Great Dane Training
The Great Dane is a gentle giant—friendly, patient, and dependable despite its towering size. That size is exactly why training matters early: a 140-pound dog that pulls on leash, jumps, or counter-surfs is hard to manage, so leash manners and impulse control should be taught while it is still a puppy. Danes are sensitive and eager to please, responding well to calm, reward-based methods and poorly to harsh handling. Their exercise needs are moderate, but their joints require care during growth. Well-trained and socialized, the Great Dane is a sweet, easygoing housemate that thinks it is a lap dog.
Below are 30 breed-specific training guides for the Great Dane, organized by category.
Obedience
How to Leash Train a Great DaneTeaching calm, polite walking without pulling on the leash.beginnerHow to Train a Great Dane to Come When CalledA reliable recall is the most important safety skill you can teach.intermediateHow to Teach a Great Dane to SitThe foundational obedience cue every dog should learn first.beginnerHow to Teach a Great Dane to StayBuilding duration, distance, and distraction control with the stay cue.beginnerHow to Teach a Great Dane to Leave ItImpulse control around food, objects, and hazards.intermediateHow to Teach a Great Dane to HeelPrecision loose-leash walking in the heel position.intermediateHow to Teach a Great Dane to Lie DownThe down cue as a building block for settle and impulse control.beginnerHow to Teach a Great Dane the Place CommandSending your dog to a mat or bed and holding a relaxed stay.intermediate
Puppy
How to Potty Train a Great Dane PuppyA step-by-step house-training routine for reliable results.beginnerHow to Crate Train a Great DaneMaking the crate a safe, calm den your dog chooses willingly.beginnerHow to Stop a Great Dane Puppy From BitingCurbing nipping and teaching gentle bite inhibition.beginnerHow to Socialize a Great Dane PuppyBuilding confidence during the critical socialization window.beginnerHow to Stop a Great Dane Puppy From Crying at NightSettling a new puppy for peaceful, uninterrupted nights.beginnerThe Ideal Training Schedule for a Great Dane PuppyA daily routine balancing training, play, rest, and potty breaks.beginner
Behavior
How to Stop a Great Dane From BarkingIdentifying triggers and reducing excessive or nuisance barking.intermediateHow to Treat Separation Anxiety in a Great DaneA gradual desensitization plan for dogs that panic when left alone.advancedHow to Stop a Great Dane From Chewing EverythingManaging destructive chewing and teaching appropriate outlets.beginnerHow to Stop a Great Dane From Jumping on PeopleTeaching polite greetings instead of jumping up.beginnerHow to Handle Aggression in a Great DaneUnderstanding and safely managing aggressive behavior.advancedHow to Fix Leash Reactivity in a Great DaneReducing lunging and barking at dogs or people on walks.advancedHow to Stop a Great Dane From DiggingRedirecting the urge to dig into acceptable outlets.intermediateHow to Stop Resource Guarding in a Great DaneSafely resolving guarding of food, toys, and spaces.advancedHow to Help a Great Dane Overcome Fear of StrangersBuilding confidence in a shy or fearful dog around new people.advancedHow to Stop a Great Dane From Counter SurfingKeeping paws off counters and food off the menu.intermediate
Advanced
How to Train a Great Dane to Be Off LeashDeveloping the reliability needed for safe off-leash freedom.advancedHow to Clicker Train a Great DaneUsing marker-based training for fast, precise communication.intermediateHow to Teach a Great Dane TricksFun trick training from shake and roll over to advanced chains.intermediateHow to Start Agility Training With a Great DaneIntroducing your dog to agility equipment and courses.advancedHow to Prepare a Great Dane for the Canine Good Citizen TestPassing the AKC Canine Good Citizen certification, step by step.intermediateAdvanced Obedience Training for a Great DaneProofing advanced obedience under real-world distractions.advanced