Hello Danes

Category: Find a Trainer

  • 5 Dog Trainer Red Flags (and How to Spot Them)

    5 Dog Trainer Red Flags (and How to Spot Them)

    With countless dog trainers competing for your attention and hard-earned money, navigating the selection process can be daunting. It becomes even more challenging if you’re unsure about what makes a dog trainer good! I’ve compiled five dog trainer red flags, and am including some information to help you easily spot the warning signs.

    The dog trainer you select plays a pivotal role, impacting not only the training experience but also the relationship you share with your canine companion.

    If you have a new puppy or are facing troublesome behavior with an older dog, this post is for you! In this article you’ll find:

    • How to spot (and avoid )trainers that use extreme and one-size-fits-all dog training methods
    • What credentials and reviews to look for when choosing a dog trainer
    • Information about board and train opportunities
    • Humane dog training methods that work!
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    1. Extreme Dog Training Methods

    Mention dog training methods in any social group online and you will spark a massive debate. People are rabid about their dog training beliefs, and won’t hesitate to throw shade at others over it.

    Once again, life is proving to us that extremes are never good.

    I look at dog training like a big circle. In the middle of that circle lies the humane treatment of animals, common sense, critical thinking, and appropriate boundaries.

    Along various spurs coming from that circle are extreme dog training concepts. Some endorse the idea of never uttering the word “no” to a dog in any form, while others take a more concerning path, resorting to harsh intimidation and physical punishments.

    Dogs are sentient beings that deserve our respect.

    Here are two red flags to watch for when choosing a trainer:

    “Force-Free”, the Impossible Training Method

    Force-free dog training is one of those things that sounds nice on paper. In reality, the foundation of effective dog training lies in a force-free approach.

    However, solely adhering to this concept in practice often leads to dogs becoming confused and frustrated. In essence, freedom and choice are limited so that the trainer never has to tell the dog “no”.

    Unfortunately, for many dogs, that translates to a life confined to a leash, crate, or behind closed doors, while the underlying issues are never truly resolved.

    Ethical and effective force-free training demands a high level of skill—something many trainers unfortunately lack.

    Opt for trainers who prioritize “Positive Reinforcement” instead, as they are generally more open to employing diverse training methods tailored to meet the unique needs of individual dogs.

    Alpha-Dominance/Kuhler/Police K9

    These approaches fall under the category of “traditional” methods and are often featured on reality television dog training shows, such as Cesar Milan’s “The Dog Whisperer.”

    Old-school training techniques grounded in alpha-dominance concepts tread a fine line, bordering on dog abuse. Recognizing these methods as red flags is crucial when evaluating potential dog trainers.

    Key elements of these training techniques may include:

    1. Physical Corrections: Advocates of this approach may use physical corrections, such as repeated leash jerks or collar corrections, to establish dominance and correct undesirable behavior. Some trainers may even encourage owners to engage in actions like jabbing their dog, kicking the dog in the side, biting their dog’s ear, or holding the dog down in a submission position until the dog “gives up.”
    2. Hierarchy Establishment: The training focuses on establishing a clear hierarchy, with the owner positioned as the alpha. This may involve controlling resources, such as food and toys, to reinforce the owner’s dominance.
    3. Body Language Emphasis: Trainers may emphasize using assertive body language to convey dominance, including maintaining eye contact and using certain postures to assert control.
    4. Correction-Based Techniques: Punishment-based techniques are often employed to discourage unwanted behaviors, to reinforce the owner’s role as the dominant figure. Pet owners may be encouraged to throw bags of chains at their pet, or employ a shock collar at high levels so the dog yelps.

    Critics argue that alpha/dominance and other “traditional” training methods can be harsh and may lead to fear or anxiety in dogs. We agree. These methods are dated and have no place in modern dog training.

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    2. The ‘Quick Fix” Dog Trainer

    Dog trainers who advertise a ‘quick fix’ to behavior often raise red flags as these claims can be misleading and potentially harmful.

    Behavioral issues in dogs are complex and varied, requiring a nuanced and individualized approach. Promising swift solutions may indicate a lack of understanding of the underlying causes of a dog’s behavior or an inclination towards shortcuts that overlook the importance of addressing root issues.

    The shortcuts are the most alarming part of “quick fix” dog training methods, as they often involve extremely harsh and unfair punishments.

    Trainers who prioritize quick fixes may resort to methods that mask symptoms temporarily without addressing the core problems, risking long-term behavioral repercussions or potential stress for the dog.

    Pet owners should be cautious and opt for trainers who emphasize a patient, gradual, and comprehensive approach to behavior modification.

    Tread very cautiously with dog trainers who use the following phrases in their marketing:

    • “I guarantee that your dog will never do XYZ again”
    • “In just 10 days, I can put a STOP to all bad behavior in your pet”
    • “Puppy training classes are a scam. All dogs can be fully trained in just 2 weeks.”
    • “Most clients notice a dramatic and permanent improvement after just one hour of my training”
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    3. The Trainer with Limited Transparency

    Trainers who are vague about their techniques, hesitant to answer questions, or unwilling to provide information on their approach may have something to hide.

    Tread extra cautiously with dog trainers who will not allow you to visit their facility or observe them training other dogs, especially if you plan to sign your pup up for a board and train package.

    A lack of transparency can leave pet owners uninformed about the training process, making it challenging to assess the well-being of their dogs during sessions.

    Reputable trainers openly share their methodologies, experiences, and success stories, fostering a transparent relationship with clients.

    The Trainer Who Shames Other Trainers

    In tandem with a lack of transparency, tread very cautiously with trainers who spend a lot of time bashing other trainers and methods.

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    4. The “Nutritionist” Dog Trainer

    Many dog trainers take the opportunity to beef up their resume with a pet nutrition certification, allowing them to position themselves as experts when it comes to feeding pets.

    Do not fall for this. The reality is that a significant number of dog trainers are merely repeating information they acquired while obtaining inexpensive online certificates from non-accredited (and often controversial) sources.

    Dog trainers are not in any way qualified to be giving nutrition or health care advice unless they also happen to be veterinarians, veterinary nutritionists, or certified veterinary technicians with continuing education and credentials in companion animal nutrition.

    While their intentions may be good, it’s essential to approach their information with a degree of skepticism. If your dog trainer is shaming you for choosing a certain dog food brand or advising you to disregard your veterinarian’s guidance, especially when your pet is dealing with a health issue, consider it a red flag.

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    5. The Weekend Dog Trainer with No Insurance

    While passion for dog training is admirable, a lack of liability insurance suggests a potential lack of commitment and professionalism.

    Trained and experienced dog trainers typically carry insurance to protect both themselves and their clients in case of unforeseen incidents.

    Weekend trainers, who may only provide services casually, might not be adequately equipped to handle various situations or emergencies. Choosing a dog trainer without insurance poses a risk, as any mishaps during training sessions may result in financial and legal consequences for both the trainer and the pet owner.

    Pet owners are advised to prioritize certified, insured, and professional dog trainers to ensure the safety and well-being of their beloved companions.

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    How to Choose a Good Dog Trainer: Avoid Dog Trainer Red Flags

    Once you’ve eliminated trainers based on the red flags listed above, you still have many to choose from. Here are some essential tips to help you make an informed decision when choosing a dog trainer for your pet:

    1. Credentials and Certification:
      Look for trainers with formal education or certification in dog training. Reputable certifications come from organizations such as the International Association of Canine Professionals (IACP) or the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT).
    2. Training Methods:
      Understand the trainer’s approach to training. Positive reinforcement and “Balanced” training techniques are widely accepted and effective.
    3. Personalized Approach:
      Choose a trainer who tailors their methods to the specific needs and temperament of your dog. A one-size-fits-all approach may not be effective for every dog.
    4. Transparency:
      Opt for trainers who are transparent about their training methods, experience, and success stories. Avoid those who are vague, unwilling to answer questions, or lack openness about their practices.
    5. Observation Opportunities:
      A good trainer allows you to observe a training session or actively participate. Avoid trainers who don’t provide opportunities for you to see their methods in action.
    6. Understanding Canine Behavior:
      Ensure the trainer has a deep understanding of canine behavior, body language, and psychology. This knowledge is essential for addressing behavioral issues effectively.
    7. References and Reviews:
      Seek references from previous clients or read reviews online. Positive feedback from other pet owners can be a valuable indicator of a trainer’s competence.
    8. Professionalism:
      Assess the trainer’s professionalism, punctuality, and communication skills. A good trainer communicates effectively with both you and your dog.
    9. Insurance:
      Confirm that the trainer has liability insurance. This ensures protection for both parties in case of any unexpected incidents during training sessions.
    10. Passion and Patience:
      Look for a trainer who is genuinely passionate about dogs and demonstrates patience. A positive and compassionate approach contributes to a more successful training experience.

    Taking the time to research and choose a qualified, positive, and ethical dog trainer will contribute to a positive and effective training experience for both you and your beloved pet.

    Have you had great or bad experiences with dog trainers? Leave a comment below!

  • Are Great Danes Scared of Everything?

    Are Great Danes Scared of Everything?

    There’s something uniquely special about Great Danes – they’re big, muscular dogs that are often referred to as the gentle giants of the canine world. But despite their docile appearance, many Great Danes are scared of everything!

    Great Danes are not actually supposed to be timid or fearful, but unfortunately many of them are.

    In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the reasons why these dogs might be so fearful and offer some tips for helping them overcome their fears.

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    Why Are Great Danes Timid?

    Unfortunately, many people have come to believe that all Great Danes are timid and scared of everything, even if there is no real evidence to suggest this.

    It’s true that some Great Danes may be more anxious or skittish than other dogs, but every dog responds differently to different situations.

    Genetics can play a role in a dog’s temperament, and some Great Danes may inherit a predisposition to anxiety or fearfulness. Early socialization is critical for all dogs, and if a Great Dane doesn’t receive adequate exposure to different people, animals, and environments during their crucial developmental stages, they may become more apprehensive.

    Additionally, traumatic experiences, such as loud noises or frightening encounters, can contribute to fear in Great Danes, as they can in any dog breed. It’s important for Great Dane owners to provide a supportive and nurturing environment, along with proper training and positive reinforcement, to help their dogs build confidence and overcome their fears.

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    The Great Dane Breed Standard

    The Great Dane breed standard describes the ideal physical characteristics and temperament of a Great Dane, including their fearlessness.

    If you look closely at the breed standard, you’ll find that “courage and vigilance” are some of the most important characteristics of this noble dog.

    Here is a direct quote from the Great Dane Club of America’s written standard for Great Danes:

    The Great Dane must be spirited, courageous, always friendly and dependable, and never timid or aggressive. 

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    Fearful Great Danes Everywhere

    So, if the written standard states that the Great Dane should be a confident, fearless, and friendly dog, why do so many people believe or notice otherwise?

    Many Great Dane owners have dogs and puppies that are experiencing excessive fear and anxiety, aggression, poor confidence, and issues with separation.

    There are several things that lead to this (which we will dig into below), but the biggest culprit driving the belief is social media.

    People are sharing and normalizing these traits, and it’s having a significant impact on the public perception of Great Danes.

