1.) When did you get your first Great Dane?

My first Dane was a stray that followed me home. This was back in the early 70's. He was one of the best Danes I have ever had the pleasure of having in my life.

2.) Why do you continue in Great Danes?

Zac, my first Dane, was truly a gentle giant. He was intelligent and kind. He could really read people and situations. He was very protective of me. Zac just sold me on the breed. I was hooked.

3.) Your interest in competition with your Great Danes is varied. Do you feel it is important to train and why?

Nobody wants a big obnoxious dog. These dogs can be high energy, which if not channeled can lead to destructive energy. Even those that are couch potatoes crave attention. Training gives me the chance to give one on one attention to my Danes. Training is the perfect way to build a substantial relationship with your Dane on levels so deep, well beyond just "companion". It also gives one the opportunity to get a better understanding of the way your Dane’s mind and emotions work. You really just get to know your Dane on so many levels.

4.) The myth seems to be that you cannot compete in conformation and train for performance. How would you tell someone this is false and why?

I'd tell them to look at the titles on my dogs! Ok, not all my Danes have their championships, but it isn't because they didn't deserve them, or because of the training. It is because of the money. I am financially challenged. I owner handle, which we all know can be a detriment in the conformation ring. There have also been times when I have had to choose between a conformation show and an agility trial. I'll choose the agility trial. Let’s face it, for me it is a lot more fun! So there is no reason that it cannot be done. As far as the training goes, my dogs have done very well competing in obedience, rally, agility and conformation at the same time. It is just the pocket book that has suffered!

5.) How do you typically evaluate puppies in your litters? Are you looking first for performance quality then conformation or the other way around?

That is a tough one. Of course breeding harlequins, I have to evaluate a lot of things if I am going into the conformation ring. First I have to ask what does my breeding program need out of this litter. I watch the puppies as they are growing. I am working with them from day one. I evaluate them constantly, both structurally and behaviorally. When it comes down to the wire, I take the final picks and when I am having the temperament testing done, it is my natural retriever that will stay with me. I hate teaching a retrieve, so whichever puppy has the best natural retrieve, that is the one I will keep. They also have to have conformation that fits what I need, so they have to have passed that criteria first. Vanna and her sister Shania are a very good example of this. I actually liked Shania's conformation better. Shania had a better rear, more substance and I liked her head better. Some judges liked Shania better, some liked Vanna better. But, Vanna had the better natural retrieve, so I kept her. I certainly have no regrets!!!!!!!

6.) Why the harlequin family for you? Do you believe that the harlequin family is more trainable for performance competition than the other Great Dane color families?

Oh well, you know I am biased and am going to say yes. I specifically breed for intelligence and athleticism. I’m breeding for specific traits; natural retrieve for one, prey drive, etc., are going to lend a dog to those things. How genetic are they? I really don't know, but the more you look for them and breed for them, the more you are going to see them. There are other harle breeders breeding for performance, so there may be more harles out there with the potential to do well. There are blues and fawns and blacks and brindles and their breeders too. I don't know the numbers, but I do know that it takes commitment to work and to put together a breeding program to have Danes that excel in the performance venue and then to get owners that are committed to the training and competition.

7.) How do you typically start your dogs in training?

I begin working with my pups right from the start. In the yard or barn area, with no collar or lead. We are just out there; I reward them when they come, when they are in heel position, when they sit when asked, down when told, etc. I have generally started working with the litter in the whelping box, so they have already had the basics. This way they start with no pressure. Which is one of the reasons my crew always have tails wagging. Everything is play. Retrieves start early. I hate heeling work, so that is always my weakest point in obedience. I am not a 200 score type person, so I do not drill my dogs. If it isn't fun for me, I can't do it.

8.) When you plan a prospective breeding what are your plans and goals for the resulting litter?

First I look at what I need to improve structurally on the bitch. I look for a stud dog that will give me that, but where I will not lose in an area I cannot afford to lose. No dog is perfect. I want a dog that is health tested. I want a dog that is structurally sound. He has to have good movement and I would prefer he has performance titles. If he does not have performance titles I want a good temperament on the dog. I won't give on the temperament issue, and is at least intelligent. The goal is to get puppies that are an improvement of the previous generation. I'd like to see as many as possible in the performance ring. I really don't care if they do conformation. That is a plus, but not a necessity for me. I want my "perfect" pup, of course. I want pups that the owners send me emails back telling me how this pup has made such a wonderful impact on their life. That is the best I can do as a breeder.

9.) Do you have any training tips which especially seem to work well with Great Danes?

Keep it fun. Think about what you are asking the dog to do before you do it. Break things down into small steps. If you do it three times and it doesn't work, try something else. These dogs are thinkers. If they do it right three times, praise the hell out of them and move on! If you try to do it a forth time, they will think they did something wrong and try something else!

10.) What advice would you give to someone who wanted to try and have an all-around Great Dane which could work equally well in performance and the conformation ring/

Work with someone who breeds for performance and conformation to start with. Get a handler for your dog in conformation. Don't try to owner handle starting out. You'll be nervous and it won't help your dog. I owner-handle and I like handling my own dogs, but I put a handler on them for the majors. It is just what you have to do. I am a good handler, but the professional handlers have finesse and when it really counts, you need finesse. Find a good trainer to work with in performance. Not every trainer knows how to work with the giants. Above all keep it fun.

Thank You very much, Joyce!

 (For pictures of Liberty Danes, please see slideshow below)