Hello Danes

Category: Leash Skills

  • Why You Should Not Use Harnesses on Great Danes

    Why You Should Not Use Harnesses on Great Danes

    Everyone LOVES using Harnesses for Great Danes… well, everyone except for me…

    I, personally, cringe when I see a dog harness on Great Danes.

    Why, you might ask? Well, you came to the right place to hear my rant about why I hate Great Dane harnesses.

    Let’s discuss the common dog harness that both you and your dog love so much (well, at least you do) and determine whether or not this tool is actually right for your dog’s health and well-being.

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    Harnesses for Great Danes

    Of course, you’re a Great Dane owner– you want the best for your Gentle Giant. We all do…

    We can’t WAIT to get home from work just to squeeze our big dogs to bits and pieces, spoil them and proceed to spend the better part of the time we have off with them.

    So, if you’re using a dog harness, chances are you probably are doing so for one of two reasons:

    REASON NUMBER 1: You think the harness is the safest option for your giant breed dog.

    REASON NUMBER 2: You are in over your head with your BIG DOG and cannot keep them from pulling and choking themselves on walks!

    Let’s go ahead and discuss both reasons.

    Reason #1: You believe a harness is the safest option

    So, you did your research on large dogs, you looked for the ‘no pull harness’ with the mesh lining and padded chest which ought to be extraordinarily comfortable for your Great Dane.

    You paid extra for that reflective stitching that is sure to keep them safe from oncoming traffic! You even got fast release buckles incase you ever need to get your large dog out of their harness in a pinch.

    Your dog’s comfort matters to you- and it shows.

    So, did you cross all your T’s and dog all your I’s?

    Well, not exactly.

    Great Dane harnesses are BELIEVED to be safe for large dogs and their thick necks, big chests and long spines, but….. they aren’t exactly that.

    We will talk about why in just a moment. But first, let’s discuss the second reason you may have purchased a dog harness for your Great Dane.

    GENTLE LEADER REVIEW
    IS THE GENTLE LEADER ACTUALLY GENTLE?

    Reason #2: Your giant dog pulls a lot

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    Let’s face it. You might be here because you have a large dog that seems to be walking you and not the other way around.

    Great Dane dogs are strong, big dogs!

    If you got a Great Dane without fully understanding the training requirements and minuscule window of time you have before they become bigger than you, well, it’s probably getting pretty hard to get them to stop pulling.

    So, you did what Sally in the facebook group told you to do… You purchased an Extra Large dog harness that claims to provide EXTRA CONTROL, has a ‘no pull design’, and the reviews even stated that this extremely high quality harness completely TRANSFORMED their dog’s body overnight, changing the owner from a miserable walk to having better control… IN JUST ONE WALK!

    RED FLAG…. PLEASE, see the red flag….

    Anyways, continuing onward.

    Let’s discuss the fun stuff.

    Why are harnesses dangerous for a Great Dane’s neck?

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    The neck of a Great Dane is as fragile as porcelein and should be treated as such.

    Great Danes are prone to spinal and joint disorders such as Wobblers Syndrome and Hip Dysplasia, which are common in large breeds.

    Head Harnesses & Gentle Leaders

    So, taking in to affect that the neck of a Great Dane is quite literally attached to the dog’s head, any dog harness that is directly placed onto their snout or head in order to gain better control should be completely eliminated.

    Think of it this way, when you’re using that ‘Gentle’ Leader to gain complete control on that nice, brisk walk with your Great Dane, you’re ultimately yanking their neck, whether you think so or not.

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    READ OUR GENTLE LEADER HEADCOLLAR REVIEW

    Additionally, you may even see the dog visible struggle, stress, and get anxiety from using a head halter. There is always a reason for your dog’s stress! “Harnesses that go around the muzzle, also known as a head halter, can present a unique challenge because few dogs easily adjust to them”, Schade says.

    “Most do not enjoy the sensation and fight it by pawing at their nose, rolling on the ground, or rubbing their face on their person’s leg,” she says. “Additionally, if the dog races ahead and is jerked back, it might injure its neck.”

    Why is a No-Pull Harness Bad for Great Danes?

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    Harnesses are a straight up nightmare for Great Danes.

    Why? Because…

    1. They restrict the way your dog’s body is designed to move
    2. They create whiplash that is not natural for their skeletal system

    First, harnesses restrict the way your dog moves. And if you wake up every single day and restrict your dog’s body from moving in the way it is supposed to move, eventually (and soon) there are going to be issues.