    Have you ever seen somebody in a social media group who is upset or amused that their dog is terrified of strangers, objects, or even simple things such as a wrapped present?

    Several dog owners will often chime in and say things such as:

    “That’s just a Dane thing!”

    “Totally normal! These dogs are such chickens!”

    “Danes are afraid of everything, it’s just how they are.”

    I hate to break it to you, but no, this is not a “Dane Thing” and no, Danes are not actually fearful timid chickens.

    At least, they aren’t supposed to be.

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    Why is my Great Dane Afraid?

    Below, I’m going to list the factors that contribute to fearful and anxious behavior in Great Danes. How many of these things can be avoided?

    Genetic Predisposition

    The genetics of temperament is not yet well understood, but there is enough research pointing to the fact that the pedigree strongly impacts fearfulness and poor behaviors in Great Danes.

    Great Danes who suffer from separation anxiety, aggression, fear, resource guarding, and timid behavior are very likely to pass those traits onto their offspring.

    Researchers have even identified a specific gene variant linked to fearfulness in Great Danes.

    https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fvets.2021.693290/full#:~:text=In%20the%20same%20study%2C%20variants,%2Ddirected%20aggression%20(8).

    Unfortunately, these dogs will also be more prone to bloat, a painful and extremely deadly condition in large and giant breed dogs. There are definitely genetic causes behind fearfulness, bloat, and temperament that need more research.

    One of the best ways to avoid this occurring is to never support breeders that aren’t heavily invested in the genetic background, OFA health testing, structure, and health of the dogs being bred.

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    Environmental Factors

    The environment in which a dog is raised has a tremendous impact on its behavior and fear levels. It is believed that dogs with a genetic predisposition to fearfulness, anxiety, and aggression may be more susceptible to damage caused by these factors.

    This is why some dogs can experience traumatic events and still be calm, sweet, and loving while other dogs will become extremely reactive and fearful after a mild but stressful everyday occurrence (such as a veterinary visit or being left home alone).

    Great Danes who are exposed to loud noises, sudden movements, or rough handling when they are young may be more likely to become fearful than those who are not. There is a huge difference between positive exposure to things in the environment, and flat-out scaring a puppy for life.

    These environmental factors can include anything from thunderstorms to being scolded. For some dogs, hearing a loud car zoom by just once is enough to cause them to fear cars for life.

    These dogs may also be more prone to developing separation anxiety and becoming overly attached to their owners, too.

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    Negative Experiences

    Dogs living in shelters, or who have been rescued from situations such as puppy mills, often come with a multitude of behavioral issues. Some of this is because of the aforementioned genetic link, and some of it is because they weren’t offered the gentle, positive early socialization that they needed in life.

    In some cases, the fear stems from past traumas or abuse. These experiences will stick with a dog and can cause them anxiety and fearfulness that they will live with for their whole lives.

    A single dog attack, a bad experience with a child, or a yank of the leash on the neck can be enough to cause a dog to become fearful of certain people, animals, situations, and environments.

    This is not to say we should coddle our dogs and prevent all forms of stress or potential negative experiences!

    As a matter of fact, previous studies show that small amounts of stress can actually build confidence. It is important to be aware of our dog’s degree of fear and make sure to provide them with gentle guidance and encouragement when possible, not coddling.

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    Bad Dog Training Methods

    This is one of the most commonly overlooked reasons why Great Danes are often scared of everything. When a dog is trained using punishment, fear, intimidation, or too much physical restraint it can become fearful and anxious.

    Positive training techniques should always be used with Great Danes to ensure that their relationship with humans is based on trust and respect.

    Outdated “alpha” and “dominance” based training methods are largely to blame, as those techniques rely on heavy, harsh handling and physical force. Reality television, in other words, is a terrible place to get training advice (Cesar Milan, I’m looking at you!).

    We never recommend the use of pinching, tapping, thumbing, nosing, shoving, rolling, pinning, scaring, stomping, hovering, or cheap shock collars to train Great Danes.

    For modern, humane training methods, find a dog trainer who uses balanced + positive techniques focused on rewards, great experiences, and happy body language.

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    Leash Tension and Poor Handling

    This is a common cause of reactivity and anxiety in Great Danes, especially while on a leash!

    When a dog pulls, they experience tension around its neck, face, or chest. This tension increases their frustration level, which can cause increased reactivity and even aggression while on a leash.

    Even the most gentle, well-tempered dog is susceptible to this.

    Therefore, it is important to teach the correct behavior and avoid excessive jerking, tension, or yanking when walking your dog; especially if they see another dog or human on the path nearby!

    Communicating to your dog with vocal cues (such as “easy”, “with me”, or “look”) and rewarding that behavior is much more effective than relying on physical restraint and force. Pair this with the gentle on/off pressure from a properly fit prong collar to teach positive loose-leash walking skills.

    (Read here for why I believe a prong collar is the most humane and gentle option for large and giant breed dogs).

    Finally, dogs have an innate sense of body language that can greatly affect how they interpret a handler’s attitude. If their owner or handler is anxious or fearful, the dog will pick up on those emotions and become anxious as well. It is important to remain calm when handling Great Danes in order to communicate that there is nothing to fear.

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    Poor Socialization

    A lack of socialization can cause Great Danes to develop fear and anxiety about new people, places, animals, and situations.

    It is important for the puppies to be exposed (not forced) to as many sights, sounds, textures, smells, and people as possible in order to give them a good start in life.

    Bringing an overwhelmed, scared puppy into a pet store or around rude dogs in an uncontrolled situation (ehhh…the dog park) is not socialization; that is a bad experience. It’s important to advocate for your puppy.

    Good breeders are using programs such as Puppy Culture and ENS to develop strong and resilient dogs by taking advantage of the early stages of development. Brain development in the first weeks of life is incredible and every experience that the puppy has at that stage can have a significant impact on temperament.

    Giving Great Danes a good start in life with responsible breeding, positive training, and proper socialization methods should help prevent them from being scared of everything!

    We’ve created a well-loved Great Dane puppy socialization guide for reference. You can view it here:

    https://hellodanesshop.com/products/puppy-socialization-guide
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    Pain and Medical Conditions

    Last, but not least, we have to mention that pain and medical conditions (including thyroid disorders, arthritis, heart conditions, poor conformation, and even overgrown nails) can affect how a dog views and interacts with the world.

    Your veterinarian can rule out any physical ailments or conditions that could be causing the fear response in your dog. Even something as simple as a change in diet can make a big difference in how a dog looks, feels, acts, and behaves!

    Even puppies can be suffering from medical conditions and pain that cause them to be nervous, anxious, timid, frustrated, or aggressive.

    Always talk to your veterinarian if your dog isn’t happy, healthy, energetic, and robust.

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    How do you Calm a Scared Great Dane?

    If you have a fearful, timid, or reactive Great Dane, the key is to provide them with positive experiences.

    Focus on building trust and strengthening your bond – working through a few simple obedience exercises (or learning new tricks) can be a great way to bond with your pup and give them something to focus their energy on.

    It’s important to set up successful experiences for your dog, too.
    When a dog is practicing fearful and timid behavior on repeat, they are actually reinforcing (practicing and worsening) that behavior and those emotions.

    Set your pup up for success, avoid negative experiences and punishment-based training methods, and look for signs of fear (hiding, averting eyes and ears, trembling or shaking).

    Never coddle your dog, either! It’s important to recognize that your pup needs help, but it’s also important to be strong and confident in your leadership.

    Many times, by showing confidence and calm indifference yourself, you can naturally deescalate the fear and anxiety that your dog is feeling.

    Throw in a little bit of positive reinforcement and with time, your dog can learn that great things and opportunities are all around them. A quality training program can be the difference between a scared and timid pup, to an outgoing and confident dog.

    For information on how to find a good professional trainer to help you with your dog’s excessive fear, anxiety, or aggression, check out this article on how to choose an ethical professional.

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    Can a Fearful Dog be Cured?

    A lot of people believe that a fearful dog can be “cured” with enough love and attention. Unfortunately, this isn’t always the case.

    Dogs can learn to cope better and develop more confidence over time, but many times the fear is still likely to remain at some level. It’s important to remember that fear was an evolutionary adaptation for our dogs – in the interest of survival, it’s quite normal for them to be cautious of some things!

    It’s our job as owners and guardians to help them learn to live with and cope with that fear, rather than trying to “cure” it away.

    It’s also important that we stop spreading misinformation. It’s not a “Dane thing” to be fearful, unstable, and flighty.

    Don’t Make This Mistake

    Showing a dog something that they are scared to elicit a funny (read: fearful) reaction for social media is not cute.

    This is extremely poor handling and is wildly unfair to dogs who aren’t sure how to cope with the world in a healthy way.

    Don’t do this. Great Danes are extremely susceptible to bloat, which is often-times brought on by stress and anxiety!

    Do you have a scared Great Dane?

    If you have a scared or anxious dog, know that you are not alone. Many other dog owners share your struggles!

    Reach out to your veterinarian, an experienced trainer, and professional resources for help in working with and managing your pup’s behavior. Do some research into positive behavior modification techniques such as B.A.T. 2.0 by Grisha Stewart as well.

    It can take time and patience to get to the bottom of why your pup is so scared, but doing so will be better for their health and happiness!

  • Are Great Danes Easy to Train?

    Are Great Danes Easy to Train?

    Are Great Danes easy to train?

    Many people believe that Great Danes are stubborn, spiteful, and defiant. It can lead to questions about whether or not Great Danes are hard to train, especially as they are so large and can easily be destructive or dangerous.

    In this blog post, we will discuss some tips for training your Great Dane puppy or adult dog. We’ll also cover some common behavior issues that Great Danes can have and how to deal with them. We are going to show you that training Great Danes is EASY!

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    Are Great Danes Hard to Train?

    We believe that it’s not that Great Danes are hard to train, it’s that they are often misunderstood.

    People see their large size and think that they need to be handled with extreme and forceful techniques. In reality, Great Danes are gentle giants.

    They are loving, loyal, and affectionate dogs that just want to please their owners.

    The training process should be fun. Basic commands are super easy to teach using positive reinforcement, and it’s never too late to start training important commands the right way!

    The Great Dane Potty Training Guide
    The New Great Dane Puppy Checklist
    The BEST Training Treats for Great Danes

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    Off Leash and Out of Control: Funny Stories

    Great Dane Temperament

    Despite their large size, Great Danes are really gentle souls. They have a mild and loving temperament, which is why they make such great family pets.

    Well-bred and properly trained Great Danes will generally get along well with children and other animals in the home.

    However, as a large breed, their size can be intimidating to some people, especially if they have training problems that need to be addressed!

    The Best Crates for Great Danes 2022

    Are Great Danes Good with Kids?

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    Great Dane Size

    Great Danes are one of the largest dog breeds. They can weigh anywhere from 100 to 200 pounds and stand as tall as 36 inches at the shoulder.

    Because of their size, they can easily pull you around or knock you over, without meaning to hurt you!

    For this reason, it is incredibly important to start early and work hard to reinforce simple commands and basic obedience training.

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    Which training methods are cruel, and which are not?

    Common Great Dane Training Problems

    Great Danes are huge dogs, so when there are training problems, they feel much, much bigger by comparison to other dogs.

