Harley, the Great Dane.
Jessica took him on as a new client for day care about 2 weeks ago.
Harley is 2 years old and has some separation anxiety issues. So, the owner can't really leave him alone at home while he is off to work.
Harley is a real sweetheart though.
But he is HUGE!
The interesting thing about Harley is that he has a calming effect on Rainier.
Rainier is usually all excited and playful when we watch other dogs but when Harley is around, they both just chill...
Harley's owner got him about a month ago. Unfortunately, he is also looking to rehome him right now because of various factors. Here is the craigslist ad (It is a long ad. However, it describes everything you need to know about Harley). If anyone is interested, please do reach out to us. In the event the ad gets removed or gets flagged. Below is the ad in its entirety.
We thought Rainier was big. Harley is 175lbs!
Again, if you are interested in a 2 yr old Great Dane, let us know.
this is the craigslist ad:
2 yr Great Dane (Seattle)
Date: 2012-06-19, 3:34PM PDT
Reply to: psbj7-3088379564@comm.craigslist.org [Errors when replying to ads?]
I want to pre-face this by addressing the flaggers. Keep in mind this is an expensive dog to keep, so cheap adoption fee people stay away. I want this animal to have a great life and it has already improved and he is worth it. If you can't afford daycare, quality food and expect this animal to drink out of the toilet and eat Purina then you will be at odds with everything about him including his adoption fee. Granted IF he was a rescue and $60 dollars then that is one perspective. He is pure bred with papers and as I stated not cheap to house due to his size, diet and some separation anxiety...therefore I want to ensure that anyone adopting him has the means to support him. So to the Craigslist Pet Adoption Flagger Police if you don't agree with people doing something different than you believe in, then perhaps a free, public forum is a poor place to troll day in and day out...really lol.
This dog is a fairly recent adoption. Part of the equation was that there was a successful integration between my beloved long term cat and this dog. It has been not so bad as the dog listens well and is well behaved but has reached a point where I have to give my cat his home back. To the dogs defense my cat is the reason for the issue as the dog is fine with the neighbor cat who is socialized a bit better. My cat is not socialized and has made it clear he does not want to be socialized with a 175lb dog.
He listens very well, needs some further work but is awesome and is the sweetest guy ever. He does not want to be left alone right now, understandably so. He came from a family environment and I am a working professional. I feel a family with older children would be a great fit. He was raised around little ones but is so big he poses a knock down risk with babies as he doesn't realize his size. However children can do anything to him and he will be the much bigger person about it. If someone is at home for him that is perfect, otherwise he will need some daycare until he can feel comfortable about not being abandonded. He is an INDOOR dog and does not like to be left outside. He does not like rain.
Mid sized, neutered male dogs sometimes pick fights with him. If the dog is a barker and barks at everyone's dog at the park, then that is the dog that is going to pick a fight with him. He has never responded and wants to shy away, but I wouldn't want to test that theory for very long. He is also un-altered and this contributes to neutered male dogs finding issue with him. However being the biggest dog at the park is not always the easiest cross to bare. If he was fixed then this would help that though he doesn't have the typical issues un-altered males frequently have...again he is a pretty awesome dog.
He knows sit, stay, lay down, come, go to bed, get in car. He is awesome at night and will go to his bed for more or less the entire night. The other commands he just needs more endurance with but if you ask him he will stay etc. He will stop doing something if you address his name. I feel with dedicated, healthy non aggressive training he would make a lot of progress. I have been using a clicker and treats and lot's of positive praise with good success. He could use some car manners, or just a separate, larger car for transport. He feels he should ride between the seats with his head on your shoulder or arm. Not cool or safe! Also have a plenty of drool rags handy for the ride, and your shoulder. He only barks if...someone comes to door, and then usually once...but it is a BIG bark. He will whine, howl and pull door handle off if left alone for too long...as I said he has some separation anxiety. He is better at being left in car, 45 minutes or so but doesn't really get upset there unless he is excluded from something.
He prefers, calm, in control, kind personalities. He is not aggressive ever but does not like sketchy or aggressive people and will bark and huff at them, Tweakers scare him a lot...and I mean he gets scared and will become very stand off'ish and protective.
He likes limited play and lots of nap time. He is napping now after a short walk, bowl of water and some car training. This normal for him and he is an indoor dog with great potty skills. Does not like to poo on leash but will if he has to but you need to ask him to and he much prefers to poo free of restraints (I mean who doesn't).
He has a pretty funny personality and a bit of a foot fetish...I know huh??? He likes to trap your foot and then lick them...if you try and move it he will wrap his legs around it and trap it between his head. Loves feet!!! Does not like spray things, like water bottles, hoses, super soakers etc. I think someone used water to discipline him. Also no lazer lights....he is obsessed with shadows/reflection so we do not play those games in hopes he will out grow them.
He is good on leash unless excited or has to go to bathroom bad. If the pulling is at a plus 10% then it's a bathroom issue and once he goes potty he will be back to normal. If he is excited then best for him to calm down some before walking...He is STRONG, sideways control on leash is crucial as his front shoulders power him. If you control the head/shoulders then awesome, new muzzle leash is good...previous owner said prong collar but I won't use one and he does great for me.
I am going to be pretty careful about re-homing him and feel that maybe a weeks worth of daycare would be ideal. That way the transition isn't such a shock to him as he LUVS me lots and I am kinda heartbroken that it didn't work out because of his awesomeness. I could drop him off and pick him up everyday and that gives you an opportunity to see if it's a good fit for you as well.
Sorry for the novel but...I want to be honest and clear so that you can make an honest evaluation and not just decide it's a great idea to have a 175lb baby to take care of.
Thanks
- Location: Seattle
- it's NOT ok to contact this poster with services or other commercial interests
