Stay Fido, Stay! Whether you’re a first-time puppy owner or looking to refine your training techniques, mastering the stay command is essential for a well-behaved and safe furry companion. If you are ready to teach a dog to stay, this quick start guide will have your pup standing still in no time!
Included in this article:
Information on the importance of teaching your dog to stay
Step-by-step training methods, used by the pros!
Recommended products to aid in the process
Practical tips to ensure success.
Sit, stay, and learn with us!
Why is the Stay Command Important?
Understanding the significance of the stay command lays the groundwork for effective training. Here’s why it’s a crucial skill for your dog:
Safety: The stay command helps protect your puppy in potentially hazardous situations, such as near roads or around unfamiliar animals.
Control: Teaching your puppy to stay gives you greater control in various scenarios, whether it’s preventing them from rushing out the door or calmly waiting while you attend to other tasks.
Bonding: Training sessions provide an opportunity to strengthen the bond between you and your puppy, fostering trust and communication.
Teaching a dog to stay is not necessarily hard, but it does require patience, consistency, and proper technique.
Some dogs may pick up the stay command quickly, while others may take more time to grasp the concept. The difficulty can also depend on factors such as the dog’s age, breed, temperament, and previous training experiences.
Chances are, this process will be surprisingly easy! The step-by-step guide on how to teach a dog to stay is below.
Teach a Dog to Stay: A Step-by-Step Guide
Now let’s dive into the practical steps of training your pet to master the stay command!
Setting the Stage: Begin training in a quiet, distraction-free environment to maximize your puppy’s focus. Have some irresistible treats, a sturdy long leash, and a convenient training pouch (my favorites are listed below) to hold treats during sessions.
Introducing the Command: a. Start by asking your pet to sit or lie down. b. Hold your hand in front of your pup’s nose and say “stay” in a clear, firm voice. c. Take a small step back while maintaining eye contact with your dog. If they remain in position, promptly reward them with a treat and praise. d. At first, you may only move a short distance away. Gradually increase the distance and duration as your puppy becomes more proficient.
Reinforcing the Behavior: Consistency is key to reinforcing the stay command. Practice regularly in different environments and gradually introduce distractions. Keep training sessions short and positive to prevent your puppy from becoming bored or frustrated. Don’t add distance or time until you are sure that your pet understands the word and what is being asked of them.
Patience and Positive Reinforcement: Training a dog requires patience and a positive attitude. Avoid scolding or punishing your puppy for mistakes, as this can undermine their confidence. Instead, focus on rewarding good behavior with treats and praise to motivate them to obey the stay command willingly.
Don’t be discouraged! Good dog training requires a lot of repetition and a lot of rewards. Your pet deserves your time and patience with this process. Thankfully, most dogs develop longer and more reliable stays very quickly when the training sessions are fun and engaging for them.
Recommended Products for Dog Training
To facilitate your puppy’s training journey, consider investing in the following products:
Treats: Choose high-quality, flavorful treats that your puppy finds irresistible. Opt for small, bite-sized treats that are easy to handle during training sessions. Recommended brands include Zuke’s Mini Naturals and Wellness Soft Puppy Bites.
Training Pouch: A training pouch keeps treats readily accessible and your hands free during training sessions. Select a pouch with multiple compartments and a secure closure for added convenience. Popular options include the Ollydog Backcountry and this Silicone Treat Training Bag.
Some pets also benefit from having a target. This would be something like a towel, blanket, bath mat, or rug that they learn to ‘place’ on.
Tips for Success in Dog Training
Here’s a list of practical tips to help you succeed in training your dog to stay:
Keep Sessions Short and Sweet: Keep training sessions short (about 5-10 minutes) to prevent your dog from becoming bored or overwhelmed. Frequent, brief sessions throughout the day are more effective than long, exhaustive sessions.
Be Patient and Consistent: Stay patient and consistent with your training efforts. Dogs thrive on routine and repetition, so be sure to practice the stay command regularly and reward your dog for their efforts.
Gradually Increase Duration: Start by asking your dog to stay for just a few seconds, then gradually increase the duration as they become more comfortable with the command. Remember to reward your dog for staying in place, even if it’s just for a short time.
Use a Release Cue: Introduce a release cue, such as “okay” or “free,” to let your dog know when it’s okay to move again after staying in place. This helps clarify the end of the stay command and prevents confusion.
Practice in Different Environments: Practice the stay command in various locations and situations to generalize the behavior. Start in quiet environments and gradually add distractions, such as other people, dogs, or noises, to challenge your dog’s focus.
Incorporate Distance and Movement: Once your dog is comfortable staying in place, gradually increase the distance between you and your dog. You can also add movement by walking around your dog while they stay, reinforcing their ability to maintain focus regardless of your position.
Use Positive Reinforcement: Reward your dog generously with treats, praise, and affection when they successfully stay in place. Positive reinforcement helps strengthen the desired behavior and encourages your dog to repeat it in the future.
Stay Calm and Confident: Dogs are highly attuned to their owners’ emotions, so remain calm, patient, and confident during training sessions. Your demeanor can influence your dog’s behavior and ability to learn effectively.
Stay, Fido, Stay!
Congratulations on taking the initiative to teach your pet the valuable skill of staying put.
Remember to celebrate each small milestone along the way and enjoy the journey of bonding with your furry companion through training. Happy teaching!
Great Danes are big dogs, so it can be very scary when they show concerning behaviors. Snapping, nipping, biting, lunging, and growling make people nervous, and with good reason! Great Dane aggression is dangerous and unacceptable.
As a pet parent, you may have found this article because of concerns you have following aggressive behavior, and my hope is that this article will put your mind at ease.