    When a Great Dane jumps, chews things up or pulls on the leash they are a danger to themselves and to others. Smaller dogs often get by with some of these things, where as giants really cannot.

    Common Dane training problems include:

    • Jumping
    • Mouthing/Nipping
    • Barking
    • Destructive Chewing
    • Separation Anxiety
    • Pulling on the Leash
    • Reactivity towards people and dogs
    • Poor recall (not coming when called)

    All of these things are fixed with diligent attention to rules, boundaries, management, and training; but it takes time.

    Great Danes are not hard to train, but they DO require proper behavior management and obedience training. We’re providing more tips on this for you below!

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    Are Great Danes good for Beginners?

    We believe that Great Danes can make excellent family pets and incredible dogs for many people.

    However, people who have never owned a dog before may benefit from adopting an older shelter dog with a known temperament, instead.

    The most common reasons why Great Danes are often surrendered to rescue include:

    1. Aggression, which is largely related to genetics and poor socialization
    2. Out-of-control behavior, which is related to poor socialization, poor enrichment, poor handling, and poor training
    3. Grew too large, which is related primarily to a lack of education about Great Danes and their size
    4. Plays too rough with kids, which is related to poor socialization and training, as above

    All of those things require new Great Dane owners to be well educated on the breed’s size, temperament, and training requirements as well as how to find an ethical preservation breeder.

    Potty Training Tips & Tricks
    AKC STAR PUPPY Training
    What to Expect When You Bring a Great Dane Puppy Home

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    Need ideas for healthy socialization?

    Is Training a Great Dane Easy?

    We believe that the answer is YES, but where most people fail is that they:

    a. Use a heavy-handed punishment-based training approach

    b. Don’t correctly manage or handle their dog’s behavior, social needs, and enrichment requirements

    b. Don’t realize how many times a dog has to be rewarded for something, and how many times and places it needs to be practiced during training sessions before the skill becomes automatic

    We’re going to offer some tips on Great Dane training below, but if you need more help, please consider hiring a certified professional dog trainer in your area.

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    IS GRAIN-FREE FOOD DANGEROUS?

    Read more here ↗

    The Best Training Methods for Great Danes

    Not all dog training is created equal!

    At Hello Danes, we stand firmly against heavy-handed dominance, ‘alpha’, ‘be the boss’, ‘intimidation’, and harsh-punishment-style dog training.

    These methods cause an increase in fearful and anxious behavior, and may increase the risk that the dog will bloat as a result!

    Below we will outline acceptable training methods for Great Danes and other big dogs.

    How to Socialize a Great Dane Puppy
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    Use this link to get a FREE Jolly Ball with the purchase of a Big Barker bed.

    Positive Reinforcement Training

    Positive reinforcement is the process of rewarding a dog with a treat, favorite toy, play, affection, or praise.

    Doing so increases the chance that a dog will repeat good behavior!

    All new behaviors should be taught this way, including sit, down, heel, come, leave it, wait, touch, and place.

    You must practice and reward these skills many times in many different places!

    Some people are so impressed that their Great Dane puppy will sit in the kitchen for them every time. They are later shocked, however, when their puppy will not sit on command anywhere else.

    Dogs don’t generalize well. They have to learn that sit means sit here, sit there, sit anywhere when asked. It’s imperative that you practice this in different places with lots of distractions.

    Everyday life is much more complex than what happens in your living room.

    Once they have their lightbulb moment, you are home free and can add additional layers of difficulty, including other commands, and phase out the treats to use only verbal praise!

    The Great Dane Potty Training Guide
    The New Great Dane Puppy Checklist
    The BEST Training Treats for Great Danes

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    Balanced Training

    We recommend pairing positive reinforcement with gentle, modern balanced training.

    Balanced training is when you reward your dog for behaviors that you want them to repeat, and then if needed you either manage (prevent) or correct behaviors that you do not want them to repeat.

    Some examples of this include:

    -Leash walking: you would reward your dog for walking calmly by your side, and then manage or correct them if they pull ahead or lag behind

    -Jumping up: you would reward your dog for having all four feet on the ground, and by keeping your dog on a leash when they tend to jump, you can manage and correct the behavior

    -Chasing kids: you would reward your dog for calm behavior around kids, and then manage or correct the behavior if they start to chase

    -Digging: you would reward your dog for playing near digging spots without digging, and then manage the behavior or balance it by providing an appropriate outlet such as a sandbox or digging pit

    Remember that management is not a punishment, but overuse of restrictions and isolation is unfair to your dog.

    Corrections don’t have to be harsh, forceful, scary, or painful and can bridge the gap between freedom and ongoing restraint for your dog.

    Read here to learn why we don’t recommend “Force-Free” or “Positive Only” dog training!

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    Great Dane Trainer Guidelines: How to Choose a Trainer

    The Best Training Tools for Great Danes

    We believe that the best training tools you can use meet the following guidelines:

    • Work primarily as a form of communication, not a form of physical restraint
    • Do not obstruct the way a dog moves its shoulders, head, feet, or neck
    • Result in dogs gaining more freedom and more enrichment opportunities, without long-haul ongoing processes that may be unreliable or frustrating in the long run
    • Are high quality and work without months of conditioning
    • Will allow Great Danes to be off-leash and free of restraint as much as possible

    For example, no-pull harnesses and Gentle Leaders are aversive tools that rely on physical restraint. They work by altering the dog’s natural movement and restricting forward momentum through physical force. Head collars in particular tend to be distressing and aversive to dogs, even when introduced slowly.

    These tools are unfortunately marketed as ‘positive’ and ‘gentle’. However, if you look at the actual mechanics and science of it, they are anything but that.

    We are a science-based blog, so when people claim that head collars and harnesses are not aversive, we have questions about their motivations and their scientific thought process!

    Keep in mind that Great Danes are GIANT breed dogs. They can and will pull, lunge, and take control of the leash. A Great Dane in a harness can easily become dangerous.

    We recommend the use of positive reinforcement, paired with flat collars and a long leash or off-leash work to teach all skills. Engagement and rewards are key!

    Following that, the use of a positively implemented, correctly fit prong collar (which uses pressure, not pinching or stabbing) for leash walking is a surprisingly humane and appropriate way to keep your Great Dane safe and be able to go places together without months of incremental ‘positive only’ training or restrictive nylon tools.

    Additionally, the use of modern E-Collars, which use gentle muscle stimulation to replace leash pressure, is our favorite go-to training tool for Great Danes.

    E-Collars are the ONLY tool that uses absolutely no physical touch or restraint. The sensation the dog feels is more gentle than the pressure from any head collar or harness; it does not shock or punish the dog.

    #themoreyouknow

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    Gentle LeaderProng Collar
    Aversive to wear, no matter the fitNon-aversive to wear with correct fit
    Requires conditioning for wearing & usingRequires training for using, not wearing
    Looks ‘Gentle’ and seems positiveLooks scary and painful, but is misunderstood
    InexpensiveSpendy
    Can damage nerves, eyes, neck, and spine when used normallyCan only cause damage to the skin if used abusively or incorrectly
    May cause sores on the bridge of the noseDoes not cause skin sores or abrasions
    People rarely judge this tool People are often judgmental
    May exacerbate underlying health problemsUnlikely to cause orthopedic damage
    Dangerous for dogs with orthopedic issues, especially wobblers An alternative choice for dogs who should not be pulling into a harness or collar for any reason
    Negative body language is seen with normal ‘positive’ useNegative body language is seen with harsh and incorrect use
    Effective at reducing pullingEffective at reducing pulling
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    Canine Good Citizen

    The AKC Canine Good Citizen test is a fantastic list of goals to work towards.

    When your pup can successfully do the following things, it can pass its CGC test (with an accredited AKC CGC Evaluator).

    The CGC title, which can then be added to your dog’s registered name, is a great way to show the world that your dog is well-mannered.

    Here are the test items:

    • Politely greets a friendly stranger
    • Sits politely for petting
    • Welcomes being groomed, and brushed; and allows paws and ears to be handled
    • Walks as directed on a loose leash
    • Moves politely through a crowd
    • Sits, lies down and stays in place on command
    • Comes when called
    • Behaves politely around other dogs
    • Reacts with confidence to distractions
    • Can be left with a trusted person
    Take the Test
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    What Commands Should Great Danes Know?

    All Great Danes should be taught the following commands. Keep training sessions short, exciting, and rewarding!

    To avoid giving too many treats, keep the rewards small and frequent. Your dog doesn’t need a WHOLE treat for each behavior, they just need a tiny bite.

    • Sit
    • Down
    • Leave it
    • Back up
    • Wait
    • Touch
    • Look at me
    • Heel
    • Place
    • Free
    • Crate up
    • Come (arguably the most important command)

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    Great Dane Puppy Training

    With Great Dane puppies, you have an incredible opportunity to start training at an early age. Great Dane puppies are intelligent dogs and will respond well to treats, praise, play, and attention.

    Great Danes are in fact easy to train, so long as you are willing to put the time in!

    PRO TIP: most bad behavior is a direct result of poor training, incorrect socialization, inadequate enrichment, and handling or management issues. It’s rarely because a dog is ‘stubborn, willful or defiant’.

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    How to crate train a Great Dane: click here

    Crate training for Great Danes

    The biggest mistake people make when they crate train their Dane puppies is letting them scream, cry and panic inconsolably. This is a bad training technique that literally encourages the puppy to practice the wrong behavior and emotions.

    Instead, use a modern training method that makes the crate a fun, safe, and rewarding space.

    This may mean starting slow and introducing the crate over several days. Feed meals inside of the crate, and play games where your puppy can learn the basic commands of ‘FREE’ and ‘CRATE UP’!

    By making ‘crate up’ and ‘free’ into a game or fun trick, your puppy will be crate trained in no time at all.

    Teach your Great Dane to love their crate, and it will be a safe place for them for years to come.

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    How to Socialize a Great Dane Puppy

    Socialization is one of the most important things you can do for your Great Dane puppy.

    Start socialization early, and continue throughout the puppy’s life. Socialization is how your puppy learns to be comfortable around people, other animals, new environments, and different sounds and situations.

    A well-socialized dog is a happy dog! The best way to socialize your Dane puppy is to expose them to as many new people, places, and things as possible. But, do NOT scare them. If they are fearful, this exposure can actually make things worse.

    Every experience must end on a positive note. The more positive experiences they have, the more confident and well-rounded they will be!

    Avoid having constant tension on the leash; this mild pressure will result in poor socialization experiences.

    Our Great Dane puppy socialization guide will tell you everything you need to know!

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    Need ideas for healthy socialization?

    All about Great Dane Puppy Training Classes

    We recommend starting puppy socialization and 101 obedience classes by 10-12 weeks of age.

    Puppy classes are an excellent way to train and socialize your Dane. They will give them a solid foundation of obedience commands that will result in good behavior.

    Classes are also a great way to meet other dog owners in your area, receive feedback on your technique, and work with your dog around distractions.

    If you only ever train your dog inside of your house, don’t be shocked when they ignore your commands outside of the house!

    Most trainers offer intermediate and advanced obedience classes as well. Don’t stop at puppy classes! As your Dane grows, so should their education.