    Secondly, using a harness as a means to gain control over your dog on the leash and ‘make them stop pulling’ is inevitably going to make YOU pull on the harness, creating whiplash on their joints.

    “I have studied the effect of restrictive harnesses using a well-validated gait analysis system and demonstrated that there are significant alterations in a dog’s gait (both the amount of forward extension of the legs and even the amount of weight borne on the front legs) when wearing the harness, even without a leash attached.” –Christine Zink, DVM, PhD, DACVP, DACVSMR

    “As a specialist in canine sports medicine, I have significant concerns about the use of harnesses that wrap around the front of dog’s forelegs, particularly in circumstances like this, where a dog is exercising using a gait that requires forelimb extension”, Zink says.

    Why could a harness hurt a dogs chest and shoulders?

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    The canine body is all connected, just like the human body.

    Manipulating the body of a Great Dane with a tool that pulls from their chest or shoulders can cause long term damage, just as it would to a human.

    “If a harness doesn’t fit well and a dog pulls hard on his leash, there is some potential for a chest injury, says Dr. Susan C. Nelson, clinical professor at the Veterinary Health Center at Kansas State University.“

    “Front-hook harnesses, on the other hand, can affect a dog’s natural gait and hinder shoulder movement.” Nelson says these particular harnesses may not be a good choice for dogs who engage in athletic activities.

    So, not only are front-hook harnesses dangerous for your dog’s health, but they could also hinder their ability to perform certain activities or exercises! Constant nagging or even slight yanking on everyday walks can add up, affecting the ability of your dog to walk in the way their body has designed them to.

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    A recent study was conducted at Veterinary Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Group in Annapolis Junction, Maryland to evaluate how five commercially available harnesses affect canine gait characteristics at the trot using a pressure-sensing walkway. The study was conducted by Brittany Jean Carr, DVM, CCRT and Chris Zink, DVM, PhD, CCRT, CVA, CSMT, DACVP, DACVSMR.

    “The results of this study demonstrated that wearing a harness affects gait. Interestingly, regardless of the harness type, some dogs were found to be highly reactive to wearing a harness. In fact, even dogs who had been wearing harnesses most of their life and that were thought to be well accustomed to wearing a harness were still found to have significant alterations in gait while wearing a harness, regardless of the type of harness. Overall, wearing a harness was also associated with a longer forelimb stride length, shorter forelimb step length, a greater forelimb total pressure index percentage, and a shorter forelimb gait cycle.”

    What is a dog’s “gait”?

    You might not know what a dog’s gait means off the top of your head- but you would really quickly learn what it means if your dog started declining in their gait.

    A dog’s gait is used to define how they move their legs when walking or running. This includes how high they hold their legs, how much weight is put on each leg, and even the pattern in which they move their legs. All of these factors play into how well a dog moves.

    As described above, some many harnesses are actually studied in clinical studies and CHANGE the gait of your dog! THAT’S NOT GOOD- INCASE YOU NEED IT SPELLED OUT.

    Long term affects of wearing a harness that alters gait

    Your dog may seem fine today. They may seem fine tomorrow. But what about in a few years from now, when they are older and not as spry?

    Slowly, you will start to notice changes in the way your dog moves. You may not quickly attribute these changes to the harness, but take it from the data and the experts.

    Even some of the ‘best harnesses’ that Sally recommends over and over in that Facebook group may just be causing your Great Dane to age much quicker than you hope.

    Common risks of Great Dane harnesses

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    Even what you think might be a ‘good harness’ can have detrimental affects on your dog or Great Dane.

    Some of the best harnesses pose threats to our Great Danes. Have a look at some of the risks that Great Dane harnesses could be posing:

    Sleeping in a harness

    A proper harness is NOT meant to be slept in. Dogs should NOT sleep in a harness OR a collar!!

    Sleeping in ANY item can be a huge owner error and cause serious long-term damage, eg. callouses, sores, traumatic injuries, etc.

    Sleeping in a harness is potentially risky because it could get caught on something (like the dog’s crate) and become a choking hazard, Nelson adds. “It can also be uncomfortable for a harness to be on 24/7.”

    Using a wet harness that doesn’t dry

    Be weary of keeping a wet harness on a dog’s body, especially a leather harness.

