Meet Merle

Updated 5-7-2025

Merle has spent some time settling into his foster home, and now he’s ready to find his forever family! This big, lovable goofball is equal parts playful and affectionate, with a huge heart and a bit of a shy side. Once Merle warms up, he’s a classic Velcro Dane—always wanting to be near his people, often leaning in close for cuddles and attention.

Personality:
💙 Playful and energetic (think: Tigger bounce!)
🫣 Fearful and shy with strangers
🐶 Affectionate with family
🧲 Velcro dog who always wants to be near you
🚗 Enjoys car rides
🛋️ Loves stuffies, couches, and attention
💦 BIG drooler—have your towels ready!

Merle can be mouthy and jumpy when he gets excited, so he’ll need a calm, patient home with no young children. He does best with adults or older teens who understand large-breed behavior and can set clear, loving boundaries.

Training & Manners:
✅ Crate trained (sleeps in his kennel at night—with treat bribes!)
✅ Housetrained and signals when he needs out
✅ Trustworthy with free roam (with doors shut and counters clear)
✅ Knows “sit,” “down,” “come,” “stay,” “heel”
✅ Leash trained—though still working on distractions and excitement
⚠️ Counter surfer & professional sock/shoe thief when seeking attention

Energy & Exercise:
Merle needs multiple daily walks and loves play sessions with the resident Dane. He enjoys exploring the backyard, playing with toys, and following his people room to room. He has bursts of high energy and benefits from a calm environment with a consistent routine. When he’s overstimulated, a short break in a quiet room helps him reset.

Dog Dynamics:
🦴 Plays well with large dogs
🐕 Best with a younger, well-trained, high-energy large dog to match his play style
🐾 Too rough for small dogs
🐈 Unknown with cats

Ideal Home:
🏠 Experienced with large breeds
🚫 No small children
🧘‍♀️ Patient, calm, and consistent
🐕 Preferably another playful large dog
🫶 Ready to give Merle the structure and love he needs to thrive

Merle may be shy at first, but with time, love, and leadership, he transforms into a silly, snuggly companion who just wants to be part of the pack. He’s ready to start his next chapter—could it be with you?

More about Merle:

• House Trained: Yes

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

• Children: No small children

• Dog – Good with large dogs

• Cats: Unknown – hasn’t shown prey drive in foster

• Knows some basic commands

• Needs additional leash training

• Shy and fearful around strangers – warms up with time

• Affectionate and playful with family

• Big Drooler!

• 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.