Great Dane Rescue Victoria

05/03/2024

Introducing the handsome Diesel!

Diesel has been with us for a few weeks while his carer got to know him and learned more about his needs and wants! This gorgeous boy is a 3&1/2yo Merle hunk of loveliness.

Diesel has had a fairly sheltered life from what we can work out and has had limited experience with dogs, other than those he lived with. To be honest, the carer and I feel he would be happiest as an only dog with no other pets. He isn't too bad to walk but you do need to be aware of what and who is around as he really doesn't cope too well if other dogs, particularly larger dogs, are too close. He will need a firm handler who will let him know they are in charge not him. To be quite honest we feel he would be happy to spend most of his time at home and only go out for the occasional walk.

Diesel loves people and one of his absolute favourite past times is to snuggle with his people. He is such a smooch. He wants to please and get lots of love. Diesel has lived with teenagers but we feel he would be fine with Dane savvy older children. Diesel loves to play with his toys. He really is such a happy boy.

Diesel is not suitable for life as a farm boy. He needs good suburban fencing. He doesn’t like being bathed but loves going to the vet as he is the centre of attention. Overall Diesel is a very sweet boy who wants a family who will spoil him and include him in their life.

If you think that Diesel is the boy for you, please email us at [email protected] for our potential home questionnaire or to let us know we already have your paperwork. Once the paperwork is back we can add you to Diesel’s prospective family list. We do our best to match our Danes with their new family.


Source number: RE100996
Microchip number: TBC
Email: [email protected]

14/01/2024

Foster Carer needed ASAP!

We have a nearly 2yo female Dane, Tina who needs to come into foster care. She is a lovely soul but is not getting on with the other female dog in her home. I have met this girl, she is sweet, loving and wants to please. She would do well in an only dog situation as long as she is not left for too long on her own or in a home with a sensible friendly larger breed boy to keep her company. She has lived with children and is great with them. Tina has also lived with a cat but will chase them if they run.

Tina's family are heartbroken by the situation they are in but they want what is best for both of their girls and this is the only way they can achieve this for the girls.

If you would like to help Tina, please email [email protected] for a foster questionnaire to complete and return with photos as outlined in the questionnaire.


Source Number: RE100996
Microchip number: TBC
email: [email protected]

14/01/2024

Dozer - 3-4yo Merle Dane X Male

Our gorgeous boy, Dozer is looking for a new foster home or even better a forever home. He is still a bit of a work in progress and just wants to please. Dozer has come so far with his current carer, however, they are probably having to move due to work commitments and don't know what their living arrangements will be once they move so are unable to take him with them. They are also concerned that they don't have enough time to give him currently due to their busy life. Dozer is good on lead and currently living with a Dane girl. They get on so well. He has done well with other dogs he has encountered. We have no idea how he is with cats.

If you would like to help Dozer or offer him a forever family, please email [email protected] for either a foster or potential home questionnaire to complete and return with photos as outlined in the questionnaire.


Source Number: RE100996
Microchip number: TBC
email: [email protected]

14/01/2024

Happy New Year!

Sorry, this post is a bit late - May the end of your 2023 and the start to your 2024 have been better than mine and Rescue's.

Sadly my Christmas day started with the phone call none of us want - our forever foster girl, Lexy was bloating. Sadly, Lexy gained her wings on the way to the vet. Lexy was a very sweet girl, about 10 years old and had a very happy life with her forever foster family while she was in our care. Lexy came and stayed with me Christmas Day until we could get her to our wonderful friends, Kevin and Julie at Elysium Fields Pet Cremations - Melbourne on Boxing Day.

Sadly my own senior kitty, Thomas, gained his wings a couple of days after New Years. He was such a sweet old man with a cranky side that all the dogs and our Bengal knew to avoid. The only animal that he seemed to like was my new Dane, Poppy.

Yesterday, I received the news that the gorgeous Mr Jenkins had passed away. He was about 10 years old when he passed. Jenkins had the most amazing life with his family for the last 6 years or so.

2023 was a difficult year for me personally, my beautiful, gentle, sweet girl Calli passed away in September. She had been diagnosed with a massive tumor at the end of February. We thought we would be saying goodbye then, but Calli had other ideas and gave me 7 more months of love and happiness. My health was not the best last year, and I had a couple of stays in hospital, another bout of COVID and other medical issues. All of this meant my focus was taken away from Rescue for a large part.

Behind the scenes in Rescue, there were a few medical issues we dealt with for our forever fosters and a quite a bit of moving Danes around into new foster homes. Hopefully from here on in things will be a bit more manageable this year and I won't have as much drama. Please know, my focus for the start of this year is to get some of our long term fosters into their loving forever families. GDRV has been blessed with a core team of foster carers who have cared for their charges so well.

