Meet Merle

Update 6/16/25

Merle has been settling into life with his foster family, and it’s safe to say—he’s made quite the impression! From his goofy zoomies to his sweet snuggles, this lovable guy has been showing us all the silly, snuggly, and sometimes quirky sides of his personality. We’re so excited to share everything we’ve learned about this goofball!

Merle is:

• 🎭 A total clown (think Tigger on a trampoline)

• 🐶 Playful, bouncy, and full of zoomies

• 💕 A Velcro dog who always wants to be close

• 🚗 A fan of car rides

• 🛋️ A furniture lover (yep, he’s a couch guy)

• 🐾 Friendly and affectionate once he warms up

• 🍽️ Food motivated & respectful during mealtimes (just a little messy – but he’ll clean it up… eventually 😉)

Merle can be hesitant with strangers and may bark when someone new comes near the home. But don’t worry—once he feels safe, he’s all cuddles and tail wags. He’s made great progress on walks and rarely reacts to other people or dogs anymore 👏

He lives for playtime—especially chasing balls and tossing his stuffies around. He walks well on a leash most of the time but can pull when he sees something exciting. Squirrels? Fascinating, but he mostly just stares 🐿️👀

🧠 Merle is smart and already knows:

• Sit 🪑

• Down ⬇️

• Come (though he’s still working on consistency) 🐕‍🦺

• Heel 🦶

• Stay ✋

• Off 🙅‍♂️

He’s crate trained, housetrained, and trustworthy with free roam—as long as you keep the trash and snacks out of reach 😅 He’ll go to the back door when he needs to go outside, and hasn’t had any accidents in his foster home.

Merle can get mouthy when he’s excited but has never used pressure—just a little “play nibble” when he’s hyped. During zoomies, calm redirection works best (crossing your arms and waiting works like a charm!).

He does great with other dogs once he’s comfortable and would love a doggy playmate in his forever home. Merle is a sweet, quirky, affectionate guy who thrives with structure, patience, and lots of love. 💖

🏡 His ideal family is active, dog-savvy, and ready to help him keep growing into the best version of himself. In return, you’ll get endless laughs, love, and one very devoted sidekick.

More about Merle:

• House Trained: Yes

• Crate Trained: Yes – but trusted with limited free roam

• Children: No small children

• Dog – Good with dogs after a proper introduction

• Cats: Unknown 

• Knows basic commands & is very treat motivated!

• Needs additional leash training

• Shy around strangers – warms up with time

• Affectionate and playful with family

• High energy – needs walks multiple times a day

Are you interested in adopting Merle?  First step is to submit your application at RMGreatDane.org.  If you are already an approved foster/adopter, reach out to Hollie at fostering@rmgreatdane.org or Candice at placements@rmgreatdane.org.