With an extra-large body and a personality to match, Great Danes attract attention wherever they go. Though they’ve historically been hunters and protectors, these days you’re most likely to find these friendly giants as beloved family companions. Taking care of one can be rewarding, but also a handful. They require tons of training, attention and, yes, food. We’ve put together some tips that can help you decide whether to bring one of these Brobdingnagian buddies into your abode or, if you already have one, make sure you’re doing all you can to be the great human your Great Dane deserves.
Great Danes are large beautiful animals. If you happen to have a Great Dane who has not been trained, he will be very difficult for you to handle as he grows older and larger. Because the Great Dane is such a large, strong dog, you’re going to want him to be obedient so you can keep him safe and trust that he will listen when it matters most.
Your Great Dane is incredibly smart. He is eager to please, and he wants to learn new things every day. Begin with basic obedience training with your Great Dane and then move forward to more advanced training to keep his mind engaged and continue to build the trust and the bond between the two of you. Great Danes are fun, sweet, and incredibly affectionate. Once you have obedience training down, try playing a game of soccer with your Great Dane.
When you picture a Great Dane, chances are you imagine a towering, gentle giant and you’d be right. With some males reaching up to 175 pounds, this breed is one of the largest in the canine world. With great size comes great responsibility. If you’re considering bringing home a Great Dane puppy, one of the most important things you can do is start training from day one.
how to train a great dane
Training a Great Dane is all about managing their size with kindness. Because they are so big, you cannot rely on physical strength to control them. You must rely on communication and a strong bond. These dogs are often called the Apollo of dogs because they are so majestic, but they are also very sensitive.
The best way to start is with positive reinforcement. This means you reward the behaviors you like with treats, praise, or play. When your dog does something right, let them know immediately. If they sit when asked, give them a small treat and a “Good boy!” or “Good girl!” in a happy voice.
Consistency is your best friend. Everyone in your house needs to use the same words and rules. If you say “sit” but your partner says “sit down,” the dog might get confused. Great Danes want to please you, but they need clear instructions to know how.
Keep your training sessions short and fun. A Great Dane can get bored or tired if you practice the same thing for thirty minutes. Five to ten minutes of focused practice a few times a day is much better than one long session. This keeps their energy high and their mind sharp.
Focus on focus itself. Before you teach a trick, teach your dog to look at you. If you have their attention, you have control. Hold a treat near your eye and say “look” or “watch me.” When they make eye contact, reward them. This is a lifesaver when you are out in public and need to distract them from a squirrel or another dog.
tips on training a great dane puppy
Training a Great Dane puppy is a race against time. They grow incredibly fast. A cute 20 pound puppy will be a 100 pound teenager before you know it. This is why you must start teaching them manners while they are still small enough to handle.
Socialization is the most important part of puppy training. You want your Dane to be “bomb-proof,” which means they aren’t scared of new sights or sounds. Take them to see different people, hear loud noises, and walk on different surfaces like grass, tile, and gravel.
Confidence is key for a giant breed. A scared Great Dane is a dangerous Great Dane because of their size. By showing them the world is a safe place while they are young, you ensure they grow up to be the calm, gentle giants everyone loves.
Puppy nipping and jumping might be cute now, but it won’t be when they weigh as much as a human. Never allow your puppy to jump on people. Instead, reward them only when all four paws are on the floor. If they jump, turn your back and ignore them until they calm down.
Potty training a Great Dane requires a strict schedule. Because they are so large, their “accidents” are also large. Take them out after every nap, every meal, and every play session. Praise them heavily when they go outside so they understand that the yard is the right place for business.
great dane training guide
A complete training guide for this breed must cover the “Big Three” skills: Loose-leash walking, the “Settle” command, and a perfect recall. Without these, living with a giant dog can feel like a constant struggle.
Loose-Leash Walking Great Danes are strong enough to pull a person off their feet. You must teach them that a tight leash means the walk stops. If your dog pulls, stop moving. Wait for them to look back at you or step back toward you. When the leash goes slack, start walking again.