May your 2024 be happy and full of love.

Yvonne

30/10/2023

Our handsome Dozer is patiently waiting for his forever family.

I am not sure what is going on with the previous post I did a few weeks back but it seems there is only a limited audience. Some can see it and other people can't.

Dozer is a really sweet 3 - 4yo Merle Dane X boy. He came to us from a country Victorian Pound. His carers tell me he is the most gorgeous soul who has learnt so much since being with them. Dozer arrived with very few manners and while a work in progress, he has learnt so many things and just wants to please.

Currently, Dozer is living with a female Dane and by all accounts, has done well with other dogs he has encountered. We don't really know how he is with cats. Dozer is such a good boy.

If you would like Dozer to join your family, please email [email protected] for a potential home questionnaire to complete and return with photos as outlined at the end of the questionnaire.


Source Number: RE100996
Microchip number: TBC
email: [email protected]

29/10/2023

Foster carers needed ASAP!

We are looking for foster carers (and forever homes) for Nikita and Leia.

Both girls are with carers who are going away on holiday very soon.

Nikita is currently living with a young Dane boy but would probably prefer a foster home with an older boy. However, I know she would be just as happy as an only dog.

Leia is a very sweet soul, and while currently living with other dogs, our carer feels she would be better in an only dog home. She can be very bossy at times.

For more details about either girl check out their posts below this on the page.

If you think you would be able to help either girl and give them a place to hang out till we find their forever family please get in touch via email - [email protected].

02/10/2023

A foster or forever family for Biduu is needed asap.

The gorgeous Biduu is a 7 years old Dane X boy who was adopted from GDRV when he was a youngster. This handsome boy is a very much loved member of his family. Unfortunately, Biduu's family is moving overseas very soon and cannot take him with them. He is handsome, social with humans, good with kids, very loving, cuddly, understanding, fit and a pretty low maintenance boy.

Biduu is fine with other big dogs and puppies if introduced properly. However, he is not so good with small dogs and other small pets. He lived with a Dane girl until her recent passing and when in foster care years ago, he lived with a Dane boy. So Biduu would be happy to live with another big dog if introduced correctly or as an only dog with a family to dote on him.

If you are interested in having Biduu join your family as either a foster or a forever family member please email us at [email protected] and request either the potential home questionnaire or our foster application.


Source number: RE100996
Microchip number: 956 000 005 339 901
email: [email protected]

24/07/2023

Leia - 5yo Black Great Dane

Introducing Princess Leia!

The gorgeous Leia is 5yo and is on the hunt for her new family. Leia is very sweet and is looking for a family who will make her the princess she is destined to be.

We feel Leia would be happy in a family with a friendly large breed male canine companion and a firm but fair head of the family. She would also flourish in an only dog family with someone around to keep her company. This princess is best suited to a family with older calm teens or an adult only home. Leia is not suitable to live with cats.

Since moving in with her carer, Leia has been crate trained and learnt a few more manners. She really is a clever girl who just wants to please. She loves getting out for a walk but will occasionally forget herself and pull you towards other dogs and things that catch her attention if you are not alert.

What does Leia really love - to play with her toys and her canine friends at the carer's, she is also a big fan of snuggling on the couch. She is not a fan of getting a pedicure but is otherwise quite happy to be groomed.

If you think that the gorgeous Leia would suit your family, please email [email protected] for our potential home questionnaire to complete and return with some photos. If we already have your PHQ, email us to let us know to add you to Leia's potential family list.


Source number: RE100996
Microchip number: 982 126 050 235 634
email: [email protected]

24/07/2023

24/07/2023

Introducing our elegant Nikita!

Nikita is looking for her forever home. This beautiful 6yo Merle Mantle girl is such a loving soul. Nikita came to us from an interstate pound with the possibility of health issues. She went into forever foster when she first arrived in Melbourne which did not work out. Well since she arrived, we have had her to the vet and there is nothing wrong with her. The vet feels that the health issues were associated with the pneumonia that she contracted while at the pound.

Nikita craves a family that will give her all the love she wants. Nikita is a very affectionate girl. She gets a bit nervous when there are new people visiting the house but warms quickly to them. Nikita really loves male visitors. She is currently living with a teenager who she adores.

She can be a bit jumpy when she gets excited so someone with older kids or teenagers would suit her best. Nikita has not been around cats, other small animals or farm animals as far as we know. At the moment, while in foster care she is staying with a 12mo Great Dane. However, Nikita would definitely prefer an only dog home or one with an older, less annoying big dog brother.

Nikita is fairly well trained. She knows the basic commands along with some other useful commands like ‘Go to your bed’. When she is out on a walk, she can get a bit nervy. She is not a fan of when another dog comes up to her on a walk and can react a bit.

