Great Dane Training 101: Raising a Well-Behaved Giant

Introduction

Training a Great Dane is essential—not just because they are intelligent and eager to please, but because their massive size makes good behavior a necessity. Without proper training, an untrained Great Dane can unintentionally cause harm by jumping, pulling on the leash, or knocking over objects and people. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about training your Great Dane, from basic obedience to socialization and house manners.

1. Start Training Early

Great Danes grow fast, so it’s best to begin training as early as 8 weeks old. If you’re adopting an older Dane, don’t worry—adult dogs can still be trained! However, the earlier you start, the better.

🎯 Key Early Training Areas:
✅ Housebreaking (Potty Training)
✅ Basic Commands (Sit, Stay, Come)
✅ Socialization (Meeting People & Other Dogs)
✅ Leash Training (Avoiding Pulling)

2. Basic Obedience Commands

Training your Great Dane in basic commands makes life easier and keeps them safe. Here are the top 5 essential commands every Dane should know:

🐶 1. Sit

Hold a treat above their nose.
Move the treat back slightly until they naturally sit.
Say “Sit” and reward them when they obey.

🐾 2. Stay

Have them sit, then take a step back while saying “Stay.”
Reward them for not moving.
Gradually increase the distance over time.

🐕 3. Come (Recall Command)

Use “Come” while kneeling with open arms.
Reward them for coming to you.
Practice indoors before trying outdoors.

🦴 4. Down (Lie Down)

From a sitting position, lower a treat to the floor.
Once they lie down, say “Down” and give them a treat.

🚫 5. No / Leave It

Place a treat in front of them.
When they go for it, say “No” and cover it.
When they stop, reward them with a different treat.

3. Leash Training: Stopping the Pulling

Due to their size, leash training is a must! Never let your Great Dane develop a habit of pulling.

🐕 Tips for Leash Training:
✅ Use a sturdy harness instead of a collar to avoid neck strain.
✅ If they pull, stop walking until they stop pulling.
✅ Reward them when they walk by your side.
✅ Use short, structured walks instead of free-roaming.

4. Socialization: How to Raise a Friendly Great Dane

Socialization helps prevent fear, aggression, and anxiety. A well-socialized Dane will be calm around new experiences, people, and pets.

👫 Introduce Them to Different People & Pets
✅ Take them to parks and let them meet friendly dogs.
✅ Invite visitors over so they get used to strangers.
✅ Reward them for calm behavior around new people.

🚗 Expose Them to Different Environments
✅ Car rides, different surfaces (grass, pavement, sand).
✅ Household noises (vacuum, TV, doorbell).
✅ Busy areas (markets, sidewalks) in a controlled way.

The key is positive reinforcement—reward them for being calm and confident.

5. House Manners: Preventing Bad Habits

Great Danes can develop bad habits if not properly guided. Address these early:

🚫 Jumping on People

Ignore them when they jump.
Reward them when they greet people calmly.

🛋️ Furniture Rules

Decide early if they’re allowed on furniture.
Use a designated dog bed so they have their own space.

🐾 Chewing & Biting

Redirect chewing to toys (avoid furniture destruction!).
Use puppy-safe chew toys for teething.

6. Crate Training & Alone Time

Crate training can help with potty training and separation anxiety.

🦴 Crate Training Steps:
✅ Make the crate a positive space (use treats & toys).
✅ Start with short periods inside and gradually extend the time.
✅ Never use the crate as punishment!

Great Danes can suffer from separation anxiety, so teach them to be alone gradually. Start with short absences and increase over time so they feel safe when left alone.

7. Consistency & Positive Reinforcement

Great Danes respond best to praise and rewards. Never use harsh punishment—it can make them fearful or stubborn.

🎯 Golden Rules for Training:
✅ Be consistent with commands and rules.
✅ Use treats, praise, and petting as rewards.
✅ Keep training sessions short (10-15 minutes) to prevent boredom.
✅ Have patience—every dog learns at their own pace!

8. When to Seek Professional Training

If your Great Dane shows aggression, excessive fear, or extreme stubbornness, professional training may be needed.

🐕‍🦺 When to Consider a Trainer:

Excessive barking, chewing, or destructive behavior.
Uncontrollable leash pulling despite training.
Aggression toward strangers or other pets.
Separation anxiety that leads to extreme stress.

A certified dog trainer can help correct behaviors early and build a stronger bond between you and your Dane.

Final Thoughts: A Well-Trained Great Dane is a Happy Dane

Training a Great Dane takes time, patience, and consistency, but the rewards are worth it. A well-trained Great Dane is not just easier to handle—they are happier, safer, and more confident in any situation.

Are you ready to start training your gentle giant? At TitanHounds.com, we provide resources and adoption guidance to help you build the perfect bond with your Great Dane.

📧 Email: info@titanhounds.com

Contact us now!