We have just moved.  Our neighbors have 2 Great Danes.  One is female, 2.5 yrs old.  The other is male 1 year old.  They can effortlessly leap over their split rail fence.  The seem like very nice dogs around me and my children (10 and 7 yrs old).  But, they like to visit our 50 lb. English Pointer, Sadie.  When they visit Sadie drops onto her back, coils up and is 100% submissive.  And she will not get up again.  I would never believe you coulds see the expression of fear on a dogs face.  But, I have.  It intially seems to upset the Danes as they continue to prod her to get up and place.  (Well, this is how I see it).  She won't budge.  Gradually, it progresses, and the female Dane gets rough and mouthy with Sadie.  Sadie yelped a few times.  As I returned the two Danes to their owners.  Sadie would not leave that spot where she was coiled up.  Once they were gone, she was out and about again.

A little history on Sadie.  She goes to "playgroup" at a local park on average 3-4 per week.  There she plays with various breeds although no Danes.  She does this fall down and roll on her back with other dogs at "playgroup".  But, it last seconds and then they are run and play and etc.   This was very different!

Because the owner told me these Danes are at 120 lbs plus.  I am now a bit nervous because they roll on Sadie.  Sadie would can out run them easily, but she won't get off the ground.

Sheriann

As I have zero experience about Danes, I would love to read some opinions on this matter.

can't really help, but I have to say I wouldn't be happy having anyone elses dogs visiting mine!

on a positive note though it will do Sadie good to get used to playing with such big dogs, generally they are gentle giants and once they get used to her they will probably leave her alone :) they tend to intimidate most other dogs to be honest :)

Despite  Danes having usually a good nature, it is your garden, your dog and your children,  the owners should take measures to ensure this isnt happening, it can become a nuisance especially as you never know what could happen to your children or your dog. Sadie is showing a naturel submissive state but it shouldnt fear her in her own yard. I would advise speaking to your neighbours and getting the fence issue sorted and also start to take a short walk around the block with your neighbour and the dogs, start with 1 dane first the quieter of the 2, letting sadie keep her distance and you can gradually built up time and distance over a period of time. She will either learn that the dane is no threat and be happy to play even if she is still a little submissive as she is in playgroup, or she will continue to be fearfull of them in which case seperation is best for your dogs happiness and well being if she isnt happy about the situation. Age is also a factor, how old is sadie?

Sadie just turned 2 years old.  I like the idea of walking with the dogs.  So far, the neighbor lady seems nice, but not overly social.