Nikita's favourite things are to be with her family when they are watching tv or being with you. She craves attention and is happy to just be with you. She also loves her toys and does not like to share them. Nikita loves water and will stand outside in the rain and play around.

If you think you could be a match for Nikita, please email us at [email protected] for paperwork to fill in. If we already have your paperwork please email to let us know to add you to her potential family list.


Source number: RE100996
Microchip number: 953 010 002 064 814
Email: [email protected]

27/06/2023

ONLY Sharing!

Gorgeous Opal is looking for her new family.

If you are interested in having her join your family, contact Australian Animal Protection Society.

30/04/2023

Just a few things to consider if you have a reactive Dane.

We recently came across this post written by Thinkdog with Lewis Nicholls and thought it was a simple great way to breakdown dealing with reactivity. If you have a reactive dog, we highly reccomend reading until the end!

**** 10 TIPS FOR PEOPLE THAT HAVE REACTIVE DOGS OR DOGS WITH BIG FEELINGS ABOUT THEIR WORLD ****

1 - Don't try to train them when they are reacting. If your dog has reacted and isn't able to focus you've already lost that battle! Teach them behaviours at home that will help them cope better. We teach a find it which cues them to get their nose down looking for something, a 'let's go' as an emergency U-turn and simple focus games. It might sound simple because it is. There isn't any secrets here. It just comes down to how well you've taught your dog to do something, regardless of the distraction.

2 - Give them more down time. Don't keep exposing them to stressful situations. It will make their behaviour worse. Our guys have regular days off where they can chill and do whatever they like which doesn't involve anything they find challenging, scary or overly exciting.

3 - Focus more on yourself. The leash is a huge reason why a lot of dogs develop problems. It's very restrictive so we really need to learn how to hold and use the leash effectively. The leash is a management tool. It's not a training tool and it's not there to pull them about this way and that way. If you're having to use the leash to get the dog to do what you want them to do, get a trainer to help you with your leash handling.

4 - A reactive dog needs a proactive handler, not a reactive one. If you react poorly the minute your dog reacts the situation is never going to get resolved. Shouting 'No!' whilst yanking on the leash is only going to make matters more problematic. If your a member on our site you'll notice I barely bat an eyelid when a dog reacts, I just focus on how I'm holding the leash and how I can get the dog out the situation as quickly and as safely as possible. I know it's not easy but it's something we have to learn to do to help these dogs.

5 - No isn't a behaviour. If you are going to say anything you really need to give the dog some good, solid information. Usually 'no' has zero information in it at all. It's just a very common human reactive behaviour. This is why we spend time teaching our dogs what to do before we put them in challenging situations. The better they understand something, the more chance you have that they will perform the behaviour.

6 - Move more. When your dog starts reacting their body is being flooded with all sorts of chemicals to help them fight or flight. For them (and you), remaining still and calm is almost impossible in this situation. Asking a dog to sit in this instance is neither effective or fair. You will sometimes have to get moving with them.

7 - Reinforce, don't bribe. Don't become a predictor for the trigger. If you're using food in your training don't fluff about and rush to get food in your dog's mouth as soon as YOU see a potential trigger. That's not training. That's you teaching them that whenever YOU spot a trigger you're going to try to quickly get food to them. Eventually, you trying to give them food will become the cue that the trigger is about to appear and the food will mean nothing to them - no matter how hard you try to put it in their mouth.

8 - Be a bossy boots if you need to. Some dogs don't do well without any guidance. A lot of working breeds seem to find too much freedom stressful. I can't remember who used the analogy but for some dogs in chaotic situations (from their perspective) if we don't tell them what to do, it's like us being in a helicopter and suddenly the pilot says - "Here, you take over. Do whatever you like." I'd rather have calm and clear instructions in stressful times and some dogs need that too.

9 - Only give the dog a choice if they can't make a 'wrong' choice. Don't let your dog off leash if they are going to rush over to people or dogs and react. It's not fair to anyone. Don't be a gambler. Don't keep trying the same thing over and over again and hope for a different outcome. Dogs are notoriously bad at making 'good' decisions. This is where we should help them and where the training can help them make better decisions.

10 - Slow it down. If your dog has been reacting for half their life, don't expect them to suddenly stop within a week or two. It's dog training, not dog trained. It's a process that never stops. The more time you allow for, the more you will be pleasantly surprised with how far you can get instead of upset that your dog isn't 'fixed' within a few sessions. They're not lightbulbs. You don't 'fix' them. You help them, just like you help people that are struggling.

04/04/2023

Please note:

BEWARE!!!
Any comments promoting pups for sale etc are from scammers!