    In addition, pet parents should not leave a wet harness on their dog for a long period of time, as it can cause skin infection, advises Dr. Katie Grzyb, medical director at One Love Animal Hospital in Brooklyn, New York.

    Wet items can create yeast and infection, which may go unnoticed until it’s too late.

    Leather is also a breeding ground for bacteria, so keep that in mind if you do choose to use a leather harness.

    Signs that your dog may have an infection from their harness include:

    1. Sores or rashes
    2. Hair loss
    3. Scratching or chewing at the harness
    4. Hot spots
    5. Reddened skin
    6. Inflammation
    7. Drainage
    8. Bad odor

    Great Dane Dry Skin: 4 Causes and 4 Treatments
    How to Know if Great Dane Skin Bumps are a Problem

    Infections on dog’s skin

    An entire harness in general can cause infection and irritation on your dog’s skin.

    Your dog can develop hot spots at the leash attachment points, irritation along their chest and even painful chafing.

    Chin Acne Treatment for Great Dane Dogs
    Great Dane Hot Spots

    Your dog can also develop skin diseases underneath a harness, such as folliculitis and pyoderma.

    Folliculitis is an inflammation of the hair follicles, and pyoderma is a bacterial infection of the skin.

    “Monitor hidden areas such as armpits and under the chest a few times a week to make sure that the harness is not causing skin irritation from rubbing,” Grzyb adds.

    Using Great Dane harnesses can in fact harm their throat and trachea.

    ESPECIALLY for dogs with pre-existing throat conditions or breathing problems, it is crucial to not use a front clip adjustable harness. This no pull design can put a significant amount of pressure on your dog’s windpipe, which can cause more coughing and hacking, and irritate an already pre-existing condition.

    “A halter with a back clip, as opposed to a front clip, may be better for brachycephalic (short-nosed dogs), small breeds, and dogs with tracheal collapse or other tracheal issues. This is because front-clip harnesses may put too much pressure on the throat region when the dog pulls on the leash”, says Dr. Susan C. Nelson, clinical professor at the Veterinary Health Center at Kansas State University.

    Harnesses are not a replacement for training

    Buying a harness for Great Danes is not a ‘quick fix’ for training your dog.

    You can buy a sturdy harness with high quality materials. You can buy a $200 Great Dane tactical harness, research endlessly the best harnesses for Great Danes… look into durable materials and superior comfort.

    But, the ultimate control of your dog on leash lies in the training and relationship that you build with them.

    Victoria Schade, a dog trainer, notes that a harness does not, by definition, decrease pulling.

    It is time to stop making excuses for our dog’s behavior on the leash and start taking actions to make them more successful– without the dangers of a harness.

    Why is Leash Training Dogs So Dang Hard? 8 Things I Learned About Leash Training
    3 Fast Tips on How to Train Your Great Dane to Walk on a Leash
    What is the best leash for Great Danes?

    Harnesses for car safety

    Driving with dogs can be very scary and extremely dangerous.

    Dogs should be contained in the car.

    The Center for Pet Safety is the ONLY resource that you should use to verify whether the tool you are looking at has been crash tested and approved to keep your dog safe in the car.

    According to their website, as of July 2019, only 2 dog car safety companies making harnesses that have been tested and approved by the Center for Pet Safety.

    DO YOUR RESEARCH! Our gentle giants deserve it.

    11 Ways to Calm Dog Anxiety in Car Rides

    Good harnesses for Great Danes

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    The answer is, not that many, but yes.

    The best harnesses for Great Danes include those that:

    1. Do not limit your dog’s ability to move in their natural gait
    2. Serve a purpose: Working dogs/service dogs wear a harness at times for a specific reason (should still not limit their gait)
    3. Are crash tested and to be worn as a seatbelt
    4. Veterinarian checked and approved for your dog’s specific body

    First off, even though I think I have a good grip on dogs and what they need- I usually have found that I don’t.

    So, I trust science, data and experts.

    Now that you know that- here are the recommendations for the best harness based on safety, health and features.

    Best crash tested harnesses

    If you’re looking for a crash tested harness, you’re really only given a few options.

    In 2011 the Center for Pet Safety conducted a pilot study to investigate the crashworthiness of pet travel harnesses. Based on the findings of that study CPS went on to complete a landmark pet travel harness study in 2013, sponsored by Subaru of America.

    VIEW THE HARNESS STUDY RESULTS HERE

    Right now, there are only two harnesses that have been crash tested for dogs in vehicles.

