Care
Taking care of a Great Danoodle dog requires dedication and patience. As a large breed of dog, they need plenty of exercise, nutrition, grooming, and socialization. Proper care for this breed should include regular veterinary check-ups, as well as providing training to ensure your pet is obedient and well-behaved.
To create a positive environment for your Great Danoodle, it is important to provide them with proper nutrition, exercise and socialization in order to keep them healthy and happy.
Exercise
Walking and play sessions with the owner will be full of fun. Let it run without a leash in a fenced yard. Pay particular attention to the dog if it begins to gain weight. Being large, energetic breeds that require regular exercise to stay healthy and happy, they need at least 30 minutes to an hour of vigorous exercise per day, such as brisk walks, runs, or playtime in a securely fenced area. They also enjoy activities such as agility training, playing fetch, and swimming.
Grooming
Having thick and wavy coats require regular grooming for maintaining both appearance and health. Moderate to high maintenance with respect to grooming is what you need with this beautiful breed.
Here are some things you need to do for grooming them:
- Brush their coat at least once a week to remove any tangles or matting.
- Regularly trim their hair around their ears, paws, and bottom to prevent matting and keep them clean.
- Although not frequently as it can dry out their skin, you should bathe your dog at regular intervals
- Regularly cleaning and inspecting their ears to prevent infection.
- Keeping their nails trimmed to prevent cracking or splitting.
It is also important to note that Great Dandoodles shed moderately, so you may need to vacuum more often.
Health Problems
There are no reports of breed-specific diseases, but there are chances of inherited disorders like bloating, cancer, patellar luxation, Von Willebrand’s disease, Cushing’s disease, etc. Some common health concerns related to Great Dandoodle include:
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Hip Dysplasia: Being a genetic condition, the hip joints don't develop properly and may lead to pain and arthritis. Regular exercise, a healthy diet, and maintaining a healthy weight can help prevent or alleviate the symptoms of hip dysplasia.
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Bloat: Also called twisted stomach or gastric torsion, the condition can be life-threatening. It usually happens if the stomach is filled with gas and twists on itself. This can cut off blood flow to the stomach and other organs, and requires immediate veterinary care.
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Osteosarcoma: A kind of bone cancer, it is common in large breeds. Common signs may include swelling, lameness, and pain in the affected limb.
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Cardiac issues: They are prone to dilated cardiomyopathy, mitral valve disease, and other heart diseases.
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Allergies: There are chances of developing food allergies, skin allergies, and inhalant allergies like any other large dog breed.
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Other issues can be entropion, ectropion, hypothyroidism, and von Willebrand's disease.
It's important to consult with a veterinarian about individual health needs and to schedule regular check-ups to catch any potential health concerns early.
Training
The calm and docile Danedoodle is easy to train if the master uses positive methods. Treats and praises will keep the dog interested in the process. Teach it various tricks (like fetch) and socialization skills to help it mix with other animals and people. Separation anxiety is a possibility, let it stay alone for some time and then increase the duration according to the process.
Besides being intelligent and always eager to please, they can also be headstrong and independent, so consistent, positive training is important. Here is a general training schedule that can be followed to help train your Great Dandoodle:
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Puppyhood (8-12 weeks): Start with basic obedience training such as sit, stay, come, and walk on a leash.
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Juvenile (3-6 months): Introduce more advanced training such as heel, drop it, leave it, and fetch. It is the best time when you can train them to socialize with other dogs or strangers.
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Adolescence (6-12 months): Continue with advanced training and add in new commands such as roll over, shake, and play dead. This stage is great if you start working on recall and leash manners.
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Adulthood: Continue to reinforce basic commands and add in any additional commands or tricks that you want your dog to learn. This is also a good time to start agility training or other fun activities.
It's important to note that every dog is different, so the schedule may vary for each individual Great Dandoodle.
Feeding
High-quality kibbles, having all the necessary nutrients, split into two or three meals will be sufficient. The amount will vary on the basis of the dog’s size, age, and metabolism.
A Great Dandoodle puppy grows into a very large dog with a big appetite, so it's important to provide them with a balanced and nutritious diet to support their growth and development. Here is a general feeding chart:
- Puppies (8-12 weeks): 3-4 small meals per day
- Juvenile (3-6 months): 3 meals per day
- Adolescence (6-12 months): 2 meals per day
- Adults: 2 meals per day
It's important to note that the amount of food will vary depending on your dog's individual needs, such as their age, size, and activity level. When it comes to the type of food to feed your Great Dandoodle, it's best to choose a high-quality, grain-free dog food that is formulated for large breeds. Look for food that contains a high percentage of protein, such as chicken, fish, or beef, and a variety of vegetables and fruits to provide essential vitamins and minerals. Avoid foods with fillers, artificial preservatives, and by-products.
It's also important to monitor their weight, as they can be prone to becoming overweight which can put a strain on their joints and lead to other health issues. You can also feed them with homemade meals but make sure to consult with a vet or a nutritionist to make sure it's balanced and meet all the nutritional needs of your dog.
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