Advanced · Great Dane
How to Teach a Great Dane Tricks
Updated · How we write our guides
Short answer
Teach your Great Dane tricks using positive reinforcement and high-value rewards broken into short, consistent sessions. Because of their giant size and sensitive temperament, use patient luring techniques to build confidence and redirect common habits like jumping or leaning into polite foundation behaviors.
Great Danes are gentle giants with a patient, dependable temperament that makes them excellent candidates for trick training—despite their moderate trainability score. Their calm demeanor and eager-to-please nature mean they respond wonderfully to positive reinforcement and short, consistent sessions. However, their size presents unique challenges: jumping, leaning, and counter-surfing can cause unintended chaos in your home. This guide focuses on fun, engaging tricks like shake, roll over, and advanced chains that channel their natural intelligence while addressing common behavioral issues. With just 60 minutes of daily exercise and strategic training bursts, your Great Dane can master impressive tricks that strengthen your bond and provide mental stimulation—keeping this lovable giant happy and well-behaved at home.
How to do it
Step-by-step
Tick off each step as you practice it — your progress is saved on this device.
Step 1: Build Foundation Behaviors with High-Value Rewards
Start with basic tricks (sit, down, stay) using treats your Great Dane finds irresistible. Keep sessions to 5–10 minutes, 2–3 times daily, since Great Danes have moderate energy and can lose focus. Consistency and patience are key; their trainability is moderate, so frequent, short reinforcement works better than long sessions.
Step 2: Teach 'Shake' Using Paw Targeting
Hold a treat close to your dog's chest and slightly to one side. Most Great Danes naturally lift a paw to investigate. The moment they lift it, say 'shake,' reward, and repeat. Do this 5–10 times per session. Within days, your Great Dane will offer their paw on command—a perfect trick that also channels their gentle nature productively.
Step 3: Progress to 'Roll Over' with Luring Techniques
Ask your Great Dane to lie down. Lure their nose toward their shoulder with a treat, encouraging them to roll onto their side, then their back. Break the full roll into segments across multiple sessions before chaining them together. Given their size, patience is essential—rushing can create confusion and frustration.
Step 4: Chain Tricks into Short Sequences
Once 'shake' and 'roll over' are solid, practice linking them: sit → shake → roll over. Use a release word like 'free' to mark the end. Great Danes thrive with clear structure, and chaining tricks provides mental enrichment that reduces unwanted behaviors like jumping and leaning.
Step 5: Address Size-Related Challenges During Training
Use training to redirect jumping and leaning by rewarding all four paws on the ground. Practice 'place' on a mat to prevent counter-surfing and give your giant a designated rest spot. Train leash-walking on a harness with frequent direction changes to manage pulling—making these part of your overall training rhythm.
Step 6: Maintain Progress with Consistent, Low-Pressure Practice
Practice tricks during your daily 60-minute exercise routine, incorporating 2–3 short sessions. Great Danes are sensitive and respond poorly to harsh corrections; use only positive reinforcement and patience. End every session on a success, no matter how small, to keep their motivation high and your bond strong.
For the Great Dane
Pro tips
- Keep treats small and rewards immediate: Giant breeds eat quickly, so small, soft treats allow rapid reinforcement without overfeeding or slowing down training momentum.
- Practice tricks on a non-slip surface indoors: Great Danes' size makes sliding floors frustrating; use mats or rugs to give them confidence and prevent muscle strain during trick work.
- Train during cooler hours: With their large body mass, Great Danes can overheat easily; schedule training sessions in early morning or evening, especially during warm months.
Owners ask
Frequently asked questions
Why does my Great Dane seem to forget tricks he already knows?
Great Danes have moderate trainability, meaning they need frequent reinforcement to retain behaviors. Sessions should be short (5–10 minutes) but consistent. If gaps occur between practice, old habits resurface. Return to basics, reward generously, and practice daily to keep skills sharp.
How do I prevent my Great Dane from jumping or leaning on people during trick training?
Use training as the solution: reward all four paws on the ground heavily, teach 'place' on a mat as an alternative, and practice on a leash during sessions if needed. Redirect the energy into tricks like 'sit' or 'down,' and never reward jumping with attention. Consistency is crucial with their size.
What's the best time of day to train my Great Dane?
Train after exercise (within your 60-minute daily routine) when your Great Dane is content but not overly tired. Avoid training when they're hyperactive or exhausted. Great Danes also appreciate a calm environment, so mornings or early evenings often work best before busy household activity.
Can Great Danes really do advanced chains, or are they too stubborn?
Absolutely! Great Danes are dependable and patient dogs, not stubborn. They excel at chaining when broken into small steps with consistent positive reinforcement. Their calm temperament actually makes them ideal for complex sequences—just expect a slower learning curve than high-drive breeds and adjust your timeline accordingly.
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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.
