Cool! Wow, and 120 lbs, I bet she is bigger than Cleo! The Blacks and Harle's are the biggest, and Cleo is a runt.
I'd say get into obedience asap, they are great at it as long as you start before they learn to throw their weight around. Cleo has no idea she is stronger or faster than me because I worked with her so much when she was little. They really want to please, you just have to show them how. Since Great Danes are very attentive to humans you have to be careful you don't inadvertently reward bad behavior. She'll know you inside and out in no time.
I can't say enough about Kirkland Performance Chicken and Rice. It is very affordable and the ingredients and nutritional content is just as good as all the top expensive brands. Cleo has some "issues" since she doesn't produce the enzyme that digests fat, this has been the only dog food that will keep weight on her. If you try it and notice your girl is gaining too much weight, she may be better of with the regular formula instead of the performance formula.
You have to be really careful about not putting weight on them too soon, they should be kept fairly lean until they are 2 years old and even then you don't want them to pack on too much more. With Cleo it wasn't really a problem, but I talked with breeders a lot before I got her about various issues. Just about all of them said it is a big no no to let them grow to fast and to have a lot of weight on them.
I'd say one of the things that make them so special is also a downfall. They are extremely devoted and are only happy when they are treated as part of the family. They really don't get that they are dogs, much less big dogs. They get horrendous separation anxiety. You have to make a big point about being very "matter of fact" when you are leaving for the day or when you come back from being gone all day. It is very hard for them to be alone for long periods of time, and if they get antsy they can do A LOT of damage. If you give them long drawn out good byes with lots of baby talk that they interpet as "whining" they will only feel that their fear of being left alone is valid. Also if you are very emotional and make a big deal about reuniting when you get home, they will again feel as if their feelings are confirmed. Leave it to a simple "see you later" when you leave and a quick "hello" when you get home. Save the stronger bonding for after you have been home awhile.
Also, if you plan to Kennel her while you are away on longer trips (like one to Daytona) I'd suggest picking a good kennel now and have her boarded there over the weekend (or for a couple of days during the week) about every other month for a few times. That way she'll be used to the process, get comfortable with the facility, and realize that you do come back to get her. That will make an eventual longer stay much easier on her.
I hope I didn't over do it, lol. Not only do I have a Dane, I'm a certified trainer although I haven't been training the last two years. The shotgun range just takes up too much of my time now, and they make it worth my while to spend my time there. I do miss working with the dogs though.
Have fun, they are super dogs!