In this article we’re going to talk about all of it:
Why Great Danes growl
How to prevent aggression while raising a puppy
How to address issues with Great Danes that lunge and bark at strangers
Leash reactivity
Snapping and biting behavior
How to deal with dog aggression and not liking other dogs
Training tips for Great Dane aggression & growling
Causes of Great Dane Aggression & Growling
There are many reasons why you may be seeing aggression and growling in your Great Dane. I’ll be digging into some training, safety, and management tips below. To start, check out this list and identify where your dog might be:
Fear and Anxiety: Great Danes, like any dog breed, may exhibit aggression or growling when they feel threatened or fearful. Anxiety-provoking situations, such as new environments, loud noises, harsh training methods or unfamiliar people can trigger defensive behaviors.
Territorial Instincts: Great Danes have a natural instinct to protect their territory. Aggression may arise when they perceive a threat to their home or family, leading to defensive behaviors like growling.
Lack of Socialization: Insufficient exposure to diverse environments, people, and other animals during the early stages of a Great Dane’s life can result in fear-based aggression. Proper socialization in puppyhood is crucial to prevent such issues.
Medical Discomfort: Physical discomfort or pain due to an injury or underlying health issue can cause a typically gentle Great Dane to exhibit aggression. It’s essential to rule out any health concerns through a thorough veterinary examination.
Protective Instincts: Great Danes, known for their loyalty, may display aggression when they perceive a threat to their family members. This protective instinct, while admirable, should be managed through proper training.
Dominance Issues: Dogs, including Great Danes, may show aggression as a display of dominance. This behavior can manifest in various situations, such as guarding resources or asserting control, and is often rooted in hormones (example, intact males who may posture towards other dogs).
Previous Traumatic Experiences: A Great Dane with a history of abuse, neglect, or traumatic experiences may exhibit aggression as a defense mechanism. Understanding and addressing past traumas is crucial for behavioral rehabilitation.
Miscommunication or Misunderstanding: Dogs communicate primarily through body language, and aggression may result from a misinterpretation of signals. It’s essential for owners to be aware of their Great Dane’s body language and respond appropriately.
Maternal or Paternal Instincts: Female Great Danes, especially if they have recently given birth, may show protective aggression towards perceived threats to their puppies. Similarly, males may display protective behavior over their territory.
Genetic Predisposition: Some dogs may have a genetic predisposition to certain behaviors, including aggression. Responsible breeding practices can help minimize the risk of inherited aggression traits.
Understanding the specific reason behind a Great Dane’s aggression or growling is crucial for implementing effective management and training strategies. In many cases, professional guidance from a veterinarian or veterinary dog behaviorist may be necessary to address the root cause.
Great Dane Growling
When a Great Dane emits a growl, it is a communication method deeply embedded in their canine instincts. Despite their gentle and friendly nature, Great Danes, like all dogs, use growling as a form of expression.
Growling can convey a range of emotions and intentions, serving as a means of communication between the dog and its human companions or other animals.
In the context of a Great Dane, a growl might signify a variety of things, such as play, discomfort, anxiety, or a perceived threat.
It’s crucial for owners to pay close attention to the specific circumstances surrounding the growl, including the dog’s body language, to accurately interpret its meaning.
While it may be a warning sign, not all growls are aggressive, and understanding the context can help foster a positive and trusting relationship between the Great Dane and its human counterparts.
What to do if a Great Dane Growls at a Child
If a Great Dane growls at a child, it’s essential for both the safety of the child and the well-being of the dog to take immediate and measured steps.
First and foremost, it’s crucial that you do NOT punish the dog for growling (no matter how much you want to).
Instead, focus on ensuring the safety of the child by calmly and gently removing them from the situation. Supervision between the child and the dog should be increased, and interactions should be closely monitored. It’s advisable to consult with a professional dog trainer or behaviorist to assess the underlying cause of the growling and implement appropriate training techniques.
Additionally, teach children about appropriate behavior around dogs, emphasizing the importance of respecting the dog’s space and signals. Creating a positive environment and building trust between the Great Dane and the child is essential for fostering a safe and loving relationship over time. If concerns persist, seeking guidance from a veterinarian or animal behaviorist is recommended to address any potential behavioral issues in a constructive manner.
What to do if a Great Dane Growls at Strangers
It can be scary and disheartening if a Great Dane growls at strangers. If this happens, it is crucial to stay calm and avoid reacting with fear or aggression, as this can escalate the tension.
Ensure that the Great Dane is securely leashed and under control to prevent any potential harm. (We recommend using a martingale collar and basket muzzle on dogs that are aggressive or nippy towards strangers).
Distance the dog from the strangers and create a safe space to assess the situation. If the growling is towards your veterinarian, ask about Fear Free handling techniques, pre-appointment sedation, and management techniques for future veterinary visits.
Never ask a stranger to give your Great Dane treats! Instead, reward your Great Dane for engaging with you instead of being concerned about a stranger nearby.
Understanding the context of the growling is vital – it could be due to fear, anxiety, territorial instincts, or discomfort. Professional help from a dog trainer or behaviorist is recommended to address and modify the dog’s behavior effectively.
How to Train Aggressive Great Danes
It’s important that you really get to know your Great Dane and identify triggers that cause aggression and growling. Here are some common triggers for dogs that are easy to avoid once you know they exist. We’ve also included some training and management tips for each situation!
Leash Aggression Towards Other Dogs
Positive Reinforcement: Reward calm behavior with treats and praise. Associate the presence of other dogs with positive experiences, reinforcing the idea that encounters lead to enjoyable outcomes.
Maintain a Loose Leash: Keep the leash slack during walks. Tension on the leash can heighten your dog’s anxiety and trigger aggressive responses. A relaxed leash signals a sense of security.
Use Distraction Techniques: Employ toys or treats to redirect your dog’s attention when approaching another dog. This diverts focus, reducing the likelihood of aggressive behavior.
Choose Quiet Walking Routes: Opt for less frequented areas for walks initially. Minimizing encounters with other dogs provides a gradual approach to desensitization.
Desensitization Exercises: Systematically expose your dog to controlled versions of the trigger, incrementally increasing the complexity of encounters. This gradual approach helps build tolerance.