    Once your puppy has advanced, you may even consider taking classes for fitness or scent work. Fun tricks can be built upon and used to obtain AKC trick dog titles as well!

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    Private Training for Great Danes

    Sometimes, group classes aren’t the best option. If you have a dog with special needs, or if you’re looking for more personalized attention, private training may be the way to go.

    With private training, you can work one-on-one with a trainer to address specific training goals. This type of training is great for dogs who are shy, fearful, or aggressive.

    The bottom line is this: if you want a well-trained dog, you need to put in the time and effort!

    Training takes patience, consistency, and commitment.

    Great Dane Health

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    Adult Great Dane Training Tips

    We’re going to provide some of our favorite Great Dane training tips below!

    Having a well-trained, well-socialized Great Dane is an absolute joy. The following basic commands are easy to master if you break them down and start at a level where your dog can learn.

    Loose leash walking

    We recommend a two-step process for teaching loose leash skills for dogs that pull, lunge, and drag you down the street.

    Step One

    Practice off-leash in your living room. Use high-value rewards (small bites!) to reward your dog for taking steps next to your left hip and looking at you as you walk together, turn corners, and navigate obstacles.

    Gradually increase the difficulty, distance, and distractions. Once your dog can take 10 steps, clip a loose leash onto a flat collar and keep practicing both indoors and out in low-distraction environments.

    Step Two

    Once your dog is happily following you around off-leash or on a loose leash, it’s time to add a prong collar.

    A correctly fit prong collar will not hurt your dog and will give you the ability to keep your dog safe while walking in high-traffic areas or around other dogs.

    You must first teach your dog how to respond to the pressure from the collar. Here is an excellent video on this training technique!

    Remember to use reinforcement (praise, treats, and toys) when your dog is walking politely on a leash!

    IMG 3997

    How to choose the best prong collar for your Great Dane.

    Read more here ->

    Coming when Called

    We recommend first installing an amazing recall. This means rewarding your dog with treats, toys, and praise when they come to you.

    Offer a cue word or phrase such as “here” or “come” while your dog is not paying attention to you, then immediately reward them when they turn their head towards you.

    Do this in short training sessions throughout the day, and gradually increase the distance and distractions. Never scold your dog for blowing you off or not coming when called!

    Once your dog has a good recall, it’s time to layer in the E-Collar so they can safely be off-leash.

    Polite Social Skills

    Great Danes MUST have polite social skills with people and dogs. It is dangerous for them to be humping, jumping, mouthing, or being rude in any way.

    Positive socialization, obedience training, and working with an accredited AKC CGC Evaluator/Trainer will ensure that your Great Dane is a polite, friendly, calm, confident citizen anywhere you go.

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    Should I Feed My Great Dane Puppy or Adult Food?

    Stay & Place

    Stay and Place training is critical for all dogs, but especially important for Great Danes.

    This is because Great Danes are giant dogs and can easily knock over small children or elderly people when they jump up or lean on them.

    As with all new skills, this is easy to teach using rewards!

    Start with your dog in a sit or down, then take one step away from them. If they move, simply stop and go back to the beginning. Train your Great Dane to stay by starting at a very basic level, and working your way up.

    When they stay put, even if it’s just for a second, reward/treat and then repeat.

    Gradually increase the distance, time, and distractions.

    IMG 4020

    Training Great Danes is Easy

    We believe that training Great Danes is easy. Start at a young age if possible. Use lots of verbal praise, small treats, and rewards.

    If you find yourself saying NO more than you are saying YES, ask yourself the following questions:

    • Does my dog actually know the behavior that I am asking, in this level of distractions?
    • Is my puppy mature enough physically and mentally to respond to this?
    • Am I being fair with my corrections, or am I being frustrated?
    Screen Shot 2022 03 30 at 2.11.34 PM

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    Do you like modern positive+balanced off-leash dog training, science-based information, life with Danes, educated ownership and chatting with other like-minded people?

    Join our growing Facebook group!

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  • How to Find and Choose the Best Dog Trainer for Your Great Dane

    How to Find and Choose the Best Dog Trainer for Your Great Dane

    It can be stressful to find and choose the best dog trainer for your Great Dane or giant breed dog!

    Training is so important, especially with these big dogs. An untrained, under-socialized giant dog may be destructive and can be a danger to you and to the people around you. Good training starts on day one and never stops; all big dogs should be taught that pulling, lunging, jumping and running away are never acceptable.

    The confusing part, however, is that there are many schools of thought when it comes to how to train dogs and teach them these important skills.

    When it comes to training your Great Dane, you want to be sure that you find and choose the right dog trainer to help you. You want somebody who is thoughtful, educated, up-to-date, humane and driven by real behavior science!

    We are here today with some GREAT info, including our honest take on different training methods, tools and more.

    Best Dog Trainer

    Dog Training Methodologies

    Many trainers use methods that are unfair to dogs, ineffective, frustrating, or punitive.

    It doesn’t matter if they label themselves ‘positive’, ‘balanced’, or ‘natural’, you’re going to run into people who are not operating as ethically or humanely as they should.

    The primary core training methods run a spectrum and include:

    Force Free / Purely Positive

    Balanced

    Natural / Dominance / Alpha

    Compulsion / Koehler / Old School

    Here are a few tips on how to find and choose a humane dog trainer for your Great Dane!

    Best Dog Trainer
    A merle Great Dane puppy being trained

    Force-Free & Purely Positive Dog Training

    Positive reinforcement and ‘force-free’ dog training seek to utilize treats, praise, and play without corrections to teach all behaviors. This sounds amazing and has its merits, however, this method is also highly restrictive for many dogs.

    In ‘positive-only’ dog training, the use of corrections and most tools is prohibited, leaving dog owners with only one other choice when it comes to reducing unwanted behaviors.

    Restrictions to freedom, movement, and autonomy that often last a lifetime are key principles in this method.

    With all unwanted behaviors, you either have to either correct them or manage them. Management is a form of punishment that can be needlessly restrictive, confusing, and inhumane for some dogs.

    REAL LIFE EXAMPLE:

    In force-free/positive training, if a dog jumps a fence, positive reinforcement (to increase the value of staying in the yard) will be paired with a loss of freedom (to decrease the chance of recurrence). A long leash may be used, and no corrections are allowed. The fence may also be made more secure.

    To put it simply, ‘Force-free’ trainers will only use management and physical restraint, often ongoing, to address unwanted or dangerous behaviors.

    Positive reinforcement itself is wonderful and backed by science; you should always use positive reinforcement to teach new behaviors such as leave it, wait, heel, sit, down, and come.

    When it comes to addressing behaviors such as lunging, barking, running away, or jumping the fence however, you can see how the method of ‘positive-only’ may fall short and can even be dangerous.

    Many extreme force-free and positive-only trainers will adhere to self-made guidelines and refuse to make humane, common sense accommodations for certain dogs.

    Examples include:

    • Refusing to use a gentle, modern E-Collar on a deaf dog for recall
    • Requiring a harness on all dogs, even a 3-legged dog whose body doesn’t fit naturally in one
    • Not allowing the use of bitter apple spray to deter a dog from chewing itself
    • Putting fence jumpers on a restrictive long leash for life instead of considering a wireless fence or E-Collar system
    • Keeping cat-chasers, tire-chasers, jumpers, humpers, barkers, runners, rough players, and chicken killers isolated from freedom, family life, socialization, and the yard to avoid having to use corrections
    • Will prescribe behavioral euthanasia before allowing you to seek a second opinion from a balanced dog trainer

    Force-Free and Purely Positive red flags

    Run from any force-free or positive trainer who shows any of the following red flags:

    • Claims to be ‘science based’ (this is an unregulated marketing term, often contradictory in this context as it is scientifically impossible to ONLY use ‘positive reinforcement’)
    • Spends a lot of time bashing other trainers, tools, and techniques (MAJOR red flag!)
    • Encourages you to always take a long-haul ‘positive-only’ approach, even if doing so seems to be extremely restrictive, confusing, and frustrating to you and your dog
    • Won’t allow you to use any kind of correction, corrective action or appropriate tool, even if the dog is doing something dangerous, damaging, rude, or destructive to himself, to you or to others
    • Encourages you to ignore professional veterinary advice when it comes to things such as nutrition, wound care and medications
    • Relies heavily on front-clip harnesses or head collars (often while still claiming to be ‘force-free’ and ‘science based’)
    • Blindly promotes the idea that all ‘balanced’ training, prong collars, flat collars, and modern E-Collars are ‘aversive’ and ‘abusive’
    • Are unable to make a notable, reliable, lifelong, positive difference in dogs who have difficult unwanted, dangerous or rude behaviors, especially when the end recommendation is to add additional restrictive management or seek behavioral euthanasia
    • The dogs they train are over-excitable, unable to ever be off-leash, anxious/frustrated, and/or have to be managed to prevent jumping, leash reactivity, chasing or otherwise

    If you want to work with a force-free or positive dog trainer, ask lots of questions! There are some amazing positive trainers out there, but you must do your research and avoid the extreme version of this training method.

    3180 black great dane dog

    Balanced Dog Training

    Balanced training means to use positive reinforcement, corrections and management as needed. Balanced training is positive reinforcement training with more options.

    REAL LIFE EXAMPLE:

    In balanced training, if a dog jumps a fence, positive reinforcement (to increase the value of staying in the yard) will be paired with a correction (to decrease the value of jumping out of the yard) or wireless fence system. The fence may also be made more secure.

    Hence the word ‘balance’.

    Like positive-only training, balanced training runs a spectrum from trainers who are mostly positive but utilize spare corrections as needed, to trainers who rely heavily on strict boundaries, routine, structure and corrections.

    This makes it that much more difficult to find an ethical trainer! Ideally, you want to stick with balanced trainers who fall clearly on the ‘positive’ side of things.

    Properly used prong collars and modern E-Collars are NOT abuse. Do not fall for inflammatory marketing from people who don’t know how to use those tools correctly.

    Balanced dog trainers are more likely to choose prong collars and E-Collars, though they may also use head collars at times. The best balanced trainers use a training method that relies heavily on positive reinforcement, and will utilize modern E-Collars to release dogs from constant physical restraint.

    We recommend modern balanced training for all dogs. All large and giant breed dogs should ideally be trained to at least CGC level (Canine Good Citizen) and have excellent off-leash obedience skills using a modern E-Collar.

    Large and giant breed dogs are prone to orthopedic issues. The Modern E-Collar is the only training tool available that unlike a harness or flat collar can cause absolutely no physical damage to your dog’s physical structure, gait, neck or trachea.

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    Which training methods are cruel, and which are not?

