How to decide on the pick of the litter when choosing puppies? There are so many puppies out there to choose from, how do you know which one is the right fit for your family? It can be tough to decide, but with a little bit of knowledge it can be a lot easier. Adding a new Great Dane pup into your family is extremely exciting but also a tad overwhelming. After you decide to start looking for the perfect Great Dane pup, you may be wondering: now what?
In this blog post, we will discuss the things you need to consider when making your decision on choosing a Great Dane puppy from a litter.
So whether you’re looking for a Great dane, (Or other dog breeds like Labrador Retrievers or Golden Retrievers), read on for some tips on how to pick a puppy from an experienced breeder and most of all- make sure it’s the RIGHT Great Dane puppy!
Pick of the Litter When Choosing Puppies: So You Want The Perfect Puppy!
It makes sense. When looking for a new family member, everybody wants to make sure that they have the ‘best puppy’. But what exactly does it mean to have the best dog?
Is it an independent pup, a relaxed pup, a shy puppy? Great Dane owners are SO eager to bring their puppy home, that sometimes they forget to really consider what is the ‘right puppy’ for them.
I think for most people, the main priority is a HEALTHY puppy! But, when falling in love with a new puppy, dog owners often do have high hopes for more than just their new puppies health. (which is completely valid!)
So yes, above all, you want your Great Dane to be a healthy pup. But, when looking for a new puppy, you should evaluate exactly what it is that would make this new pup the ‘right pup’.
Let’s examine some common things that new Great Dane parents might look for. But before we jump in, it’s important to discuss ethical breeding and litter choosing. Bear with me!
Sometimes a Reputable Breeder Will Choose the Right Puppy for You
If you’re looking for a new dog, you might be considering going to a reputable breeder of Great Danes.
But did you know that sometimes a reputable breeder will choose the right dog for you? With a breed like Great Danes who quickly turn into massive adult dogs, it is SO important that a family is equipped with the tools to handle their puppy, even as it grows.
A good breeder will often temperament test their pups to help identify which puppy from a litter will be the best fit for each family. Sometimes, an individual puppy might work for most families but clash with another particular family.
For example, the very high-strung / energetic pup from the litter might do best with a family to match that pup’s personality. Controversially, that puppy’s personality may clash with another family who lives a more quiet and laid back lifestyle.
And while it’s certainly possible to find a good breeder who will let you pick your puppy from a litter, it’s also possible that the best breeder for you is one who will choose the right dog for your family.
It can be difficult for you not to be able to pick a puppy yourself, but sometimes it is best to admit that a responsible breeder does know their puppies best. Who knows, the perfect pup for you might just be the one who was meant to be and ultimately work out better for you in the long run.
Pick a Puppy from Rescue Groups
Rescuing a Great Dane pup can have many pros and be VERY rewarding, but it doesn’t come without cons.
When adopting a puppy from a rescue, you are often not given the chance to meet the parents of your new pup. This can make it difficult to know what traits your puppy might have inherited.
Additionally, puppies in rescues are often not as socialized as those who come from breeders or professional dog-rearing facilities. It is possible that you might adopt a perfectly healthy puppy who soon becomes an older dog with extreme socialization issues.
Lastly, health issues are usually very difficult to determine when adopting a dog- whether it be a puppy OR adult dog from a shelter or rescue. The reason for this is that often, the dog’s prior health history is unknown.
This means that any health problems the dog might have could go undetected until they suddenly surface later on in life. A rescue could clear a puppy from a litter ‘a healthy perfect puppy’ and soon after bringing your puppy home you could notice it needs major medical treatment.
All of this is not to say that adopting a puppy from a rescue is a bad idea. We are very supportive of ethical adoption! But it is important to be aware of some of the cons and identify an ethical rescue who is willing to take responsibility for appropriate health screening of their dogs PRIOR to rescuing them out.
My Family Wants a Relaxed Great Dane Puppy
So, you’ve decided to pick a Great Dane puppy from a litter! First of all, congratulations . You’ve done your research and you’re well on your way to becoming a great pup-parent.
Now, it’s time to think about what kind of Great Dane puppy would be best for your family. If you’re looking for a more relaxed dog, there are a few things to keep in mind when choosing from a litter.
It Might Not Happen: Your Great Dane Puppy Might Be Wild
First, you might not get a relaxed Great Dane puppy. Ask yourself if you do not end up getting the calm, sweet, shy pup that you want, is that okay with you? Are you and your family going to be able to adjust and live with a pup that is active and eager to learn / run / exercise?
Just like humans, as puppies the dog could be a relaxed pup but as it ages, it could develop energy and need an abundance of exercise.
As a responsible puppy and soon to be dog owner, you need to be prepared for an energetic dog, even if you want a relaxed one.
Speak with Your Breeder
Your breeder will be able to discuss which puppy is most suitable for a laid-back, calm lifestyle. (If they are helping you pick a puppy and a responsible, ethical and breeder).
Choosing the right Great Dane puppy for your family will be a joint effort between you, your breeder, and of course some good old fashioned fate!
The most important thing is that you do your research, ask lots of questions, and find a responsible breeder who is committed to helping you find the best possible pup for your you.
I Want To Bring Home Litter Mates
Litter mates is a term that means two or more puppies who were born in the same litter and are close in age.
There are pros and cons to taking home two puppies at once, but if you’re set on it there are a few things you should know before making your decision.
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Puppies Are A lot Of Work: Especially 2 Puppies At Once
No matter how you look at it, puppies are a lot of work. They need to be fed, watered, walked, played with and potty trained.
If you’re thinking about adding two pups to your family, you need to make sure that you’re prepared for the extra work of having not one, but two dogs.
Sometimes Bringing Home Littermates Can Create Issues
Sometimes, bringing home two puppies from the same litter can create issues later on down the road. The pups might have a strong bond with each other and not be as attached to you and your family.
Of course, this isn’t always the case and sometimes it works out perfectly- but it’s something to keep in mind when making the choice to add two dogs to your family at once.
If you’re going to bring home two puppies, you need to be prepared to train them both at the same time.
This means having twice the patience, and being twice as consistent with your commands and rules.
It’s not impossible to successfully train two puppies at once- but it is a big commitment.
Not only that, but it is recommended when bringing home littermates that they are trained separately from one another, to avoid littermate syndrome and develop independence.
Your Pups Might Differ in Personality and Interests
Each and every puppy is very unique! When looking at two pups, you may get one from a litter that is very dominant, and one who is a shy pup.
Of course, this is just an example and there are endless possibilities when it comes to pup personalities.
The point is, even if they come from the same litter- two puppies can be very different from one another.
This could, or could not, become a problem. If one puppy is indeed a shy pup and turns into a shy adult, the other more dominant one could take advantage and require more of your time.
I Can’t Decide on a Female Dog or Male Dog
When thinking about whether to get a female or male dog, there are a few things you need to take into consideration.
Size Differences
Size, activity level, and temperament can all vary greatly between male dogs and female dogs of the same breed.
Female Great Danes are usually on the smaller side (comparatively), while males are usually larger.
This doesn’t mean that every female dog will be small or every male dog will be large- but it’s something to keep in mind when making your decision.
Temperament Differences
There can also be temperament differences between male and female dogs.
Some people suggest that females are often a bit more “independent” and “protective”, while males are often considered to be more “easy going” and “go-with-the-flow”. These assumptions are, however, highly based on both nature AND nurture.
The Bottom Line
The most important thing is that you find a pup that is the right fit for you, your family, and your lifestyle- regardless of whether it’s a male or female dog.
Take your time, do your research and ask lots of questions to make sure you’re making the best decision for both you and your new Great Dane so that everyone involved can find success.
Should I Get a Puppy at a Pet Store?
Choosing a puppy at a pet-store is a very irresponsible decision. Most pet-shops source their pups from puppy mills, which are dangerous / unsanitary / unethical hoarders of little puppies that advertise available pups as ‘healthy and available’.
Usually puppy mills advertise their pups on websites with great design and beautiful photos that look clean and well-cared for, but this is not always the case.
When you purchase a pup from a store front, you are unknowingly (or hopefully now you know) supporting these puppy mills and their terrible practices.
Additionally, pet store pups often come with a number of health problems that can be expensive to treat.
These health problems are most likely not some that you can see while you look at that adorable little puppy and its shiny coat or sweet little tongue in the cage at the mall.
But I’m ‘SAVING’ the Puppy
Of course, we always have the heroes who think that by getting a puppy from a shop that they are saving this pup. And, technically, YES, you are saving that ONE PUPPY.
But, what about the rest of the litter who was left behind in deplorable conditions? What about the mother dog who wasn’t able to come and get sold to a loving home because its still needed to breed more dogs- for profit?
What about the father of that pup who is also likely being used as a breeding machine in a puppy mill, with little to no regard for his health or wellbeing?
When you get a puppy from a pet store, you are lining the pockets of these people, equipping them to produce litter after litter, ultimately putting other dogs into critical situations that they simply cannot get out of.
I am Afraid That Puppy Won’t Like My Other Animals
If you have more dogs in the house and are worried about how a new puppy will affect them, don’t be! Being cautiously aware, but not nervous, is the correct mindset to be at.
In most cases, puppies and adult dogs get along famously. The key to success is to introduce the puppy to your dogs gradually and under supervision so that everyone has time to adjust.
What Does Socialization Mean?
Puppy socialization means exposing your new puppy to as many different people, animals, and environments as possible in a positive way so that they can learn how to interact with the world around them.
Socialization is the way that puppies interact with the world. It DOES NOT mean that they should visit dog parks daily or be exposed to daycare facilities that do not guide them in appropriate behavior.
Practicing negative behavior will only lead to the development of negative habits.
For more information about how to balance play with other pups and include puppy based socialization, you will be interested in our guide:
Start play is important for all puppies, but Great Danes especially need early socialization because they are such a large breed.
Help: I Got My First Puppy and I’m Drowning in Work
If you’ve just gotten your first puppy and are starting to realize that you’re in over your head, it’s okay!
We’ve all been there. Every new pet owner needs a little help getting started.
Find a Few Pups You Trust
The first step is to find a few owners of well behaved dogs or puppies that you trust. If you’re not sure where to start, ask your veterinarian for recommendations or look for local dog training clubs.
If you have friends with well-behaved dogs, ask if their owners would be willing to help you out.
This is important so that your dog CAN interact with other puppies in a responsible way. Allow your puppy to start playing with them, and monitor the behavior between the crew so that they can all have positive learning experiences.
Get Some Training Tips
Once you’ve assembled a group of pups you’re comfortable with, it’s time to start working on some basic obedience training.
This will help your puppy learn how to behave around other dogs as well as people.
There are plenty of resources available to help you get started, including books, videos, and online courses.
Make a few purchases like treats and a long leash to get them used to wearing a leash. Treats should be used in a fun, loving way to help build self esteem and get your puppy’s attention.
Crate training is an important part of obedience training for puppies.
Not only does it help with housebreaking, but it also provides your puppy with a safe place to go when they’re feeling overwhelmed or need a break from play.
Start by introducing your puppy to their crate in a positive way. Put their food in the crate and let them eat in there.
Once they’re comfortable with that, you can start closing the door for short periods of time while they’re inside. gradually increase the amount of time they spend in the crate until they’re able to stay in there for several hours at a time.
Here is a compilation of our favorite crates for your pup:
In conclusion, choosing a new Great Dane is a very challenging task.
Be responsible when choosing a breeder, and be prepared for the challenges of housebreaking and obedience training.
But most importantly, have fun! Your new puppy is sure to bring you years of happiness. Thanks for reading!
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Great Dane barking can be a real problem. These dogs are known for their loud, deep bark, and sometimes it seems like they just won’t stop. If you’re dealing with this issue, don’t worry – you’re not alone. In this article, we’ll discuss the causes of loud or destructive behavior in your Great Dane and offer some tips on how to deal with it.
Great Dane Barking: An Important Sign of Dog Breed Characteristics
Great Danes are generally very mild, especially for such a large dog. But their bark can be quite deep and intimidating, which is so often associated in movies and TV shows as a sign of aggression.
However, you do not want to jump to conclusions about the Great Dane temperament just because you are having a hard time stopping all of the ruckus and barking.
In reality, your Great Dane is probably just trying to communicate with you. This is one of the most important things to remember when dealing with this issue.
There are a few different things that your Great Dane could be attempting to say with its barking.
Your Great Dane Dog Could Be Bored
First, your dog may be bored. If you’ve noticed that your Dane only seems to bark when it’s left alone or doesn’t have anything else to do, this is likely the case. Dogs are social creatures, and they need stimulation and interaction just like we do. If you think your Dane might be bored, try adding some new toys to its toy box or taking it on more walks. You might also want to consider doggy daycare or hiring a dog walker if you’re gone for long periods during the day. Finally, long lasting bones are a great way to help your Great Dane have an activity throughout the day. Here are some of the best:
Your Great Dane is Scared or Anxious
Another possibility is that your Dane is trying to protect itself. This is especially common in Great Danes that have a history of anxiety or fear.
It is most common amongst Great Dane owners to misunderstand their Great Dane’s fear for ‘honor’. Many people think that their big dog is trying to protect them as its owner.
However, most of the time when you have large dogs who are expressing themselves with an abundance of reactive barking, it is not because they are scared for YOU… In fact, they are actually just scared for themselves.
Working with a responsible and qualified trainer, practicing ethical and balanced training methods such as e collar training or crate training and providing enough exercise can be methods to help your Giant Breed conquer their anxiety.
Usually barking is a bigger issue with Great Dane puppies than an adult dog. However, at random times throughout the life of giant breed dogs, problems can pop up, including random barking.
If you notice either your Great Dane pup or adult Great Danes are beginning to bark or react at random, and you have eliminated anxiety and boredom, you will want to work on reestablishing your Great Dane’s boundaries. You may want to examine whether you are making one of the 5 common mistakes that we see often with training Great Danes:
Consider the amount of exercise Great Danes should get in one day, invest in some good puzzle feeders to keep your Great Dane busy and motivated, purchase some quality treats to motivate your gentle giant, and begin working on creating those expectations. Here are a few of our favorite slow feeders to keep your pup engaged:
Do genetic health problems make Great Danes aggressive? That’s a loaded question, and one that scientists are still trying to answer. If you haven’t looked into common health issues that pop up with Great Danes, you may want to.
There is some evidence that certain health problems can increase aggression in dogs, but it’s still unclear exactly how much of a role those problems play.
Hip Dysplasia / Joint Disease in Great Danes in Association with Barking, Growling, Lunging
For example, hip dysplasia is a genetic condition that can cause joint pain and mobility problems. Some research has shown that dogs with hip dysplasia are more likely to be aggressive, but it’s mostly pointing to the fact that the aggression is caused by the pain rather than by actual health factors.
Likewise, dogs who experience any form of chronic pain are more likely to act out aggressively. This is because they’re in a constant state of discomfort, and they may lash out as a way to protect themselves.
A Dog’s Age in Correlation with Barking or Reactivity
Different dog breeds age at different rates, and thus, have a different life span. Young dogs might be more tolerant to more things such as wrestling with other dogs or playing with young kids. Alternatively, a young, energetic Great Dane might be more eager to bark at a distraction walking outside of the window than an adult Great Dane.
This could be for a variety of reasons, but the most likely scenario is that the adult Great Dane has already learned its lesson and doesn’t need to be reminded as often.
For more information about the life span of a Great Dane, make sure to check this blog out:
How long do Great Danes live? Well, this sweetie named Harleigh is 10 and thriving! Read more here!
Conversely, senior dogs are more prone to developing health problems that can cause pain and other issues. They may also be more sensitive to things like changes in their environment or routine.
While there isn’t a definitive answer on whether or not health problems cause aggression, it’s important to keep an eye on your dog’s health and consult with your veterinarian if you notice any changes in behavior.
