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Can Great Danes go hiking?

I am looking forward to (probably) adopting a Great Dane from rescue later this year. I was wondering if this breed will be able to go with my family on hikes as well as walks and outings. Also--are they usually good off-leash?


Asked by Member 979232 on Apr 8th 2010 Tagged hiking, largebreeds, greatdanes, leashtraining in Behavior & Training
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Lilly (RIP)

Great Danes would probably be good with hiking since they're big dogs and need lots of exercise... All dogs are different, so I would say as long as your Great Dane has a good recall then they're probably going to be okay off leash... You're probably going to want to teach your dog "leave it" As they might go towards a rabid animal during hikes...


Lilly (RIP) answered on 4/8/10. Helpful? Yes/Helpful: No 0 Report this answer


Dieta

You can slowly work up to a big hike you want to make sure your dog is in good physical shape and no aliments.
Take the water bottles and collapseable bowls with you.
No dog off leash is safe. Be careful.


Dieta answered on 4/8/10. Helpful? Yes/Helpful: No 0 Report this answer


Bam-Bam, CGC

Being a big dog does not mean it needs lots of exercise, and in fact quite the contrary may be true depending on the age of the dane and it's health status.

The rule of thumb with giant breed pups (basically anything under 18 mos) is to never walk them further than you are willing to carry them back. I don't know how old the dog you are looking at getting is, but if it's still growing, I wouldn't do any hiking until the growth plates are closed.

If it's an adult, working up to going on hikes would be a good idea. I don't think any breed is naturally good off-leash, but if you train right and get a good recall, you may be okay, depending on the type of area you'd like to hike in. Good luck.


Bam-Bam, CGC answered on 4/8/10. Helpful? Yes/Helpful: No 0 Report this answer


Isy

Bam Bam gave a great answer. And speaking from an experience Dane owner, no, Danes do not need a whole lot of exercise. They usually enjoy it, just don't necessarily need it. Hiking is something that most Danes adore! They typically love that kind of stuff. If you do a lot of hiking and outings, balanced with a nice relaxing evening just chilling out, a Dane would probably be perfect for you. Have fun! There's no other breed like a Dane!!


Isy answered on 4/8/10. Helpful? Yes/Helpful: No 0 Report this answer


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