Obedience · Great Dane
How to Train a Great Dane to Come When Called
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Short answer
Train your Great Dane to come when called by using positive reinforcement, high-value rewards, and the reward-first method in a distraction-free space. Because this breed can be stubborn and easily distracted, practice with patience and slowly increase distance before introducing real-world distractions.
Teaching a Great Dane to come when called is one of the most important safety skills you can instill, especially given their giant size and gentle temperament. While Great Danes are naturally friendly and dependable dogs, their moderate trainability (3/5) means recall training requires patience, consistency, and high-value rewards. This breed's calm energy level (3/5) makes them ideal candidates for reward-based obedience work—they're less likely to get overstimulated than high-energy breeds. However, Great Danes can be stubborn and may ignore commands if distracted. This intermediate guide uses positive reinforcement to build a reliable recall that keeps your large companion safe in any situation, from open gates to off-leash environments.
How to do it
Step-by-step
Tick off each step as you practice it — your progress is saved on this device.
Step 1: Start in a distraction-free zone
Begin recall training indoors or in a small, enclosed yard where your Great Dane can't wander. This removes temptations and helps them focus solely on you. Use short 5-10 minute sessions to match their moderate energy and prevent boredom.
Step 2: Choose a unique recall cue and high-value reward
Select a specific word (e.g., 'here' or 'come') and use it consistently. Great Danes respond best to tangible rewards—use small pieces of cheese, chicken, or special treats they only get during recall training. Pair the cue with genuine excitement in your voice.
Step 3: Practice the reward-first method
Show your Great Dane the treat, say your recall cue once, then immediately reward when they move toward you—even just a step counts. Repeat 3-5 times per session. This builds positive association without requiring them to understand complex commands first.
Step 4: Gradually increase distance and duration
Once your Dane reliably comes from 3-5 feet away, slowly increase distance to 10-15 feet over weeks. Add slight distractions (a toy in the room) only after they succeed consistently at each distance. Progress slowly; their moderate trainability means jumping ahead causes setbacks.
Step 5: Transition to variable rewards and real-world scenarios
Once reliable indoors, alternate between treating every recall and treating randomly—this makes the behavior more durable. Practice in increasingly distracting environments: quiet park, busier park, then near other dogs. Always reward generously when they succeed in new settings.
Step 6: Maintain the behavior with ongoing practice
Recall needs regular reinforcement throughout your Great Dane's life. Practice 2-3 times weekly even after training is complete. Incorporate recall into daily life: call them in from the yard, reward them for coming inside, and never use the recall cue for something they dislike (like nail trims).
For the Great Dane
Pro tips
- Great Danes are food-motivated but can be picky eaters; rotate between 2-3 special treats to maintain excitement. Reserve your highest-value rewards (cheese, chicken) exclusively for recall practice.
- Their giant size makes early recall training critical for safety—a 110-pound dog pulling toward a distraction is dangerous. Train recall before they reach full adult size, ideally starting at 3-4 months old.
- After 60 minutes of daily exercise, your Great Dane will be calm and focused—ideal for recall training. Schedule practice sessions after a walk or play session to set them up for success.
Owners ask
Frequently asked questions
My Great Dane sometimes ignores me when another dog is nearby. Why?
Despite their gentle temperament, Great Danes can become distracted by social stimuli. Their moderate trainability (3/5) means they need extra motivation in distracting situations. Use even higher-value rewards (special treats they rarely get) when other dogs are present, and practice recall around dogs regularly to build their focus.
How often should I practice recall training with my Great Dane?
Start with 5-10 minute sessions, 4-5 times per week. Once your Dane has reliable recall indoors, reduce to 2-3 weekly practice sessions. Given their moderate energy level, short, frequent sessions work better than long training blocks.
Can I use a long training lead during recall practice?
Yes, a long lead (15-30 feet) is excellent for intermediate training in open spaces. It lets your Great Dane feel free while ensuring safety and success. Always remove the lead before rewarding to reinforce that the recall itself—not the lead—is what matters.
My Great Dane likes to lean on me and sometimes knocks me over when coming. Should I correct this?
No—avoid corrections with positive-reinforcement recall training. Instead, reward them for sitting calmly after coming to you, or step to the side so their weight doesn't unbalance you. Redirect their enthusiasm into sitting, which also addresses a common Great Dane challenge (jumping and leaning).
Watch
Videos: recall
How to Train ANY Dog to COME When Called NOW! Choosing You Over Distractions
Zak George · Works for any breed
How to train your dog to RELIABLY come when called
Kikopup · Works for any breed
Spotted a mistake or something out of date? Email us — we review every report, fix the guide and update its date. Our guides are general education, not a substitute for a certified trainer or veterinary behaviorist.