Reputable Breeders and the Role They Play with Your Great Dane
For anyone looking to adopt a Great Dane, finding a reputable breeder is essential.
Reputable breeders know everything there is to know about the breed and can help you select the perfect dog based on your lifestyle and preferences.
Why Do Responsible Great Dane Breeders Matter?
Additionally, responsible breeders prioritize keeping the qualities that make Great Danes so unique intact, while also working hard to eliminate inherent health issues in their lines. In other words, they are not just breeding dogs to breed dogs and the Great Danes that you find with a high quality breeder are not the same in regards to health and longevity as you would find at a pet store.
Finding a Healthier Dog For Your Family
Whether you are looking for a show-quality Dane or just want an energetic companion to take hiking, a reputable and responsible breeder will be able to help you find the perfect match for your needs. No matter what you are looking for, everybody wants to find a family member to love on for the longest possible life span.
Bad Breeder Red Flags
We have an abundance of resources on breed characteristics to look for in a Great Dane as well as what makes a well rounded dog and what to avoid from a Great Dane breeder. Be sure to check out our breeder resources here:
Great Dane Puppies and Obedience Training
Great Dane puppies are known for their lovely, friendly personalities and their eagerness to please.
Whether you’re training them yourself or sending them off to puppy obedience school, it’s important to start early and be consistent in your efforts. This will ensure that your dane puppy grows into a well behaved canine companion who is always eager to obey your commands.
Training a Great Dane Puppy
Training a Great Dane puppy is unique to other dog breeds. One of the best ways to train a gentle giant is by taking advantage of their curious and playful nature. Take advantage of your young dog’s age and work with them in a fun and positive way. As long as you stay patient and upbeat, dane puppies will learn quickly and enjoy the process along the way.
Using Treats, Praise and Fun for Your Giant Breeds
To keep things engaging and interesting, try breaking up your training sessions into short segments, making sure to use positive reinforcement techniques like treats or praise when they perform successfully. Here are some of our favorite treat sets for gentle giants:
Interested in making your own homemade treats? Coopers Treats offers kits to make your own baked treats and pupcicles.
Remain Positive with Your Great Dane
Additionally, you should always acknowledge Danes for good behavior, even if it’s just a simple head scratch or a loving pat on the back. After all, every dog wants to feel loved!
Ethical Use of the E Collar
We are advocates for Dane owners use of ethical e collar training with their Great Danes. If you are interested, here are some resources for e collar training with Great Dane dogs linked:
Whether you’re working with an older dane or raising a brand new pup, keeping things fun and rewarding will help build confidence as well as obedience in your Great Dane puppy. Remember that getting through those early puppy stages can be tough, but by being patient and consistent with your dane, you’ll find success with your giant dog.
Need help with modern e collar training? Check out our guide.
A Great Danes Environment and How It Contributes to Temperament
Great Danes are such large and powerful dogs that they require a very specific environment in order to thrive. At times, you may notice that a Great Dane might change the way they act depending on their environment.
The Great Dane Dog Breed is Very Intuitive
Large and giant breeds are so in tune with their surroundings that they, at times, can take on those stressors.
This can, in fact, lead to barking or destructive behavior, which can be really hard on pet parents for such a large breed.
What Does It Mean To Socialize a Great Dane?
Great Danes need plenty of space to move around and stretch their long, muscular bodies, and they also need regular social interaction, which does not always mean interacting with other animals or other pets. (Socialization can mean a whole ton of fun things!) Check out our guide for ideas!
The Difference Between a Young and Adult Great Dane Dog
A young Great Dane should be allowed to play with other puppies when possible, but also socialized in other ways and introduced to a dog trainer. Younger Danes may be more playful, excitable, high energy dogs. An older dog will appreciate the company of fellow older Great Danes or mellow human companions. Mature dogs are usually calm and easygoing compared to other breeds. Many Great Danes also love young kids!
Additionally, Great Dane dogs tend to have a gentle temperament throughout their lives, but this can be influenced by a number of factors such as moving, household family members, their own Great Dane owners, and other pets in the house.
Home Factors for a Giant Dog
Many giant dogs are quick to pick up on different energy in the house. Did somebody in the family recently become sick? If so, is your Great Dane’s behavior different? Is there a new baby in the house?
All of these things can play into how a Great Dane perceives it’s environment and, as a result, how they might bark or act out.
A great dane’s behavior is largely contingent on their environment and the people in it. That’s why it’s important to provide them with a stable, loving home where they can feel comfortable and secure.
Do High Energy Great Danes Display Different Behavior Issues?
Although a Great Dane has a gentle nature compared to other dogs, some Great Danes are extremely high energy. And, like all dogs, high energy Great Danes can sometimes display different behavior issues.
At times, a bored dog is a destructive dog. If your Great Dane is displaying Separation Anxiety, boredom or stress might be the root cause.
Tips to Burn Energy in Great Danes
Here are some tips on how to keep your high energy Great Dane entertained:
Make sure they have plenty of toys to play with and that they are rotated regularly so they don’t get bored. Here are some of our favorite toys:
Use a puzzle feeder for your dog’s food so that they can eat and be mentally stimulated at the same time. We linked some of our favorites for your convenience.
Work on training with a long leash. This way they can run and explore while you are still in control. Practice commands such as come, sit, and stay.
Only allow socialization with other dogs who you know to be friendly dogs. Stay away from a dog park that you are not familiar with and work to increase their intuition to trust responsible ‘role model’ dogs or humans.
If your Great Dane is extremely active, consider getting them involved in dog sports! The National Breed Club offers an abundance of dog sports for Great Danes which can be an amazing avenue of getting energy out in a positive way.
A Fulfilled Great Dane is a Quieter and More Peaceful Great Dane
By providing your high energy Great Dane with plenty of exercise and stimulating activities, you can help prevent destructive (and loud) behavior.
The best way to combat behavior that you want to see less of is by ensuring that your dog gets plenty of exercise – both mental and physical. This will help burn off some of that extra energy and keep their minds occupied so they’re not as likely to bark or act out.
How Can I Get My Great Dane to Stop Barking at Other Dogs?
Most dog owners have experienced the embarrassment of their dog barking uncontrollably at another dog, small or large.
But for those of us who own a Great Dane, it’s a whole other level of mortification. After all, these are not small dogs we’re talking about – they are giant beasts that can unintentionally intimidate other breeds (and sometimes even people).
So what can you do to get your Great Dane to stop barking at other dogs? Here are a few tips:
One: Understanding Great Danes and Their Origin
First, realize that this CAN be an instinctual behavior for Great Danes. They were bred as hunting dogs to hunt wild boar, and their job was to track down and flush out prey. As a result, they have a strong instinct to bark at anything that moves.
So, does that mean it is okay for my Great Dane to bark and react?
Yes, Great Danes were bred originally to be a hunting dog breed, however that does not make it ‘right’ for your Great Dane to bark inside your house, in a fenced yard, or react to other dogs. Currently Great Danes are NOT being bred as ‘boar hound’ dogs, and should be redirected AWAY from barking unnecessarily.
Two: Is it Personal When My Great Dane Won’t Stop Barking?
No, don’t take it personally when your dog barks at another dog – this is just their natural response to many things: anxiety, feeling out of control, fear, boredom, etc.
Your Response is YOUR Responsibility
However, the way in which you respond to their behavior IS personal- as it is directly YOUR behavior! When you are working with your Great Dane on their behavior, stay calm and be consistent with your commands.
This is a lot easier said than done when you’ve got a 80lb+ dog barking their head off, but try to remain as calm as possible. If you get upset or anxious, it will only make the situation worse.
Three: Socializing Your Great Dane Does NOT Mean Making Them Interact With Other Dogs
So many owners in the dog world think that socializing from a young age means to get their puppy around other dogs from different breeds, the same breed, kids and humans, visit dog parks, etc.
That is true, SOMETIMES, only if the other dogs are trustworthy and good role models.
However, most of the time, socialization occurs when you provide opportunities for your Great Dane to be IN the chaos, but not APART of the chaos. An example of this playing out in real life would be sitting on a bench at a busy parking lot, teaching your dog to give you eye contact and ignore people or dogs that walk by.
This practice teaches Great Danes that life is busy and hectic, kids / humans / dogs exist but they are NOT all his for the taking and he does NOT need to bark or say hello to each and every one of them! Additionally, this important skill can teach your Great Dane that you, as the owner, are the top priority.
Four: What to do When You See A Barking Trigger with Your Great Dane
Fourth, if you see another dog, squirrel, or other distraction while out walking your Great Dane, make sure to keep them under control and calm.
If you know that your dog is particularly distracted by the German Mastiff neighbor that lives down the road, completely avoid walking down that side of the street, and instead walk on the other side of the street.
Great Danes are fast learners and can pick up on things quickly, but will need guidance. Avoiding things is NOT irresponsible.
Lastly, create a relationship in which eye contact is valuable. Providing treats and pulling the treats to your eyes before giving them to your dog is going to show your dog that your eyes are worth something good and positive.
When you see a squirrel, ask for eye contact and proceed past the distraction– making sure to reward your pup for positive results.
In Conclusion
In conclusion, the Great Dane dog breed is a fascinating one that has ups and downs throughout its entire life span. At times, they can create annoying habits like barking, but it can be fixed with responsible, balanced training and work. Do not get discouraged, and always seek professional help when you feel in over your head!
If you have any questions or concerns about your Great Dane’s behavior, please reach out to a professional dog trainer or behaviorist for help or reach us on our Facebook page for support.
Do you like modern positive+balanced off-leash dog training, science-based information, life with Danes, educated ownership and chatting with other like-minded people?
Ear cropping and taping cropped ears on Great Danes is a lengthy, involved process. If you have found this article, you are either on this journey or about to be, and we’re here to help!
If you want your Great Dane to have erect ears that stand up, you may want to consider this procedure for your puppy!
Editor’s note: while ear cropping in Great Danes is a controversial topic, we take a neutral stance. Whether you choose to crop your puppy or not is your decision. Make it an informed one.
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All about ear cropping and taping cropped ears on Great Danes
What happens during ear cropping?
Ear cropping is a surgical procedure done on Great Dane puppies when they are 6-12 weeks of age. It requires anesthesia, so puppies must be in good health if they are a candidate for having their ears done.
It may be a bad idea for puppies who come from a pedigree where blood clotting disorders (including Von Willebrand’s disease) are common, or for puppies from backyard breeding, pet store/puppy mill, and rescue type situations.
Make sure you choose a highly experienced cropping veterinarian; you can find the best people for this by reaching out to your local Great Dane affiliate breed club.
Many good cropping veterinarians book weeks in advance and have a preference for working with breeders who bring entire litters to be cropped on the same day, so talk to your breeder as well!
Once sedated, the ear flap is shaved and a portion of the puppy’s ear flaps are trimmed and removed. This is a cosmetic procedure that requires veterinary skill AND an artistic eye!
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The trimmed edge of the dogs ears is sutured up and the puppy is often given long-lasting pain medication and an injectable antibiotic. Some veterinarians may also prescribe additional post-op medication.
Following the procedure, your puppy will come home either the same day or the next day with its ears taped upright onto a cone or wrapped over the top of the head.
This depends on your veterinarian; many are now choosing the head-wrap version as it’s more comfortable for the puppy, facilitates healing, and still results in positive outcomes.
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The ear canal will be open and exposed from this point forward. The cut and sutured edge maybe a little crusty or bloody OR neat and clean, depending on your veterinarian and your puppy.
You will need to follow your veterinarian’s advice for keeping this area clean and dry while it heals. The newly trimmed ears may or may not bother your puppy, so it’s important to supervise and monitor behavior.
The final outcome of the crop and the look of your dog then rests in your hands and your ability to maintain posting and taping while your puppy is growing.
With the use of surgical tape, a popsicle stick, zip ties, bandages, foam, and a routine of cleaning and posting, the ears can be made to stand permanently in an upright position. We’ve outlined different methods for taping dog ears below!
This process of having the ears taped and re-taped will be ongoing while your puppy is teething and until the cartilage sets hard to keep the ears in the upright position without support. Read below for our ear cropping and taping tips!
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For comparison, here is an image of a Great Dane with uncropped ears.
Is Ear cropping painful for dogs?
When performed by an experienced and licensed veterinarian on a healthy and robust puppy, ear cropping is not painful and should not cause distress or discomfort for your Great Dane puppy.
The surgery itself takes 30 minutes or less, assuming that your veterinarian is skilled and experienced!
During the healing process, the ears will have sutures of some kind. These can become itchy and some pups will fuss about them.
In general, however, most young Danes are up, moving, playing, and eating within hours of the procedure and do not care about the cone or sticky bandage on their head!
While it shouldn’t be painful, your puppy or other dogs in the house may be fussed about the sutures. They can be itchy to your puppy or ‘smell funny’ and your other pets may wish to sniff or lick.
It’s important that your puppy be kept safe from that and may need to wear a cone to prevent scratching, too.
We recommend a soft cone, like this one from Amazon. Measure your dog’s neck before ordering!
No, you don’t. Ear cropping is a personal decision.
The written breed standard for Great Danes indicates that both natural floppy ears and cropped ears are acceptable. Ear cropping is common with show dogs, but it’s not just a ‘show dog’ thing! Many pet parents choose to crop for different reasons, and that’s ok!
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For more information on ear cropping for Great Danes that can help you make a decision, read our blog post below! While ear cropping is primarily cosmetic, some working dogs and even pet dogs may benefit from the procedure as prophylactic against future ear problems.
That said, many people will tell you that ear cropping prevents ear infections, however, this is a claim that as of yet doesn’t have much merit outside of anecdotal evidence. The AVMA states that it is a cosmetic procedure.
Other breeds that are traditionally cropped include Schnauzers, Dobermans, Boxers, Miniature Pinschers, and Boston Terriers among others.
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Are upright ears prone to infection?
Many dogs with upright ears experience ear infections just the same. German shepherd ears are a great example of this. Their ears stand naturally and don’t require cosmetic alterations, surgery, or posting.
A German Shepherd puppy is born with floppy ears, and the ears stand up on their own as the puppy is finished teething. They still may get ear infections!
Floppy ears are, however more prone to damage overall. Hematomas are a somewhat common and frustrating problem for dogs with floppy ears. Even a minor injury to the ear flap can result in bloody scabs and lesions that refuse to heal; this can be extremely difficult for dog owners to deal with.
Because a dog’s ears are so vascular, hematomas can be especially bloody and messy.
For those dogs with intact ears that are experiencing scabbing and hematomas, we recommend the NO FLAP EAR WRAP to facilitate healing and avoid surgical intervention.
Many owners choose ear cropping to avoid hematomas in the future, and that’s a very legitimate reason to make this choice!
We maintain that ear cropping is a personal preference and one that receives far too many misguided and uneducated opinions. You should never feel guilty for choosing ear cropping for your puppy.
There are three main phases to ear cropping for Great Danes. Each dog will move through these stages at its own pace: it largely depends on its individual anatomy, the skill of your veterinarian, and your dedication to the process.
Phase 1: Surgery and post-op healing, where your puppy’s ears will have sutures and tape. Your veterinarian will advise you of the aftercare requirements for this stage; anticipate gentle cleaning and the application of a topical antibiotic ointment.
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Phase 2: Posting. This stage begins once the ears are healed up and the sutures have been removed. This is where you will use posts and bandages to train the ears to stand upright. Breaks from the posts and bandages at this stage should be minimal; as long as the cartilage is still soft, your pup’s ears will need support.
(We are HUGE fans of Vandelft Danes! She is an advocate for ethical breeding, rescue, and training practices, is an incredible preservation breeder, and actively works to educate people about cropping).
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Phase 3: In this stage, once the cartilage is harder and the ears are showing that they are beginning to reliably stand upright. Encourage your dog to hold its ears perked up on the head by whistling, clapping, and playing fun games.