    1. Manufacturer Website:  Sleepypod.com
    2. Manufacturer’s Website: ZuGoPet.com

    Since the ZuGoPet Harness only proved to be effective in dogs up to 25 lbs, we can count that out for your big ol’ Great Dane.

    That leaves us with the Sleepypod.

    SLEEPYPOD CRASH TESTED X LARGE HARNESS

    The Sleepypod Harness comes in two styles: The Sport and the ClickIt.

    Since the Sport is only crash tested for dogs under 25 lbs, again we are left with the ClickIt.

    CLICKIT SLEEPYPOD HARNESS

    The ClickIt Harness by Sleepypod is currently the only (and best) harness on the market for car safety for large/giant breed dogs.

    It is crash tested up to 110 lbs (for the XL), secures nicely into your dog’s seatbelt through two leash attachment points (somewhat around the shoulders), and has a reflective material / reflective trim.

    The company states that the harness can be worn for working dogs or as a standard harness for leash walking, but we always recommend speaking to your veterinarian regarding your dog’s specific gait.

    HELP-EM-UP Harness for Mobility Issues

    If you’re like me- you are a Great Dane mama to a pupper with a mobility disease.

    My Great Dane has struggled with Wobblers for over 1 year now and I do everything to help her mobility.

    There are Great Dane harnesses made for the purpose of being able to help them maintain their mobility through all life stages.

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    HELP-EM-UP HARNESS CAN HELP YOU PROVIDE MOBILITY

    I recommend the Help-em-up Harness which is used for Great Danes (and all other dogs) that struggle with:

    1. Hip Dysplasia
    2. Arthritis
    3. Elbow Dysplasia
    4. Luxating Patella
    5. Wobblers
    6. IVDD (Intervertebral Disc Disease)
    7. And More!

    The Help-em-up Harness is one of the best on the market for mobility support.

    So, if you’re looking into harnesses for your Great Dane- think again.

    There are other purposes for harnesses, but they should never be used as a main walking/hiking harness.

    Your dog’s mobility and health matters.

    READ MORE:
    5 Big Reasons to Have Your Dog’s Teeth Cleaned by a Veterinarian
    Why Prong Collars ROCK
    Gentle Leader vs. Prong Collar: Which is Better for Your Dog?

  • Why Prong Collars ROCK

    Why Prong Collars ROCK

    I have to tell this story!

    This is a pro-prong collar on giant breed dogs story.

    If you are on the fence about prong collars and want to learn more, stick around! If you hate prong collars no matter what anybody says, this post is likely not for you.

    Meet Figaro, the subject of today’s deep dive into dog training, ethics, prong collars, and life with dogs that are in fact bigger and stronger than we are!

    Why prong collars ROCK 101

    why prong collars rock

    Figaro is a Well-Trained Dog

    I’m not trying to brag here, but this guy is a great dog.

    He walks politely next to me on a flat collar through all sorts of distracting areas.

    He checks in with me often, is gentle around people and other dogs, and can be off-leash almost anywhere that it’s safe and legal to do so.

    Figaro was trained using a lot of positive reinforcement! He obtained his Canine Good Citizen and Novice Trick Dog title, and is working towards his Community Canine title now.

    He is also a BIG, strong, intact male.

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    Dogs will be Dogs

    I’m a 5’4″ strong, sturdy female.

    I can move furniture, haul giant bags of dog food on my shoulders, and lift my 95 lb tripod female Dane out of the car without help. I’m far from weak.

    But we failed. Figaro gave me a run for my money the other day, and I’m embarrassed.

    On our walk a neighbor’s dog came out of nowhere, charging his fence line and zipping back and forth. He was barking and growling at us behind bushes and trees that rustled and shook as he moved.

    Figaro LOST IT.

    My sweet boy who is great on a leash, polite and friendly, literally lost it.

    As a matter of fact, the ONLY thing that gave me the strength to hold onto his leash was that slow-motion picture in the back of my head of what might happen if I let go.

    Figaro wasn’t trying to be a jerk. He wasn’t trying to overpower me with his flat collar, or pull me down.

    At that moment, I didn’t exist. He lunged, he jumped, he bounced like Tigger. He made all kinds of noise and threw his body weight around.

    His plan was to get to that fence and protect himself against what he perceived as a threat.

    TRUTH: No amount of training can prepare you for moments like this and yes, even the most well-trained dogs can be caught off guard.