    Balanced Dog Trainer Red Flags

    Run from any balanced dog trainer who shows these red flags:

    • Wants to put an E-Collar or Prong collar on your dog so they can use harsh punitive ‘yank and crank’ training methods
    • Uses any training technique that clearly makes your dog fearful, scared, or distressed
    • Tells you to dominant, intimidate, alpha roll, pin, scold, kick, or roughly handle your dog
    • Spends more time saying NO than saying YES
    • Forces your dog into extended down-stay position and may use a shock collar at aversive levels to force compliance
    • Uses penny cans or bags of chains to scare or startle your dog
    • Floods dogs by deliberately exposing them to triggers
    • Quotes Cesar Milan or Jeff Gellman
    • Is constantly tugging, pulling and snapping a slip lead around your dogs neck
    • Doesn’t use treats and/or claims that treats are ‘bribery’
    • Tells you that all bad behavior and reactivity is the result of defiance, dominance or stubbornness
    • Encourages you to ignore veterinary advice related to nutrition
    • The dogs they train appear shut down, fearful, short-tempered, or nervous

    We recommend searching the IACP certified trainer database to find a safe, humane and professional qualified balanced E-Collar trainer for your Great Dane or giant breed dog.

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    Natural/Dominance/Alpha Dog Training

    Alpha dog training (often called ‘Natural’ or ‘Dominance’) is an outdated training method that has very little scientific backing to it.

    This training method was made popular by Cesar Milan, and involves a lot of hovering, intimidations, corrections and forward body language.

    REAL LIFE EXAMPLE:

    In alpha training, if a dog jumps a fence, the dog will be harshly corrected at the fence line with neck jabs and leash pops. Additionally, steps will be taken to ‘lower the dog’s status’ through other forms of intimidation and force.

    ‘Be the Boss’, ‘Be the Alpha’, and ‘Be the Pack Leader’ are common phrases, based on incorrect observations that were made of a captive wolf pack.

    Trainers who subscribe to this method generally believe that treats and positive reinforcement are forms of bribery that should be used sparingly, and that a well trained obedient dog is always in a state of ‘calm submission’. For many dogs, ‘calm submission’ is actually a form of behavior suppression, fear and anxiety.

    Additionally, they believe that behavior problems are easily solved by putting the dog into a lower pack position, and may teach you to use ‘woo’ training techniques such as:

    • Walking through doors before your dog
    • Keeping your dogs eye level below yours
    • Eating food first, in front of your dog before serving your dog his food
    • Pretending to eat your dogs food
    • Biting your dogs ear or neck
    • Neck jabs (‘Alpha dog corrections’)

    Alpha theory is considered laughable in the science of modern dog behavior.

    Alpha Dog Training Red Flags

    Run from any ‘alpha’, ‘natural’ or ‘dominance’ dog trainer who:

    • Says that aggression is the result of a lack of leadership
    • Tells you to stick your hands in your dogs food bowl to show them that you are ‘the boss’
    • Uses intimidation to make your dog appear ‘calm and submissive’
    • Tells you to choke, jab, neck jab, scruff, shake, hit, kick or roughly handle your dog or puppy
    • Shows you how to use an ‘alpha roll’ to pin your dog down until they give up
    • Uses physical pressure and force to keep your dog in a sit, down or stay
    • Says ‘PSSHhhhhTTTTT’
    • Uses a lot of leash pops, scolding and harsh corrections
    • Uses flooding techniques until your dog ‘gives up’ and is no longer ‘dominant’
    • Shows ‘quick fix’ videos
    • Tells you to ignore the advice of your veterinarian

    Dog training techniques that rely on outdated notions of being the “alpha” and use confusing, punitive tactics may harm your bond with your dog.

    Best Dog Trainer

    Compulsion / Koehler / Old School Dog Training

    Finally, this method of dog training goes back to the days where a lot of compulsion and force was used.

    REAL LIFE EXAMPLE:

    In compulsion training, if a dog jumps a fence, the dog will be harshly corrected at the fence line, and the use of a livestock hot wire may be prescribed. The dog may also then be put on a leash or chain (not unlike we see in ‘force-free’ training).

    A compulsion dog trainer will teach ‘sit’ by pushing down on the dog’s rear end until they submit by sitting. They will teach ‘heel’ by using pressure into a slip lead to force the dog by their side.

    Forced compliance is the name of the game with this method. The use of slip leads and choke chains are common. You are most likely to happen upon Koehler method trainers in the hunting dog community or when seeking the help of trainers that have ’30 years of experience’.

    Compulsion Trainer Red Flags

    • Tells you that they can fix all behavior problems quickly
    • Uses a slip lead or chain to pop, pull, tug, and move your dog around
    • May keep a sharp tack in one hand and use it to pinch the ear when forcing compliance
    • Doesn’t want you to talk to your dog or show affection
    • Encourages the use of physical handling and manipulation
    • Implies that modern dog training and ‘positive reinforcement’ is a scam
    • Has dogs that appear robotically obedient and that may lack enthusiasm and spark
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    How to find a trainer for your Great Dane

    We highly recommend hiring a modern balanced dog trainer who uses a lot of positive reinforcement.

    This type of trainer will use management to avoid needless punishment, but they’re not afraid to use appropriate corrections when necessary. Balanced dog training avoids the extremes, which can be harmful and frustrating to your pet.

    A qualified balanced trainer will also show you how to humanely and properly use a modern E-Collar for off-leash training, which is the necessary to protect your dogs orthopedic health.

    We recommend searching the IACP database for a humane, positive balanced trainer in your area.

    IACP BALANCED TRAINER SEARCH
    Best Dog Trainer
    Best Dog Trainer

    Questions to ask your dog trainer

    Here are some questions to ask potential trainers:

    • What happens when my dog does something right?
    • When my dog does something wrong, what do you do?
    • Can you tell me about the tools you often recommend, how they work and why you use them?
    • Are you able to share legitimate references with me?
    • What are your goals for the dogs you train?
    • Do you offer CGC testing, scent work, Snake Avoidance, Fitpaws or any other enrichment classes?
    Best Dog Trainer

    Great Dane training should be fun!

    When it comes to finding a trainer for your Great Dane, be sure to do your research.

    There are a lot of trainers and franchise training companies out there who claim to be experts, but not all of them will be a good fit for you and your dog.

    If you have questions about balanced dog training, E-Collars, prong collars, or more we are here for you!

  • Great Dane Recall with an E Collar: The Ultimate Guide

    Great Dane Recall with an E Collar: The Ultimate Guide

    Teaching a Great Dane E collar recall can be difficult, but it’s not impossible. In this dog training guide, we will discuss the best ways to provide recall for dog owners.

    Recall with an E Collar

    Read on to be able to provide your dog off leash freedom.

    We’ll also cover how to use clicker training and positive reinforcement training. These skills are useful for the purpose of stopping the behavioral issues and getting reliable recall in your dog’s training. By following these tips, you can teach your giant breed dog recall with an e collar with this highly recommended training method.

    Recall with an E Collar

    Before Teaching Recall with an E Collar You Need Foundational Skills

    It is highly recommend that you practice foundational training skills before teaching recall with a training collar. Teaching recall with an e collar is NOT a basic skill. Work on foundational skills first. These skills include: training on a flat collar/gentle leader, loose leash skills, and helping your dog to stop pulling on the leash. Your Great Dane should master basic skills before you begin teaching recall with an e collar.

    Again, is crucial to teach basic skills before beginning to teach your Great Dane any type of recall.

    It is important that every dog owner teach these basic skills. Foundational learning happens before beginning to teach your Great Dane Recall with an E collar.

    You can work with a professional trainer to establish how to use these collars on big dogs. Also ask them to help maintain control over their off leash recall. Teaching recall with an e collar sometimes requires professional help, depending on your comfort level.

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    Recall with an E Collar
    See Which Training E-Collars We Love Here

    Different Methods of Teaching Skills Necessary Prior to Training Recall with an E Collar

    Remember that it is important that your dog is trained prior to beginning training recall with an e collar. We put together a short list of a few methods in which you can help your dog learn foundational skills.

    Clicker Training

    Clicker training is a type of positive reinforcement training that uses a clicker tool to mark desired behaviors. The sound of the clicker tells the dog that they have done something right and that they will be rewarded with a treat.

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    Clicker training is a very fast and effective way to train dogs, and it can be used for basic obedience commands or more complex behaviors. Clicker training is a great way to build a positive relationship with your dog while teaching them new things!

    recall with an e collar
    recall with an e collar

    One of the great things about clicker training is that it is very easy to get started. All you need is a clicker tool and some tasty treats that your dog loves. You will also need to find a quiet place to train where there are no distractions. Once you have all of your supplies, you can start training your dog!

    To begin, you will want to click the clicker tool and immediately give your dog a treat. Do this several times so that your dog associates the sound of the clicker with getting a treat.

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    merle great dane 1

    Next, you will want to start teaching your dog some basic obedience commands. For example, you can start with the command “sit”. To teach this command, hold a treat in front of your dog’s nose and slowly move it upwards until they sit down. As soon as they sit down, click the clicker tool and give them the treat. Repeat this process until your dog is consistently sitting on command.

    Positive Reinforcement

    Positive reinforcement training is a type of operant conditioning. It rewards desired behavior in order to increase the likelihood of that behavior being repeated. Positive reinforcement is a way of “reinforcing” or encouraging a desired behavior. It does so by providing a pleasant consequence after the behavior is displayed. The most common form of this is giving a dog a treat after it has performed a desired behavior. This can be done after they sit or lay.

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    Screen Shot 2022 03 07 at 10.51.41 AM

    One of the main advantages of positive reinforcement training is that it is relatively easy to learn and can be used with both dogs and other animals.

    Additionally, positive reinforcement training is often considered to be more humane than other types of training methods, such as punishment or dominance-based training. Finally, positive reinforcement is a very versatile form of training and can be used to teach a wide variety of behaviors.

    recall with an e collar

    There are a few things to keep in mind when using positive reinforcement training. Make sure the rewards you use are meaningful to your dog and that you deliver the rewards consistently.

    Additionally, remember that positive reinforcement is not a magic bullet and will not work instantly. It may take some time and patience for your dog to learn the desired behavior. However, when done correctly, positive reinforcement training is a safe, humane, and effective tool.

    Great Dane Recall with an Electric Collar: What is it?

    Recall is an important skill for any Great Dane, or any dog, to learn. Following commands is a basic part of dog training and a vital/essential part of training a Great Dane. Teaching your Great Dane recall with an E collar may be one of the most important things you ever teach them. Why? Because one day, it could protect them from dangers or even save their life!

    recall with an e collar

    Shock collars or bark collars are very different than e collars. Many people stumble upon articles about training collars when looking up the best shock collar for training their dog in behavior. Recall, pulling, or other unwanted behaviors are common problems. Many times, owners resort to shock collars or bark collars for these common behaviors.

    Things that are More Aversive Than an E Collar in Training
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    What is the Best Leash for Great Danes?

    There is a difference between a shock collar and an e-collar. We will discuss which training tool is better. Before training your dogs with any shock collar, please be sure to investigate the differences between a shock collar and e collars.

    Recall with an e collar

    Great Dane Recall with an E-collar: Why does it matter?

    Using e-collars in training Great Danes (even a young Great Dane) allows you to train them to come back to you when they are off leash, which can be helpful in many situations. Teaching recall with an e collar provides safety, something that all pet parents value for their pets.

    There are certain situations where the behavior of running off can be life threatening for dogs. Any experienced trainer will tell you that you must work on this behavior while your dog is a puppy in order to build focus and control. If you are concerned that your Great Dane might run off, run into the street, or even run away, you should consider teaching them recall with an e collar.

    recall with an e collar

    The ability to train your dog (or two dogs) to return when called is, of course, an important skill for any Great Dane to learn because it can help keep them safe. Teaching recall with an e collar allows you to provide your Great Dane with freedom to run and play, while also protecting them.

