is it possible her behavior might change (as far as being protective etc) when she is in heat? She kind of shows the signs of it 'coming'(licking, etc) but then again this is the first female dog I have owned in 40 yrs so what do I know?
ANY help would be appreciated!
Answer If only there were a simple answer.
She is showing signs of distress at the new house and is trying to fit in in the only way she knows. Make her see that there is room for you and the Lab.
She may be having her first season and suffering PMT. Have her speyed after her season and see if that will calm her down.
Otherwise you could try a behaviourist who lives close enough to give a hands-on diagnosis.