    Things are going to happen. Dogs will come out of nowhere. Wildlife will bounce in front of you. People and things and sounds are lurking, waiting to prove to you that you still have more training to do.

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    What I Learned from this Mistake

    I had believed for far too long that prong collars were aversive, punishing torture devices. Like many people, I fell for the negative marketing which implies that using a prong collar is a form of abuse.

    But here is the thing.

    A prong collar would have been the safest and most effective tool for him to be wearing at that moment. Allow me to explain.

    Flat collar: with a traditional flat, martingale or choke collar not only do you have very little control, but the dog can injure its trachea. That made this lunging VERY dangerous and unsafe for both of us!

    Harness: harnesses have their place in some situations and for some dogs, but it’s very easy for a large dog to pull through one and lunge straight out of your grasp. I believe that harnesses on giant breed dogs are often dangerous: if the dog does decide to lunge, the owner may not be able to recover.

    Front Clip Harness: A front-clip harness may provide more control than another type, but similar to a flat collar a lunging dog may then damage itself by pulling into one. Front clip harnesses work by restricting the movement of the front shoulders and chest, and pulling a dog to the side when they lunge.

    Head Collar: this is one of the most insidious, damaging, and aversive training tools available. While it would have allowed me to maintain at least some control, he likely would have also whipped his head and neck around. We all know how dangerous that can be for Great Danes!

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    The Best Collar for a Great Dane

    Fig needed to be in a prong collar in that moment.

    It can never be acceptable for a giant breed dog to lunge like that. He could have easily hurt me, himself, or anything in his path.

    I’ve invested thousands of hours into his training. The fact that my well-trained polite dog did this means that it could have literally happened to anybody.

    Prong collars look like stabby pokers that jab at the dog’s neck.
    What they look like and what they do are two different things.

    Prong Collars don’t stab and poke. They take the pressure from pulling and distribute it evenly around the dog’s neck.

    This makes it so the dog cannot injure itself while wearing one. It’s a simple matter of pressure on, pressure off.

    The pressure is uncomfortable, but not painful. Unlike other tools, the sensation from a prong collar is a very deliberate YES and NO that dogs understand.

    The dog is in control of that pressure. They can turn it off at any time.

    A properly fit prong collar (I like Herm Sprenger) would have allowed me to:

    • Maintain control
    • Communicate to my over-threshold dog that he didn’t need to be doing that
    • Bring him back to focus
    • Reward him for engaging with me instead of the crazy rude dog behind the fence
    • Keep him safe from injury
    • Keep myself safe from injury
    • Prevent him from getting out of my grasp and potentially hurting himself or others

    Gentle Leader Review

    Read HERE for more Prong Collar Information

    Gentle Leader vs. Prong Collar, the Ultimate Matchup

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    It’s Time to Stop Vilifying Prong Collars

    Because prong collars are so effective, that also makes them one of the safest and most gentle options for Great Danes. Hear me out.

    The prong collar quickly resolves pulling issues, thus minimizing the damage a dog can do to itself and others by continuing to lunge into collars, harnesses, and head collars.

    Of course, I could just keep my dog at home in a ‘gentle’ harness and practice more so that he never does that again, but that’s not real life.

    Real life is FULL of surprises. We cannot isolate our dogs as we attempt to practice responding to each one without error. It’s just not possible.

    Giant breed dogs can and will throw their weight around. You are not hurting your dog when you say NO.

    As a matter of fact, pairing an occasional and necessary NO with lots of YES is a truly holistic way to approach dog training and your relationship with your dog.

    A prong collar is not an abusive torture device, especially when it becomes the difference between getting out in the world with your dog, and staying home because you don’t have safe and effective way to control them.

    I know I learned my lesson. Figaro walks with me in a prong collar now so that we can practice NOT practicing that behavior again.

    Someday I’ll trust him in his flat collar again, but until then, we’re having a great time together out and about.

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  • Gentle Leader vs. Prong Collar: Which is Better for Your Dog?

    Gentle Leader vs. Prong Collar: Which is Better for Your Dog?

    There are a lot of different options available when it comes to choosing a dog collar. Today we are comparing the Gentle Leader vs. Prong Collar, so you can make an informed decision for your pet!

    Two of the most popular tools to reduce pulling and lunging are the Gentle Leader (also known as “Halti” or “Head Collar”, and the prong collar.