Seek Professional Guidance: Enlist the expertise of a professional dog trainer or behaviorist. Their insights can provide tailored strategies to address specific leash aggression issues.
Stay Calm and Confident: Dogs often mirror their owner’s energy. Maintain a calm and confident demeanor during walks to convey a sense of security to your furry companion.
Aggression Over Food, Treats, and Toys
Positive Reinforcement Training: Reinforce positive behavior using treats and praise. Reward your dog for allowing you to approach or handle their possessions. This creates positive associations with interactions around valuable items.
Trade-Up Exercises: Engage in trade-up activities, exchanging a less valuable item for a more desirable one. This teaches your dog that giving up possessions results in a rewarding exchange.
Avoid Punishment: Refrain from punishing resource guarding behavior. Punishment can exacerbate the problem and create fear, making your dog more defensive. Instead, focus on positive reinforcement and redirection.
Respect Personal Space: Recognize and respect your dog’s need for personal space, especially when they have high-value items. Allow them to enjoy their possessions without constant intrusion.
Use Food Puzzles: Introduce food puzzles or toys that dispense treats. This not only provides mental stimulation but also associates positive experiences with being around food.
Training “Drop It” Command: Teach your dog a reliable “drop it” or “leave it” command. This skill allows you to safely retrieve items if needed without triggering guarding behavior.
Rotate Toys and Resources: Periodically rotate your dog’s toys and possessions. This prevents them from becoming overly attached to specific items and reduces the likelihood of guarding behavior.
How to Prevent a Puppy from Becoming Aggressive
Preventing aggression in a puppy involves a combination of early training, socialization, and positive reinforcement. Here’s a guide on how to prevent a puppy from becoming aggressive:
Positive Reinforcement Training: Use positive reinforcement techniques to reward good behavior with treats, praise, or toys. This reinforces desired actions, making it more likely for the puppy to exhibit positive behavior consistently.
Establish Clear Boundaries: Set clear rules and boundaries for your puppy from the beginning. Consistency is key to preventing confusion and frustration, which can lead to aggression.
Teach Bite Inhibition: Train your puppy to have a soft mouth by teaching bite inhibition. This involves redirecting biting behavior and rewarding gentle mouthing. This skill is crucial to prevent aggressive biting as the puppy grows.
Avoid Rough Play: Discourage rough play that could escalate into aggression. If the puppy becomes overly excited, redirect their energy to more appropriate toys or activities.
Provide Mental and Physical Stimulation: Ensure your puppy gets enough mental and physical exercise. Boredom and excess energy can contribute to behavioral problems, including aggression.
Regular Vet Check-ups: Regular veterinary check-ups are essential to rule out any health issues that might contribute to aggressive behavior. Pain or discomfort can be a significant factor in aggression.
Use Caution with Dominance-Based Techniques: Avoid dominance-based training methods, as they can lead to fear-based aggression. Focus on positive reinforcement and building a trusting relationship with your puppy. There is never a need to intimidate, frighten, or harm your pet in the name of training.
Supervise Interactions: Always supervise interactions between your puppy and children or other pets. This ensures that play remains appropriate and prevents any negative experiences that could contribute to aggression.
Enroll in Puppy Classes: Consider enrolling your puppy in a well-managed puppy socialization class. These classes provide controlled environments for positive interactions with other puppies and people.
By incorporating these preventive measures, you can significantly reduce the likelihood of aggression in your puppy. Early intervention and consistent positive reinforcement contribute to shaping a well-behaved and non-aggressive adult dog.
Does Genetics Cause Aggression in Dogs
Genetics can play a role in a dog’s predisposition to certain behaviors, including aggression. It is a well known phenomenon that fearful, anxious, or aggressive parents make puppies that are often the same.
A Dam that is stressed during her pregnancy can also cause the puppies to be aggressive or fearful. If a breeder then raises the puppies without a clean, enriching space to live the puppies are further set up to fail.
While genetics can influence a dog’s temperament and behavior to some extent, it’s important to note that environmental factors and early experiences also significantly contribute to a dog’s behavior.
If you’ve recently welcomed a Great Dane into your family, you may be wondering how to ensure they have positive interactions with other dogs. Socialization plays a crucial role in their development, and with the right techniques, you can help your Great Dane become a well-rounded and confident companion. There are many reasons to safely socialize a great dane with other dogs, and we’re going to dig into them!
In this guide, we will explore science-backed strategies for socializing your Great Dane with other dogs, paving the way for harmonious and enjoyable canine interactions. You will find information here about socializing giant breed puppies and adult or rescue dogs, too!
Why it’s important to socialize a Great Dane
Socializing giant breed dogs of all ages is important as it helps them develop crucial social skills, builds their confidence, and promotes positive interactions with other dogs.
Proper socialization can prevent behavioral issues and ensure that your Great Dane grows up to be a well-adjusted and friendly companion. In turn, this can make them easier to handle, live with, and enjoy!
By exposing them correctly to a variety of dogs, environments, and experiences, you can help your Great Dane navigate social situations with ease.
It’s important, however, to avoid common socialization pitfalls!
Tips for Socializing a Great Dane Puppy
Here are some of our favorite tips for socializing a Great Dane puppy around other dogs!
– Use positive reinforcement & predictable dogs
Start by choosing a calm and controlled environment, such as friend’s backyard and other friendly puppies or mature adult dogs. Avoid the dog park, as the risk of negative experiences is too high!
Begin with short and controlled interactions, gradually increasing the duration as your puppy becomes more comfortable and confident.
Always keep a close eye on their body language, ensuring they are relaxed and stress-free. Reward your Great Dane puppy with treats, praise, and affection for calm and friendly behavior towards other dogs.
Use a clicker or a verbal cue to mark the desired actions, such as coming to you instead of being rude to anothe dog, and then promptly offer a reward. Consistency is key; reinforce positive interactions consistently to create positive associations with other dogs.
As your puppy gains confidence and social skills, the process will become easier, leading to a well-adjusted and socialized Great Dane.