The Settle Command Since Danes take up so much space, teaching them to “go to your place” or “settle” is vital. This gives them a specific spot, like a large dog bed, to stay when guests arrive or when you are eating dinner. It keeps them from being underfoot and helps them manage their own energy.
The Power of Recall Teaching your Great Dane to come when called is a safety requirement. Because they are sight hounds by heritage, they might see something far away and want to investigate. Use a high-value reward, like a piece of chicken, that they only get when they come to you. Never scold your dog when they finally come to you, even if they took too long. You want them to think that coming to you is the best thing in the world.
Handling is also part of your guide. You need to touch your Great Dane’s ears, paws, and mouth often. This makes vet visits and nail trimming much easier. Since you likely won’t be able to force a 150 pound dog to sit still for a nail trim, they need to be willing participants.
best training tips for great danes
The best tips often involve understanding the physical limits of the breed. Great Danes are prone to joint issues and bloat. This means you should avoid heavy jumping or intense running until their growth plates are closed, which usually happens around 18 to 24 months.
Use food as a motivator, but be careful. Many Great Danes are highly food-motivated, which makes training easy. However, you should use small, healthy treats so they don’t gain too much weight. Extra weight is very hard on a giant dog’s joints.
Here are some of the most effective strategies:
- Use a Front-Clip Harness: This helps redirect their momentum if they try to pull, making it much easier for you to stay in control.
- Be Gentle with Corrections: A loud “No!” is usually enough to hurt a Great Dane’s feelings. They are very sensitive to your tone of voice.
- Master the Sit-Stay: A dog this size should be able to stay in place while you open the door or prepare their food.
- Involve the Whole Family: Because Danes are so social, they should listen to everyone in the house, not just one person.
Patience is your most valuable tool. Great Danes can be a bit clumsy and slow to move their large bodies. Sometimes it takes a second for the “brain to reach the back legs.” Give them a moment to process your command before repeating it.
great dane tips and tricks
Once you have the basics down, you can move on to fun tricks that keep your dog’s mind busy. Mental exercise is just as tiring as physical exercise for a Dane, and it’s often safer for their joints.
Scent Work Games
Great Danes have a powerful sense of smell. You can hide treats around the living room and tell them to “find it.” This lets them use their natural instincts and keeps them entertained for a long time. It is a great indoor activity for rainy days.
The “Gentle” Command
Because they have big heads and big mouths, teaching them to take treats gently is a must. Hold a treat in your fist and only let them have it when they lick or nuzzle your hand rather than biting at it. Say “gentle” as you release the treat.
Hand Signals
Great Danes are very observant. They often learn hand signals faster than verbal words. Try using a flat palm for “stay” or a finger point for “sit.” This creates a deeper level of communication between you and your dog.
Height Awareness
One of the best “tricks” is teaching your dog to stay off the counters. This is called “counter surfing,” and Danes are the world champions because they don’t even have to jump to reach the snacks. Keep your counters clear and reward your dog for staying on the floor while you cook.
Conclusion
In conclusion, training a Great Dane is a journey of friendship. If you treat them with respect, stay consistent, and use plenty of praise, you will have a well-behaved companion who is a joy to be around. Your “clumsy” puppy will soon grow into a poised and loyal titan that truly rules the heart of your home.
FAQs
Are Great Danes hard to train?
Not at all! They are actually very smart and eager to please. The challenge is their size, not their intelligence. If you start early and use positive rewards, they learn very quickly.
When should I start training my Great Dane?
As soon as you bring them home! Even an eight-week-old puppy can start learning basic things like their name and where to go potty. The earlier you start, the easier it will be when they get big.
Can a Great Dane live in an apartment?
Yes, they are often called “apartment dogs” because they are very mellow indoors. As long as they get a good walk every day and have enough room to stretch out, they are very happy in smaller spaces.
How do I stop my Great Dane from pulling on the leash?
The best way is to use a front-clip harness and the “stop and go” method. When they pull, you stop. When they relax, you go. Consistency is the only way to teach a giant dog to walk nicely.
How much exercise does a Great Dane need?
They need moderate exercise. A couple of 20 to 30 minute walks a day is usually plenty. Avoid high-impact exercise while they are puppies to protect their growing bones.
