At a glance
- Great Dane puppies require early training between 8-12 weeks due to their rapid growth and eventual size of up to 200 pounds
- Socialisation is critical during the first 16 weeks to prevent fearfulness and reactivity in adulthood
- A front-clip harness and positive reinforcement methods work best for managing their strength and sensitive temperament
- Training requires approximately 10,000 repetitions (about 27 times daily for a year) for true mastery of behaviours
You might notice your Great Dane puppy seems different from other breeds you've known. That's because training these gentle giants presents unique challenges that many dog owners aren't prepared for. Their combination of rapid growth, immense final size, and surprisingly sensitiveGreat Danesns that what works for a Labrador or Border Collie often falls short with Great Danes.
Many Great Dane owners worry when they realise their adorable 20-pound puppy will become a 140-200 pound adult in just 18-24 months. Unlike smaller breeds, even minor behavioural issues can become dangerous when your dog weighs more than most people. The window for establishing good habits is narrow, making those first few months absolutely critical.
Why timing matters more than you think
When it comes to Great Dane training, starting early isn't just helpful, it's essential. Research shows that training must begin ideally between 8-12 weeks of age to establish good habits before their size makes correction difficult. These dogs are considered working dogs and are intelligent, but they're also sensitive and can be easily overwhelmed by harsh training methods.
The mathematics of dog training reveals something important: it takes approximately 10,000 repetitions of a behaviour for a dog to truly master it. That translates to about 27 times per day for one year. Starting this process when your puppy weighs 30 pounds is vastly different from beginning when they weigh 100 pounds.
Great Danes mature slowly, taking 18-24 months to reach full size. Their training must be tailored to both their physical and emotional development throughout this extended puppyhood. What you teach them in those first few months will determine whether you have a well-mannered companion or a house-sized problem.
Socialisation: your most important investment
Have you wondered why some Great Danes seem confident and calm while others appear nervous or reactive? The answer usually lies in their early socialisation experiences. Poorly socialised Great Danes can become fearful, aggressive, or reactive as adults, and when you're dealing with a dog this size, those problems become serious safety concerns.
The critical socialisation window runs from 8-16 weeks of age. During this time, expose your puppy to a wide variety of people, animals, sounds, and environments in a controlled, positive way. Use treats and praise to reward calm behaviour during new experiences, but avoid overwhelming your puppy. Short, frequent sessions work better than long, stressful ones.
Experts consistently emphasise this point: "Start early: Begin socialising your Great Dane as soon as possible. Positive reinforcement is key when introducing your Great Dane to new experiences." The dogs that receive proper early socialisation typically develop into confident, stable adults who can handle life's surprises without becoming reactive or fearful.
Essential commands that could save your life
When your dog weighs as much as you do, basic obedience isn't optional. Great Danes must learn essential commands early to ensure safety and control as they grow. The non-negotiable commands include sit, down, stay, recall (come), drop it, and mat training (going to a specific spot on command).
Your training method matters enormously with this breed. Use positive reinforcement through treats, praise, and toys. Keep sessions short, around 5-10 minutes, to match puppy attention spans. Practice in low-distraction environments first, then gradually increase difficulty as your puppy masters each command.
Research suggests that "food can be a great tool for motivation while training a large breed dog. Interactive feeders and toys can help provide that necessary stimulation for your Great Dane puppy in place of a traditional bowl." This approach turns mealtime into training time, maximising your opportunities for positive reinforcement.
Leash training: managing power you can't match
Many Great Dane owners discover too late that their sweet puppy has become stronger than they are. Proper leash training is essential because these dogs can easily overpower an untrained owner. Without proper leash manners, they can pull, tug, or drag their owners, making walks unpleasant and potentially dangerous.
Start leash training indoors or in a quiet, distraction-free space. Use a sturdy leash and a well-fitting harness, specifically a front-clip harness, which is recommended for large breeds as it discourages pulling and gives more control. The Ruffwear Front Range Harness (around $30-$50) paired with a BioThane Leash ($20-$40) provides durability and easy cleaning.
The training process itself is straightforward but requires patience. Reward your puppy for walking calmly beside you. If your puppy pulls, stop walking and wait for them to return to your side. This teaches that pulling leads to a halt in progress, not faster forward movement.
The four-step heel training process
Heel training teaches your dog to walk on your left side, which becomes crucial for control and safety as they grow. This skill requires a systematic approach that builds muscle memory through repetition.
The process involves four steps: lure, mark, reinforce, and repeat. First, use a treat or toy to lure your puppy to your left side. When your puppy reaches the correct position, mark the behaviour with a word like "heel." Immediately give the treat or toy as a reward. Then repeat this process daily for weeks until your puppy understands the expectation.
Gradual exposure is key to success. Start in a low-distraction environment like your garden. Gradually move to more distracting areas, such as a park with no dogs, then with dogs at a distance. This progressive approach builds confidence while maintaining focus on the desired behaviour.
House training and safe spaces
Crate training serves dual purposes for Great Dane puppies: it helps with house training and provides a safe space for your growing dog. The crate should be large enough for your puppy to stand, turn, and lie down comfortably. The Midwest iCrate ($50-$100) offers adjustability as your puppy grows.
Introduce the crate gradually with treats and toys, making it a positive space rather than a punishment. Use a playpen or baby gates to confine your puppy when unsupervised. The Midwest Playpen ($60-$120) provides moderate-cost containment that protects both your puppy and your home.
House training follows the same principles as other training: consistency and positive reinforcement. A crate is particularly useful for keeping them confined while you're busy to keep them safe and also help with toilet training. The confined space encourages natural den instincts and reduces accidents.
Managing biting and exercise needs
Great Dane puppies are prone to biting and mouthing due to their size and teething needs. Redirect biting to appropriate toys like Kong Classic ($10-$20) or Nylabone DuraChew ($10-$15). Use a firm "no" and stop play if biting occurs, but always provide plenty of chew toys to satisfy their natural urge to chew.
Exercise requires careful consideration during the rapid growth phase. These dogs grow quickly, and too much exercise too early can damage their developing bones and joints. Start with short, gentle walks and play sessions, gradually increasing exercise as your puppy grows. Avoid high-impact activities like jumping or running on hard surfaces until your puppy is at least 12-18 months old.
The balance is delicate: "There's too much exercise too early can damage their growing bones and you need to slowly build up to that over time." Mental stimulation through training and puzzle toys often proves more valuable than physical exercise during puppyhood.
When professional help becomes necessary
Sometimes the challenges exceed what owners can handle alone. Seek professional help if your puppy shows signs of aggression, fear, or severe anxiety. If basic training isn't progressing after several weeks of consistent effort, or if you're unsure about your training methods or equipment, professional guidance can prevent small problems from becoming large ones.
Remember that "training a new puppy does not come with a one-size-fits-all approach, especially when dealing with a very large breed like the Great Dane." Professional trainers experienced with giant breeds understand the unique challenges these dogs present and can provide targeted solutions.
The investment in proper training during puppyhood pays dividends for years to come. By starting early, using positive reinforcement, and remaining consistent in your approach, you can guide your Great Dane puppy toward becoming the well-behaved, confident companion these gentle giants are meant to be.