    Both have their pros and cons, so which one is right for your dog? In this blog post, we will compare the two collars and help you decide which one is best for your pup!

    What is a Gentle Leader?

    A Gentle Leader is a type of head halter or harness that your dog wears on their face. It is made of nylon webbing and will typically wrap around the dog’s muzzle and over the back of the head.

    The leash is then typically attached at the bottom of the muzzle at the dog’s throat, or from the back of the head. Some head collars have a ‘martingale action’ loop that will cause the straps to further tighten if the dog pulls.

    The design of the collar makes it very uncomfortable for the dog to pull, run, sniff the ground, or lunge and allows you to direct your dog’s head back towards you.

    Common brands include the Halti and the Gentle Leader. Many people with large and giant breed dogs rely on this training tool, citing an immediate difference in their dog’s pulling behavior and leash manners.

    Gentle Leader vs. Prong Collar

    Is the Gentle Leader actually gentle?

    The short answer is…no! The Gentle Leader (or any similar head halter type training device) is actually very aversive, frustrating, and annoying to most dogs.

    This is why they work so quickly!

    A training tool like this will require a lot of conditioning to encourage the dog to accept it. Even following that, we see many dogs show negative body language while wearing them.

    The signs of frustration, anxiety, and discomfort associated with the Gentle Leader include:

    • Rolling on the ground
    • Rubbing their face on your pants, the carpet or grass
    • Pawing at their face
    • Shaking their head
    • Running away from it when you try to put it on
    • Resisting and hiding their face when you try to put it on
    • Scratching their face and eyes until they break the skin
    • Whale eye (wide eyes)
    • Pinned ears
    • Hiding behind your legs
    • Head down and hunched shoulders
    • Becoming ‘hand shy’ (shying their head away from petting or facial handling)

    While it’s important for your dog to learn how to walk nicely on a leash, we’re not convinced that the ‘quick fix’ of a head collar is the most humane choice.

    Positive training sessions using just a flat collar in a low distraction area are a great way to start training your dog on how you want them to behave on a leash.

    This is especially true for puppies and young dogs who have not yet developed a preference for lunging and pulling. If you are struggling with your dog’s pulling, we recommend seeking out the help of a highly qualified dog trainer in your area.

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    Great Dane Trainer Guidelines: How to Choose a Trainer

    Are Head Collars a Positive Tool?

    The short answer is again, no. Head collars are a surprisingly aversive tool that should only be used as a last resort by experienced dog trainers, or for highly-trained service dogs where small communications are necessary while in public.

    This type of dog training collar can cause a lot of physical and emotional damage to your pet dog, especially when implemented without a lot of conditioning and positive reinforcement training.

    We honestly do not recommend head collars for any dog, despite their widespread popularity and ‘positive’ marketing.

    ‘Positive’ implies that the dog will enjoy wearing it and have a good experience being taught not to pull. When it comes to training tools, the head collar is one of the most aversive options available.

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    Which training methods are cruel, and which are not?

    What is the difference between a Halti and a Gentle Leader?

    There is very little difference between these two training tools. When it comes to head collars, there are several brands and models on the market.

    The concept is the same, however, no matter how the webbing and the final fit are actually styled and implemented.

    Many dogs do better in one brand than another; it depends on the shape of their face. A dog’s head is full of sensitive nerve endings and every dog is different!

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    Can my Dog Wear a Gentle Leader if they have Wobblers?

    Absolutely not.

    As a matter of fact, a major reason we do not recommend head collars for large and giant breed dogs is that they can exacerbate existing or not yet known health conditions.

    Wobblers disease is a condition that affects the vertebrae and spinal cord of the neck. Many dogs who have the disease show only mild symptoms for months or years before they are diagnosed. These symptoms are easy to miss and all the while, the damage is being done day by day.

    Dogs with this disease should not wear any type of collar that regularly puts physical pressure on their head that can cause a whipping motion of the spine.

    For dogs prone to wobblers disease (including Great Danes), the head collar should never be the tool of choice. We understand that this opinion may be upsetting to many people who are struggling with their dog’s leash walking.

    In this blog, you’ll see a video of a dog wearing a head collar for the first time. You will notice how she shows stress signals and whips her head around when redirected via leash pressure.

    The good news is, there are other dog training collars available that won’t hard your dog’s neck, alter the way they walk or physically harm them in any way. Read on!