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When do I start taping my Great Dane’s ears?
Your veterinarian will advise you on this process, but you will typically begin posting and taping your dog’s ears upright once the sutures have been removed. Sutures are typically removed by your veterinarian 10-14 days post-op.
It can take up to two weeks for your dogs’ ears to be healed enough to begin the posting process, but it’s important to not rush this step! Your veterinarian will be an excellent resource here.
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The surgical tape used during the procedure may be sticky and your vet may need to use a gentle medical grade adhesive remover to clean up the previously taped ear.
When you begin to tape the ears yourself, you will also find that you run into this sticky bandage problem!
Uni-solve is commonly used when you are working with your pups ears at home. You can find that on Amazon HERE. It will help remove sticky residue from bandages, once you are in the posting phase.
The exact timing of suture removal and beginning the posting phase may depend on how well your puppy has healed, and if you’ve prevented licking and scratching. If your puppy has played in the mud or gotten wet, the ears may not be ready yet.
Keeping the post-op ears clean is key to getting started with posting as soon as possible!
Your veterinarian will show you how to tape ears so that you can become an expert at it yourself.
Most dogs learn to tolerate having their ears taped and consider the process of it as part of their daily or weekly routine.
A little cottage cheese can go a long way towards ensuring that it’s always a good experience!
How long will I have to tape my dog’s ears?
For a Great Dane puppy that has received a long show crop, you can anticipate needing to use tape or supports of some kind for several months, possibly as long as two years. Taping dog ears also requires skill, and it’s something you will become very good at!
The bandages will start unraveling after a few days, so you will need to make a routine of changing the bandages and tape, and cleaning the ears on a regular basis.
The skill of your veterinarian goes a long way here, too. If a crop was not done carefully so as to leave enough support and balance for the height and natural anatomy of the ears, the ears may fail to stand reliably, even when you tape the ears for months and months.
In that case, you can continue to try or leave the ears floppy (but smaller) and consider it a ‘failed crop’. Some breeders recommend giving dogs gelatin, chicken paws or raw bones with marrow to chew on, which may help them strengthen their ear cartilage!
Additionally, corrective procedures (including further shortening of the ear) may be advised.
A thoughtful hand during the cropping procedure can ensure that the ears are functional and will remain stabilized properly once they are upright, so as above, make sure you are choosing a highly experienced and knowledgable cropping veterinarian!
Shorter crops may stand more reliably than longer crops, but a longer crop is stunning if you are willing to put in the time that it takes to make the ears stand. Every dog is different!
How do I know cropping is a good choice for my puppy’s ears?
It’s not a bad idea to speak with your primary care veterinarian, with your breeder and with your local Great Dane breed club. Depending on your dogs ears and individual conformation, cropping may or may not be a good choice to begin with.
Because all dog’s ears are different, the results will not always be the same. Some dogs ears have more leather, hang lower or sit differently on the head. Choosing a skilled veterinarian and the right ear crop style is key to success.
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Is cropping illegal?
It is illegal in most places to crop ears at home. You should never attempt to DIY ear cropping!
Tail docking and ear cropping are actually illegal in some countries, even when done by a licensed veterinarian. Some breed clubs will not allow dogs with docked tails or cropped ears to be shown!
In the U.S. and Canada, tail docking and ear cropping are still legal and seen often as part of the written breed standards for certain dogs.
Why are dogs taping their ears?
Taping dog ears is necessary after cropping because the tape helps train the ears to stand upright. This is not a natural position for floppy ears, so it’s a necessary step if you want your Great Dane to have erect ears.
Did you know that collie ears are often taped, too, but for a different reason! They are supposed to have a folded ear; if the puppy is born with ears that don’t sit correctly, the ears are taped until cartilage forms so that they sit in the right direction.
The taping and bandaging process can be a positive experience for your dog and is not abuse.
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How long does ear taping last?
Depending on the crop style and length, you can expect to continue taping and posting until your Great Dane puppy dog is 6 months or older. Smaller ears will stand upright faster, but until teething is done and the cartilage is hard it’s important to continue using tape and posting!
A good tape and bandage job can hold up for 4-7 days, at which point you will want to change the tape and posts for cleanliness and form. It’s important that the ear canal, skin, and fur on your puppy are kept healthy and clean.
Some dogs will develop irritation and redness on their skin with the use of certain tape or bandages. We recommend visiting the group Great Dane Lovers of Cropped Ears for advice. Share your photos and see what support they have for you.
For dogs that are sensitive, they recommend 3M Medipore H bandaging.
Be careful with using any glue, tape, or otherwise that were not directly recommended to you by your veterinarian, in this article, or mentioned by other experienced Great Dane puppy owners. There are many types of bandages, tape, and adhesives out there and some are not healthy for your dog’s ears.
All dog ears are different; some dogs will require more ear taping and more time than others. If you aren’t sure if your dog’s ears are ready to stand on their own yet, give them a day break from the tapes. If you see anything start to fall, the time hasn’t come yet.
Resume taping your puppies ears until they are more mature, and test them again later.
Ears stand only with diligent attention to this process. Taping dog ears can feel tedious OR it can be an opportunity for you to bond with your pup each time you do it. Make it a positive thing and the results will pay off!
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Is it too late to tape my dog’s ears?
If your puppy is older than 10-12 weeks of age, it is very likely too late to crop them and expect a reliable result. Most vets will not crop a Great Dane puppy once they’ve reached this age, and in general, the preference is to do the procedure between 7-9 weeks.
If you did not start taping and posting ears at that same age (12 weeks or younger), it’s likely too late. Some veterinarians may offer to crop your pup before 16 weeks of age but they are very rare, and the results may not be as reliable. In our opinion, a 4-5 month-old puppy is too old to have its ears cropped.
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What is the best kind of tape for Great Dane crops?
We’ve put together our recommendations from Amazon that includes everything you need after your puppy is home from its cropping procedure!
When it comes to taping your puppy’s ears, there is a learning curve. Your vet should give you plenty of advice, but we also recommend visiting the Great Dane Lovers of Cropped Ears group on Facebook.
You can find many of these things at your local pharmacy, too.
Phase One Ear Cropping Care Kit
This is what is recommended for your puppy post-op.
We recommend feeding a highly tested and professionally formulated diet, such as Eukanuba or Pro Plan Large Breed Puppy for Great Dane puppies.
When you get to Phase Two, there are TWO common ways to post and support cropped ears on your dog.
Backer Rod Method
This method makes your dog look like it has antennas!
Some dogs will find a way to pull these off their ears no matter what, so get to know your dog and make sure you choose the method that works best for everybody.
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With the backer rod ear taping method, your puppy will have foam rods placed in the ears that you will wrap with a bandage.
To keep the ears more upright on the head overall, you can connect the ears on the top of the head with a piece of duct-tape wrapped foam pipe insulation.
With the backer rod method, it’s extremely important that you keep the ears and bandages clean and dry; wet and dirty bandages can cause irritation and infections.
The sticky side of the bandage can also cause irritation, so if you are seeing any redness or sores it will be a bad idea to continue using that particular product.
The good news is that there are plenty of alternatives and with a little trial and error, you will be able to find the right taping method and bandages for your dog.
Click on any link or image below to purchase from Amazon:
Wendy Cox Ear Posting Method with Foam Backer Rods
Zip Tie Method
The other common method is called the Zip Tie method, which uses heavy-duty zip ties or a popsicle stick and adhesives such as Torbot Skin Tac and tape to hold the dog’s ears up without bandages.
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Another benefit of the Zip Tie method for taping dog ears is that it holds the erect ears up in a natural way, unobstructed by thick foam and bandages, and you can really start to see what the final look is. Some people who use this method do so only once the ears have matured a little more.
This method is much less chunky looking and makes it safer for your puppy to play in the water, mud, or snow! However, with this method, you will have to work to get the adhesive off of the ear each time you re post your dog’s ears.
It’s important to train your puppy dog from a young age to be calm and indifferent about this process; make it a positive experience!
We recommend staying calm, working slowly, and using a lot of positive reinforcement.
It is a bad idea to turn this into a frustrating process by using force, fear, or punishment. You want your dog to be receptive to you working with the ears and having the ears taped and inspected on a regular basis.
Your dog will appreciate your calm, thoughtful and friendly indifference to this process; as far as your pup is aware, making the ears stand is an everyday thing and part of the deal!
You can enlist the help of a friend or family member to work with your pup and help hold ears, supplies, and treats. A little break between removing the tape, foam, glue, or adhesives and re-posting the puppy’s ears is always a good choice.
Early on the ears won’t be standing yet, and may flop over when you remove the glue and supports. This is normal and ok, don’t panic and just keep at it.
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Many people think that getting a Great Dane as a guard dog is a great idea. After all, they are big and imposing, and they look like they would be great at protecting their home and family. However, there are several reasons why you should not get a Great Dane as a guard dog. In fact, in this blog post, we will discuss 8 of them!
One: Great Dane as a Guard Dog AND Good Family Dogs?
Great Danes are well known for being magnificent, loyal family guard dogs.
These large and sturdy dogs are naturally protective of those they love, making them great companions for family members both young and old. Whether lounging by your side on the couch or running around outside with you or your kids, Great Danes are always happy to be spending time with their family.
Will My Great Dane Dogs Protect My Family?
As such, they make great family dogs that protect and care for those they love most. However, being willing to protect their family members and household members does not make them a dog that is able to serve as a good guard dog.
With their big hearts and even bigger personalities as one important trait, these dogs serve better as pets to your family from household potential threats in certain situations than as guard dogs which may be trained to protect / be aggressive.
Of almost all dog breeds, Great Danes make good family dogs, but as a family guard dog it is an entirely different story.
Two: Great Danes Are Not That Easy to Train
Great Danes are extremely smart dogs who, with loving and supportive dog owners, can thrive in any situation.
As a matter of fact, there are many Great Danes who undergo Therapy Training, or become trained to be Service Dogs.
What Makes a Great Dane Harder To Train Than Other Working Dogs?
However, training the Dane breed as a whole is not as easy as other breeds or animals. Great Danes are not as driven to work and train as a breed of dog who is extremely food motivated and interested in training for every single piece of food it receives.
Great guard dogs require extreme intensity in their training and self – control, which is just not something that a Great Dane has in comparison to other pets or dogs.
After all, you never know when your Great Dane guard dog might sense a threat, perk their ears up in an attempt to protect its home, children and owner, and all of the sudden turn into a dopey, clumsy, large dog that accidentally trips over the couch or walks into the wall on it’s way to attack its intruder.
You happened to choose a dog breed that (with good genetics) has a calm temperament. Although they are massive size, they are generally great with children, other pets, and calm / gentle.
We often hear of aggressive Great Danes, in which owners wonder or assume that their dog is acting as a guard dog. However, we have news for you. As a friend, we can tell you confidently that your Dane is *most likely* not trying to be protective when he is barking or acting aggressive.
Most Great Danes are NOT trying to protect their owners when they demonstrate ‘protective’ behavior. Owners should recognize that their dog is indeed working to protect ITSELF. In turn, their pet needs to be put in intense training with a trained professional, or speak with a licensed veterinarian.
My Great Dane is Aggressive
If your Great Dane is aggressive, shows signs that it wants to attack, or barks at new friends, dogs or sounds, you should consider getting them trained.
A dog that is not properly trained can be a potential threat and danger to themselves, you and your family, as well as new dogs.
Reach out to a professional for help if you feel that your dog may need it.
We are advocates of responsible owners who train their dogs with ethical e collar training.
My Puppy Seems Wants to Protect Me and My Other Animals
A puppy who seems ‘protective’ of its owner, itself, or other pets in the household is NOT being brave.
Puppies and dogs alike should be socialized from a young age to act calm, gentle and neutral around all new experiences. Puppy socialization does NOT always mean getting your Great Dane around other dogs.
We have a guide with an abundance of ideas for how owners can train and socialize their dane pups to remain calm and well-mannered in an abundance of life situations.
Chippin’ Cricket Treats are known for being a powerful food topper for digestion- and dogs LOVE them!
Four: Do Not Mistake Barking as an Attempt to Protect
For the most part, any dog that sees a ‘potential threat’ such as a rabbit, squirrel, mailman, dogs walking past the front door, will begin to bark.
When other dogs walk past, or your dog sees something exciting out the window, they may naturally bark.
With positive reinforcement and consistent training, an owner can work to help their dane not to bark at distractions like dogs outside of the window.
Is My Great Dane Being Protective When It Barks?
This ‘occasional’ bark can be a somewhat normal behavior in any pet, however can quickly turn into something very negative if not monitored closely by owners with training.
So, yes, however annoying the occasional bark may be for a pet owner, the problem lies when your dog begins to bark constantly, lunge, or give off an ‘attack’ body language.
If you notice your dog start to bark more at distractions like other dogs walking past, you should remind yourself that your Great Dane is STILL not trying to be a ‘guard dog’.
What is the Difference Between a Guard Dog and a Scared Dog?
On the surface, a scared dog might actually look like a guard dog to an untrained eye. To owners who may not know, many characteristics may appear the same in dogs who are scared to guard dogs.
Let’s examine what it might look like to see the behavior of guard dogs vs. the behavior of a dog who is scared.
Good Guard Dogs Behavior
Good guard dogs have had extensive training to know when to bark and when not to, as well as how to properly attack an intruder if necessary.
In addition, a good guard dog will be under the control of its handler at all times, while a scared dog may be more difficult to handle and manage.
A guard dog will appear very calm. Handlers of guard dogs will always watch their dogs, but not react as they know they will be able to command them to listen at any time. Guard dogs are generally are highly equipped dogs with genetics that make good guard dogs.
Photo Credit to Hellen at Mumukodogsquad (Picture of sweet Dakota!) Photo Credit to Hellen at Mumukodogsquad (Picture of sweet Dakota!)
Scared Dogs Behavior
Scared dogs generally have not had any training, and will often bark excessively at anything that may look or sound ‘threatening’, regardless of whether it actually is or not.
Pet parents of dogs who are timid, nervous, or scared might think that they own protective dogs and try to make their dog into a ‘guard dog’. They might even try to tell others that their Great Dane is a guard dog for the purpose of finding an excuse for its behavior.
However, if an owner does not have control over its working dogs at all times, a scared dog becomes a major danger to society: humans, children, other dogs, etc.
Know the Difference Between Fear and a Highly Trained Guard Dog
To sum it up, if your dog is exhibiting any ‘protective’ behavior, chances are they are not actually trying to protect you or your home – they are simply afraid.
With proper training from an early age, your dog will NOT demonstrate reactive or dangerous behavior. Your dog should NOT guard you if they have not been trained by a professional to be a professional guard dog. This behavior is dangerous and irresponsible.
As a result, the breed, like other breeds, has struggled a huge hit and Great Danes have suffered as a result. The way a dog is bred defines the important trait of their temperament.
Why are So Many Great Danes So Anxious?
Great Danes are NOT meant to be an anxious dog. So many dog breeds have anxiety wired into their genetics.
If your Great Dane is anxious, suffers from separation anxiety or demonstrates destructive behavior that is often unexplained, they could have been bred with genetics that leads them to this issue.
Finding a Quality Great Dane Breeder
If you are looking to add a Great Dane to your family, you should consider the history of how they were bred. Speak to any potential breeders before you buy a dog.
Examine possible dog breeder red flags, such as selling dogs online, not letting you meet the dog or the dog’s parents before you purchase said dog, having other dogs in their family who are sick / died early, not conducting proper health testing on their dogs, or more.
We have an abundance of information on bad breeding in regards to Great Danes — do your research BEFORE you bring home a Great Dane.
There are also an abundance of resources on the American Kennel Club website, however just because a dog is registered as ‘AKC’ with the American Kennel Club does NOT mean that it is a well-bred dog.
