If you own a Great Dane dog or if you are contemplating acquiring one and have questions about how much exercise a dog of that size requires daily, you’ve landed in the right place! Welcome to the Big Dog Den, I’m glad you’re here! In this article, you’ll discover just how much exercise a Great Dane needs to stay healthy and fit and learn some effective methods of providing him (or her) with the opportunity to enjoy physical fitness.
The research I’ll share with you today will save you valuable time sorting facts from myths. I did my homework so yours will be easier! I glean information from the experts; the American Kennel Club (AKC), the Great Dane Club of America (GDCA), Pet Md, the experts in the field of dog behaviors, and from a plethora of Great Dane dog owners I have interviewed. After all, the more we know about our dog’s needs, the better his (or her) quality of life will be, making the overall experience of dog ownership more rewarding and hopefully longer!
Today you’ll Discover:
- The Different Activity Levels Great Danes Need in Each Phase of Their Lifespan
- The Best Way(s) to Ensure Your Great Dane is Getting Enough Exercise
- What Great Danes Love to Do for Fun
- If Great Danes can Have Too Much Exercise
- When to be Cautious in Exercising a Great Dane
- What Other Factors Affect a Great Dane’s Overall Health
- How to Effectively Combat Obesity in Your Dog
Additionally, I’ll give some interesting facts you may not have known about this giant and fascinating dog breed, and answer some of the most frequently asked questions (FAQ) pertaining to exercising a Great Dane. Some of the information I discovered surprised me, and I’m looking forward to sharing everything I’ve learned with you. I’ve also saved you time and some headaches by including helpful links to any product I mention here today. I’ve read the reviews, I’ve compared the ratings, and included my own preferences(through experience) from the vast variety of options available. Each product link will take you directly to Amazon.
There’s a lot to go over, so let’s get to chewing on some accurate information!
Exercise and Your Great Dane Puppy
If you’ve ever been fortunate enough to watch a puppy while he (or she) is yet with a mother dog, you’ve already discovered that between the mother and nature, puppies get plenty of exercise on any given day.. and plenty of rest! Even if you get your puppy from a different source and have never seen him with his (or her) mother, this natural exercise and rest ratio prevails. A healthy Great Dane puppy will get plenty of exercising done in a day because he has plenty of energy!
You’ll quickly discover your puppy’s natural rhythm for rest and exercise, and be able to adjust it to better fit your schedule and lifestyle. You can expect a puppy to be (very) active for a minimum of 90 minutes per day. Please break this time-frame up into a minimum of three sessions each day. He (or she) will receive the bulk of this exercise at your hand, through walking and organized playtime, but should also be encouraged to have some off-leash and freestyle fun!
The time to begin a regular exercise routine with your new puppy is the day after you bring him (or her) home. Great Danes have a high intelligence level, and will quickly become accustomed to your routine. Your puppy should be walked about every two hours, and the benefits are twofold. Regular walks will make house-trainer easier with fewer accidents, and provide a structured exercise routine.
The experts recommend at least 30 minutes of off-leash exercise daily, and I whole-heartedly concur. This can include romping outdoors, a game of fetch or tug of war, or even a jog around the block with his (or her) favorite human. Most pet-friendly apartment complexes or communities have a designated area where you can let your Great Dane play untethered.
If this is not the case where you live, you’ll likely be able to find a dog park, pet-friendly people park or hiking trail near you to utilize. If you can’t get to one of these places daily, you should make a point of getting to one weekly. Not only are these public places great for exercise and free-range fun, but they are also excellent for training your dog to be well-socialized!
*Please note: When you’ll have your Great Dane dog off-leash in a public place, I highly recommend you use a muzzle to ensure the safety of the humans and animals around him (or her). This isn’t because your dog is mean, it’s because he (or she) is big and because you’re a responsible pet owner. If the idea of a muzzle feels cruel or archaic to you, you’ll want to read this article, right here in the Big Dog Den. It was written with a Rottweiler I love named Max in mind, but the information certainly applies to any big breed dog!
FAQ: Where is the best place to get a Great Dane puppy?
The statistics are staggering for how many dogs are euthanized annually in the United States alone simply for being unwanted. More than 670,000! For this reason, please thoughtfully consider saving a rescued Great Dane or rescuing a shelter puppy yourself. The Gentle Giants Great Dane Rescue is a great place to start!