    If your Great Dane ever gets off leash and runs away, being able to call them back to you can mean the difference between life or death. For example, if your dog is getting too close to a busy road, you can call them back to you before they have a chance to run into traffic. For that reason, we believe that teaching a Great Dane recall with an e collar is one of the most valuable lessons you can teach them.

    Life Changing Collars for Dogs

    If your dog is focused on their owner, a command can be given which could save their life.

    We believe that recall is one of the most important skills that any owner of dogs can teach, since safety is so important, from puppy to adulthood.

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    Many want to jump directly to more flashy ‘quick fixes’ such as training their dog with a shock collar or training their Great Danes with the ‘best shock collars’ for fast training, but rest assured: It is always best to start dog training on a standard collar and providing solid a solid command that your dog will understand throughout life.

    recall with an e collar

    Additionally, using a shock collar in training your Great Dane can actually instill fear and intimidation, which could result in them becoming more defiant.

    Step 1 to Teaching Recall with an E Collar: The Importance of Dog Training with a Leash

    Before you begin teaching recall with an e collar, you must follow step one. Practice basic skills before you start teaching your Great Dane higher level skills with any training collar.

    The Best Leashes for Great Danes

    Working on a flat collar or regular collar will help ensure that your dog is listening to you and following your commands the entire time that you are out on walks together.

    The foundation of teaching a Great Dane recall with an e-collar begins with basic, good citizen skills on a basic collar.

    recall with an e collar

    Training your Great Dane starts the day you bring them home. Dogs begin learning at birth, when they are born blind and deaf in a world they have to navigate!

    When you meet your Great Dane, it becomes your responsibility to help them be the best dogs that they can be.

    recall with an e collar

    Steps to training your dogs

    There are several steps you can take to build strong foundational skills:

    1. Use a lead and collar that is comfortable for both you and your dog. This will help make walks more enjoyable for both of you and prevent any potential injuries, pulling or focus issues.
    2. Start with short walks around the block or in your neighborhood with your dog. As your dog gets better at walking on a standard collar, you can gradually increase the length of and, at times, command them to wait next to you in a ‘heel’ position.
    3. Make sure to provide plenty of positive reinforcement training during walks. This can include treats, petting, or verbal praise. There is an abundance of videos on how to include positive reinforcement while you train.
    recall with an e collar
    1. If your dog starts to pull on walks, stop walking and wait for them to calm down before continuing to give them any further commands. Pulling can be a sign of over-stimulation, and you should train this behavior with small and frequent training sessions to help dogs remain calm and collected.
    2. You can utilize other tools during foundational dog training such as a prong collar, regular/flat collar, or a verbal command to help your dog train in a correct way.
    3. Work on maintaining eye contact with your dog during walks. This training method will help your dog to focus on you and listen to your commands the correct way.

    By following these steps and working with your Great Danes, you can build strong skills help them focus and not pull. Once you have a correct foundation, you can start on the course of working on teaching higher level skills with a training collar.

    Please note:

    Using a training tool such as a prong collar or e-collar is very different than a shock collar. We do not promote training your Great Danes or other dogs with the use of shock collars.

    Using shock collars as a form of training is unethical and can have an impact on the way your dog views life, accepts a command, or represents the breed in regards to temperament and disposition. We do not recommend anybody to shock their Great Danes, and will not be recommending any shock collar or discussing the ‘best shock collar’ to train your dogs.

    An honest review comparing the e-collar 300 and the e-collar 900.

    Once your Great Dane has basic leash skills, you can begin the process of teaching them recall with a long leash.

    Step 2 to Teaching a Great Dane Recall with an E Collar: Using a long leash

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    Long leashes are very helpful when teaching recall because they allow your dog to have some freedom while still being under your control.

    There are a few things to keep in mind when using a long leash:

    • Make sure the long leash is long enough to provide freedom.
    • Attach the leash to a comfortable collar and find a space with plenty of room (20 feet or more).
    • Start by calling your Great Dane’s name and then giving the command to come. As they start to walk towards you, praise them and give them a treat.
    • If your dog does not come when called, do not pull on the leash or drag them towards you. This will only make them scared or resistant to coming when called.

    (If you need more information on the important difference between a SHOCK (sharp static correction meant to scare/startle) collar and an E-Collar (gentle muscle stimulation meant to work as a communication), read our blog post here).

    It is now time to discuss the different settings on your e-collar. You will need to know these settings in order to teach recall on a long leash. Please note, when discussing these settings, we are referring to e-collar technology 900 series.

    • Continual Stim– This is when the e-collar is sending a continuous signal to your dog. During continual stim, hold down the stim button.
    • Momentary Stim– This is when the e-collar sends a signal to your dog for a brief moment. This is the most common setting used, but not always the best, depending on the dog’s personality.
    • High Performance/Boost– This setting is a mix of both continual and momentary stim. It starts off with momentary stim and automatically switches to continual stim if your dog does not respond.

    Now that you understand the different settings on your e-collar, it is time to discuss how to properly use them when teaching recall.

    Step 3 to teaching Recall with an E Collar: Timing

    E-collar training (even while on a long leash) is all about timing.

    When your Great Dane is on the end of the long leash, apply a bit of leash pressure, and direct them to come towards you with the word “come”. At the same time, press and hold your stim button (at their working level) with your e-collar programed to ‘Continual’ stim.

    Watch your Great Dane and the MOMENT they turn their body to move towards you, begin dialing the ecollar down slowly with your thumb.

    recall with an e collar

    You will also want to use a marker word, such as ‘YES’.

    Use the marker word when they turn their bodies to you. Using a marker word allows your Great Dane to understand the exact movement that you expect from them, and feel rewarded for it.

    Think of it almost like a game of ‘hot and cold’. If your Great Dane moves closer when hearing the ‘come’ command, you get ‘colder’. If they move further, you get hotter!

    Click for an 81 page guide to set up and use your new device

    Play this game consistently and daily so that your Great Dane knows what the word “come” means and associates it with returning quickly.

    Step 4 to Teaching Recall with an E Collar: Introduce a Safe, Off-Leash Practice Area

    Next, we will introduce a safe place for your Great Dane to practice recall without a leash.

    Find a large fenced area where they can run around freely. It is important that the fenced area is secure and escape-proof.

    When your Great Dane is off the leash, supervise them at all times. Do not leave them unsupervised even in a fenced area for risk of danger.

    recall with an e collar

    Additionally, you want to make sure that this ‘practice area’ is very low distraction.

    Areas that would make bad practice spots may include dog parks, busy public parks, or areas that may remind them of fun memories they’ve had with friends.

    Areas that make great practice spots include large backyards, quiet/empty parks away from streets, or fenced in, dog-friendly areas with no other dogs present.

    Once you have found your practice location, begin implementing the same procedure of the ‘hot and cold’ technique, without the long leash this time.

    Make sure to heavily reward them when they return by using the marker word, lowering the stim, and using treats (if you want).

    The lifestyle of freedom, fun and exploration is waiting for you.

    Step 5 to Teaching Recall with an E Collar: Practice Makes Perfect with Your Great Dane

    Using any tool in training with your dog/dogs is going to take dedication and time. Great Danes require patience in their training and the use of electric collars is not a quick fix. Be patient with your dog and remember that this training skill is something that is going to take time.

    Even though people claim that shock collars are an ‘overnight fix’ in training their dogs, we recommend taking the time to train slowly and patiently with your dog on a reliable training collar such as the devices we highly recommend.

    If you’re interested in purchasing one, be sure to check out our favorite collars for training dogs here:

    We hope that you and your Great Dane love the process of learning recall as much as we do. The lifestyle of freedom, fun and exploration is waiting for you. Hard work and patience will pay off! Be sure to reach out with any questions you have.

    Read more:

    Off-Color & Designer Great Danes

  • Is My Great Dane Being Aggressive or Playing?

    Is My Great Dane Being Aggressive or Playing?

    Is your Great Dane growling?
    Jumping?
    Attacking you or the kids?
    Is your Great Dane being aggressive at the dog park, or just playing?

    Are Great Danes aggresive? Great dane behaviour can seem complicated, but it doesn’t have to be!

    If you are trying to figure out if your Great Dane being aggressive or JUST playing, you’ve come to the right place! Are Great Danes aggressive?

    This is an important blog post and one that all Great Dane owners should read and bookmark for reference

    Aggression in Great Danes is no joke. They are giant dogs that can easily hurt a human or animal, so it’s important to have a great understanding of behavior when talking about healthy play vs. rude behavior vs. aggression.

    If the Great Dane behavior problems you are seeing is actually aggression, please seek professional help from a highly qualified balanced trainer that uses a lot of positive reinforcement. Reality television is not a good place to get your dog training information!

    59

    GREAT DANE PUPPY AGGRESSION AND HEALTHY PLAY

    Puppies growl, pounce, lunge, bite, tug, bark and generally act immature.

    99.9% of the time, this is completely normal!

    Even if they are chasing and ‘attacking’ kids, even if they grab your hand and growl and shake it, even if they are constantly biting you, even if they lunge at your face. That doesn’t make it ok, but it is an expected puppy behavior that is resolved with management, training and maturity.

    Puppies are immature and these kinds of things are a fun game for them. They are learning how to control their jaws and bite strength, and learning what kind of behaviors result in attention.

    Why does my Great Dane puppy growl at me?

    Chasing is fun. Biting is fun. Lunging is fun! As puppy owners, we often encourage this behavior by shouting, squealing and getting frustrated or scared. Learn more about puppy biting and how to control it here.

    It is rare for puppies to be truly aggressive.

    If you suspect, after reading more of the information below that your puppy is being aggressive and not playing, you need to seek professional help from a highly-qualified positive-balanced trainer immediately.

    Contrary to popular belief, Great Danes are not supposed to be aggressive, timid, fearful or scared.

    Contact your breeder or rescue if you are seeing truly aggressive behaviors, especially in Great Dane puppies under 6 months of age.

    Most ‘Great Dane puppy aggression’ is just wound-up, out of control normal puppy play. It’s time to get to training! Basic obedience, puppy playgrounds, naps, appropriate chews, mental enrichment, structure/routine and management (use a leash, crates and gates) can really help with those annoying puppy teeth.

    52

    ADULT GREAT DANES – WHY IS MY GREAT DANE BECOMING AGGRESSIVE?

    Dogs are like humans; many may never love or enjoy interacting with other dogs and that is ok.

    However, dogs that come from ethical breeders and that are well socialized from birth on are more likely to have healthy play signals and stable temperaments. These dogs will be able to calmly and safely interact or be around other dogs.

    It’s important to note that healthy, normal play between two dogs can LOOK like aggression!

    Maturity, genetics and positive socialization go a long ways here, and some dogs are just naturally more social than others. Don’t force it.

    Because Great Danes are so large, people are often afraid when they see how rough they play together!