Please message the page if you see a scammer so we can block them and remove the comments. We don't want anyone getting caught out.

04/04/2023

South Australian families is there someone who can offer Scooby the home he is looking for??

South Australia Great Dane Rescue and Rehoming (https://www.facebook.com/groups/263851073760599) are desperately looking for a home for Scooby.

🔴 URGENT! If this boy doesn’t find a home very soon, things don’t look good for him.
🔴 SCOOBY is deaf and needs supervision.
🔴 PLEASE READ CAREFULLY…
🔴 Please note Patricia, who runs SAGDRR is having FB issues. So please get in touch with GDRV or go direct to SAGDRR's FB group page to make contact. We will pass your interest on to Patricia if you contact us.

23/03/2023

Introducing the beautiful Daphne! We are looking for a foster carer or forever home for her.

Daphne is a gorgeous 2yo blue Harlequin girl who is on the hunt for her new family. Her family just aren't able to give her the time and attention she desires so they have made the difficult decision to rehome Daphne so she can get the attention a princess like her deserves.

Daphne is such a sweet girl. She sometimes gets a bit nervous when there are new people visiting the house but warms to them reasonably quickly. She is currently living with young children, but sometimes she can be a bit rough but is definitely not doing it on purpose. She just doesn't realise her size. So a family with older kids or teenagers would suit Daphne.

Daphne has not been around cats, other small animals or farm animals. With the correct introduction, she would probably love a friendly male canine companion.

Daphne knows the basic commands. As far as getting out for a walk is concerned, Daphne is not brilliant on lead but that said, she is not totally bad either. She has only been walked on a house collar so if she was trained on a haltie or a check chain there would probably be a huge difference in how she behaves.

When she sees another dog she starts acting a bit silly, mostly because she wants to meet the dog and play. She doesn't always read the other dogs very well so she really needs an owner who will help her read the dogs and decide who she can and can't meet.
Daphne's favourite things are to be with her family and doing whatever with you. She craves attention and is happy to just be with you. Daphne is not too bad at being washed - it is not her favourite thing but she will just sit for you to wash her. If there is a storm she wants to be inside with the family as storms make her a bit nervous.

If you think you could be Daphne's perfect match, please email us at [email protected] for paperwork to fill in. If we already have your paperwork please email to let us know to add you to her potential family list.


Source number: RE100996
Microchip number: 956 000 005 652 533
email; [email protected]

23/03/2023

Edited: Thank you to everyone who has contacted about Dozer. We found a carer for him yesterday and he is now out of the pound. So we are now searching for his forever family. 🙂

We are searching for a forever home for the gorgeous 3yo Merle boy, Dozer.

Dozer is currently in the pound and unfortunately, the carer we had lined up has fallen through.

Dozer is good with other dogs and has lived with children. The ranger says Dozer is really sweet and has done it pretty tough before arriving at the pound.

We have very limited information about Dozer, and pretty much all I know is on this post.

If you are able to help Dozer and us, please email us at [email protected] for either foster paperwork or a potential home questionnaire to fill in.

23/03/2023

Introducing the beautiful Cleo - the ultimate cuddle bug!

We are looking for either a foster or forever home for this sweet girl!

Cleo is an 8 year old Great Dane x Rhodesian Ridgeback who just wants a home where she can retire peacefully. Her family are heartbroken about having to find Cleo a new family but circumstances have meant that they can no longer provide her with the retirement home she deserves.

Cleo is extremely low energy, all she needs is a comfy bed, two meals a day and as many cuddles as you’re willing to give. She has very mild arthritis in her hips, which is common for senior big dogs, so short walks are all she needs, and a short series of injections once a year keeps her symptoms at bay. Other than that, she has a clean bill of health!

Cleo absolutely adores people, especially kids, but due to her size she would need supervision with the littlest kind, as she may swipe a paw in happiness that could land astray. She is fine with cats and other calm animals, but can have some fear with dogs she doesn’t know, so a slow introduction is best.

Cleo is house-trained and knows all the basic commands: sit, drop, up, off, out and through. She also knows how to shake hands and can speak on command.

She is very calm and is happy to be outside all day while you’re at work. If you’re home at night or on weekends, she’d love to be inside with you, either on her own bed or even better, curled up on the couch with you. She doesn’t react to storms or fireworks, and will happily snore right through.

If you want a low maintenance companion, Cleo is waiting to call your place home! Please email us at [email protected] for a potential home questionnaire to fill in and return with some information about you so we can see if you are Cleo's perfect match. If we already have your paperwork, please email to let us know to add you to her potential family list.


Source number: RE100996
Microchip number: 941 000 017 305 639
email: [email protected]

27/10/2021