– Gradual exposure to other dogs
Of course, not every dog you meet will be a friendly puppy or mature adult! It is incredibly important to expose your Great Dane to other dogs, but in doing so, encourage them to be indifferent.
Teaching a puppy to ignore other dogs in their environment is an essential skill that promotes well-behaved and safe interactions.
To achieve this, begin with early socialization, introducing your puppy to various dogs in controlled settings as mentioned above. Reinforce basic obedience commands, like “sit” and “stay,” to help your pup maintain focus. When walking or in the presence of other dogs, use treats and positive reinforcement to reward calm behavior and attention to you.
If your puppy shows interest in other dogs, practice the “leave it” command, redirecting their attention. Consistent training and positive associations with ignoring other dogs will ultimately help your puppy develop the self-control necessary for well-mannered interactions in any environment. Be patient and persistent, as this training process takes time and practice.
Never let your Great Dane lunge or pull towards people or other dogs; these are hard habits to break and unfortunately can set the foundation for future leash reactivity.
– Enrolling in puppy socialization classes
Enrolling in puppy socialization classes is a fantastic decision for both of you. While they may seem trivial and repetitive, they are exactly what most dogs need!
These classes offer a structured and controlled environment for your puppy to interact with (or learn to ignore) other dogs and people, which is crucial for their well-rounded development.
Beyond just helping your puppy get used to different social situations, these classes also provide a platform for them to learn essential obedience skills and commands. It’s an excellent opportunity for you as a pet owner to receive guidance from experienced trainers and gain valuable insights into understanding your puppy’s behavior and needs.
Overall, enrolling in puppy socialization classes sets a strong foundation for a well-behaved and sociable dog. Don’t stop at the end of the 6 week puppy class! Work up to the Canine Good Citizen title.
Socializing Adult or Rescue Great Danes
A common question that we receive is about socializing adult or rescue Great Danes.
Adult or rescue dogs that weren’t adequately socialized as puppies can exhibit a range of challenging behaviors.
They may struggle with fear or anxiety in unfamiliar situations or around new people and animals. Aggression, reactivity, or excessive shyness can also be issues, making it difficult for them to interact peacefully with others.
These dogs might not understand basic social cues, leading to communication problems with other dogs and humans. They may have difficulty adapting to new environments, which can be stressful for both the dog and their owner.
Patience, consistent training, and a supportive environment are crucial for helping these dogs overcome their socialization deficits and lead happier, more balanced lives.
– Understanding previous experiences
A dog’s previous experiences play a pivotal role in shaping their ability to interact with the world.
Positive early experiences, including proper socialization and exposure to various people, animals, and environments, often result in a well-adjusted and confident dog. Conversely, dogs that have endured traumatic or negative experiences, such as a lack of socialization, abuse or neglect, may develop fear, anxiety, or aggression issues that hinder their social interactions.
These experiences can profoundly affect a dog’s trust in humans and their ability to navigate unfamiliar situations.
– Building trust through positive interactions
Building trust with undersocialized dogs may be a patient and delicate process that requires time, compassion, and understanding.
These dogs often have had limited positive interactions with humans and the world, which can make them anxious and defensive. The key to earning their trust is to create a safe and predictable environment. Don’t use harsh or dominating training techniques, and stop yourself from considering some of their behaviors a symptom of ‘stubbornness’.
Approach them calmly, use soft and reassuring tones, and avoid sudden movements. Offer treats, toys, and affection as rewards for any signs of progress, no matter how small. Consistency is vital; establish routines and boundaries to provide them with a sense of security.
Gradual positive exposure to new experiences, people, and animals should be introduced at a pace that respects their comfort levels. Building trust with undersocialized dogs can be a lengthy process, but as they begin to associate your presence with positive experiences, their confidence will grow, and your bond will strengthen.
Some dogs may never be fully confident, and that’s ok. Every effort you make will make a difference in their lives, though.
– Introducing them to well-socialized dogs
Introducing a fearful or unpredictable adult or rescue Great Dane to other dogs should be approached with caution and care to ensure the safety and comfort of all involved.
Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Choose the Right Environment: Select a quiet, controlled environment for the introduction, away from distractions and busy dog parks.
Leash and Safety: Keep both your Great Dane and the other dog on leashes for added control. Ensure that the other dog is well-behaved and sociable. This is key! Never try to introduce two dogs that are fearful or reactive.
Observe Body Language: Watch both dogs’ body language closely. Look for signs of fear or stress, such as raised hackles, trembling, or avoidance behaviors. If either dog appears too anxious or aggressive, it may be best to postpone the introduction.
Gradual Approach: Begin by keeping a considerable distance between the two dogs and allow them to observe each other from a distance. Reward calm behavior with treats and praise.
Parallel Walking: After some time, if both dogs seem calm and curious, start a parallel walk, walking the dogs side by side. Keep a safe distance between them to reduce direct interaction.
Allow Interaction: If the dogs continue to remain calm, you can allow them to approach each other under close supervision. Keep the initial meeting brief and positive, then separate them while rewarding with treats and praise.
Repeat and Extend: Gradually increase the duration of their interactions during subsequent meetings, always maintaining a positive and controlled atmosphere.
Watch for Signs: Continue to monitor their interactions for any signs of fear, aggression, or stress. If any issues arise, separate the dogs immediately and reassess the situation.
Professional Guidance: If your Great Dane’s fear or anxiety persists, consider seeking guidance from a professional dog trainer or behaviorist who specializes in socialization and fearful dogs.
Patience and Consistency: Remember that building confidence and trust in a fearful dog takes time. Be patient and consistent in your efforts and always prioritize the well-being of your Great Dane and the other dogs involved.
The key is to progress at your dog’s pace, ensure their comfort, and create positive associations with the presence of other dogs. Each dog is unique, and the timeline for successful socialization may vary.
The Science Behind Dog Socialization
Modern positive dog socialization is rooted in a deep understanding of canine behavior and psychology, underpinned by scientific principles and even a little common sense.
