Grandpa Earl Was Deep in a Game of Checkers. His Opponent Had a Different Strategy.
Red and black checkers are spread across a wooden board, and Grandpa Earl is about to make his move. He leans forward with one finger on a black piece, white mustache bristling, eyes narrowed in concentration. Across the table, his opponent has taken a more relaxed approach. Domino's enormous black-and-white head rests right on the table's edge beside the board, his amber-brown eyes rolled up toward Earl with an expression that's half sleepy, half very interested. Behind them, the porch is packed with boots, potted plants, a canvas bag, a watering can, and the comfortable clutter of a well-loved home.
That chin-on-the-table look is classic Great Dane. Their sheer height means many tables and counters are right at nose level, which can make kitchen counter-surfing a real temptation. Training a calm "off" or "settle" cue early helps a lot, and Danes, who are generally eager to please and sensitive, usually respond best to gentle, reward-based methods rather than harsh corrections. Keeping food and small items off low surfaces also prevents accidents. Game pieces like checkers are small enough to be a choking hazard for a curious dog, so they're best kept boxed away when play is over.
Earl might win this game, but Domino is clearly winning at looking adorable. Some contests aren't even close, and this one was decided the moment that chin hit the table.