    A GREAT DANE BEING AGGRESSIVE

    Here is a video of a Great Dane that is showing very typical signs of insecurity, anxiety, frustration and aggression that come from issues with temperament, socialization and training.

    Many dogs that are labeled as ‘aggressive’ are actually just ‘reactive’.

    A Great Dane that cannot regulate well is dangerous to itself, to humans and to other dogs, however.

    If your Great Dane is like this (or worse), working with highly qualified professionals is important! Following a thorough vet screening, we recommend finding a qualified balanced dog trainer that uses positive reinforcement.

    SEARCH FOR AN IACP BALANCED DOG TRAINER

    A Great Dane can become aggressive for a number of reasons, including:

    • Pain
    • Loss of eyesight or hearing
    • Internal medical problems
    • Frustration
    • Anxiety
    • Poor temperament
    • Lack of boundaries and direction
    • Harsh, punitive and aversive training techniques
    • Bad socialization experiences

    HEALTHY PLAY SIGNALS IN DOGS

    Here are some signs that the play you are seeing is healthy and normal.

    • Loose, wiggly body language. Dogs are ‘floppy’, their faces wiggle, their ears flop around, their whole spine, tail and abdomen are slack.
    • Play bows. This is a hugely important signal that says to the other dog ‘I’m just playing, I won’t hurt you‘. Play bows are when they put their bum in the air. The bow may be prolonged or it may just be a brief little bow mixed in with the other play that is happening. Both dogs need to play bow for the play to be healthy.
    • Tackling, Biting, Barking, Growling, Lunging, Jumping, Body Slams, Hip Checks. These are all NORMAL in healthy play when the two above signals are also present!
    • Self Handicap. In healthy play, a larger dog will modify their play to be more gentle to the smaller dog. Immediately break apart any play where this isn’t happening.
    • Trading Roles. In healthy play, both dogs take turns. “I chase you, you chase me” and “I bite you, you bite me“. One dog should not always assume the chase and bite role, they should be willing to give it up to the other dog for a bit too.
    • Respect. Dogs in a healthy play situation respect each others signals. If one dog is done with the game, the other dog says ‘OK’ and walks away. If one dog doesn’t want to play, the other dog says ‘alright, I’ll move on‘. A well socialized dog asks to play before engaging in it as well (play bow).
    • Breaks, Shake it Off. The dogs should be taking frequent breaks. You’ll see them play then stop for a moment, shake it off and then either walk away or resume playing. If you don’t see breaks and the play is escalating, BREAK IT UP!

    Here is a GREAT video of two Great Danes (one adult and one puppy) playing. You will see chasing, rolling, teeth, chewing, neck biting, pinning, wrestling, shake-off and more.

    The puppy is slightly more submissive than the older dog, who appears to be largely in control of the game. If you watch, the puppy is a little hesitant at times but jumps back in to try new things.

    The puppy is learning a lot from the older Dane!

    RUDE PLAY (ALL AGES)

    Rude play is unfair and can lead to fights.

    Monitor rude play, especially if you are teaching a puppy! If you see ANY of these signs, say ‘uh-oh’ and either give a time out (leash, down-stay until released) or leave the situation altogether.

    • Humping. This is not dominance, but it’s not acceptable. It’s rude and immature, and usually a sign that a dog is overstimulated. Never allow this behavior.
    • Rolling and pinning that is not accompanied by the healthy play signals listed above.
    • Trying to play with a dog that is clearly not interested (again, see above).
    • Running up and starting a play session (biting, chasing) without asking first (play bow).
    • Chasing or pestering a dog that is trying to get away (tail tucked, running, hiding, submissive posture).
    • Playing too rough with a smaller dog (or any dog)
    • Neck, ear, tail or leg grabbing/biting when not accompanied by healthy play signals listed above.
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    Puppies especially need your guidance here!

    Do NOT let your Great Dane Puppy practice rude behavior and play signals, including staring, lunging, pestering, humping or jumping. Leave if you have to. Lower excitement levels. Advocate for your dog. Teach YES behaviors. Work with a highly qualified positive-balanced trainer.

    For more information and resources on preventing fights, including the ones that may be triggered by rude or immature behavior, the book FIGHT by Jean Donaldson is a great resource. 

    Are Great Danes Vocal?

    Great Danes may bark, growl and grumble. Most of the time, these things are not a sign of aggression!

    http://www.instagram.com/deardanes

    ARE GREAT DANES AGGRESSIVE TOWARDS OTHER DOGS?

    Aggression is serious, especially in Great Danes because they are so large and easily able to cause harm. Rude play behavior can escalate to aggression, quickly.

    Great Danes are not supposed to be aggressive, however! If you are seeing aggression of any kind, chat with your breeder or rescue and seek out the help of a HIGHLY qualified behavior professional.

    It is important to PREVENT aggression. If you are seeing your Great Dane aggressive towards other dogs, or if your dog is prone to aggressive behaviors, you must manage the environment.

    Avoid situations where aggression tends to happen. Use crates, gates, leashes, and yes…muzzles as management tools.

    There are not many Great Dane attack statistics that outline how often serious incidents have happened; however, many home insurance companies and landlords do not allow Great Danes for fear that they may contribute.

    The Great Dane breed standard states that Great Danes should be friendly and courageous. Aggression towards humans or dogs is out of standard and not acceptable, nor is it normal in the breed.

    SIGNS OF AGGRESSION IN GREAT DANES

    Here are some signs that your Great Dane is being aggressive and is NOT playing. This is a dog that is likely unable to consistently and safely interact without intervention, behavior modification and management:

    • Stiff body. This paired with ears forward or ears pinned indicate insecurity and fear or forward/aggressive posturing. Neither is good.
    • Hackles. Watch this. It can be a little insecurity and not always a bad sign, but needs attention if you see it often or see it paired with other signs of aggression. Keep an eye on it.
    • Stiff tail wags. A wagging tail is NOT always a good sign!
    • Tucked tail, shaking, extreme fear (fear aggression, can lead to snaps and bites if you push it).
    • Lunging and snarling, even if you think your dog has always been ‘good with other dogs’.
    • Hovering over another dog and then snarling/snapping at their face or neck.
    • Low growl, especially when not accompanied by the healthy play signals listed above.
    • Showing Teeth.  A grimace  with panting (fear, anxiety, frustration) or baring teeth/lip lifting (look at my teeth! They are sharp, back off!) are all signs that the dog may be uncomfortable and is likely to escalate.
    • Snapping is a serious warning.
    • Biting. This one seems obvious, but if your dog goes beyond a snap and sinks a tooth in, that is serious and requires professional guidance. Do not pass Go, do not collect $200, do not ‘try again’ to see if things improve. Do not ‘socialize’ your dog and hope he doesn’t do it again.

    If your Great Dane is showing signs of aggression, the dog park is not an appropriate place to be. You cannot ‘socialize’ your Great Dane by hoping that the aggression will go away with more exposure to other dogs, or by ‘correcting’ the behavior instead of addressing the root cause.

    Find a legitimate, highly qualified dog positive-balanced trainer with Great Dane experience.

    Are male Great Danes aggressive?

    Some people believe that male Great Danes will be more aggressive than others. While some male Great Danes have problems with testosterone, a well-bred, properly trained and well-socialized male should not be aggressive.

    As above, if you are having problems with your Great Dane, seek out the help of a positive reinforcement balanced dog trainer to help you. Neutering MAY be among their recommendations.

    32

    ARE GREAT DANES MEAN TO CHILDREN?

    Well bred and thoughtfully socialized Great Danes make wonderful family pets. Temperament is largely genetic, so choosing the right breeder really matters when you want to bring a Great Dane into a home with children.

    We highly recommend that breeders use Puppy Culture and expose puppies to children from a young age. Then, positive training and socialization must continue as soon as the puppy is in a new home.

    Our Great Dane Puppy Socialization guide can help!

    WHAT IF MY GREAT DANE IS SUDDENLY AGGRESSIVE?

    Sudden aggression in Great Danes warrants a thorough health screening with a giant-breed experienced veterinarian. If you notice your Great Dane suddenly aggressive when they were always well-tempered before, health reasons are often to blame.

    Some causes of sudden aggression in Great Danes may include problems with the heart or thyroid, diabetes, painful joints, wobblers, reflux, tooth pain, arthritis, ear infections, tumors or cancer, hormonal or chemical imbalance and/or pain of any kind.

    Aggression can also be caused by improper, punitive and unfair training methods such as aggressive use of harsh shock collars, penny cans, alpha rolling, intimidation, choking, hitting and physical force.

    Never use a cheap shock collar on a Great Dane, and steer clear of outdated intimidation-based training techniques.

    Our dogs deserve better than this, especially when health problems are to blame for their behavior.

    Rage syndrome in Great Danes can be another cause of sudden aggression. This is often referred to as ‘idopathic aggression’ and is a serious (but rare) behavioral problem that requires the help of a Veterinary Behaviorist. You can find a veterinary behaviorist HERE.

    Great Dane Toys

    WILL NEUTERING STOP AGGRESSION?

    Many people will tell you that neutering is the answer for addressing all forms of aggression.

    There are times when neutering may help dogs that are amped up by their testosterone. Those dogs benefit from being neutered and owners may see a drastic reduction in rude behavior.

    However, there is NO one-size-fits all answer here and neutering may do nothing at all to help the problem. In other words, you cannot ‘magically’ fix genetic-based poor temperaments, socialization and training issues with surgery.

    While you definitely want to neuter a dog with behavioral problems (they should NEVER be bred and may benefit from the reduction in hormones), don’t expect miracles.

    Neutering is NOT a reliable catch all for reducing aggressive and rude behavior; many neutered dogs will mark and continue to display aggression and rude ‘dominant’ behaviors.

    A Great Dane being aggressive

    ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:

    BAT 2.0 by Grisha Stewart for Reactive Dogs

    MINE by Jean Donaldson
    FIGHT by Jean Donaldson

    HELPFUL CONTENT: 

    Are Great Danes Aggressive?

    Dogs That Don’t Belong at the Dog Park

    Bark Busters, Sit Means Sit and Off Leash K-9 Training Review

    Reality Television and Dog Training

    The 2 Sided Debate: Great Dane Ear Cropping

    Is My Great Dane Puppy Knuckling?

    ALL ABOUT THE LIFESPAN OF GREAT DANE DOGS
    THE ULTIMATE GREAT DANE DIET GUIDE
  • 7 Dogs That Do Not Belong at the Dog Park

    7 Dogs That Do Not Belong at the Dog Park

    Dog parks are wildly popular, but they get a bad rap. The idea is great: an off-leash space for a dog to run, play and explore! In practice, however dog parks can be a hotbed of fear, aggression and poor training.

    I’m going to preface this today by mentioning that I take 2 of my three dogs to dog parks (both of my Danes). Our favorite is a local 70 acre fenced open space, however we have ‘normal’ dog parks here too.

    I’ve seen a LOT of sketchy behavior and ideas, so I want to put this out there in the hopes that the right people will read it.

    Here are 7 dogs that do NOT belong at a dog park!

    34

    THE FLIGHT RISK

    This dog RUNS.

    He may easily consider following another family home, would walk out of the gate with people coming in and out, can and will jump the fence, and largely ignores you while in the dog park.

