What does a ‘puppy pass’ look like in adult dogs?

Are there specific health issues that cause aggression in Danes?

How do I spot a mediator dog in my home?

A “puppy pass” occurs when an older, more patient dog tolerates a younger dog’s inappropriate or dominant behaviors without correcting them or pushing back. You can tell a younger dog is getting a puppy pass if the older dog passively allows them to rest their head, neck, or front paws on the older dog’s back for extended periods. Other warning signs include the younger dog humping the older dog (from behind or over the head) or knocking the older dog down and lying on top of them until the older dog “submits” and stops moving.

Regarding specific health issues that can cause aggression in Great Danes, while rare, medical conditions can be the culprit. Owners and veterinarians have noted instances of severe, uncharacteristic aggression linked to canine rage syndrome. Additionally, sudden aggression that develops later in life has been diagnosed as a form of canine dementia.

To spot a mediator dog in your home, look for a highly observant pack member that actively works to maintain peace. You can identify a mediator dog by watching for the following behaviors:

• Monitoring interactions: They closely watch the other dogs and flag early warning signs of aggression.

• Accompanying the victim: They will typically choose to stick by the side of the “victim” dog rather than the aggressor.

• Running interference: A mediator will actively step between the aggressor and the victim to physically block the aggressor’s line of sight or physical access. They may also physically turn the victim away from active or passive threats.

• Intervening in fights: In extreme cases, a highly dedicated mediator dog may even attempt to physically pull the aggressor off the victim if a true fight breaks out.