This approach to socialization recognizes that dogs, like humans, thrive on positive experiences and reinforcement. It takes into account the extensive research on animal behavior, emphasizing the importance of positive interactions and rewards to shape their responses to the world around them.
The science behind modern positive dog training and ways to socialize a Great Dane aims to create a safe and enjoyable learning environment, helping dogs build confidence, develop essential social skills, and form strong bonds with their human companions.
– The critical socialization period
The critical socialization for great dane puppies is a vital phase in their early development, typically occurring between the ages of 3 to 14 weeks. Of course, this is at the same time that many exciting or scary changes are happening, too!
Veterinary visits, meeting their new family, learning about crates and eating out of bowls, and even going home are big changes that can be scary to a new puppy. Proper Great Dane care and attention to their health, well-being, and experiences can really make a difference.
During this critical window, puppies are highly receptive to their environment, experiences, and social interactions. It is a time when they are most open to forming positive associations with people, other animals, and various situations.
– Impact of positive experiences on behavior
When puppies encounter a pleasurable experience, such as praise, treats, or play, their brains release chemicals like dopamine, which strengthen the neural pathways associated with that experience.
This process, known as associative learning, forms the basis for future behavior. Positive experiences help puppies build confidence, trust in humans, and learn valuable skills.
They also create lasting positive associations with various stimuli, making puppies more adaptable, resilient, and less likely to develop behavioral issues in the future.
This scientific understanding underscores the importance of providing puppies with a nurturing, positive environment rich in diverse experiences to shape their behavior and ensure they grow into well-adjusted, happy adult dogs.
Why Socialization Matters for Great Danes
As much as we may love them, it can be difficult or even dangerous to navigate through life with a giant breed dog that is fearful, aggressive, or reactive. When we don’t throughly socialize a Great Dane puppy, we risk this becoming a reality.
Socialization is of paramount importance for Great Danes due to their unique characteristics and potential size. Great Danes are one of the largest dog breeds, known for their gentle and friendly nature. However, their imposing size can be intimidating to others, especially if they don’t exemplify the breed standard (friendly & confident).
Well-socialized Great Danes are more likely to be relaxed, well-behaved, and comfortable in various social situations, making them safer and more enjoyable companions for their families and those they encounter.
– Preventing fear and aggression
Preventing fear and aggression from developing in the first place is key.
Positive Reinforcement: Utilize positive reinforcement techniques to reward desired behaviors with treats, praise, and affection. Focus on what the puppy is doing right, rather than punishing for mistakes.
Gentle Leash Training: Discourage pulling and avoid situations where they puppy may be putting pressure on their throat, which can ultimately lead to fear and aggression. Practice loose leash walking, rewarding the puppy for walking calmly by your side.
Desensitization: Gradually expose your puppy to various environments, people, and other animals while maintaining a safe and controlled distance. Reward them for calm and non-reactive behavior.
Socialization: Begin socializing your puppy early, but ensure that the interactions are positive and stress-free. Choose well-behaved and friendly dogs for socialization, and monitor the encounters closely.
Consistency: Maintain a consistent routine and use clear, non-confrontational commands to teach your puppy. Consistency helps the puppy understand what is expected of them.
Avoid Punishment: Refrain from punitive and outdated training methods that create fear or anxiety. Punishment-based (“Alpha”) training can lead to aggression and defensive behavior.
Professional Guidance: Consider consulting a professional dog trainer or behaviorist who specializes in positive reinforcement methods if you encounter challenging behavioral issues. They can provide personalized guidance and support.
Patience: Understand that training takes time and patience. Some puppies are genetically prone towards fear and aggression, which really speaks to the importance of choosing a good Great Dane breeder. Each puppy is unique, and their progress may vary. Be patient and always prioritize their emotional well-being.
Many people believe that Great Danes are stubborn, spiteful, and defiant. It can lead to questions about whether or not Great Danes are hard to train, especially as they are so large and can easily be destructive or dangerous.
In this blog post, we will discuss some tips for training your Great Dane puppy or adult dog. We’ll also cover some common behavior issues that Great Danes can have and how to deal with them. We are going to show you that training Great Danes is EASY!
Are Great Danes Hard to Train?
We believe that it’s not that Great Danes are hard to train, it’s that they are often misunderstood.
People see their large size and think that they need to be handled with extreme and forceful techniques. In reality, Great Danes are gentle giants.
They are loving, loyal, and affectionate dogs that just want to please their owners.
The training process should be fun. Basic commands are super easy to teach using positive reinforcement, and it’s never too late to start training important commands the right way!
Great Danes are huge dogs, so when there are training problems, they feel much, much bigger by comparison to other dogs.
When a Great Dane jumps, chews things up or pulls on the leash they are a danger to themselves and to others. Smaller dogs often get by with some of these things, where as giants really cannot.
Common Dane training problems include:
Jumping
Mouthing/Nipping
Barking
Destructive Chewing
Separation Anxiety
Pulling on the Leash
Reactivity towards people and dogs
Poor recall (not coming when called)
All of these things are fixed with diligent attention to rules, boundaries, management, and training; but it takes time.
Great Danes are not hard to train, but they DO require proper behavior management and obedience training. We’re providing more tips on this for you below!
Are Great Danes good for Beginners?
We believe that Great Danes can make excellent family pets and incredible dogs for many people.
The most common reasons why Great Danes are often surrendered to rescue include:
Aggression, which is largely related to genetics and poor socialization
Out-of-control behavior, which is related to poor socialization, poor enrichment, poor handling, and poor training
Grew too large, which is related primarily to a lack of education about Great Danes and their size
Plays too rough with kids, which is related to poor socialization and training, as above
All of those things require new Great Dane owners to be well educated on the breed’s size, temperament, and training requirements as well as how to find an ethical preservation breeder.