Six: Great Danes Think Everyone is Their Friend
Great Danes, when properly bred and socialized, LOVE other people. Great Danes are so lovable, in fact, that this is one reason that they do not make good guard dogs.
Compared to any other dog, a Great Dane is generally significantly more friendly and happy to meet new people than a different dog.
Once trained and socialized, try taking a Great Dane into a public, dog friendly location.
Your Great Dane is going to feel like the life of the party and be excited as can be.
Seven: Having a Guard Dog is a Liability
Many people want to have the ‘best guard dog’ to keep their family safe. Also, people often stumble upon Great Danes because they are one of the largest dog breeds.
However, good guard dogs start training almost immediately after they are born with smells and desensitization from their mothers breastmilk, etc.
Unless you are working with a highly trained professional who has extensive experience with guard dogs, it becomes an extreme liability.
Guard dogs are trained to know the difference between a threat and someone who is not a threat. An untrained guard dog does not know the difference — to them, everyone is a potential threat and they will attack accordingly.
It is important to remember that even if you have the ‘best guard dog in the world’, it is still your responsibility as an owner to train your Great Danes, and other dog breeds according to the way society operates.
Eight: Great Danes Are Not the Right Size for Guard Dogs
When it comes to guard dogs, big is not necessarily better.
Although great Danes are often regarded as some of the best guard dogs due to their impressive size, they can actually be quite poor guard dogs in certain scenarios.
For one thing, a male Great Dane is far and away the tallest dog breed, which means that it stands out from other guard dogs and may attract unwanted attention from thieves and other intruders.
Good guard dogs have extremely quick agility, which typically means they need to be smaller and quicker on their feet than a Great Dane.
All in all, if you’re looking for an effective guard dog, then the wise choice may be a smaller dog, rather than opting for one of the towering great Danes.
Conclusion:
I will state that Great Danes, although may be one of many protective dog breeds, do not make good guard dogs. Great Danes are a lovable and powerful breed of dog but are not easy to train to be guard dogs.
Choose a dog from a breeder wisely, as poorly breeders is often how Great Danes suffer from anxiety and infliction.
Caring for Great Danes comes with unique responsibilities that not all dog ownership shares. If you are gearing up to add a Great Dane into your life- congratulations!
Every owner of a Great Dane knows that they are a special breed of dog. A Great Dane requires a lot of care and attention, and if you are not prepared to provide that, then owning one is not for you.
In this blog post, we will discuss 10 tips for caring for your Great Dane. We will cover everything from feeding them to exercising a Great Dane to keeping a Great Dane healthy. If you follow these tips, you might find some insight into keeping your Great Dane happy and healthy!
One: Caring for Great Danes Starts Young
The care of a Great Dane puppy starts when they are young.
Great Dane Puppy Growth
Starting your puppy off with proper diet and healthy, slow growth is crucial for their fundamentals.
Yes, this may include other dogs, but it also includes other socialization skills such as allowing your Great Dane puppy to get to know the world without being anxious. This will make your Great Dane a more well-rounded dog and less likely to have behavioral problems later in life.
We have an abundance of socialization ideas for your new Great Dane puppy. Feel free to click here to get these ideas for your Great Dane puppy- you may even want to try some of the ideas for your other dogs!
The Best Chew Toys for Great Dane Puppies
Great Danes are very big dogs, even when they are a little puppy. As they become older dogs, they develop larger jaws than most breeds.
When you have a puppy, make sure to gear up with a slew of toys made for Great Danes so that you can direct the chewing to a safe and appropriate place. A Great Dane that is not given the right amount of appropriate avenues of chewing can become destructive, and their jaws are pretty strong, so they can easily chew through comforters, beds, and even sometimes furniture.
We have a guide of some of our favorite Giant Breed toys for your convenience.
Work on Separation Anxiety from a Young Age with a Great Dane
Great Danes can be known to develop separation anxiety when they are both a puppy or an adult. A Great Dane LOVES to be with their owner- sometimes more than other breeds. They are a loving dog breed and sometimes even referred to as a ‘Velcro’ dog. Here are some means of combatting anxiety:
To combat this anxiety with your Giant Breed, start working on separation anxiety from a young age. This means getting them used to being away from you for short periods of time and gradually increasing the length of time as they get older.
Teach Young Kids to Respect Large Dogs
It is extremely important for ALL dogs to respect children, and ALL children to respect dogs. You hear about Great Danes being gentle giants, however the truth is your clumsy Great Dane is not always going to be a Gentle Giant.
Great Dane dogs are very powerful- and their tails are very strong. Sometimes even just wagging can hurt young children. It is important to teach your dog from puppyhood what it means to respect your children, AND vice versa.
Is It Safe for My Kid to Sit or Lay on My Great Dane?
The answer to this question is absolutely not. Your Great Dane should never be sat on or laid on by a child. Even if they are a calm dog, their bones are not meant to support the weight of a child and it could cause serious injury.
If you have young children in your home, we recommend working intensely with both the child and the Great Dane to establish strict boundaries for both parties.
Crate training your Great Dane is a great way to ensure that both kids and Great Dane dogs remain safe while unsupervised.
Is It Okay for a Child to Pull on the Tail of a Great Dane?
Time and time again we see children pulling on the tail of a Great Dane, sitting on their backs and even doing things that can cause health problems.
Remember: a Great Dane CANNOT communicate verbally- if you notice lip smacking, tail tucked, or a dog trying to move away- these are all signs that the dog is uncomfortable.
Do not let your child continue if the dog is showing any of these signs and please teach them why it is important to never do these things to any dog, not just Great Danes.
Your dog’s life matters- do not put them in ANY position to harm a child.
Two: Feeding Your Great Dane
As any Great Dane owner knows, feeding your dog a high quality diet is essential for their health and wellbeing.
However, when it comes to Great Danes, this is especially important. Due to their large size, Great Danes require a diet that is correctly formulated in order to make sure that they grow correctly.
Should I Feed My Puppy ‘Puppy Food’ or ‘Adult Food’?
Depending on the contents of the food itself, your Great Dane puppy might require puppy food or regular adult dog food.
We have further information regarding this topic here:
In addition, as they grow, they also may need plenty of vitamins and minerals to support their bones and joints. While you can find high quality dog food at most pet stores, you may also want to consider giving your Great Dane natural supplements such as fish oil or glucosamine. By doing so, you can ensure that your dog is getting all of the nutrients they need to stay healthy and happy. Here are some of our favorite supplements for a Great Dane, linked for your convenience:
Three: Great Dane Weight Matters to your Great Danes Health
Keeping your pet at a healthy weight is important for their overall health and wellbeing.
Unfortunately, weight gain is a common problem for Great Danes, and it can lead to a host of health issues.
An Underweight Great Dane
A Healthy Weight Great Dane
An Overweight Great Dane
For example, extra weight puts strain on the joints and muscles, making it difficult for your Dane to move around. In addition, extra weight can lead to respiratory problems, heart disease, and diabetes.
Thankfully, there are a few things you can do to help your Dane maintain a healthy weight. For starters, make sure they get plenty of exercise. Secondly, feed them a healthy diet that is formulated for large breed dogs. Finally, monitor their weight regularly and consult with your veterinarian if you see any signs of weight gain.
Four: Large Breed Dogs and Consistent Training
If you’re considering getting a large breed dog, there’s one thing you should know: you’re in for at least an hour of training every day while they are rapidly growing. (Of course- this number changes depending on your dog’s temperament, how they were bred, and their personality!)
But don’t let that discourage you – the rewards of owning a large breed dog are more than worth the effort. We are extremely supportive of the ethical use of E Collars to train your Great Dane. For more resources, click below.
With patience and positive reinforcement, you’ll be able to bond with your furry friend and create a lifetime of memories. So go ahead and add a big dog to your family – just be prepared to put in the work.
Are you interested in seeing some of the most common training mistakes we see with large Great Danes? Be sure to check out this blog:
The most common problems we see are related to the bones and joints, including hip bone issues and elbow dysplasia. In addition, Great Danes are also at risk for bloat, which is a potentially life-threatening condition that affects the stomach. Great Dane dogs can also be prone to some types of cancer.
However, with the right knowledge, you can be best informed to prevent certain diseases in your dogs and seek veterinary care when appropriate.
Great Dane’s Ears
A Great Dane can be susceptible to ear infections. Ear infections in Great Dane dogs can typically be managed at home, but as with all things is very dependent on the dog and severity.
Our favorite method of ‘at home treatment’ for ear infections is Xymox. See below for a link to purchase for your own dogs.
Xymox is our absolute FAVORITE cleanser if your Great Dane has yeast or inflammation in its ears.
Great Dane Ear Cropping
One way some people suggest helping to prevent ear infections is through ear cropping. Ear cropping is a procedure in which the tips of the ear are removed.
This helps to shorten the ear canal and reduce the risk of infection. Great Dane dogs with cropped ears experience no pain during the procedure, WHEN / IF it is done by an ethical and humane veterinarian.
Great Dane puppies typically have their ears cropped between 8 and 16 weeks of age. If you are considering ear cropping for your Great Dane puppy, be sure to do your research and talk to your veterinarian to make sure it is the right decision for your dog.
Bad Breath
Stinky breath in dogs can be indicative of a number of different problems. The most common cause of smelly breath is plaque and tartar buildup on the teeth. This can lead to gum disease, which is painful and can cause other problems if left untreated. Ensure you are providing a good food and feeding your Great Dane a probiotic, which could help to provide healthy gut flora, ultimately cutting down on the dog ‘breath’ smell.
Underlying Medical Causes
Other causes of smelly breath include kidney disease, liver disease, diabetes, and respiratory infections. If your dog has gross breath that does not go away with brushing, be sure to take them to the vet to rule out any underlying medical conditions.
Using a DNA kit such as an Embark can help you determine the genetics of your dog which may lead you to faster answers.
Also, however, some dogs might just have stinky breath here and then. Many have reported that by feeding raw food it significantly cuts back on the bad breath in their dog / dogs.
Great Dane’s Drool
Great Danes are notorious for their drooling, and it is one of the things that people love about them! If your puppy or adult dogs are drooling, just know that it is NOT a health concern, unless they seem to be excessively drooling, panting, fevered or have gray gums.
Photo Credit to Chelsea & Harleigh at @mixedwithout
But why do they drool so much? The answer lies in the anatomy of how a Great Dane is built. They have big jaws, which means that when they are excited or eating, their saliva can’t always make it all the way to the back of their throat before dripping out of their mouths.
While there is no real ‘cure’ for this drooling habit, Great Dane dog owners typically become adjusted- and pretty dang fast too! Great Dane dogs usually just give better kisses!
Drool is all apart of being in the Great Dane club! No- not the American Kennel Club- the Great Dane Drool Club- its not a thing, but we think it should be.
Heart Disease
There’s nothing quite like the feeling of your dog living a heart healthy lifestyle. You’re feeding them right, providing plenty of exercise, and all those endorphins are pumping through their veins. But what happens when they develop heart conditions?
Take dilated cardiomyopathy of a Great Dane, for example.
It’s a condition where the heart muscle weakens and the heart chambers dilate (enlarge), which lowers the amount of blood that is pumped through the body of a Great Dane. It can be caused by excessive exercise, but is typically caused by genetics or an underlying medical condition.
Bloat
Bloat is a condition that can affect any mammal, but is most common in large chested dogs. It occurs when the stomach becomes distended with gas, food, or fluid, and can quickly become life-threatening if not treated immediately.
Some evidence shows that by adding some raw food into the diet, you can increase positive gut health and lower the risk of bloat. Here is some of our favorite freeze-dried raw:
Symptoms of bloat include a swollen stomach, restlessness, pacing, and drooling. If your dog exhibits any of these signs, it is important to seek immediate medical attention. Bloat is a very serious condition, and requires extremely fast attention.
For more information on bloat and torsion, be sure to check out our above linked resources.
Hip Dysplasia or Arthritis in Large Breeds
One of the health concerns that big dogs are prone to is hip dysplasia or arthritis.
For big or giant breeds, this can be especially crippling since they often heavily rely on their hips for mobility. Smaller dogs, on the other hand, tend to be less affected by these conditions since they’re not carrying around as much weight.
If you’re thinking of getting a big dog like a Great Dane, do your research first to see if the breeder knows whether or not their line is susceptible to hip dysplasia or arthritis.
Also, ensure that you are working to protect the joints of your Great Dane. If you want to take your Great Dane on long hikes or use them as your running partner, you may want to do some research first. We’ve got some tips here:
Cancer is a disease that most people know about, but few truly understand.
It is the unfortunately fairly common in dogs, and can cause a wide range of health problems.
While Great Danes are particularly susceptible to cancer, all breeds of dog can be affected by the disease.
Cancerous tumors can grow anywhere in the body, and can often spread to other organs. One particularly aggressive type of bone tumor (and the most common bone tumor in Great Dane dogs) is Osteosarcoma.
This can lead to a decline in overall health, and in some cases, death. Early detection is crucial to treatment, so it is important to be aware of the signs and symptoms of the disease. If you suspect that your dog may have cancer, please contact your veterinarian immediately.
Six: Great Dane Grooming
When it comes to grooming a Great Dane, there are a few key things to keep in mind.
First of all, those nails need to be kept short. If they get too long, they can start to cause problems with the dog’s gait and potentially even lead to injury.
The best way to keep them trimmed is to use a nail clipper designed specifically for Great Dane’s nails. It is CRUCIAL for your Great Dane’s health- despite sometimes seeing Great Dane dogs out there with long nails.
Secondly, that short coat needs some TLC, but not all together too much. A great Dane’s coat is short, but it will still need to be brushed on a regular basis. A good brushing will help to remove any dirt or debris that might be tangled in the fur, and it also helps to distribute the natural oils that keep the coat healthy and lustrous.
Finally, don’t forget the occasional bath! Even if your great Dane doesn’t seem particularly dirty, a good shampooing will help to ensure that their coat stays clean and free of any unwanted odors.
Seven: Mental Engagement and a High Energy Great Dane
A good old couch potato. We all know one. They’re the people who would rather spend a lazy Sunday afternoon lounging on the couch than getting out and about.
And couch potatoes aren’t just limited to humans – dogs can be couch potatoes too. However, time and time again we see people unknowingly adopting a Great Dane as they search for their ‘couch potato’ soulmate, only to find out their Great Dane actually isn’t lazy at all.
Use LOTS of treats and engage with them often! Heres some of our favorites.
And for high energy dogs, mental stimulation is just as important as physical activity. If a high energy dog isn’t given enough to do, they can become bored and destructive. That’s why it’s important to choose the right dog for your lifestyle.
Custom velvet collar, bowtie and leash set. Make your own here.
If you’re looking for a low-maintenance pet, SOMETIMES a Great Dane puppy is the right choice. A high-quality breeder will look at your lifestyle and match you with a temperament that suits your family and needs.
Just remember, every dog is different, and you should always be prepared to provide exercise and mental stimulation for your dog- whether they are lazy or not.
Eight: E Collar Training for Your Large Breed Great Dane
A Great dane grows very fast and will become very strong at a young age. Using an e collar is one way that you can work effectively with your Great Dane (and other breeds). We support ethical Great Dane e collar training. Please do not ‘shock’ your Great Dane with a cheap shock collar from Amazon or a pet store.
There is a difference between a high quality e collar with a stim device inside of it and a ‘shock’ collar, which can create anxiety in your Great Dane.
Need help with modern e collar training? Check out our guide.
If you are in need of resources to help get started with an E Collar for your Great Dane, we have plenty. Check out our Great Dane E Collar Guide here.
Additionally, you can purchase an e collar for your Great Dane in our shop and receive free shipping.
Nine: Ensuring Your Dog Interacts Well with Other Dogs and Other Animals
A well socialized Great Dane loves to play with other well managed and behaved dogs, engage with humans and kids, and has proper manners.