Otherwise, you can find an awesome Great Dane puppy in a pet store, buy one from a breeder, or even watch the ads in your local newspaper for free puppies looking for a good home(although it is rare, it can happen). If you purchase a Great Dane puppy, you can expect to pay anywhere from $300-$3000, depending on pedigree, registration, and varying costs in different areas of the country.
Exercising Your Adult Great Dane
By the second year of his (or her) life, your Great Dane will be considered “mature” and you’ll notice some of that playfulness has vanished. However, his (or her) need for exercise will not vanish but only lessen slightly. The AKC recommends that adult Great Danes get about 60 minutes a day of brisk exercise daily. Two or three 10-15 minute walks will cover the bulk of the dog’s fitness needs, but he (or she) will still need that freestyle play daily.
I would be remiss not to mention safety when it comes to exercise! We already covered the importance of a muzzle when exposing the public to your Great Dane, but there’s more equipment you’ll need to have. In addition to a great muzzle, you’ll want to have a durable collar, harness, or combination of the two (the method I most prefer when walking my own big dog). In addition, find a leash that is made from quality material, and has secure (but easy to use) clasps made of steel or metal, and not plastic. It would be tragic if your dog rushed out into traffic because the clasps keeping him (or her) tethered to you are insufficient against the strength of your dog!
We’re going to discover some additional ways to provide your dog with exercise other than what is provided through routine walks a little further along in this article, but walking with you will always be your Great Dane’s primary form of daily exercise (if you want a well-trained and well-behaved dog).
On a side-note, I found an attractive way to keep your dog’s leash(es) and collar(s) organized while exhibiting your love for the Great Dane breed! Check this out! Isn’t it fantastic?!?
When to Use Caution in Exercising a Great Dane
Your Great Dane will have an intelligence level comparable to a human toddler. A Great Dane will come to understand from 150-250 words and hand gestures, is susceptible to boredom and loneliness and, like a human toddler, will rely on your guidance in what is good (or bad) for him (or her). This includes proper and adequate exercise that will promote health and not injury. There are certain times in your Great Dane’s life that you will want to use caution when it comes to exercise. These times include:
- Puppyhood: Your Great Dane puppy will grow very quickly! It is imperative that his (or her) muscles and joints develop in a steady and consistent way that excludes injury. Like that human toddler, your dog may not know when to quit when it comes to having fun. It’s on you (as a responsible pet owner) to provide adequate exercising opportunities and to set the limits that ensure your dog is not being over-worked (exercised). Carefully observe your puppy’s energy level and body language. Gradually build endurance by increasing distance and speed on your walks. Be sure to monitor free-style play to make sure your puppy isn’t over-exerting himself (or herself). If you notice your puppy pushing (or being pushed) beyond its limits, bring playtime to an end and encourage your puppy to rest.
- Pregnancy: If you opt to breed your female Great Dane, or otherwise find yourself with a pregnant dog, you may find her exercising habits may change. In this instance, let your dog “take the lead”. Without question, exercise is helpful to your dog’s pregnancy, but she should not be over-worked or pushed beyond her endurance or comfort levels.
- After a Medical Procedure: Whether your Great Dane has had a routine procedure like spaying or neutering or has been treated for an accidental injury, be sure to discuss any needed changes or limitations in his (or her) usual exercise routine with the veterinarian. Make sure any and all advice from the vet is adhered to. This will promote a faster (and better) healing period.
- Senior Great Danes: A Great Dane is considered a “senior” when he (or she) reaches the age of seven. Along with this title will likely come some health issues. Joint pain or malfunctions (like hip dysplasia) is the leading issue in senior Great Danes. Exercise will always be a contributor to longevity, but too much of a good thing is never a good thing in the long run. If your senior Great Dane has joint issues (or other health conditions that make exercising difficult) slow the pace and distance of your walks. Additionally, adjust playtime to fit the dog’s comfort level. Increase your senior Great Danes health exams to twice a year, and bring up the subject of adequate exercise on each visit.
FAQ: Can my Great Dane jog with me?