We believe that the answer is YES, but where most people fail is that they:
a. Use a heavy-handed punishment-based training approach
b. Don’t correctly manage or handle their dog’s behavior, social needs, and enrichment requirements
b. Don’t realize how many times a dog has to be rewarded for something, and how many times and places it needs to be practiced during training sessions before the skill becomes automatic
We’re going to offer some tips on Great Dane training below, but if you need more help, please consider hiring a certified professional dog trainer in your area.
Positive reinforcement is the process of rewarding a dog with a treat, favorite toy, play, affection, or praise.
Doing so increases the chance that a dog will repeat good behavior!
All new behaviors should be taught this way, including sit, down, heel, come, leave it, wait, touch, and place.
You must practice and reward these skills many times in many different places!
Some people are so impressed that their Great Dane puppy will sit in the kitchen for them every time. They are later shocked, however, when their puppy will not sit on command anywhere else.
Dogs don’t generalize well. They have to learn that sit means sit here, sit there, sit anywhere when asked. It’s imperative that you practice this in different places with lots of distractions.
Everyday life is much more complex than what happens in your living room.
Once they have their lightbulb moment, you are home free and can add additional layers of difficulty, including other commands, and phase out the treats to use only verbal praise!
We recommend pairing positive reinforcement with gentle, modern balanced training.
Balanced training is when you reward your dog for behaviors that you want them to repeat, and then if needed you either manage (prevent) or correct behaviors that you do not want them to repeat.
Some examples of this include:
-Leash walking: you would reward your dog for walking calmly by your side, and then manage or correct them if they pull ahead or lag behind
-Jumping up: you would reward your dog for having all four feet on the ground, and by keeping your dog on a leash when they tend to jump, you can manage and correct the behavior
-Chasing kids: you would reward your dog for calm behavior around kids, and then manage or correct the behavior if they start to chase
-Digging: you would reward your dog for playing near digging spots without digging, and then manage the behavior or balance it by providing an appropriate outlet such as a sandbox or digging pit
Remember that management is not a punishment, but overuse of restrictions and isolation is unfair to your dog.
Corrections don’t have to be harsh, forceful, scary, or painful and can bridge the gap between freedom and ongoing restraint for your dog.
We believe that the best training tools you can use meet the following guidelines:
Work primarily as a form of communication, not a form of physical restraint
Do not obstruct the way a dog moves its shoulders, head, feet, or neck
Result in dogs gaining more freedom and more enrichment opportunities, without long-haul ongoing processes that may be unreliable or frustrating in the long run
Are high quality and work without months of conditioning
Will allow Great Danes to be off-leash and free of restraint as much as possible
For example, no-pull harnesses and Gentle Leaders are aversive tools that rely on physical restraint. They work by altering the dog’s natural movement and restricting forward momentum through physical force. Head collars in particular tend to be distressing and aversive to dogs, even when introduced slowly.
These tools are unfortunately marketed as ‘positive’ and ‘gentle’. However, if you look at the actual mechanics and science of it, they are anything but that.
We are a science-based blog, so when people claim that head collars and harnesses are not aversive, we have questions about their motivations and their scientific thought process!
Keep in mind that Great Danes are GIANT breed dogs. They can and will pull, lunge, and take control of the leash. A Great Dane in a harness can easily become dangerous.
We recommend the use of positive reinforcement, paired with flat collars and a long leash or off-leash work to teach all skills. Engagement and rewards are key!
Following that, the use of a positively implemented, correctly fit prong collar (which uses pressure, not pinching or stabbing) for leash walking is a surprisingly humane and appropriate way to keep your Great Dane safe and be able to go places together without months of incremental ‘positive only’ training or restrictive nylon tools.
Additionally, the use of modern E-Collars, which use gentle muscle stimulation to replace leash pressure, is our favorite go-to training tool for Great Danes.
E-Collars are the ONLY tool that uses absolutely no physical touch or restraint. The sensation the dog feels is more gentle than the pressure from any head collar or harness; it does not shock or punish the dog.
All Great Danes should be taught the following commands. Keep training sessions short, exciting, and rewarding!
To avoid giving too many treats, keep the rewards small and frequent. Your dog doesn’t need a WHOLE treat for each behavior, they just need a tiny bite.
With Great Dane puppies, you have an incredible opportunity to start training at an early age. Great Dane puppies are intelligent dogs and will respond well to treats, praise, play, and attention.
Great Danes are in fact easy to train, so long as you are willing to put the time in!
PRO TIP: most bad behavior is a direct result of poor training, incorrect socialization, inadequate enrichment, and handling or management issues. It’s rarely because a dog is ‘stubborn, willful or defiant’.
The biggest mistake people make when they crate train their Dane puppies is letting them scream, cry and panic inconsolably. This is a bad training technique that literally encourages the puppy to practice the wrong behavior and emotions.
Instead, use a modern training method that makes the crate a fun, safe, and rewarding space.
This may mean starting slow and introducing the crate over several days. Feed meals inside of the crate, and play games where your puppy can learn the basic commands of ‘FREE’ and ‘CRATE UP’!
By making ‘crate up’ and ‘free’ into a game or fun trick, your puppy will be crate trained in no time at all.
Teach your Great Dane to love their crate, and it will be a safe place for them for years to come.
Socialization is one of the most important things you can do for your Great Dane puppy.
Start socialization early, and continue throughout the puppy’s life. Socialization is how your puppy learns to be comfortable around people, other animals, new environments, and different sounds and situations.
A well-socialized dog is a happy dog! The best way to socialize your Dane puppy is to expose them to as many new people, places, and things as possible. But, do NOT scare them. If they are fearful, this exposure can actually make things worse.
Every experience must end on a positive note. The more positive experiences they have, the more confident and well-rounded they will be!
Avoid having constant tension on the leash; this mild pressure will result in poor socialization experiences.
Our Great Dane puppy socialization guide will tell you everything you need to know!
We recommend starting puppy socialization and 101 obedience classes by 10-12 weeks of age.
Puppy classes are an excellent way to train and socialize your Dane. They will give them a solid foundation of obedience commands that will result in good behavior.
