First off, glad to hear that Linus has beautiful poop   I recently finished some externship hours in a veterinary hospital - there were a couple dogs that brought in their own soft e-collars (just like the plastic ones, but made from stiff canvas-y type material) and one that had an inflateable collar (it's like a thick donut around their neck).  Both seemed to work really well, but every dog that had them were small dogs (like westie-sized).  I feel that the inflateable one may be better for a great dane because it's sturdier...I just have visions of the cloth one going all flimsy because of the large size for a GD!  But, I'm sure the company thought of that had there is really no problem...just my imagination 🙂

<3 Laura and Jackaroni

It's definitely harder with big big dogs.  My first Labrador, Tzav, was enormous for a lab (not nearly as big as a GD, though) and he had trouble with some of the inflatable alternatives to the e-collar because they would bang against the doorframe when he would try to walk though a door.  the no-bite collar might be a good choice for him:

http://handicap.....ollar.html

Tzav had two knee surgeries and he was a big big licker.  We found that using clothing was best.  We usually used a t-shirt and wrapped/taped it with vet wrap around his waist and wherever else we needed to for it to fit.

Another interesting alternative that worked for Tzav that hasn't been mentioned yet is the k9 TopCoat lycra bodysuit.  Also expensive, esp. for a big dog, but has tons of uses, will last forever, and definitely will not allow chewing or licking and will not come off.  You can also cut the coats if you want shorter legs or even cut off the whole back end for a front amputee.  Its a truly great product.  I always used to have one on hand for my dogs because there were countless ways to use it, from allergy prevention to wound protection.  They do sometimes have returns for sale at reduced prices, and great customer service. 

http://www.k9to.....pecific=96

good luck,  Beth