How to Stop a Great Dane From Chewing Everything
Great Danes are gentle giants known for their calm, friendly temperament and patience—but their size and moderate trainability mean destructive chewing can cause serious damage. Unlike high-energy breeds, a Great Dane's chewing often stems from boredom, anxiety, or lack of appropriate outlets rather than excess energy. With their dependable nature, they respond well to consistent, positive-reinforcement training that teaches them what *is* acceptable to chew rather than what isn't. This guide will help you redirect your Dane's natural chewing drive, provide enriching alternatives, and establish boundaries—all while leveraging their gentle, eager-to-please temperament. By addressing the root cause and offering satisfying outlets, you can transform destructive chewing into a manageable behavior within weeks.
Step-by-step
- 1
Remove temptation and secure the environment
Great Danes' height and reach mean they can access household items other dogs cannot—clear counters, tables, and low shelves of shoes, remote controls, and cushions. Restrict your Dane's unsupervised access to high-traffic areas where chewing damage is most likely, using baby gates or a designated pen if necessary, until the behavior improves.
- 2
Provide appropriate chewing outlets daily
Offer a rotating selection of long-lasting, durable chews (bully sticks, yak chews, heavy-duty rubber toys) and puzzle toys that challenge your Dane's mind. Great Danes need mental stimulation to prevent boredom-driven chewing; aim to introduce new chew items every few days and supervise initially to ensure they're using them safely.
- 3
Establish a structured daily routine
Great Danes thrive on predictability; schedule a 60-minute daily exercise session (walk, fetch, or play) at the same time each day to burn off energy and reduce anxiety. Follow exercise with a 15-20 minute enrichment window (puzzle toy or chew) to satisfy their chewing drive while they're calm and focused.
- 4
Catch and redirect chewing behavior in the moment
When you see your Dane chewing an inappropriate item, calmly interrupt with a gentle 'leave it' and immediately redirect to an approved chew toy using an excited tone. Praise and reward with treats when they engage with the correct toy—this positive association helps your Dane learn the boundary without punishment.
- 5
Use positive reinforcement to reward appropriate chewing
Frequently praise and treat your Great Dane when you find them naturally chewing approved items, even if you weren't directing them. Great Danes are food-motivated and responsive to verbal praise; consistent rewards strengthen the habit of choosing appropriate outlets.
- 6
Monitor for underlying anxiety or pain
Excessive chewing can signal anxiety, stress, or dental/joint pain—particularly relevant in giant breeds like Great Danes, who are prone to hip dysplasia. If chewing persists despite appropriate outlets and exercise, consult your vet to rule out medical issues or discuss whether a calming supplement or anxiety protocol is needed.
Pro tips
- Great Danes don't need extreme daily exercise—60 minutes is often enough—but *mental* stimulation (puzzle toys, chew sessions) prevents boredom-driven chewing just as effectively. Swap in a high-value chew after their walk to satisfy their chewing drive while they're calm.
- Your gentle Dane responds poorly to harsh corrections; avoid yelling or punishment, which can trigger anxiety and *worsen* destructive chewing. Redirection and reward work faster and align with their patient, eager-to-please nature.
- Great Danes' height means they can reach and destroy items other dogs can't—don't just puppy-proof at ankle level. Store tempting items in closed cabinets, use tall shelves, and keep your Dane's approved chew toys in high-traffic areas where they'll naturally gravitate to them.
Frequently asked questions
My Great Dane is a gentle giant but chews everything when I leave for work—is this destructive chewing or separation anxiety?+
It could be either or both. Moderate chewing of available items is often boredom, but excessive, frantic chewing paired with pacing or vocalizing suggests anxiety. Try the steps in this guide first (exercise, appropriate outlets, crate training). If behavior intensifies when you prepare to leave, consult your vet about anxiety management strategies.
My Dane is counter-surfing and chewing things off the table with her height advantage—what should I do?+
Great Danes' size makes counter-surfing dangerous and common. Remove temptation by keeping counters completely clear, practice 'leave it' and 'place' commands with treats, and give her a designated mat away from the kitchen during meal prep. Consistent redirection plus appropriate chews will reduce this behavior.
How long does it typically take to see improvement in chewing behavior?+
With consistent positive reinforcement and appropriate outlets, most Great Danes show noticeable improvement within 2-4 weeks. Their dependable, patient temperament means they respond well to clear boundaries, but progress depends on consistency from you and adequate daily exercise and enrichment.
Are certain chew toys safer or more durable for a Great Dane's powerful jaw?+
Yes—avoid rawhide and small rubber toys that can be gulped. Opt for heavy-duty options: bully sticks, yak chews, Kong Extreme black toys, or antlers. Always supervise initially and replace toys if they splinter. Great Danes' size and jaw strength mean they can damage softer materials, so durability is essential for safety.