Since the Great Dane is such a big dog, it is so important that you socialize and train them from a young age. Other breeds training is not as dependent on the dog’s age as a Great Dane, as their size rapidly increases and at a young age Great Dane dogs can be strong and powerful.
If your Great Dane is going to be spending a lot of time around other dogs as they grow up, you want to make sure that they know the expectations.
Preventing Leash Reactivity in Dogs
We do not encourage on leash greetings between two dogs that do not know one another. Many dogs have leash reactivity, and if your dog does not– it can easily be developed.
What to do if your Dog Shows Fear Around Other Dogs or People
Some dogs are naturally more prone to anxiety (typically from bad genetics). However, Great dane dogs as a whole breed should not be timid or nervous or anxious.
If you notice that your dog is showing signs of nervousness around another dog, you should remove them from the situation before it escalates. Knowing the signs of anxiety is important.
Signs of Anxiety in a Great Dane
Anxious behaviors in dogs can look like this:
Panting
Lip licking
Yawning
Whale eye (when a dog shows the whites of their eyes)
Tucking their tail
Freezing/not moving
Cowering/slinking away
Overcoming Fear with your Great Dane
The best way to help your dog overcome this nervousness is to desensitize them to situations that put them into this fear in the first place.
Spend time with your Great Dane walking around in a parking lot or sitting on a bench at the park. Let your Great Dane look around and watch, but do not let people come up and pet your dog.
Does Everyone NEED to Pet Your Great Dane?
No matter what, it is your job to show your Great Dane that it is safe to be in public and around society members. One way to show a Great Dane this safety is to make sure that they understand that they can be IN the chaos but not APART of the chaos.
Not every dog wants to meet new dogs or be pet by strangers. Over time, your Great Dane will get more comfortable with these new situations, but in the meantime- advocate for their comfortability.
Ten: Welcoming Your Great Dane as a Family Member
Welcoming a Great Dane into the family is an exciting and fun adventure. Great Dane dogs are some of the most incredible species and have so much love to give.
Do you like modern positive+balanced off-leash dog training, science-based information, life with Danes, educated ownership and chatting with other like-minded people?
Bloat in Great Danes is a scary and unfortunately common and life-threatening emergency. Gastropexy (also known as ‘stomach tacking’) is a surgical procedure that may help lower the risk of death associated with bloat. What are the stomach tacking pros and cons?
Today we are sharing our thoughts on gastropexy so you can make an informed decision for your Great Dane!
Photo Credit to Chelsea & Harleigh at @mixedwithout
What is Bloat in Great Danes?
The term bloat is the common phrase for “gastric dilatation and volvulus”. Many people shorten this to ‘GDV’, which we will do throughout this article.
Bloat is a life-threatening condition where a dog’s stomach fills with gas, fluid, or air. Volvulus (AKA “torsion”) is the second (and most dangerous stage) when the bloated stomach flips over on itself.
A Great Dane stomach flip can cut off the blood supply and blood flow to the stomach, and may also result in damage to surrounding organs.
Unfortunately, like many other large and giant breed dogs, Great Danes are prone to bloat and torsion (GDV). Labradors, Boxers, Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs, Doberman Pinschers, Standard Poodles, Basset Hounds, and German Shepherds are just some of the deep-chested breeds that may also suffer from GDV.
Bloat is an emergency situation that is largely related to genetics, poor gut health, and poor temperaments.
GDV in Great Dane dogs will often be the cause of a sudden traumatic and painful death. For dogs that survive, stomach damage and damage to the surrounding organs are common complications.
Gastric dilatation-volvulus requires immediate treatment, even if your Great Dane has had a prophylactic gastropexy procedure to prevent twisting.
Unfortunately, you cannot actually prevent GDV, but there are things you can do to minimize the increased risk associated with owning a large or giant breed dog.
What is Gastropexy?
A prophylactic gastropexy (AKA “stomach tacking”) is an elective surgery where your Great Dane’s stomach will be surgically attached to the body wall inside of the abdominal cavity.
This is typically done when a Great Dane is under anesthesia for their spay or neuter surgery.
This elective stomach tacking procedure should, in theory, prevent your Great Dane or other large breed dogs from experiencing torsion.
Prophylactic Gastropexy will not necessarily prevent a dog from developing bloat (this is where the swollen, gas or air-filled stomach pushes against the abdominal wall), but it can help prevent the stomach from leaving it’s normal position if bloat happens.
Gastric dilatation and volvulus is a two-part event that begins with the bloated stomach. Preventative gastropexy aims to reduce the risk of torsion and stomach flipping.
The Different Types of Gastropexy
Prophylactic Gastropexy of ANY type is a medical procedure that requires anesthesia and a healing period of several days. Diligent post-operative care is required.
Science and minor technical modifications in veterinary medicine mean a quicker recovery and better results for any dog who undergoes the procedure.
It is exceptionally important that you choose a veterinary surgeon who is experienced with performing gastropexy procedures!
Your veterinarian may perform gastropexy on your Great Dane in one of three ways:
Laparoscopic Gastropexy
With this method, small incisions are made near the belly button and into the rib cage and the laparoscope is introduced into each to suture the stomach to the abdominal wall.
Endoscopic Gastropexy
With this method, an incision is made near the rib cage, and an endoscope is introduced via the dogs mouth. A needle is passed through and used for identifying the area and then suturing the stomach to the abdominal wall.
Traditional Gastropexy
With a traditional gastropexy, an incision is made near the belly button which allows the veterinarian access to manually suture the stomach.
Talk to your veterinarian about this preventative measure, which may save your dog’s life in the event that you see them developing a swollen stomach and bloat!
Stomach Tacking Pros and Cons
Should I have my Great Danes Stomach Tacked?
While choosing preventative gastropexy is a highly personal decision, we recommend that Great Danes with the following bloat risk factors definitely consider undergoing the procedure and have their stomach tacked:
A family history of bloat or bloat noted in the last 3-5 generations of the pedigree
Great Danes that are anxious, fearful, nervy, excessively ‘protective’ or aggressive
Dogs that eat quickly and scarf food
Dogs that a fed a dry-only diet without any canned, fresh, or raw foods
Danes that have poor gut health and struggle with chronic loose stools
Those that live without extremely fast access to quality emergency veterinary care, 24/7
Want more information on Great Danes and bloat? Check out our bloat myth-busting article below:
It is our belief, overall, that all Great Danes benefit from gastropexy. It is a minimally invasive procedure that can provide life-saving benefits.
Surgical complications of stomach tacking
Gastropexy can be beneficial to all Great Danes, however, it is also a medical procedure involving open surgery to the stomach layers, inside muscle and tissues, large blood vessels, the gastrointestinal tract, and the left or right abdominal wall.
Great Dane Gastropexy Risks
Most dogs experience very few complications, but these risks are important to note with any type of elective medical procedures.
Complications may include damage to the stomach wall or body wall, blood clotting issues, problems related to anesthesia and post-op recovery as well as damage to your dog’s stomach caused by improper surgical technique or error.
Finding an experienced veterinarian is key.
Always do pre-op bloodwork; this extra expense can save your dog’s life. An echocardiogram is also warranted for dogs with any sign of a heart condition.
Additionally, some dogs who experience bloat later in life may still experience torsion; as dog ages, their stomach tack may not hold up as well as it used to.
When considering this procedure, consider the costs associated with emergency surgery (which is typically required for Great Danes that experience bloat).
Recovery Time for Gastropexy in Dogs
Since incisional gastropexy requires sutures and the cutting of healthy tissue in your dog’s abdomen, involved post-operative care is required to prevent infections.
Your dog will need to wear a cone or a surgical suit and be under strict resting, supervision, and limited-movement protocols while in recovery, typically 7-14 days.
Your veterinarian will give you information about caring for the sutures, as well as a green light for when it will be ok to allow your dog to resume normal activity and bath, get wet, play in the mud, run and go for walks.
We recommend a Great Dane surgical suit. You will still need to supervise your dog so that they don’t chew or lick the incision, but this can be a much more comfortable option than a traditional cone.
A typical stomach tacking surgery will run between $400 and $4000!
The cost largely depends on your veterinarian, geographic region, pre-op testing, and the type of procedure that was chosen.
Some insurance companies may cover at least some of the expenses associated with Prophylactic gastropexy, including pre-op bloodwork. They may consider it a preventative procedure that may reduce the costs of emergency surgery and veterinary care when your dog is older.
Ask your veterinarian for a referral to see if a company offers this coverage in your area.
How old should a Great Dane be before stomach tacking surgery?
We recommend talking to your veterinarian, assuming that they are both highly experienced with GIANT breed dogs and have a lot of experience with the gastropexy procedure.
Our personal stance is that it should not be performed on puppies or immature dogs; ideally, you want to wait until 18-24 months of age and have it done at the same time as spay or neuter surgery.
Other ways to help prevent bloat in your Great Dane
Bloat is largely related to genetics, temperament, and gut health. There is no known way to prevent bloat, but there are things you can do to minimize risk.
Choose ethical breeders who actively breed for robust structure, health, and temperament.
Encourage your dog to eat slowly and offer small, frequent meals. A single large meal may actually increase the risk of bloat!
Discourage scarfing, gorging, and interactions or training that cause or increase stress, anxiety, frustration, or aggression.
How can I tell if my Great Dane has a flipped stomach?
It is important to understand the signs of bloat. If you are concerned that your Great Dane may develop GDV, memorize the following symptoms.
A dog that is experiencing GDV may:
Pace, whine, cry or act distressed
Look at their stomach damage noted
Have a distended abdomen
Drool excessively
Pant heavily
Heave and attempt to vomit
As the swollen stomach pushes against the abdominal wall or twists, the dog will eventually collapse
Great Danes and Bloat
We love our Great Danes for so many reasons. Losing one to bloat is devastating and our hearts go out to any owner who lost a dog this way. Do you have more questions about bloat? We’ve included some additional resources for you below!
Potty training a Great Dane is no easy feat. These dogs are big and powerful, and they can be quite stubborn when it comes to learning new things. In this blog post, we will discuss some tips and tricks that will make the process easier for both you and your dog. With a little patience and perseverance, you will be able to get your Great Dane potty trained in no time!
Potty Training a Great Dane is a LOT of Work!
Potty training a puppy is something that requires a lot of work – and it’s even more challenging when that puppy has a lot of clumsy energy and is on the go! Your Great Dane puppy is likely eager to learn, but very new to the world!
Great Danes are large dogs, and they have a lot of energy. This means that they need to go potty frequently – which can make potty training a real challenge.
However, there are some things you can do to make the process a little bit easier. First, make sure to take your puppy out often – at least every few hours. Second, be consistent with your commands and rewards. And third, be patient! It will take some time for your puppy to be fully house-trained, but eventually he’ll get the hang of it.
Let’s jump in to some foundations of how to potty train your new puppy.
Large Breed Pups and Bathroom Breaks
When it comes to potty training a large breed puppy, there are a few key things to keep in mind.
First, it is essential to create a designated potty area for your dog, such as a small patch of grass or another outdoor space. This helps with successful potty training by creating a clear distinction between potty time and playtime, making it easier for the puppy to understand when it’s time to go.
In addition, know that your new puppy may quickly seem older than they actually are. Large breed puppies grow quickly, even as a young puppy.
Their size does not correlate with their age! As a good rule of thumb, your puppy should be able to take potty breaks every hour up until about the age they are in months. For example, if your pup is 8 weeks (2 months), they will likely only be able to hold it for 2 hours.
Finally, it is important to remember that most dogs take longer than pet parents expect of their new pet when it comes to house training, so be sure to remain patient and consistent throughout the process.
Potty Accidents and the Potty Training Process
It is absolutely inevitable that your pup is going to go to the bathroom where they are not supposed to. A puppy has no idea what it means to control their bowel movements or their pee, so it is going to happen. And that’s okay! Part of the potty training process is learning from your mistakes.
Every Dog Will Have Accidents
If your puppy has an accident, the best thing you can do is to remain calm and clean up the mess immediately. Do not scold your puppy or punish them in any way – this will only make them afraid of peeing or pooping, and with a young puppy, this can cause issues even when they become fully potty trained.
Your Puppy NEEDS Positivity!
Use positive reinforcement to congratulate your puppy when they go to the bathroom in the right spot. Take more frequent trips and potty breaks than you ever knew possible! Provide a tasty treat and small play session after their potty break. Here are some of our favorite and long lasting tasty treats for your Great Dane to reward them.
All dogs will have accidents just like human babies. Practice patience and know that even though it may seem like a big deal, puppy potty training does not last forever.
Potty Pads Create Confusion
Potty pads are marketed as an easy solution for potty training puppies. However, many puppy owners find that potty pads actually create more accidents when potty training their pups.
This is because puppies often mistake potty pads for their crate or the off-limits area in their house. Puppies have a very hard time knowing where to go to the bathroom when the option is a potty pad or designated potty area INSIDE the house.
Your Dog Might Think They are Peeing in the Right Spot
As a result, they may start to associate the pads with the wrong spot to pee. In other words, a potty pad actually just shows your puppy that they can pee in the wrong place- INSIDE!
Eliminate As Much Confusion During Potty Training
Like mentioned earlier, puppy pads can be very confusing for puppies. They may not understand that the pads are only for peeing and may start to potty anywhere in the house. For these reasons, puppy pads are not always the best option for potty training puppies. Crate training or other methods may be more effective.
Keep it Simple For Your Puppy
Instead, simplify things for your puppy or dog and work to create a routine to take your puppy outside often so that they can find their potty spot and take a potty break. Once they eliminate outside, don’t forget: TREATS!
There is no particular reason that female puppies tend to get potty trained faster than male puppies. However, when learning to potty train, female puppies generally are more focused and interested in learning.
Whereas, male puppies learning to potty train are more aloof and ‘happy-go-lucky’. So, sometimes it can take a male puppy a little bit longer to get fully potty trained. However, no matter what gender, most dogs will pick up on potty training quickly with positive reinforcement and a consistent schedule.
Frequent Trips are Crucial for Your Puppy
In the early days of potty training, it’s important to take your puppy out frequently so that he can get used to eliminating in the right place. This may mean several trips outside during the day, but it will pay off in the long run and you will learn to love these special bonding times with your puppy. Just remember- soon your puppy will be a grown dog.
One day you will look back on these times and wish you could have just one more day with your puppy- even if it means repetitive trips outside!
Gear up with a TON of high quality treats, get your pup motivated- and you both will succeed. Here are some of our favorites. Be prepared for ‘gross’- they are made from crickets!
Chippin’ Cricket Treats are known for being a powerful food topper for digestion- and dogs LOVE them!
Just be sure to praise your puppy when he eliminates in the right place so that he knows he’s doing something good. And if your puppy has an accident inside, never punish him – just clean up the mess and try again next time.
Is House Training and Crate Training Correlated?
Many people wonder if crate training and potty training are correlated. Some sources claim that crate training can help to make it a breeze to house train, while others insist that crate training actually hinders success with house training.
In my experience, however, I have found that crate training is key to a successful potty training experience.
What is crate training?
Crate training is the process of training your puppy to feel comfortable and happy in their crate.
This may seem like an impossible task, but with a little patience and consistency, most puppies will eventually come to love their crate.
Crate training has many benefits – not only does it help with house training, but it also provides your puppy with a safe place to sleep and relax. Keep in mind that dogs are den animals. Many puppies actually end up LOVING their crate and having their own bed and their own space.
Every Dog Owner Has to Decide Whether or Not To Crate Train Their Puppy or Dog
At the end of the day, whether you choose to crate train your dog or not is up to you. But if you want reliable results when it comes to potty training your furry friend, you may want to consider investing in a high quality crate for your puppy. You might be surprised that your puppy loves it all the way until they become an adult dog.
