Raising a Well-Trained Great Dane
When you picture a Great Dane, chances are you imagine a towering, gentle giant and you'd be right. With some males reaching up to 175 pounds, this breed is one of the largest in the canine world. With great size comes great responsibility. If you're considering bringing home a Great Dane puppy, one of the most important things you can do is start training from day one.
Start Smart: Early Training Matters
Great Dane puppies are adorable, but don’t let their floppy paws and wobbly legs fool you because bad habits formed early can become major challenges later. Common behavioral issues in large breeds include:
Leash pulling
Counter-surfing (stealing food or objects)
While not all Great Danes are jumpers, even one enthusiastic leap from a full-grown Dane can knock over an adult. That’s why boundaries matter. For example, if you allow a puppy to pull on the leash and simply follow along, they’ll learn that pulling works, and continue to do it into adulthood.
From the very beginning, teach your Dane to walk on a loose leash, stay close to your side, and check in with you for guidance. These foundational behaviors will help your dog feel more confident and help you navigate the world together, especially important given that some people may feel uneasy around such a large dog.
If you adopt an adult dog, or your full grown dog already has some behavior concerns, not to worry. It’s never too late to begin training, and your Great Dane will thank you! Not only will training help this extra large dog succeed and become a wonderful companion, it is a great way to provide mental stimulation and build the bond you have with your dog.
Representing the Breed Responsibly
One of the best things you can do for the breed is to represent it well. That means raising a polite, well-mannered dog who doesn’t lunge toward people or drag you across the street to greet another dog. It means teaching a reliable “heel” cue and being able to calmly manage your Dane in public spaces.
Exercise With Caution
Great Danes may not be the most high-energy breed, but they still need daily exercise and mental stimulation. However, their large size means extra caution during growth periods. Avoid repetitive impact and jumping with Dane puppies especially under 24 months, to protect their developing joints.
Instead, try low-impact activities like:
Scent work
Structured obedience games
Enrichment puzzles and homemade challenges
Training routines that engage their brain without overstressing their body
Watch for Bloat (Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus)
Great Danes are prone to GDV, commonly known as bloat, a serious and sometimes fatal condition. Talk to your veterinarian about preventative measures and learn what to watch. Unfortunately GDV is more common in some breeds than others, which is why learning more about it and what to do for your dog is important.
Grooming and Daily Care
Great Danes have short, smooth coats. Regular grooming helps keep them clean and comfortable.
Use a bristle brush or rubber grooming mitt once or twice a week
Wipe down their coat with a damp cloth to enhance shine
Keep their nails trimmed
Clean their ears regularly
Watch for leftover food around their lips and jowls
These dogs can be a little drooly, so have a towel handy.
Teach Impulse Control
Training your Great Dane to “leave it” and ignore counters is crucial. Their height gives them easy access to kitchen surfaces, and one successful grab can turn them into a thief. Clean counters and consistent training will help prevent bad habits from forming.
A Companion Above All
Though originally bred as guard dogs, today’s Great Danes are loyal, affectionate companions. They often bond deeply with their families.
They’re not always the most outgoing dogs with strangers or new dogs, but they’re incredibly devoted to their people. Given the right structure, training, and attention to health, they thrive.
Final Thoughts
With the right training and care, you won’t just have a manageable dog, you’ll have an incredible ambassador for the breed. Whether curled up on the couch or walking calmly through a crowd, a well-raised Great Dane turns heads in the best way.
Ready to get started with your Great Dane puppy? The earlier you invest in training and structure, the smoother your journey will be.