Classes are also a great way to meet other dog owners in your area, receive feedback on your technique, and work with your dog around distractions.
If you only ever train your dog inside of your house, don’t be shocked when they ignore your commands outside of the house!
Most trainers offer intermediate and advanced obedience classes as well. Don’t stop at puppy classes! As your Dane grows, so should their education.
Once your puppy has advanced, you may even consider taking classes for fitness or scent work. Fun tricks can be built upon and used to obtain AKC trick dog titles as well!
Sometimes, group classes aren’t the best option. If you have a dog with special needs, or if you’re looking for more personalized attention, private training may be the way to go.
With private training, you can work one-on-one with a trainer to address specific training goals. This type of training is great for dogs who are shy, fearful, or aggressive.
The bottom line is this: if you want a well-trained dog, you need to put in the time and effort!
Training takes patience, consistency, and commitment.
We’re going to provide some of our favorite Great Dane training tips below!
Having a well-trained, well-socialized Great Dane is an absolute joy. The following basic commands are easy to master if you break them down and start at a level where your dog can learn.
Loose leash walking
We recommend a two-step process for teaching loose leash skills for dogs that pull, lunge, and drag you down the street.
Step One
Practice off-leash in your living room. Use high-value rewards (small bites!) to reward your dog for taking steps next to your left hip and looking at you as you walk together, turn corners, and navigate obstacles.
Gradually increase the difficulty, distance, and distractions. Once your dog can take 10 steps, clip a loose leash onto a flat collar and keep practicing both indoors and out in low-distraction environments.
Step Two
Once your dog is happily following you around off-leash or on a loose leash, it’s time to add a prong collar.
A correctly fit prong collar will not hurt your dog and will give you the ability to keep your dog safe while walking in high-traffic areas or around other dogs.
You must first teach your dog how to respond to the pressure from the collar. Here is an excellent video on this training technique!
Remember to use reinforcement (praise, treats, and toys) when your dog is walking politely on a leash!
How to choose the best prong collar for your Great Dane.
We recommend first installing an amazing recall. This means rewarding your dog with treats, toys, and praise when they come to you.
Offer a cue word or phrase such as “here” or “come” while your dog is not paying attention to you, then immediately reward them when they turn their head towards you.
Do this in short training sessions throughout the day, and gradually increase the distance and distractions. Never scold your dog for blowing you off or not coming when called!
Once your dog has a good recall, it’s time to layer in the E-Collar so they can safely be off-leash.
Polite Social Skills
Great Danes MUST have polite social skills with people and dogs. It is dangerous for them to be humping, jumping, mouthing, or being rude in any way.
Positive socialization, obedience training, and working with an accredited AKC CGC Evaluator/Trainer will ensure that your Great Dane is a polite, friendly, calm, confident citizen anywhere you go.
Stay and Place training is critical for all dogs, but especially important for Great Danes.
This is because Great Danes are giant dogs and can easily knock over small children or elderly people when they jump up or lean on them.
As with all new skills, this is easy to teach using rewards!
Start with your dog in a sit or down, then take one step away from them. If they move, simply stop and go back to the beginning. Train your Great Dane to stay by starting at a very basic level, and working your way up.
When they stay put, even if it’s just for a second, reward/treat and then repeat.
Gradually increase the distance, time, and distractions.
Training Great Danes is Easy
We believe that training Great Danes is easy. Start at a young age if possible. Use lots of verbal praise, small treats, and rewards.
If you find yourself saying NO more than you are saying YES, ask yourself the following questions:
Does my dog actually know the behavior that I am asking, in this level of distractions?
Is my puppy mature enough physically and mentally to respond to this?
Am I being fair with my corrections, or am I being frustrated?
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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?
After years of searching, trial and error I think I’ve found a near-perfect treat training pouch.
A bait bag like the OllyDog Backcountry is made to carry treats for your dog during luring, training, sports, and activities.
Having a great treat training pouch that is easy to use, rugged and simple to wear is so important. At Hello Danes we believe in positive reinforcement (and modern balanced) dog training, and treats are a HUGE piece of that puzzle!
OllyDog Backcountry Day Pack Treat Pouch Review
I ordered my OllyDog treat pouch directly from Amazon. What really caught my eye was the fact that they had several colors to choose from, including CUTE patterns like the one I chose (with pine trees and hearts. I’m obsessed!).
It came fast with one-day shipping (YAY! I needed it for a training class after my old treat pouch bit the dust).
Some of the colors were out of stock or took longer to arrive, so be aware of that before you fall in love with a color or pattern they have!
OllyDog Treat Pouch First Impressions
I LOVE this pattern so much, it’s adorable. I’d be lying if I didn’t mention that I was worried about the white getting dirty (because you know, dogs) but it’s worth the risk.
The pattern part with the white background does appear to be a high quality, possibly waxed canvas material. I suspect like similar products from that fabric that it’s going to hold up VERY well.
This bag is well-made and sturdy, from heavy canvas, zippers and linings. It’s actually much nicer in quality and build than other treat pouches I’ve had (and believe me, I’ve had several).
I personally like that this dog treat pouch is substantial in size. Many of the smaller ones will spill treats out if you bend over, but this one is deep and wide.
OllyDog Backcountry Treat Pouch Features
This treat pouch offers:
Sturdy construction
Beautiful decorative details
A LARGE deep pouch with a zipper closure, for holding your favorite dog treats
A zipper pouch for your keys and cell phone (keep them secure!)
A pouch with a dispenser hole for doo-doo bags (we prefer the biodegradable or compostable kind)
A stretchy side-pocket made of webbing, may be useful for clickers and small toys
Two of the biggest complaints that people (including me) have about treat pouches (in general) is that they are NOT deep enough OR that their hand doesn’t easily fit into the pouch. OllyDog has solved both of these problems.
How to wear (and use) a dog treat pouch
You can attach your new OllyDog Treat Pouch to your body with the included (removable) belt OR the metal clip. Your choice!