Using Dog Treats for Puppy Potty Training
If you’re a puppy parent, you know the joys and challenges that come with potty training as well as how FAST things can change from a peaceful pup to one that has to pee- and now!
One minute your puppy is cuddling with you on the couch, and the next minute they’re peeing on your carpet.
But don’t worry, there are some things you can do to make the potty training process easier for both you and your puppy- one being a whole lot of treats! Here’s some of our favs that you can actually purchase a set and make at your house!
Interested in making your own homemade treats? Coopers Treats offers kits to make your own baked treats and pupcicles.
One of the most important things is to use positive reinforcement. Every time your puppy goes potty in the right place, give them a treat or praise them. This will help them to associate going potty with something positive. We also love these Himalayan Chews, as they are long-lasting and safe.
Although you cannot change around your entire house during the time you potty train your puppy, you can certainly make small changes to help your dog learn right from wrong faster.
Baby Gates
You should puppy proof your home by putting baby gates up and keeping toys and food out of reach. This way, your puppy won’t be tempted to have an accident in the house. Keep your puppy off of carpet and primarily on hardwood floor with thin, washable runners while they are learning to potty train.
That way, if your puppy pees, it is easy to pick up the rug and throw it into the wash.
The reason you don’t want to eliminate the rugs altogether while you potty train is due to slippery floors being somewhat dangerous for your puppy and dog’s joints.
Read more about knuckling and how slippery floors can play a role here:
IS YOUR GREAT DANE PUPPY KNUCKLING?
Check out our science-based and constantly always growing knuckling resource page.
There is a lot of debate over whether feeding schedules impact potty training in puppies. Some experts claim that feeding at regular intervals encourages puppies to go to the bathroom at specific times as well, making it easier for them to learn the appropriate times and places to do their business.
Others suggest that feeding regular meals just encourages puppies to hold their bladder for longer periods of time, which can result in accidents and confusion for the puppy during the potty training process.
Feeding Meals at the Same Time Every Day
Some early studies indicate that feeding meals at roughly the same time each day may be beneficial, but more research is needed in order to confirm this hypothesis.
As a puppy owner, I believe that it is important that you be consistent with feeding your pup and also encourage them to go outside on a regular basis so that they can practice good bathroom habits. Providing small, frequent meals for your puppy can be one way to help encourage them to use the bathroom often!
Do Not Withhold Water
Never withhold water while you are working to potty train your puppy, but it is probably smart to not feed your puppy or adult dog late at night, especially if they are having accidents through the night.
And remember: be patient, stay positive, and don’t get discouraged if it takes your puppy longer than expected to pick up these important skills or if your puppy eliminates in the house!
Click here to read our blog regarding the best puppy food for your Great Dane.
What Does It Mean if Older Dogs Are Having Accidents?
If you have an adult dog that is having issues with urinating or pooping in the house you should ask yourself a few questions:
Is my dog extremely anxious?
Has anything changed with my feeding schedule?
Is this a new behavior?
Is my dog experiencing any other signs or symptoms?
If the answer to questions 3 or 4 are yes, you should speak with a licensed veterinarian regarding your dog. An adult dog should not be having ‘random’ or unexplained bathroom issues in the house, and there is most likely a medical explanation.
How long do Great Danes live? Well, this sweetie named Harleigh is 10 and thriving! Read more here!
Sometimes adult dogs will have bathroom issues in the house when they get extremely anxious. Anxiety or separation anxiety is a plague that impacts many dogs and puppies. Sometimes, dogs will urinate or poop as a means to express their emotions. Other dogs might demonstrate their anxiety by barking, smacking their lips, tucking their tail or destroying things in the house.
Anxiety can be managed with CBD, crate training, or socialization. Be sure to check out all three resources we have for those topics here:
If your older dog is demonstrating any new behaviors that are not typical for them, especially related to their bowels or urine, you should speak with your vet. Great Danes do not have tiny bladders and should be able to hold their feces and urine for quite some times (as an adult dog), so ruling out any medical issues is important.
Does My Puppy Need Potty Breaks While I Am At Work?
Dog owners wonder if their young puppies needs to take a potty break while they are at work.
The answer is- YES – Your puppy definitely needs to have breaks while you are at work or gone throughout the day. A puppy pees about the same amount of months they are. (2 months = 2 hours).
Photo Credit to Chelsea & Harleigh at @mixedwithout
This does not remain true past about 7 or 8 hours, however. So, if your puppy is about nine months, they should not be required to hold their pee for 9 hours. The max amount of time a dog or puppy should be asked to hold their pee or poop is about 7-8 hours (and this is for an adult dog).
But, as your puppy grows, they will be able to hold their pee for longer.
While you are teaching your puppy to potty train, it can be frustrating to have to either return home to let your dog outside or hire someone to come walk them. However, it does not last forever and soon your puppy will be completely out of the potty training stage.
Can I Potty Train with Pee Pads While I am at Work?
We recommend not being tempted to use pee pads to potty train while you are away at work. As stated earlier, a potty pad will confuse your puppy. Also, it could end up that your dog is resting or laying in its own urine or feces while you are away.
Ultimately, we want our dogs to stay safe and sanitary as well as learn to the best of their advantage using positive reinforcement and encouragement.
In Conclusion
In conclusion, the hardest part about potty training a Great Dane is probably the time commitment and effort required on your part as their owner. But, with these tips and tricks you will be able to successfully potty train your dog in no time! Just remember to stay patient and consistent throughout the process. Good luck!
Do you have any other tips or tricks for potty training your pup? Let us know!
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When it comes to choosing the best collars for Great Danes, we’ve got you covered! There are many different types of dog collars available for puppies or adults on the market today, from traditional buckle dog collars to harnesses, electric collars, and beyond.
So, which one should you choose?
Do you have a puppy? Does your dog pull? Do you have problems with running away, fence-jumping, lunging, or escaping? We’re sharing tons of information, and more, below.
Should a Great Dane Wear a Collar or a Harness?
A very small but notable study was done showing that harnesses, even the type that is meant to be ‘non-obstructive’ nearly always change the way that a dog moves and walks. This is something that has been theorized for many years.
More studies are needed but as owners of giant breed dogs, we should all take note!
While harnesses have their place, we believe that in general off-leash obedience and wide, flat collars are much better than harnesses for Great Dane’s orthopedic health and for Great Dane owners.
Collars are safer, less restrictive, and more humane overall for most dogs, especially when paired with positive training that will ultimately give you full voice control of your dog.
For more information on each type of harness that you might choose for a Great Dane, check the table of contents.
A Pet Safe ‘Easy-Walk’ harness is not recommended: note the restrictive strap across the chest.
Ruffwear Webmaster Harness for Great Danes
In a ‘less-obstructive’ harness such as the Ruffwear Webmaster or Front Range, your dog will have a lot of leverage to pull you around. If you must use a harness for your Great Dane dog, this can be a good option for dogs that don’t pull or lunge.
It’s also very helpful for dogs that may need a little assistance (it has a handle on the back), for example!
With Great Danes, you should be relying on voice control, training, and obedience, not your physical ability to hold your dog back.
If your Great Dane dog pulls, lunges, reacts or is less than obedient, harnesses will be dangerous for you and for others around you!
The Ruffwear Front Range Harness, a less obstructive and more comfortable harness option for dogs that do not pull.
If you must use a harness (some dogs with Wobblers or orthopedic disease that require mobility support and/or that cannot be off-leash, for example) then we recommend the less obstructive Ruffwear harnesses mentioned above.
The Y-front construction of the Webmaster or Front Range or Webmaster harness is less obstructive to movement than harnesses that are made to deter pulling behavior, and the Ruffwear harnesses are well-built! Plus they have a handle on the back if you need to support your Dane for any reason.
This choice for a regular dog collar is up to your budget and aesthetic needs! There are many options available including collars made of leather, rope, nylon, and Biothane.
A leather collar will be beautiful and there are many custom options available. We love a leather collar on a Great Dane! They look nice and last forever.
A personalized collar with leather stamping or embossing, for example, is an awesome way to make sure your dog has identification without the constant jingling of tags.
This type of ‘basic’ collar is great for everyday use, but still rugged enough to hold up to a Dane:
Some Great Dane dog owners love the look and rugged construction of a tactical dog collar! These are usually wide, heavy, and made with sturdy hardware that is less likely to break if your dog were to lunge or pull.
Many of them have handles, too and they typically come in camouflage colors such as taupe and green. We love and recommend this type of wide, heavy collar for large, full-grown adult Great Danes.
We don’t recommend leaving collars on dogs unattended, especially if your Great Dane tries to escape their crate, destroy things, get into stuff or play rough with your other house dogs.
Many Great Dane dogs have been hurt or killed by collars that were worn unattended.
If you are worried about your Great Dane running away without a dog collar unattended, we recommend off-leash training, obedience training, a remote electric training collar (more on this below), management, and a microchip!
What size collar does a Great Dane puppy need?
Great Dane puppies do best with small or medium-sized inexpensive nylon dog collars.
Blueberry Pet Collars on Amazon has a massive range of regular collar patterns and colors to choose from. An adjustable Great Dane collar with a range of several inches will last the longest as your puppy experiences explosive growth.
Measure your Great Dane’s neck; most puppies fit into a size small or medium to start.
Keep in mind that your Great Dane puppy is going to grow FAST and you’ll be needing to replace this soon enough, so save your money at this point!
You’ll need your cash reserved for food, supplements, vet care, and regular training collars for your adult Great Dane!
Never leave your Great Dane puppy unattended in a dog collar, training collar, or martingale collar of any type.
They can become trapped, chew it off and try to swallow it or get tangled up while attempting to escape or while playing with other dogs in the house.
The best dog collars for Great Dane Puppies
We recommend choosing a flat collar OR ergonomic harness for your puppy.
Do not introduce any kind of prong-style collars, head collars, ‘no-pull’ harnesses or otherwise until your puppy has a good positive basic obedience foundation and lots of socialization.
If your Great Dane puppy dog pulls, go back to basics! Leash training is 99% YES. Instead of punishing your Great Dane puppy for pulling, teach your puppy what you want them to do instead.
How to leash train a Great Dane Puppy
Use treats praise and fun games to reward your puppy for looking at you, walking next to you, and staying by your side around obstacles.
These are easy to teach in boring places. As your leash training progresses, you might even work with a trainer to build on those skills around distractions such as other dogs.
Use positive socialization methods and a longer leash to explore the world around you and encourage calm behavior.
What are the Best Dog Collars for Great Danes that Pull?
Many Great Danes learn quickly that they are bigger, stronger, and faster than you. They have a massive neck size, powerful chests, and shoulders and can really throw their weight around!
We tend to accidentally encourage these dangerous behaviors by using a tense leash and getting frustrated or chasing and scolding our dogs.
A Great Dane that pulls is a dangerous dog, even if they are friendly! For those dogs, a basic dog collar with a cheap leash attachment is unlikely to be enough.
In the next section, we will cover the best Great Dane collars, the best shock collars, and the ideal dog training collars for Great Danes, so that you can make an informed and humane decision for your gentle giant!
Are no-pull harnesses good for Danes that pull?
No-pull harnesses, also known as ‘Front Clip’ or ‘Easy-Walk’ harnesses are often seen as a positive and friendly alternative for dogs that pull, however, they are not good for Great Danes.
These harnesses punish and attempt to reduce the pulling behavior by restricting natural movement and adding pressure to the chest, ribs, front, armpits, and shoulders.
Many dogs will pull through this pressure anyways because the environment is still more rewarding than the damage they are doing to themselves.
These are also easy to escape and will do little to deter pulling caused by fear, overstimulation, frustration, excitement or anxiety.
An Easy-Walk harness, similar to the 2 Hounds ‘Freedom No-Pull’. Notice the strap straight across the front of the chest.
A front clip or ‘no-pull’ harness may or may not temper pulling behavior, but it will nearly always alter your dog’s natural gait and ability to freely and comfortably extend the front limbs.
Types of Harnesses you should not use with a Great Dane Dog
We never recommend the use of any kind of ‘no-pull’, front clip, or T-Strap harness for Great Danes!
Why are no-pull harnesses bad for Great Danes?
When worn, they keep your dog from moving naturally and don’t allow the front limbs to extend comfortably or fully, even when your Great Dane is not pulling!
Somehow, these have been marketed as ‘positive’, ‘humane’ and ‘force-free’ however they are definitely not. Even if a harness like this is fit correctly, used with a double leash system or marketed as ‘gentle’, it’s still working by restricting movement.
Great Danes are giant breed dogs with sensitive orthopedic needs. They need to be able to move naturally without having their shoulders restricted. At the same time, you as the owner needs to know that your Great Dane cannot and will not pull you down!
If you regularly have your Great Dane wearing an Easy-Walk, Balance, Freedom, or a similar ‘no-pull’ harness, we recommend switching to a good training collar instead (more information below).
Many dog parents who want to do the right thing for their dogs are surprised by this information, and that’s understandable!
A ‘Freedom’ no-pull harness.
Is a Martingale Collar Good for Great Danes?
A martingale collar is our top choice for walking Danes that don’t pull or lunge!
Martingale collars are escape-proof and the wide fabric version will be gentle and non-obstructive on a Great Dane’s neck.
Martingale collar pro tip: the collar should be made snug enough that if your dog were to pull into the collar or try to back out, the two D-rings would not touch.
Martingale collars should never be worn when your dog isn’t on a walk or being actively supervised.
Do Martingale Collars Hurt Dogs?
Martingale collars are wonderful in that they are not meant to be harsh or punishing, and they are incredibly difficult for a dog’s head to slip out of.
Newly adopted dogs and dogs that are a flight risk should ALWAYS be in a martingale collar or on a slip lead!
They also come in a range of stylish collar options from floral to superheroes, in soft fabrics and wide widths that make them ideal for walking your Great Dane.
A proper martingale collar for a Great Dane dog will be wide, flat, and made of nylon or fabric.
A Great Dane puppy in a wide, flat Martingale collar from Magnolia Mutts
Ruffwear Chain Reaction Martingale Dog Collar
Some models, such as the Ruffwear Chain Reaction dog collar have a metal chainlink paired with nylon that allows you to quickly zip the chain. The noise is an audible correction that will get your dog’s attention.
The chain reaction option is good for dogs that only gently pull occasionally or need a little reminder to focus at times, but will not be good or safe for dogs that pull wildly.
Those dogs need to be in a Herm Sprenger prong collar (more on this below).
Martingale collars are different than choke collars: choke collars have nothing stopping them from becoming extremely tight and restrictive. Martingale collars are ‘limited slip’ and will stop becoming tighter at a certain point.
Martingale collars are not meant not hurt your dog, but as with any training collar, if your dog is lunging, pulling, and acting as a freight train you should seek professional help.
A dog in that state of mind is a danger to you and to itself.
Like the no-pull harness, head collars (also known as ‘Gentle Leaders’ and ‘Halti’ collars) are promoted as a ‘positive’ and ‘humane’ alternative to prong collars for Great Dane dogs.
They are somewhat effective at reducing or eliminating pulling in Great Danes because they are so aversive and punishing!
The solid majority of Great Danes require an adjustment period when introduced to head collars. They are uncomfortable to wear.
The reality is that many dogs just don’t like them, even after weeks of positive conditioning!
A Great Dane wearing a Gentle Leader from Amazon
If your Great Dane pulls or lunges in a Gentle Leader (or similar), their head will be forced to the side.
This is fairly effective at deterring pulling and lunging, however, we believe it’s not ideal for their sanity OR their orthopedic health.
Dog lovers everywhere should take note of this before using or recommending this tool.
Gentle Leaders and similar devices are especially problematic for Great Danes that do tend to lunge, pull, react, or are prone to wobblers (which has a genetic link and by the moment of diagnosis, the damage has been done).
Many times, lunging and pulling will also mean that the skin on their face will be rubbed or pushed up into their eyeballs. A dog’s face has thousands of sensitive nerve endings.