Because of a pup’s quickly developing joints, muscles, and bones, the experts recommend not taking a Great Dane jogging with you until he (or she) has reached two years of age. Again, the speed and distance of your jog together should gradually be increased over a period of time.
Making Sure Your Great Dane Gets Enough Exercise
Chances are, you won’t be with your Great Dane 24/7. This can make it difficult to know how much exercise he (or she) is getting while you’re away and if more or less is needed. In addition, most Great Danes seem entirely satisfied with being “couch potatoes”. This can also make it hard to determine if their need for exercise is being met.
To recap what we’ve learned s far, a Great Dane under the age of two most benefits from 90 minutes of exercise a day. An adult Great Dane needs about an hour daily, and seniors, pregnant bitches and Great Danes with medical conditions will require less than an hour a day. All of these time frames should be broken up in at least two daily sessions, and more than two if scheduling permits.
A well-exercised Great Dane will have a calm temperament, will not be obese, and will be tired at the end of the day.
A Great Dane that isn’t getting enough exercise may exhibit destructive behaviors that include chewing things he (or she) shouldn’t be chewing, like your slippers, curtains or carpeting.
A Great Dane is svelte by design, and should have a visible rib cage (under his coat, of course) and a defined waist-line. If you can’t see either, your Great Dane may be at risk for developing obesity and will need to be exercised more.
The third way a Great Dane exhibits that he (or she) isn’t getting enough exercise is by suddenly developing habits like excessive barking or pacing. Like us, dogs have energy that demands release. If that energy is pent up, it will likely produce an undesirable outcome, and can even lead to aggression!
Adequate exercise, proper socialization, and sufficient training are the three ways you can avoid raising an aggressive Great Dane dog. All three factors are life-long endeavors and attending to each of these needs will produce a well-rounded temperament in your dog.
Did You Know? Great Danes were originally called “Boar Hounds” because that was their “job”. Later, the breed name was changed to “German Mastiff” and the dogs were considered more of a luxury than a dog with a job to perform. Conflicts between countries, however, caused the breed name to once again change, and now we have the “Great Dane”.
Exercises Great Danes Like to do for Fun
I’ve mentioned “off-leash” exercising a couple of times so far, and I’d like to expand on that a bit. Every interaction you have with your Great Dane dog is an opportunity to strengthen the bond the two of you share and to reinforce training procedures you are instilling in your dog to produce the behaviors you desire. For these reasons, at least part of your dog’s off-leash time should be structured activities. I always recommend you make it your first order of business to teach your dog the 5 Basic Commands. These are:
- Come!
- Heel!
- Sit!
- Down!
- Stay!
When your dog understands the basics of good behavior, everything about your relationship will become easier, including playtime!
Some activities your Great Dane dog might consider fun and are definitely great exercise are:
- Tug of War: This is most likely the first game you will play with your Great Dane puppy, and ten minutes or so can get those muscles fired up… yours and your dogs!
- Fetch: Perhaps the most well-known dog game ever, playing FETCH is fun for your Great Dane, reinforces his training to “Come!” and stretches and works those long leg muscles!
- Human Hide and Seek: To begin, have your Great Dane sit. Then give the “Stay!” command. Hide in easy places (behind a curtain, in an open closet, etc) when the game is brand new. Once hidden, call your dog and watch how thrilled he (or she) gets when you’re found! Make your hiding places progressively harder as your very smart Rottweiler advances in his seeking skills. Do not trick him or leave when he thinks the two of you are playing. Confusing a dog does not increase his (or her) intelligence. Rather, it is frustrating and discouraging.
- Hiking- Getting out in nature for a long hike is as good for your Great Dane as it is for you! Of course, you’ll start with shorter hikes, and increase the distance as your dog grows strength and endurance. Make sure the ground surface is friendly to the pads on his (or her) feet, and pack water and a snack for your four-legged companion just like you’d do for yourself. Let your dog rest if he (or she) needs to, and take precautions in extremely hot or extremely cold climates.
- Frisbee- Playing Frisbee with your Great Dane is a great way to ensure the burning of energy he (or she) has! It is definitely a high impact sport, involving massive amounts of jumping and running. Because it’s so much fun, your dog will be counting on you to make sure he doesn’t overdo it when playing. Frisbee burns that energy in a short amount of time, so when you’re worried your furry buddy hasn’t exercised enough, ten minutes of Frisbee will do the job quickly!
