Hi, I'm new to the board and a new Great Dane owner. We recently were given a Great Dane by my girlfriend who could no longer keep her. I'm now in love with this breed and swear I will never own another breed. Anyhow I met this wonderful couple this weekend who recommended this site. Phoebe our Dane is so we've been told a Harlequin however the couple we met said she looked like a Merliquin (?). I'll post pictures soon of her.
Phoebe is deaf. She went to puppy school to learn sign language right from the get go and follows her signs without hesitation unless there are numerous people signing all at once. She is such a joy. Phoebe was taught not to run at people, jump up on people, lick people or go on furnishings. She is very quiet and easy going. Phoebe will not bark unless given the command. We do have to go to her to touch her sometimes to get her attention since she is deaf. We have a Chihuahua as well and have had him since he was a puppy, he's now almost 6yrs old. Phoebe is 2yrs old, 3 in Jan. Both get along excellent and she pics up on a lot that our little guy does such as try to be a lap dog. She has this amazing lean and is the most gentle dog ever. I would recommend signing schools for deaf dogs, it really opens communication between owner and dog. Phoebe loves seeing the good-girl sign, we have no sign for bad-girl but will never have one or desire one. We only have a few commands, good-girl, sit, lay-down and bark. We're learning so much since she has arrived and I look forward to learning much more as I go.
Megan & Phoebe.