How to Train Great Danes

The Great Dane is a large breed of dog referred to as the "gentle giant" of the dog world. Though this canine is known to be well-mannered and easy to please, the Great Dane requires some training, preferably as a youngster. While it makes a great companion, it is also rather domineering and grows very quickly. Without training your dog, it can get a bit unruly and hard to handle as it gets larger.

Things You'll Need

  • Dog crate
  • Dog bed
  • Blanket
  • Favorite toy
  • Special dog treat
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Instructions

    • 1

      Purchase a crate large enough for your dog to grow into. The Great Dane grows rather quickly. The crate will serve as a training tool as well as your dog's safe haven when it wants to find solace.

    • 2

      Section off the crate to fit your puppy as it grows. Many crates are sold with a divider. While training your Great Dane as a pup, you want to provide just enough room for the bed, blanket and a favorite toy so your puppy can lay down and stand when necessary. It is important to restrict the space, since a puppy will not soil the area where it sleeps.

    • 3

      Place your puppy in the crate when it is being left home alone or when you are retiring for the night. When letting your Great Dane out of the crate, immediately take it outside. Use a specific word on the command you are trying to enforce, such as "go potty" or "go poo."

    • 4

      Use the same phrase each time you take your dog outside and when it performs the behavior, provide a small treat immediately, along with a lot of praise. You want your dog to know it is a job well done.

    • 5

      Plan a regular potty schedule with your Great Dane, such as when coming out of the crate, as soon as you get up each morning, just before bed, when you are leaving home, when you return and at least once every couple of hours when you are at home.

    • 6

      Teach basic obedience on a daily basis as well as housebreaking your dog. Attach a leash to your dog's collar for leash training and let it drag the leash around and get used to the feel of it. Give your dog a treat and praise for getting used to the leash. The next step is to pick up the leash and hold it loosely. When your dog takes a few steps, give a reward. When your dog pulls or refuses to walk, stand still without giving a reward. As your dog progresses on the leash, give the treat and praise.

    • 7

      Teach your puppy to sit. Begin while facing your dog with treats in your right hand. Say the word "sit" while lifting the hand with the treat and, if necessary, gently pushing down on the dog's rear to get it in a seated position. It may take several tries to accomplish the desired behavior. Do not give the reward until your Great Dane sits.

    • 8

      Proceed with commands such as lay, come and stay by giving the command to your dog while using hand signals, treats and a whole lot of praise. Repeat each command until the behavior is accomplished.