- Garden Hose Play- Summer months can be miserable in particularly hot climates. You may find that your Great Dane enjoys being cooled off with the garden hose. Some dogs treat the water like a playmate, some try to bite at it playfully and some just enjoy playing in the “sprinkler”. The only way you’ll know if he (or she) likes it or not is to try it! Take caution, though! A water hose that has been sitting in the sun can be at a temperature near boiling! Always turn the hose away from your dog and spay out water until you are sure it’s not hot. There would be nothing fun about scalding your four-legged best friend!
- An Obstacle Course: Having a dog run an obstacle course provides great exercise, increases agility and stimulates his (or her) mind! A fun tunnel, a couple of hurdles to jump and some obstacles to weave between are all your Great Dane needs to show off his skill! Chance are, you already own some materials to incorporate in making a course of your own, but if not, you can find a great little agility set right here on Amazon.
To find what activities your Great Dane loves, simply begin with the activities you love, and discover whether or not it’s a shared passion!
FAQ: Are Great Dane Dogs God Swimmers?
Without being intentionally vague, the only honest answer to that question is “it depends”. Because of their massive upper body size, Great Danes are not natural-born swimmers. However, if water activities are “your thing” you can train your dog to swim with some time and patience. You may find he (or she) LOVES swimming, or you may find your dog enjoys the water and frolicking in it but isn’t necessarily a great swimmer. Like humans, each dog is unique.
Either way, keep your dog safe in the water with a life-vest and pay close attention that no over-exertion is occurring. Some dogs will have greater stamina in the water than you do, and some will not. A dog can drown from over-exertion and that would be a tragedy!
Exercise is Only Part of Your Great Dane’s Overall Health
The proper amount of exercise is a key factor in the overall health of your Great Dane, but it certainly isn’t the only factor! Here are the other factors present in exceedingly healthy dogs that live to ripe old ages:
- Nutrition and Hydration: Make sure your dog always has access to clean water. Hydration is as important to him (or her) as it is to us! In addition, supply a diet that is formulated for large breed dogs. Your dog’s food label should list a specific and single meat protein as its main ingredient, instead of meat by-products. The food you feed your Great Dane is not an area in which you should cut corners to appease your budget. Put simply, your dog’s “output” will be of the same quality as his (or her) “input”. If you’d like to learn more about dog food options, you’ll want to peruse an article I wrote last year called “Is Pedigree Dog Food Good for Dogs?” right here in the Big Dog Den. Again, the article was written with Rottweilers on my mind, but the information in it is applicable to any dog breed of any size!
- Socialization with Humans and Other Animals: Your Great Dane’s mental health is associated with his (or her) overall physical health. Train your dog to be friendly and stave off boredom with exercise, toys to play with, and your companionship.
- Regular Medical Exams: Schedule visits with a veterinarian every 3-6 months until your Great Dane reaches his (or her) second birthday. From ages 2-7, a once-a-year check-up is usually sufficient, and after age 7, take him (or her) to the vet twice a year for early dection of any medical issues.
Did You Know? Your Great Dane will eat the most dog food between his (or her) first and second year of life than at any other time! You can expect to be serving 8 cups of food daily to females and 9 to 15 cups daily to males. In adulthood, the amount will slightly decrease to closer to six cups daily for females and 10 cups daily for males. Your dog will need about 2500 calories daily to support his (or her) massive size. This caloric intake should be adjusted according to the dog’s activity level. Although one meal a day is sufficient for your Great Dane, it is recommended you divide the food into two servings to help keep energy and hormone levels more even throughout the whole day.
Did you discover anything that surprised you in today’s article? I sincerely hope you’ve found the knowledge I’ve shared to be informative, enjoyable, and helpful! You and I, as dog lovers, are a special breed of our own. Responsible pet ownership shows we’re doing our part to keep our dog(s) healthy, fit, and overall well-rounded in temperament. Thank you for spending some time with me today in the Big Dog Den! Stop in again soon, we are always building our library of accurate and reliable information regarding the big dog breeds, and ever-expanding our selection of helpful products along the way.
*This article has been reviewed in accordance with our editorial policy.
