Great Dane Training Guide

Last updated Sep 23, 2020 0

The Great Dane can be more difficult to train than some other breeds, especially if you insist on specific behaviors and tricks. However, this is a naturally gentle and loving breed, so basic obedience training may often be satisfactory.

Typically, owners and breeders say obedience training is necessary with the Great Dane because they can attempt to dominate a relationship if you allow it. Beginning with a well-socialized puppy or young dog is key in establishing rules and limits.

How to Train Great Dane

The Great Dane can be great housedog, especially if he has some room in which to move his large body. Adult Great Danes are sure-footed and do not cause as much havoc in a home, as might be expected with a giant breed. The Great Dane loves to be around children, but we urge caution when you have this large dog and a small child together. Basic obedience training should be done with a firm hand, though the gentle nature of this breed means it would not respond well to physical abuse or negative reinforcement.

Puppy training is highly recommended, with a focus on such activity as biting, jumping on people and on basic commands such as sit and stay. Remember this breed sensitive so any training should be carried out with positive motivation and inducements such as an occasional healthy treat. An untrained dog of this size can lead to trouble but you also do not want to instill fear in any pet. This will keep him under control for a while, but in the end run, your pet will not be comfortable around you or others if he reacts out of fear alone.

A major part of training a Great Dane should be getting this large dog enough exercise. Younger dogs of this breed can be overly playful and cause trouble if not given enough exercise. It is highly recommended that you give plenty of time and attention to your Great Dane. If you do not, your pet could become bored. When this happens, the dog might get into mischief, even to the point of destroying items within the home.

Some owners have found that their naturally friendly Great Dane is very open to strangers, which could become a problem if the dog welcomes almost anyone who shows affection. Careful socialization would also keep the dog from becoming suspicious of too many people. Therefore, remember there is a fine line of which to watch. Great Danes also show aggression toward other dogs, especially if they have not been raised or trained in any other way. Firm but caring interaction from the beginning will head off many of these problems but you must always show your pet that you are in charge.

As for housebreaking/potty training, we recommend crate training for most dogs. Even with such a large breed as the Great Dane, it may be best to provide a place that the dog sees as a safe haven for those times when it wants to be alone. In addition, this gives the pet a “den” that it will naturally want to keep clean.

Prevention is the best medicine for this type of training, so you should plan to take your Great Dane outdoors early in the morning and again late in the evening, before you go to sleep. Establishing this habit will eliminate some of the training problems for any breed of dog.

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