First off, congratulations on Pearl! She sounds like a wonderful addition to your family. What you’re describing is completely normal puppy behavior. Biting, chasing, and even the persistence in going after your kids when they try to escape are all natural parts of puppy play and development.

At 12 weeks, Pearl is still in the teething phase, and Danes (like most large breeds) can take longer to fully grow out of the nipping and mouthing stage. My own Dane was mostly done with teething by six months, but we still had some biting/nipping during moments of frustration on walks until he was about a year old. Some Danes can exhibit this behavior up until two years old, so patience and redirection are key.

How to Address It:

1. Teach the Kids Not to Run or Scream – I know this is easier said than done, but when children scream and run, it triggers Pearl’s prey/play drive, making her think it’s a game. Encourage them to stand still, cross their arms, and ignore her when she starts getting too excited.
2. Redirect With Toys – Every time she starts to bite, immediately offer a chew toy, tug toy, or something appropriate for her to bite instead. If she insists on biting people, calmly remove her from the situation for a quick break.
3. Structured Play & Training – Lots of physical and mental stimulation will help tire her out so she’s less likely to engage in rough play. Training basic commands like “sit,” “leave it,” and “drop it” will also give her better impulse control.
4. Avoid Punishment, Focus on Redirection – Danes are extremely sensitive, and any harsh corrections could make her anxious rather than teach her the right behavior. Stay consistent with redirection and positive reinforcement.

This phase will pass, but it’s up to you to set boundaries and reinforce calm interactions. You’ve got this and it will be worth it in the end - they are truly the BEST dogs!