    If you have no control over your dog and the time spent at the dog park includes chasing, yelling, and getting frustrated when he ultimately makes his escape, consider working on those basic obedience skills (sit, down, come, leave it) with a long leash before going to the dog park.

    It’s also important to recognize that the desire to escape may actually be the result of anxiety, proving that for this dog the dog park may not be the best fit.

    4

    THE FIGHTER

    This really goes without saying, but it constantly amazes me how many people bring truly aggressive, short-tempered dogs to the dog park.

    This is the dog that is out for blood, who may full-on attack a dog just for being nearby.  This dog snarls, lunges and goes beyond a quick warning or quick snap.

    Just like any other behavior, aggression can worsen as the behavior is repeatedly practiced.

    This idea that you socialize an aggressive dog by bringing it around other dogs is both dangerous and wildly misguided.

    If you are struggling with aggression, find a trainer. Don’t come to the dog park with your dog on a leash and scold and correct him for being reactive. This practice isn’t fair, safe or appropriate.

    12

    THE NEWLY RESCUED

    We know you want to take your new rescue Dane out to socialize and meet the world, but hold off!

    The newly rescued or adopted dog is still developing a sense of its new life. She doesn’t know who you are, and you don’t know who she is, either!

    It’s very important to allow your new rescue dog to decompress, prove their temperament, and develop a strong relationship with you.

    This process can take as long as 3 months, but be patient. Go for walks and start a training class instead, then consider a dog park once you know your new dog better.

    5

    THE UNPREDICTABLE

    This is the dog that seems generally ok most of the time, but not always.

    He is triggered by something, you are never quite sure what, and his extreme reactions come out of the blue.

    A little show of teeth or an appropriate correction from one dog to a rude dog is one thing, but if your dog tends to go after another dog in attack mode with very little warning, and especially if they do so with intent to harm, it’s time to ditch the dog park.

    This dog is perhaps one of the most unsafe dogs to have at a dog park. They might skip some of the signs that they are about to attack, and while their body language may be tense or fearful overall, many people may misread or misunderstand it.

    If your dog DOES attack another dog (more than just a snap or simple appropriate communication, which is different), leave the dog park.  No questions asked. You and your dog need to get out.

    Despite this, when I see this kind of thing happen it’s surprising that people scold their unpredictable dog and then STAY in the dog park.  It is this kind of ownership that makes dog parks such a dangerous and unfair place. 

    32

    THE PUPPY

    Young puppies don’t belong in dog parks. See the ‘aggressive’ and ‘unpredictable’ dogs above? One experience with those dogs can ruin a puppy for life.

    Not to mention, disease! Yuck!

    If you wish to bring a puppy, wait until she is fully vaccinated and has also shown signs of an excellent and stable temperament: confidence, engagement with you, the ability to walk away from tense situations (not towards them), and a friendly (not rude) attitude towards people and dogs.

    A well-run puppy social class with a highly-qualified trainer is a much safer bet.

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    THE HUMPER

    This dog appears enthusiastic, exuberant, excited, and as if he just LOVES dogs.

    By loving dogs, we mean…humping them.

    This behavior is NOT DOMINANCE. It is related to over-excitement or anxiety and quickly becomes the activity of choice for some dogs to release built up tension.

    The problem is that it is an extremely rude social behavior that can hurt other dogs, scare some dogs, and trigger fights. Humping is not cute or friendly.

    Immediately step in and correct humping.

    A warning ‘Uh-oh’ followed by a time out can help temper and reduce the behavior. Of if you use modern, positive E-Collar training, you can use dynamic pressure to communicate to your dog that the behavior is inappropriate.

    As with aggression, practice makes perfect. The more your dog practices this behavior, the harder it’s going to be to eliminate. So avoid situations where it tends to happen (this includes the dog park, if he or she cannot remain calm and polite in that setting).

    17

    THE CHICKEN

    This is the dog that is trembling, drooling, shaking, cowering, and trying to run away.

    While this reaction may happen for a moment in an overwhelming situation, the dog park is NOT a healthy place for a dog that consistently reacts this way. Scary situations can breed more fear.

    If you have a scared dog and want to properly socialize him or her, you don’t have to visit a dog park and ‘flood’ your dog with scary things.

    Instead, go somewhere where your Dane isn’t scared and work on tricks, basic obedience, and calm behavior in a place where dogs and people are nearby but not threatening.

    There are so many things you can do with an anxious, scared or unpredictable dog that don’t include dog parks. Here is a list of some of our favorites!

    • Take a scent work class
    • Take an obedience class
    • Work with a private trainer
    • Work on the Canine Good Citizen test items
    • Get trick training titles
    • Learn about Dock Diving (yes, Danes can do this!)
    • Go hiking with a long leash and explore in areas with few people and dogs

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    READ MORE:

    The 2 Sided Debate: Great Dane Ear Cropping

  • Train Your Dane: AKC S.T.A.R Puppy

    Train Your Dane: AKC S.T.A.R Puppy

    Training your Great Dane puppy starts on day one with the practice of boundaries, routine and supervision. 

    Every Great Dane should be well socialized and well trained. They are giant breed dogs that can be hard to handle and intimidating when not taught appropriate behavior. 

    We highly recommend finding a highly qualified dog trainer with giant breed experience and beginning puppy classes as soon as possible.

    Even if you think you know how to train your dog, gaining a fresh perspective and up to date training advice is super valuable! Not to mention, dogs that spend time learning in a group setting are also taught early how to ignore other dogs and ignore distractions.  

    AKC S.T.A.R. PUPPY

    The AKC S.T.A.R. puppy program is a fun way to track your training goals and progress. 

    It is the ‘Kindergarten Graduation’ that leads naturally into the more intense requirements of the AKC Canine Good Citizen Program. 

    When you work with a trainer that has been certified as an AKC CGC Evaluator, you are also likely to also be working with an experienced trainer who is using modern training methods. 

    While participating in the AKC Training Programs isn’t required, it’s really fun if you are goals oriented, love recognition, and are interested in eventually appending an officially recognized title (‘CGC’) to your dog’s AKC registered name!  

    BENEFITS OF TAKING A PUPPY CLASS

    When you and your Great Dane puppy take a class together, you will get to learn: 

    • Socialization basics, including confidence building and how to play politely with other puppies.
    • Obedience basics including sit, down, stand, touch, leave it, name, come, heel and ‘go to your place’.
    • Handling skills (how to train, reward and communicate with your dog according to the latest research in training and canine behavior). 
    • How to do all of those things with distractions.
    • Basic puppy care, including advice for mouthing, potty training, crate training and polite greetings.

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    AKC S.T.A.R. PUPPY REQUIREMENTS

    To obtain your AKC S.T.A.R. puppy, you and your dog have to take at least 6 classes with an approved AKC CGC Certified Evaluator. 

    You and your puppy will attend the classes and practice the skills at home, in your yard, and even while out and about. 

    As your puppy learns the skills and becomes more confident through socialization and training, your trainer will be able to evaluate your progress and award (or decline) your AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy reward.

    AKC S.T.A.R. PUPPY PROGRAM TEST REQUIREMENTS

    Your trainer will evaluate your dog on 20 items. You and your puppy must pass all 20 items on the list below to be recognized with the S.T.A.R. puppy award.

    Note – as of this writing it is not a requirement to obtain the S.T.A.R. award before attempting to receive the Canine Good Citizen title. The S.T.A.R. award is however a wonderful way to build early skills that are a necessary for the CGC title. 

    OWNER BEHAVIORS:

    1. Maintains puppy’s health (vaccines, exams, appears healthy)

    2. Owner receives Responsible Dog Owner’s Pledge

    3. Owner describes adequate daily play and exercise plan

    4. Owner and puppy attend at least 6 classes by an AKC Approved CGC Evaluator

    5. Owner brings bags to classes for cleaning up after puppy

    6. Owner has obtained some form of ID for puppy-collar tag, etc.

     

    PUPPY BEHAVIORS:

    7. Free of aggression toward people during at least 6 weeks of class

    8. Free of aggression toward other puppies in class

    9. Tolerates collar or body harness of owner’s choice

    10. Owner can hug or hold puppy (depending on size)

    11. Puppy allows owner to take away a treat or toy

     

    PRE-CANINE GOOD CITIZEN® TEST BEHAVIORS:

    12. Allows (in any position) petting by a person other than the owner

    13. Grooming-Allows owner handling and brief exam (ears, feet)

    14. Walks on a Leash-Follows owner on lead in a straight line (15 steps)

    15. Walks by other people-Walks on leash past other people 5-ft away

    16. Sits on command-Owner may use a food lure

    17. Down on command-Owner may use a food lure

    18. Comes to owner from 5-ft when name is called

    19. Reaction to Distractions-distractions are presented 15-ft away

    20. Stay on leash with another person (owner walks 10 steps and returns)

    A NOTE ABOUT VACCINATIONS, PUPPY CLASSES & TRAINING

    It is extremely important to balance health and wellness with training and socialization.

    Keeping a puppy indoors until 18-20 weeks when they are fully vaccinated is a major risk factor for having a timid, shy or even aggressive puppy that is afraid of strangers, dogs and new experiences.

    We do not recommend that you visit pet stores, dog parks or busy locations with your puppy however it can be safe and appropriate to take your puppy to classes with a highly qualified and experienced trainer in a clean and well-sanitized facility.

    Most will require that your puppy is up-to-date on their vaccines, but that doesn’t mean they have to have finished their entire vaccine series before attending. 

    GREAT DANE PUPPY TRAINING

     One thing I really love about the AKC training programs is the focus on owner behaviors! 

    The goal of creating a well-rounded, balanced dog is rooted in a mutual relationship that begins with health, safety and social responsibility in mind. 

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    When you complete the requirements for a S.T.A.R. puppy award, you’ll be able to obtain a certificate from the AKC with your dog’s name on it and a medal to begin your collection of awards, achievements and titles.

    THE NEXT STEP: AKC CANINE GOOD CITIZEN

    Good training takes time, repetition, patience and consistency. Once you have completed the requirements for the S.T.A.R. puppy, you may want to continue on and obtain your Great Danes first official title, the CGC! 

    It is not as easy to obtain the CGC title, but it’s very rewarding. 

    You may be looking at your wild puppy or thinking of past dogs that you own and wondering if it’s even possible, but ANY dog can learn enough to pass the AKC CGC test. Don’t be afraid to go for it and try! 

    Canine good citizen test items include: polite confident greetings (dogs & people), acceptance of grooming, loose leash walking, walking through a crowd, sit-down-prolonged stay, coming when called, calm and polite behavior around other dogs, confidence around distractions and supervised separation from the handler. You can read more about the CGC test items here. 

    Note that these test items may not be completed while the dog is wearing a prong, choke, head-collar, shock or e-collar, and you may not offer treats or toys (only praise and encouragement). Your dog must be free of aggression and able to confidently complete the obedience tasks without those tools.

    Whether you choose to train with the goal of S.T.A.R. and CGC in mind or not, the goal is the same. All of us want a calm, polite dog that can follow our lead and is free of reactivity, aggression and frustrating behaviors. 

    Good training is worth every moment you put into it. 

    Have fun with your puppy!