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Adult dogs have several positive advantages over puppies. They are finished with their teething period and most are already housebroken. Taking care of an adult dog is not nearly as time consuming as raising a puppy, which is a significant benefit for adopters who work outside the home. Also, an adult dog's temperament and personality are already developed, so you usually know in advance what you are getting.

Adult dogs will bond well with their new owners, though this may take some time. Rescue dogs frequently go through a short grieving period for their former families. They might also suffer some separation anxiety when placed in a setting that is unfamiliar to them. There are several things, however, that you can do to help them adjust.  The use of a dog crate is highly advised and in some situations may be considered a condition of the adoption. Though many people think of crates as a type of punishment, dogs are den animals and a crate (or "pseudo-den") provides it with a safe haven. Attending an obedience class with your new dog is also a good way to bond with it and give it a sense of stability. Dogs, like people, become insecure when they do not know the rules. Also, like people, they are happiest when they know they are doing the right thing. So, regular praise, rewards for good behavior, and a pet and a hug go along way toward acclimating a rescue dog to its new home.

Dogs that come from deprived or abusive situations have special needs. For homes with the time and desire to work with these unfortunate animals, the rewards can be great.

So you love dogs, eh? We do too, and we REALLY love Great Danes! Because of our devotion to this breed, and our commitment to placing rescued Danes in the homes they deserve, we ask that you first read the following, then ask yourself:  Am I the right person to adopt a rescued Great Dane?

1.   A home where EVERYONE gives the dog an opportunity to live up to its potential as a great companion. A few of the rescued Danes come from good, loving homes that had to give them up because of major, life-changing events. Most, however, have lived difficult lives or have lost someone they loved very much. In either case, they often go through an adjustment period when they join a new home, which can be difficult for the both dog and its new owners. Patience is a necessity during this transition period.
2. Owners who are committed to the dog's needs -- exercise, obedience training, socialization, understanding, patience and plenty of "quality" time. Sometimes, this means you will have to re-arrange your work or other schedules to attend the dog's needs, or arrange for someone else to do this for you. If you work 9, 10, or more hours each day away from home, then this might not be the best time for you to have a dog -- regardless of how much you love dogs.
3. A comfortable dog crate. What is a crate? A crate is a specially-made wire or plastic enclosure. It has multiple uses that are beneficial to both you and your dog -- safe housing during transport or while you are away from home, an effective means for house training, sleeping quarters, feeding area, etc. What a crate is not -- a crate is not cruel. It is not a means of punishment. Moreover, it is not a doghouse in the yard. To the dog, a crate is his "room" -- a place where the dog can retire to sleep or eat or feel secure.
4. A fence, if you have a yard, or a secure, fenced area, such as a dog park, kennel, etc. Normally, a minimum five foot/1.5 meter high fence is necessary to contain a Great Dane.
5. Regular exercise. This does not mean simply putting the dog out in the back yard. It means your commitment to a regular schedule of walks, runs, playing with other dogs, and playing with you! Not only will this interaction help to strengthen the bond between you and your rescued Great Dane, it will help to make a happy, healthy, well-socialized dog! 
   

1.  A dog is not for the entertainment of your children. Rescued Danes are rarely less than a year or two old, and rarely have perfect temperaments or manners. While most Great Danes love children, you must keep in mind that they are large dogs and can accidentally and unintentionally knock down very young children while playing.
2. A rescue dog is not a cheap alternative to a well-bred, purebred dog. There are many expenses to consider, including adoption fees and initial veterinary care, as well as the ongoing care of the dog (training, feeding, health care, etc.)
3. A rescue dog is not an animal that you can expect to behave like it has lived with you all its life. Rescued dogs frequently experience some level of separation anxiety, which can sometimes be severe, or were "disposed of" by their former owners because of destructive behaviors, lack of socialization, or lack of obedience training. They often require large amounts of attention and patience to help them adjust to their new home and family

Now, after reading the above, if you can truthfully say to yourself: I am the right person to adopt a rescued Great Dane! then, Congratulations! Please proceed to the next step and send us an Adoption Application.

If, however, you are now saying to yourself, "I am not ready for a rescued Great Dane, but maybe a puppy would be better," then please consider contacting Great Dane breeders who are members of the Great Dane Club of Canada or the Western Great Dane Club of BC.

PLEASE NOTE THAT WE WILL NOT BE COMPLETING ANY ADOPTIONS DURING THE ENTIRE MONTH OF DECEMBER.

 

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