We recommend using positive reinforcement to teach your dog new behaviors. These include things such as:
Sit, Down, Stand
Stay
Wait
Leave it
Let’s Go!
Look
Touch
Place
Heel
Back up
COME!
Positive reinforcement means to add something to reinforce (increase) a behavior.
Professional dog trainers use treats and dog food to motivate and reward dogs.
When using treats for positive reinforcement, HIDE the treat until your dog completes the behavior!
When you hide the treats (in an OllyDog or similar treat pouch), the treats become a surprise reward.
The goal with all treat training is to fade out the reliance on treats, so don’t spend too much time luring!
Keep your hands off the treats until your dog shows the behavior you want. Storing the goodies in a treat pouch, but still easily accessible, is the professional way of doing things.
A good treat pouch is a must-have for training classes, rewarding good behavior around the house (especially for puppies!), hiking, and more.
A simple clip on the outside front would have made it so that the remote could be attached to this bag, and you could also have the treats within reach. E-Collar training should always be taught with lots of positive reinforcement, and the Mini-Educator (low stim, feels like a touch sensation) paired with treats = magic for you and your dog.
Until I figure out how to fashion my own clip for this, I’ll continue to wear my E-Collar remotes around my neck.
The OllyDog Treat pouch comes in two versions: the Backcountry (my personal favorite, as we walk and hike off-leash often), or the smaller goodie bag with magnetic closure.
The smaller version is perfect for dog owners who want something more compact with fewer features.
Like the Backcountry treat pouch, it comes in a range of gorgeous designer colors and patterns.
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?
Raising a puppy can be a fun, joyous, and sometimes frustrating adventure. It’s important to avoid making common training mistakes when training Great Dane puppies.
If you’re not careful, you may end up with a giant disobedient dog that barks, pulls, and jumps on people! Don’t let their cute, snuggly little puppy bodies fool you; an untrained Great Dane is a dangerous animal and if you are reading this post, you probably need to start working on training yesterday.
In this blog post, we will discuss five common mistakes made when training Great Dane puppies (and how to avoid them). If you want to have a well-behaved dog, this is the place to be!
Mistakes Made When Training Great Dane Puppies
#1 – Waiting Too Long Before Training
One common mistake made when training Great Dane puppies is not starting early enough.
It’s important to begin training your puppy as soon as possible so that they can learn good habits from the start. If you wait too long to start training, your puppy may develop bad habits that will be difficult to break.
Don’t wait for training classes to start. Don’t wait until your puppy has had all of its shots. Don’t wait until bad habits have already set in!
If your breeder was reputable, he or she would have also established some early crate training, leash training, attention and bathroom habits.
Good training means using a lot of positive reinforcement to teach your puppy what behaviors are the most rewarding. By keeping your puppy close you can start teaching the basics such as:
Go potty
Sit
Down
Leave it
Wait (at doors)
These are all simple and easy to teach and will help minimize the bad behaviors from popping up later!
If you only train your puppy once in a while, they won’t learn as quickly or as effectively. It’s important to be consistent with training so that your puppy knows what is expected of them. Training doesn’t stop once your puppy has been through puppy classes!
Great Dane puppies benefit the most from 2-3 minute sessions, several times per day. It is also helpful to use a crate, gate, or leash to manage behavior (and keep your puppy from practicing the wrong thing!).
By establishing some boundaries and rules in your home (for example, NO running through doors!) you can maintain predictability and consistency for your dog which will pay off in the long run.
Use this time to teach the foundations of an off-leash heel, look at me, touch (my hand), sit, down and stay. These sessions should be fun, short and full of rewards!
Here are some of our favorite Great Dane puppy training treats (click to view):
Another common mistake is using too much force and punishment when training.
This can be counterproductive and cause your puppy to become scared or aggressive. It’s important to use positive reinforcement when training your puppy, such as praise and treats.
It is unfair to punish, scold, or correct a dog that doesn’t know what they should be doing instead.
We believe in balanced training (saying YES often and saying NO when appropriate) but we do not recommend using punitive, harsh, forceful, or aggressive training methods.
Spend more time saying ‘YES’ to your puppy than saying ‘NO’. If you find yourself constantly saying ‘NO’, your puppy needs more positive training, management and guidance from you.
#4 – Not Socializing Your Great Dane Puppy
A fourth common mistake is not socializing your puppy enough.
Socialization is important for Great Danes so that they can learn how to interact with other dogs and people. If you don’t socialize with your puppy, they may become shy or anxious around others.
Socialization means so much more than meeting people and dogs! It means taking your puppy to new places, exposing them to different sounds, sights, and tactile experiences while also teaching them how to behave in various situations.
Socialization means positive exposure to novel things. Flooding a puppy with rude people and dogs is not socialization. Having fun exploring new textures, sights, smells and sounds, is.
A harlequin Great Dane puppy exploring a new environment
#5 – Avoiding Professional Help
Finally, a fifth common mistake is not seeking professional help when needed. Many people think they don’t need to take classes or get professional help because they’ve had dogs their whole lives.
If you’re having trouble training your puppy, don’t be afraid to seek out the help of a professional trainer. They can give you valuable advice and guidance on how to train your puppy effectively. For puppies that are doing well, a professional trainer can provide guidance so that together you can achieve even better obedience and training than you thought possible!
Many times, a ‘stubborn’ puppy is actually just confused!
We recommend finding a highly experienced positive trainer who uses balanced training methods (positive reinforcement + appropriate and fair corrections).
We recommend that all Great Danes be trained to a Canine Good Citizen level or better. Sign up for classes beyond puppy 101 and keep going! Having a well-behaved, polite, well-socialized dog is a joy.
Have Fun Training Your Great Dane!
Avoiding these five common mistakes will help you to raise a well-behaved and obedient Great Dane puppy.
With patience and consistency, you can train your puppy to be a well-mannered, polite, calm dog that you can be proud of.