Many Great Danes will paw, whine, lay down or frantically try and remove a head collar from their face. This is a strong indication that head collars are an aversive tool.
Head collars are an inappropriate tool for most Great Danes, despite their popularity and widespread use.
We only advocate for head collars when they are being used thoughtfully, with lots of positive conditioning on dogs with good structure and no genetic link to Wobblers disease…that also don’t pull, lunge or react wildly to begin with.
They can be an appropriate and subtle communication tool for people who are relying on their highly trained Great Dane for service work and public access, or who because of age or stature cannot physically manipulate a prong collar and fully physically control a Great Dane otherwise.
There is a time and a place for them, but as the go-to dog collar for Great Dane training? We believe it’s time to flip the script on this one, and give our Great Danes a much more elegant and humane option. (Read on, friends!).
Can You Use a Prong Collar on a Great Dane?
Prong collars are actually one of the most humane, effective and ethical tools to use if you have a Great Dane that lunges or pulls you around.
We hear you, prong collars look like torture devices and you’ve heard some negative propaganda!
However, unlike a nylon harness or Halti Gentle Leader collar, a properly used prong collar relies on a simple YES and NO communication, not physical restraint.
Prong collars provide a clear pressure-based sensation that when paired with positive reinforcement is incredibly effective, gentle and humane at stopping pulling and lunging.
Your Great Dane will then redirect their focus back on you!
A prong collar is meant to fit snugly on your dog’s neck, high and tight if possible. Loose, poorly fit and poorly made prong collars ARE aversive, so make sure you do it right.
A properly used prong collar will not pop a balloon! They work by causing even pressure around your dog’s neck; this pressure is annoying to your dog but NOT painful and not damaging.
We we only recommend HERM SPRENGER prong collars for dog training, which have blunt ends and construction that protects the trachea and creates pressure, not stabbing.
Cheap prong collars are not made the same and may harm, confuse or frustrate your Great Dane.
Is it cruel to use a prong collar on a dog?
It’s a myth that prong collars are ‘inhumane and rely on pain, stabbing and harsh corrections’.
(We will show you how to introduce a prong collar to a Great Dane in the tutorial below).
A poorly fit prong collar on a brindle Dane with cropped ears – this should be higher and snug so as not to rub, pinch or poke.
A prong collar is not cruel, but would you like to know what may be?
-Never feeling like you can take your dog places with you because they pull too much on a leash (frustrating to you AND your dog).
-Having your dog become increasingly more frustrated, anxious, bored and under-socialized because you cannot control them in a harness (and people told you that a prong was abuse, so as above you don’t take your dog places).
-Letting your dog jerk themselves around on a collar, harness or head collar because you don’t have a clear, concise way to communicate both YES and NO to your dog.
-Being at your wits end with your dog, unsure what to do, hesitant to consider a prong collar because somebody misled you into believing that it was inhumane and should never be used.
We believe the Herm Sprenger prong collar is one of the best, simplest and most humane Great Dane collars available, however you must learn how to use it correctly!
If your Dane is rubbing their face raw in a head collar and you still think that it’s the more humane choice vs. a prong, read on to learn how the prong collar is actually a very positive tool!
How to use a prong collar on a Great Dane
Start off-leash in a boring room. Use treats and praise to reward your dog for standing at your left side and looking at you.
Take a step (lure your dog to step with you if needed) and then reward your dog. YES! Treat. Gradually add steps between rewards. Once you can walk 10 steps and have your dog stay by your side for the reward, add the ‘heel’ command.
Begin walking more than ten steps. Add in turns and obstacles. Keep it positive and fun!
Fit your Herm Sprenger prong to your dog (High and tight, snug and ideally with a second leash clipped to a backup collar. Add a good leather or nylon leash and hold it loosely in your hand. Do not add tension! Practice walking around in your boring room with the obstacles and turns, and continue to reward your dog. This ongoing practice will give you voice control, which is much more effective and safe than physical restraint.
Next, allow your dog to sniff around or walk away, or take a step back from your dog until there is tension in the leash. When you feel that tension, plant your feet on the ground (don’t move towards your dog) and continue to apply a little gentle ongoing tension from the leash.
As soon as your dog gives into the pressure and comes towards you, the pressure will release automatically; your dog is in charge of releasing this tension, not you!
You can mark this moment with a YES and reward your dog! Your dog should not yelp, cower, scream or act fearful. Remember, a properly used high quality prong uses pressure, not stabbing.
Practice step 5 several times in your boring room and then try it outside in low-distraction environments as well! Your dog should learn very quickly that when they feel gentle pressure from the prong, they can make it stop by releasing the tension on the leash and coming to you for guidance. Notice that you are NOT jerking your dog around, popping the collar, allowing your dog to pull wildly, stringing your dog by the neck or being harsh!
Practice the HEEL position with your dog as above, and continue using ‘pressure and release’ randomly to remind your dog to walk next to you, look at you, or re-engage when distracted. Fade out treats and rely mostly on praise. Remember, KEEP THE LEASH LOOSE! Never add tension unless you are deliberately communicating to your dog. When you do add tension, imagine the tension being so gentle; there is no need to yank or pull back. Gradually increase the distance of your walks and the distraction factor of the environment. Always teach your dog from kindergarten to college: do not expect PHD level obedience at Home Depot out of a dog that is used to pulling wildly and having their way! Work up to that over time.
When your dog fully understands how their collar works, you can also add quick short ‘pops’ of the prong collar if your dog is not paying attention to you. A quick pop should result in your dog looking at you, at which point you can mark with a YES and a treat! Always reward the behavior that you want.
With prong collar training the goal is to be as gentle as possible. If you are yanking your dog around, feel like the leash is always tight, have tense hands or are having to constantly correct your dog with ‘pops’, you haven’t set your dog up to understand their collar or how to respond to it. Go back to step one.
If your dog is ‘leash reactive’ and acts like a fool on a leash, the prong collar will not be a quick fix. As with any tool (including harnesses) you can make this behavior worse if you are relying on the tool only as a ‘punishment’ or physical restraint device. Make sure to use lots of positive reinforcement and set your dog up for success by maximizing the distance between your dog and things that set them off. You can gradually close this gap as your Great Dane becomes more comfortable with their prong collar and relationship with you.
Bark collars are an automated device meant to deter or stop nuisance barking. They use sound, noxious smells (such as citronella), shock or uncomfortable levels of muscle stimulation to reduce barking.
Some offer multiple training modes, but in general a bark collar is meant to be a fairly basic, easy to use automated tool.
Bark collars have their place, but it’s important to remember that if your dog barks there is often a reason. Boredom, anxiety, frustration and habit are common causes that should be addressed before using any kind of bark collar!
A training shock collar will be inexpensive and offer three training modes: beep, vibrate and a few levels of aversive shocks. The shock is meant to punish and reduce behavior.
We do not recommend the use of inexpensive shock collar devices on Great Danes or other large breed dogs!
The other two training modes (vibrate and beep) are more gentle than the sharp static zap of the shock collar, so many people rely on those modes when training their Great Dane dog.
Remote dog training collars (also known as ‘E-Collars’ or ‘Educator Collars’), on the other hand, are not they same. Far away from a traditional old-school shock collar, they are an excellent choice for Great Danes.
Educator Remote Collars work differently than shock and rely on a wildly effective positive training and conditioning process.
Are E-Collars Good for Great Danes?
Many people who do not understand these more modern devices will tell you that all electric training collars all use aversive shock and that you will harm and abuse your dog by using one.
Many people are uneducated about modern remote collar tools and have never used them or felt the stimulation from a proper one themselves, so take negative opinions with a grain of salt!
(We will elaborate more on this below!)
Do shock collars work on Great Danes?
Of course, shock is very good at deterring behavior. That’s why it works; it’s easy to wave a remote at a dog and scare them away from repeating a behavior.
When you have a giant breed dog, obedience is extremely important for their safety and yours!
A more appropriate choice than a shock collar is to use an Educator Remote dog collar properly to teach your Great Dane dog to come enthusiastically towards you, not run away.
This is very helpful when you want them to stop doing something they shouldn’t be doing, or run to you when something dangerous could harm them.
This is why we advocate for the proper use of modern E-Collars (proactive training), not shock collars (reactive training).
Need help with modern e collar training? Check out our guide.
How do E-Collars work?
A modern electronic training collar uses low levels of gentle muscle stimulation that will feel like a touch sensation, not harsh shock or aversive vibration. Following some quick, fun training exercises dogs learn to respond to this stimulation.
The best part about a modern electric stimulation collar is that it relies on communication, not physical restraint! This is the best and most humane thing for our dogs.
E-Collar trained dogs:
Come when called, reliably
Will happily walk away from something when asked
Can be taught to walk off-leash or in a loose leash position
Are under voice control, not physical restraint, which is much safer and better for their orthopedic health
Are kept safe: a dog that has excellent recall and off-leash obedience is not running away, bolting out of the door or jumping over fences
Have more enrichment: an off-leash trained dog will always have better access to natural physical and mental activities such as swimming, running up and down hills, zooming around, climbing, playing and circling than an on-leash, long-leashed or yard-only dog.
Cannot damage their gait, neck or shoulders as they can in choke collars, flat collars, harnesses and head collars.
Training your dog with an E-Collar means FREEDOM.
Other dog collars cannot offer any of what we listed above. The modern E-Collar is an elegant, gentle and effective tool.
Many people have told us that our positive E-Collar training method, paired with an Educator collar changed their lives!
We are hearing from Great Dane dog owners who are quickly seeing more freedom, more fun, less frustration, less anxiety and a better relationship between them and their dog.
If you are looking for the best training collar for a Great Dane, we believe that Educator Collars and the positive remote collar training method is key.
The Easy Educator and the Mini-Educator are the best training collars for Great Danes and large breed dogs. They are rugged, waterproof, have a fantastic battery life, and offer 100 levels of stimulation that at low levels cannot be felt by humans.
If you are looking for the best shock collar for your Great Dane, start looking for remote Educator collars instead. We promise it will be worth the extra investment and a little time spent on dog training!
Choose this option if you want more features and have a slightly bigger budget for choosing the best remote single or multi dog system for your Great Dane.
Biothane Bungee Educator Collar
All Educator receivers (the part that your dog wears) should be paired with a bungee collar made of Biothane. The bungee makes it comfortable for your Great Dane to wear the electric dog collar and ensures a good fit!
A collar like this will NOT have a leash attachment, as its meant to be worn on its own.
As above, we believe the Herm Sprenger Prong collar is the most effective, humane and gentle option for Great Dane dogs that pull, lunge and struggle to focus. A properly used prong is one of the safest and most gentle Great Dane collars you can choose! Work with your dog using positive reinforcement and plan to fade this one out over time.
Magnolia Mutts Custom Fabric Martingale Collar
We love Magnolia Mutts because she donates a large portion of her income each month to Great Dane rescues! She makes beautiful Martingale dog collars for Great Danes that are fashionable and well-made.
We believe that a Magnolia Mutts martingale collar is one of the best Great Dane collars available for dogs that have been trained to not pull or lunge on a leash.
A slip lead works by fitting snugly on your dog’s neck and making it so that there is no way for them to escape. Slip leads are a MUST have for dogs that will escape a dog collar or harness. They are also so helpful for quick trips!
Lastly, we recommend keeping slip leads in your car and around the house; you never know when you might need one.
Blueberry Pets Everyday Collar
Blueberry Pets on Amazon has lots of choices in dog collars for your Great Dane. We like this option if you are looking for a good inexpensive and basic regular collar to hold dog tags or wear around the house.
This is a good collar choice for puppies! Choose an inexpensive, adjustable collar that will fit your Great Dane’s neck size as they grow, and that has a leash attachment for those early socialization experiences and leash training exercises.
Blueberry Pets offers different collars to catch the eye of many different dog parents.
Stylish Leather Collar
A leather collar is a rugged, beautiful dog collar for your Great Dane!
The great thing about a leather collar is that it is bound to last. They are tough and tend to wear well with age. Choose this for dogs that don’t pull, when you want something more rugged and more stylish than a basic nylon collar!
The Ruffwear Chain Reaction is a dog training collar for dog owners that need a little extra control than they get from a martingale or basic flat collar.
It’s a mid-option between martingale and prong dog collars that will help your Great Dane dog understand that they need to focus on you.
When you are looking for the perfect collar for your Great Dane dog, we hope to have been helpful.
We have covered everything from the best collar material, the best dog collar for puppies, how to choose a waterproof dog training collar, the best Great Dane collars for adult dogs that pull, and shock collar training (including information about the best shock collar options for your pet).
Do you like modern positive+balanced off-leash dog training, science-based information, life with Danes, educated ownership and chatting with other like-minded people?
Are you thinking about adding a Great Dane to your family?
If so, there are some things you should know before making that decision. Great Danes are wonderful dogs, but they require a lot of space and exercise.
They are not the best choice for everyone.
In this blog post, we will discuss 10 things that every Great Dane owner should know. We will also provide some tips on how to make sure your dog has a happy and healthy life!
What it is Like Owning Great Dane Dogs
Great Danes are one of the most popular giant breed dogs in the world. These gentle giants are large breeds who were originally bred in Germany to hunt wild boar. However, they quickly became beloved family pets due to their gentle nature and obedient personalities.
Today, Great Danes are still prized for their loyalty and affection. If you are considering owning a Great Dane, there are a few things you should know.
Is Your House Equipped?
First, Great Danes require a lot of space. They ARE, however, well suited for small homes or apartments if you are able and willing to provide the stimulation that they need.
Is Your Schedule Equipped?
Second, Great Danes are a high maintenance breed. They require regular grooming and exercise to stay healthy and happy. Finally, Great Danes puppies are notoriously mischievous. They need plenty of patience and training to become well-behaved adults.
Now, lets dive into 10 things about these Gentle Giants called Great Danes that we find important for you to know before you bring one in as a family member.
One: The Great Dane is Unlike Any Other Dog Breed
Giant breeds are special dogs that come with their own set of pros and cons. Owning a Great Dane is truly NOT like owning any other dog breed. When you decide to get a Great Dane, you should know that some factors of life with a Great Dane is unique and different to that of other dogs.
Expenses
For example, any giant breed dog is going to be VERY expensive! With a large dog comes a large EVERYTHING: large meal, large crate, large toys, and even a large car to transport them to and from the vet, etc.
Secondly, they also require a significant amount of exercise and space. Yes- both a puppy and adult Great Dane can thrive in an apartment or small space. However, you need to be willing to get them the exercise that they need.
Growing Fast
Additionally, since a Great Dane grows FAST from a young age, you need to be prepared to put in your own work with them before they become a full grown Great Dane, in order to help them become the best possible family member to your human family and other dogs.
IS YOUR GREAT DANE PUPPY KNUCKLING?
Check out our science-based and constantly always growing knuckling resource page.
In many ways, the Great Dane stands up to its name of the ‘Apollo of dog breeds’ – there is simply no other breed that can match its size, strength, and beauty.
Great Danes are one of the most popular dog breeds in the United States. Often considered to be gentle giants, they are known for their even temperament and affectionate nature.
However, Great Danes also come with some unique health concerns. Backyard breeders have perpetuated health issues in Great Danes.
Because they are such large dogs, they are prone to hip dysplasia and other joint problems. Older dogs, especially, may need joint supplements or pain medication to keep them comfortable.
Unfortunately, cancer is also a common health concern in Great Danes. Some giant breeds will be more prone to getting joint cancer, called Osteosarcoma, compared to other dogs. Unspayed females, over the age of hormonal development are also at risk for mammary cancer.
Bloat in Great Danes
Great Dane owners need to be aware of a problem called bloat, which can be fatal if not treated promptly. Bloat happens when a dog’s stomach fills with gas and twists, cutting off blood flow, which causes Torsion. Bloat induced Torsion is a life threatening condition which requires emergency surgery.
