Before you get that cute little fur ball (that will out weigh you in 6 months), consider your future living situation.  If there’s a chance you’ll be moving, you may want to wait until you’re settled into your new home. 

We hear all the common excuses for not taking the dog when you move. 

We hear, it’s a new home, just built it, and we don’t want messes…our advice, use the crate for the puppy and leave the children with family until they’re 21. 

We hear, the yard isn’t fenced.  So, plan to put up a fence and take the dog out on a leash until the fence is finished.

We hear, the Home Owners Association will not allow anything but an underground fence.  We would suggest that you take your dog out on a leash or choose another neighborhood.

If you can’t commit to a Dane puppy for up to 15 years, you should wait for the right time to get one.

If you rent, be sure you are secure in your living environment and have a back up plan.  More and more apartment complexes are accepting pets so if you’re really committed and in love, take Bowser with you to your now home, a little searching and you’ll be able to find a place where you all fit in!  A quick internet search for pet friendly apartments will yield more results than I can list here, so plan that back up!

Be sure you double check with the landlord or manager before you pack up your pup…this is a Great Dane, and even though he weighs 40 lb. right now, he will be weighing over 100 lb. very soon.  You want to be sure you’re up front about the type of dog you’re asking to bring with you so you don’t find yourself looking for another home in 30 days!

It’s also important for you to realize the stress an entire family feels when moving to a new home.  Your pets are not exempt from the stress and may act out for a couple of weeks while they adjust…just like a toddler.  Both your dog and your 2 year old might backslide and have potty accidents, or break something.  This is something you should be prepared for and ready to deal with.  You may need to break out that crate from when you first brought your puppy home.  You wouldn’t leave your two year old behind because she was too much trouble would you?  So, don’t leave that cute fur ball that you promised to love for his/her lifetime either!

The bottom line here is that a commitment is a commitment and you should honor it.  Your dog deserves the kind of love and devotion he/she will give to you. 

If you don’t feel that you’re ready to commit for the lifetime of the dog, we suggest that you put it off for a few years until you are ready.  You can always become a foster home and have a temporary Dane!

Jan Cates, President, Heartland Great Dane Rescue, Inc.

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