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Available!

This dog is being housed in a quieter area of the shelter. Please speak with a staff member if you are interested in meeting with him!

Affectionately known as “Dwayne the Dane,” this handsome Dane mix (with maybe a little German Shepherd in there) is one big, lovable bundle of shyness. At first, Dwayne can be a bit timid and unsure about the world around him—he may not even realize just how big he is! He’ll often “cry-growl” at people as a way of trying to act tough, but don’t let that fool you—this is actually a form of appeasement behavior. Dwayne is just letting you know he’s feeling a bit uncertain and doesn’t mean any harm. Appeasement behavior in dogs is essentially a way for them to communicate that they’re feeling uneasy or uncertain, and they want to avoid conflict. It’s a form of signaling where the dog tries to calm the situation or themselves by displaying submissive or non-threatening actions. For Dwayne, his “cry-growl” is a classic example of this—he’s trying to act tough, but deep down, he’s just unsure and trying to navigate a situation he’s not comfortable with. In general, appeasement behaviors can include things like licking, turning the head away, tucking the tail, or even rolling over to show vulnerability. It’s a dog’s way of saying, “I don’t want trouble,” or “I’m not a threat.” So when Dwayne growls like this, it’s his way of saying, “I’m not sure about you, but I don’t mean harm—just giving myself some space until I feel more comfortable.” It’s all about communication and finding a safe way to express his uncertainty.

Dwayne thrives in calm environments, so he would do best in a low-traffic home with either no children or older, respectful kids who understand the importance of giving him space when he needs it. A confident doggy friend would be an ideal companion for Dwayne, as he looks to other pups for reassurance and guidance in navigating this big, scary world! Dwayne’s respectful nature also extends to cats, and we think he could fit in well with feline friends too, as long as they are given their space. If you’re looking for a gentle, sweet soul who’s just waiting to build his confidence and find his forever family, Dwayne might just be your guy. With the right support and patience, this shy giant will surely blossom into the loyal companion he was always meant to be!

Current Status: Available
Arms ID: A163980
Breed: Great Dane mix
Sex: Male
Age: 2 years
Weight: 93lbs
Color: Sable