There is no scientific measure to completely prevent bloat.
However, genetics, gut health, and anxiety have been best shown as the key triggers for bloat. Therefore, to BEST prevent bloat, choose a breeder who health tests their breed against pre-existing conditions. Work on consistently improving the gut health of your dog, and work to minimize the daily anxiety that your dog faces.
To help ensure a long and healthy life for your Great Dane, it is important to work with a reputable breeder and to take steps to prevent these common health problems. With the proper care, a Great Dane can be a loving and loyal companion for many years to come.
Three: Large Breeds Food and Diet Requirements
Food is one of the most important things for all animals, and dogs are no different. Dogs need food to fuel their bodies and to provide them with the nutrients they need to grow and stay healthy.
Great Dane Food Requirements
For larger breeds of dogs, food requirements are even more important.
Why do Large Breeds Need a Specific Diet?
Larger breeds have a rapid growth rate and require a higher quality of food than smaller dogs. When a small dog such as a tiny chihuahua may thrive on a variety of foods, a fast growing Great Dane puppy or adult need to eat a very specific diet.
Growth and Food
The food Great Dane’s, eat as a large breed dog, can make a significant impact on their overall growth. Therefore, you want to ensure that they eat something that is made specifically for big dogs.
IS YOUR GREAT DANE PUPPY KNUCKLING?
Check out our science-based and constantly always growing knuckling resource page.
And if you have a growing Great Dane puppy, be sure to check out some of our favorite dog kibble for a Great Dane puppy:
Quantity of Food for a Great Dane:
They also need more food overall, as their larger bodies require more calories. Check out our feeding chart for puppies to use as a general guideline here.
When choosing a high quality food for a larger breed dog, it is important to consult with a veterinarian or animal nutritionist. They can help you select the best food for your dog based on their individual needs.
Four: Are Great Danes Friendly Dogs with Other Dogs?
Great Danes, when bred ethically and raised appropriately LOVE to spend time with dogs, kids, and other animals or human family members / new people.
Unethical Breeding and Temperament
Unethical breeding has allowed timid, fearful and aggressive Great Danes to begin their way out of the woodwork.
However, as a whole, the breed is meant to be confident, fearless and peaceful. Originally called boar hounds and bred to hunt wild boar, Great Dane’s stature and demeanor was intended to be both people oriented and friendly with dogs.
With the proper training mechanisms which should include both positive reinforcement and necessary corrections / boundaries, your Great Dane will thrive in social settings.
For more information on how we use an e collar to train this giant dog breed, be sure to check out our e collar guide and utilize it with your dog.
We cannot stress enough the importance of a pet insurance policy for your Great Dane.
Pre Existing Conditions
Remember, most insurance companies will not insure any pre-existing conditions.
So, if you wait until your dog is already sick or injured to get insurance, your policy will not cover those expenses.
Get a Policy ASAP
Get a policy as soon as you adopt or purchase your dog to ensure that you are covered in case of an unforeseen accident or illness.
Since your Gentle Giant will be more prone to health issues and those can be expensive, we recommend not waiting on getting them signed up with their policy. Look for a pet insurance policy that covers both wellness as well as emergency.
Six: Great Danes and Obedience Training
Training your Great Dane is unique compared to other pets. Because they are a large breed, your puppy will begin to grow quickly, and will be very large very fast.
Start training your Great Dane early, as soon as you bring them home. It is important to socialize them and get them used to being around people and other dogs who you trust to be a great role model for your dog. However, socialization DOES NOT always mean that they need to be interacting with other dogs or humans.
Socialization Guide
Socialization can be an abundance of fun activities, which is why we put together a Puppy Socialization Guide. You can find the guide here to find out which socialization activity is the perfect match for your Great Dane.
Seven: Do Great Danes Need a Lot of Exercise?
The exercise needed in the breed can vary from dog to dog.
How Much Exercise is Needed?
Generally speaking, Great Danes need at least 30-60 minutes of moderate daily exercise every day. However, some of Great Danes require more than this.
The total amount of needed daily exercise will depend on the health, and energy level of your dog. Whatever the case, you should not plan on the breed being ‘couch potatoes’ as a whole.
Sporting Events
As a matter of fact, many Great Danes actually participate and thrive in dog sports such as agility, obedience, tracking, and even dock jumping! You can generally find these sporting events on the American Kennel Club website.
Exercise Resources
For further information on a Great Dane and exercise, feel free to read here:
But, they will still shed enough that you’ll need to vacuum frequently and brush them out weekly to help manage the shedding.
Recommendations for Shedding
If you are in need of recommendations on which types of brushes we like as well as to further read about what can cause unnecessary shedding within the breed, be sure to check out this post.
However, bad breeding is one aspect that lowers this average. Some well-bred Great Danes have been known to outlive this average. Some have even lived up to 12-14 years.
Ten: The Grand Danois: Should I Bring Home the Apollo of Dogs?
In our opinions, despite the difficulty or unique hardships that the Great Dane ‘Greek God’ might bring as a whole, you will never find another love like the ‘Apollo of Dogs’.
Great Danes are one of the most gentle, loving, and loyal companions that you could ask for. They will quickly become a part of your family and will always be by your side.
Once you have fully researched the breed, understand what it might look like for your family to have your very own ‘Scooby Doo’, and feel like you are ready, we know that it will be an adventure of a lifetime.
We hope this article has helped you understand some key things to know before owning a Great Dane. If you have any questions or would like to add anything, please feel free to reach out or join our Facebook community by clicking the image below.
If you are the proud owner of a Great Dane, then you will want to make sure that you start training them as soon as possible. What is puppy respect training for Great Danes? Let’s dig in.
These dogs grow to be large, strong, and powerful! It is important that they learn how to behave themselves early on. In this blog post, we will discuss some respect training tips that will help get your pup on the right track!
If your dog is biting, stealing, running away, pulling, lunging, dangerous, or out of control there may be things you are doing (or not doing) in your own home that are making these things worse.
Read on for more practical tips including Great Dane puppy respect training, basic commands, advanced training, and more.
WHAT IS PUPPY RESPECT TRAINING?
Puppy respect training is, in essence, obedience training.
Keep in mind that a Great Dane is not going to respect you if you rely on harsh, forceful, intimidating, or punitive training techniques!
These ‘old school’ training ideas (often marketed as a way to establish your rank as the ‘pack leader’) may produce quick results, but in the long run, will do more harm than good.
DOES YOUR DOG SEE YOU AS HIS RESPECTED LEADER?
The day that you bring your dog home is the day that you should start establishing this positive relationship.
Great Dane puppy bring back an obedience dumbbell outdoors in the grass.
PROTECT – TRAIN – LEAD – COMMUNICATE
Protecting your dog means making sure that their health, comfort, and physical and emotional needs are met.
Training your dog means that you spend time teaching your young pup what behaviors you like and don’t like.
Leading your dog means that you teach, guide, and lead with respect. The unbreakable bond you build with your dog by being a positive, trustworthy, and benevolent leader will pay off!
Communicating with your dog means telling them everything they need to know to make mature decisions: yes and no.
Get the family involved in teaching your dog!
Other members of the family can take advantage of your puppy’s natural desire to connect with others and feel safe.
Training, praise, treats, toys, play, fun, and cuddles are amazing ways for everybody involved to reinforce engagement and good obedience skills.
Establish house rules for your dog and encourage everybody to follow them.
HOW TO MAKE YOUR DOG ENGAGE WITH YOU
We recommend that you spend quality time with your puppy focused on showing them new places, things, sounds, textures, and experiences. Find things that your dog loves and use them as a reward!
By sharing these experiences together, your puppy will come to learn that you can be respected and are a source of good things.
It’s important that you teach your new dog what you expect of them, and teach them to be calm, confident, and cool in a scary, busy world.
How do you discipline a puppy but not be mean?
All puppies are going to do things they should not do! Don’t give them the wrong idea by being forceful and intimidating, or by accidentally rewarding the wrong things.
Puppies, especially as they mature, will jump, steal, pull, whine, bark, chew, and run away.
Many times, the best correction is the most simple! Removing your attention from your puppy is one of the most powerful early forms of ‘NO’ that puppies understand.
Dog problems
The truth is, those behaviors are normal, natural, and VERY rewarding to them! That doesn’t mean, however, that it’s ok for your dog to be out of control.
Great Danes are sensitive animals.
While correcting your dog it is important to note that if you want to prevent future behavioral problems, you don’t have to be mean or harsh.
A few rules and boundaries, paired with positive teaching using food rewards is an amazing combination.
Train the dog to repeat things that you want to see by using a lot of positive reinforcement. When you do this, the corrections that you have to use make much more sense to your dog!
BALANCED TRAINING
Balancing your dog training and your dog’s behavior is very simple. Balanced dog training for Great Danes is humane and science-based!
Discipline and corrections that you might use for a Great Dane puppy include:
Reducing their access to something
Redirecting them to something appropriate
Preventing the behavior by managing the environment
Walking away and removing your attention
Saying ‘AH AH’ or ‘NO’ to stop behaviors that could be dangerous to them
Popping their leash with a quick pop to ‘snap them out of it’
Once your dog is older, appropriate corrections and communication may be implemented with the use of tools such as prong collars and E-Collars, following a conditioning phase.
E-Collars and prong collars for Great Danes
We highly recommend doing a lot of research on these tools prior to using them! We have a huge collection of E-Collar resources to help. For more information on E-Collar conditioning, read our blog post!
BAD DOG TRAINING ADVICE
Never hit, kick, pinch or pin your dog to the ground. If you think you have to do that to get control of your dog or to ‘be the pack leader’, there are bigger issues at play. We highly recommend that you seek out the help of a highly qualified positive-balanced dog trainer.
If you lead with punitive punishments, chances are that your dog will redirect their own building aggression, anxiety, and frustration into other training problems (or worse, onto you!).
Positive Reinforcement vs. Corrections in dog training
Positive reinforcement (R+) is the best way to teach your dog new skills.
Sit, down, wait, leave it, stay, heel, and come are all things that are easy to reinforce with treats, praise, play, fun, freedom, and access to things.
Training sessions should be short, fun, and always end on a good note!
Bad behaviors, on the other hand, require that you work on two things:
OPTION 1 – MANAGEMENT & PREVENTION
This option is helpful for things such as chewing, biting/aggression/resource guarding, fence jumping, and destruction, where the problem is both dangerous and hard to control.
OPTION II – CORRECTIONS AND COMMUNICATION
Corrections and communication are helpful when the dog knows what they should be doing instead. This can be used for things such as running out of doors, fence jumping, stealing food off the counter, and pulling.
Some trainers will tell you never to use corrections or say ‘NO’ to your dog.
They will tell you to only use ‘option 1’.
These trainers often claim to be ‘positive only’ or ‘force-free’, and they rely heavily on physical restraint and management.
Managing movement, freedom, and access to the world so that a dog never has to be ‘corrected’ is, for many dogs, restrictive, frustrating, and inhumane.
This is why we recommend a much more comprehensive and fair balanced training approach that relies heavily on positive experiences, the relationship that you have with your dog and transparency about what your dog can and cannot do.
Should I use a spray bottle to discipline my Great Dane?
We do not recommend giving even a ‘quick squirt’ with a squirt bottle. This form of training seems ‘gentle’ but is not harmless.
The last thing you want is for your 140lb giant dog to be afraid of water! Handling, spray medications, hoses, and baths are just some things that your giant breed dog may resist if you utilize this method to punish your dog.
HOW DO I GET MY DOG TO RESPECT ME AS THE ALPHA?
The entire concept of the ‘alpha dog’ is deeply flawed. It was based on poorly done, outdated studies of captive wolves, and the original findings were actually retracted!
Run from any dog trainer who is still telling you that dog training boils down to a power contest between you and your pet!
You do need to provide guidance, boundaries, leadership, exercise, and training, however.
Several short, fun teaching sessions each day paired with structure, routine, and fair corrections will always be the way to go. If you want your dog to respect you, build your relationship on trust!
HOW TO GET YOUR DOG’S RESPECT
Here is our list of tips for getting your dog’s respect:
Honor their body language: learn what they are telling you, and be open to listening! Make them feel safe with you.
Encourage them to be confident. Push them a little bit out of their comfort zone, but not too far. Then reward them like crazy!
Ask them for eye contact and give them lots of attention for it.
Reinforce and reward all good behavior.
Stay calm. Don’t resort to aggression or frustration while leading your dog.
Make sure your dog is getting plenty of mental and physical enrichment.
Don’t baby your dog! Contrary to popular belief, Great Danes can play in the mud, run, jump and play.
Spend more time saying YES than saying NO to your dog.
Remember that most behavior problems stem from boredom, anxiety, frustration, fear, habit, and hormones. If you are frustrated, that’s a sign that your dog is as well!
Have fun with your dog. Be the BEST part of their day!
IS DOG RESPECT TRAINING HUMANE?
You cannot force a dog to ‘respect’ you, and certain things will for sure erode trust. By being calm, trustworthy, and thoughtful you are being a humane dog owner!
As a matter of fact, one of the most humane things you can do is to train your dog.
Well-trained dogs that are taught both YES and NO will be well-balanced, confident, and resilient.
Great Dane Dogs + Freedom to make choices
A dog that can be trusted off-leash enjoys freedom and autonomy that other dogs can only dream of.
A dog that can safely go on a walk anywhere will quickly have access to enriching socialization experiences and new environments.
A dog that has been taught that it’s never acceptable to jump, lunge, steal or run out of a door is a dog that is being kept safe.
Using balanced training methods for your Great Dane puppy is the best, most fair, most humane and most effective thing you can do for your dog!
SIGNS THAT YOU NEED OBEDIENCE WORK: RUDE GREAT DANE BEHAVIORS
Bad behavior is frustrating to you and dangerous to others. It is important for dog owners to understand how to teach and correct their Great Danes before the problems become a dangerous uphill battle.
The three-step process for solving training issues:
1. Manage
2. Teach & Reward
3. Communicate or Correct
RUNNING AWAY
Does your Great Dane puppy run away from you and refuse to come when called?
We recommend the following:
Don’t let your dog off-leash until they have excellent recall. (Manage)
Use dog treats, praise, and play to make it fun to come back. (Teach)
Practice recall in low distraction areas, then work your way up
Use a long Biothane leash when out walking, and practice recall
Never chase your dog or scold them for running away. This is the wrong approach that makes recall and running away worse!
E-Collar train for off-leash reliability anywhere you go (Communicate)
STEALING FOOD
If your Great Dane likes to steal food from people or from the counter, they risk harming themselves with toxic or dangerous foods. Dogs love this game and are very rewarded by it. Despite what you may think, they don’t feel guilty about it but they ARE afraid of your reaction!
Keep the counters clear of tasty food they may want. (Manage)
Teach ‘leave it’ (Teach)
Teach ‘place’
Implement an appropriate correction
JUMPING ON PEOPLE
Jumping is dangerous because a Great Dane can seriously hurt somebody.
Teach and reward sit, down, leave it, wait, stay, come, off, and place.
Make sure your dog feels protected: don’t make a habit of exposing your dog to situations where such reactivity puts them in an out-of-control headspace.
Make sure all family members understand how to manage reactivity and use training and counter-conditioning to reduce it.
THE BEST DOG EVER
Everybody dreams of having the perfect pet. A dog that listens has respect, and has developed a strong bond with its owner is wonderful. Dogs that are well trained have a lot more freedom, choice, and autonomy, too!
Puppies vs. Adult Dogs
It’s important to remember that an adult dog will be more mature than a young one; many ‘problems’ are a simple factor of immaturity, missed teaching opportunities, and a lack of experience!
Bad behavior in dogs also happens often because of boredom, anxiety, or poor leadership (and teaching).
Hopefully our blog post today will help you get on the right track with your dog!