    (We highly recommend that you use lots of positive reinforcement when training your dog! Shop our favorite treat bags below).

    81u5iNHUmoL. AC SL1500
    The Olly Backcountry treat pouch for Great Danes
    81hGlwPwITL. AC SL1500
    The Olly smaller treat pouch

    What do I do if my Dog Hates the Head Collar?

    Most dogs hate the Gentle Leader. It doesn’t matter what brand you choose, either.

    Head collars are a foreign object to dogs, and they are not natural for them to wear.

    This is why it is so important that you only use a head collar as a last resort, and only after you have tried other more positive methods of training first.

    If your dog hates the head halter, we recommend taking it off and trying another method. Do not force your dog to wear this device, and tread cautiously with dog trainers who continue to promote this as a ‘friendly’ and ‘positive’ tool.

    spotted adult great dane stands in lush forested area 1

    Why Shouldn’t You Use a Gentle Leader?

    The main reason why we do not recommend the Gentle Leader is that it is a very aversive and potentially damaging tool.

    Aversives are anything that causes your dog discomfort and stress, and should only be used as a last resort.

    There are many other positive training methods available that do not require the use of aversives like this.

    We understand that they have been marketed as a ‘positive’ device. This is, unfortunately, marketing that was designed to be misleading.

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    What is balanced training? Read the story of how I found balanced training with my Great Danes.

    What about front-clip harnesses?

    Many people are looking for a gentle and positive training tool to help their dog walk properly, politely, and gently on a leash. Enter the front clip harness!

    There are several front clip no-pull harness options available, and some are better than others.

    Traditional ‘no-pull’ harnesses such as the ‘Easy Walk’ (with a strap across the chest) work by applying pressure to the chest and forcing the dog to the side if they lunge into it. They suppress the dog’s ability to move naturally and restrict the forward movement of the shoulders, whether the dog is pulling or not!

    If you do wish to use a no-pull harness, consider it a temporary training tool only. Choose a version with a Y-front, such as the Ruffwear Front Range or TrueLove harness instead, which are designed to be comfortable for the dog to wear and non-obstructive to their shoulders and gait.

    Do NOT use an ‘Easy Walk’ or similar obstructive type device, which can be frustrating to your dog, painful to wear and potentially damaging. The following harnesses with a Y front are acceptable, however:

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    71YLybBgkhL. AC SL1300

    Make sure to use lots of positive reinforcement (ideally off-leash in a low distraction area to start) and ideally, consider a two-leash system where one leash is clipped to the front and one is clipped to the back.

    We do recommend the use of an ergonomic front-clip harness system (see two choices above) before choosing a Gentle Leader, if you are not ready to look into prong collar training yet.

    For some dogs, such as the American Eskimo Dog and other sled dogs, it will be very difficult to train in a properly fit ergonomic (non-obstructive) harness. These are dogs that were built and bred to pull!

    Teaching dogs not to pull (when they are in a harness that allows them to do just that) is an exercise in frustration for many, many people.

    Additionally, people who have large and giant breed dogs such as Great Danes may find that a harness gives the dog too much leverage and becomes dangerous to walk as a result.

    Use common sense here and don’t be afraid of a prong collar or a gentle correction if it ultimately will give you and your dog more peaceful and enriching walks together.

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    How do I Train my Dog with a Head Collar?

    There is a time and a place for using a training tool like this! If you still believe in using a Gentle Leader or similar head harnesses for your dog, start slow and don’t look at it like a ‘quick fix’.

    The conditioning and training process will be much easier on you and your dog if you start in a low-distraction environment, such as your backyard.

    Remember that your dogs head has thousands of nerve endings, and your dog may find the nylon webbing to be uncomfortable to wear. Be patient if you want your dog to have better leash walking skills.

    Make sure that your dog is very well-versed in basic obedience commands such as ‘sit’, ‘stay’, and ‘come’ before you attempt to put a Gentle Leader on them.

    It is also helpful if they have a good foundation of the basic heel position, which is easy to teach using positive reinforcement.

    Use small, high-value treats and introduce the collar to your dog.

    Gently put the loop over your dog’s nose, say ‘YES’, offer a treat then slide it off again. Repeat this process until your dog willingly offers its nose for the loop on the collar.

    Once your dog is comfortable with the Gentle Leader or head collar nose loop, you can put it on them, clip it closed, treat, and then immediately remove it. Practice this several times until your dog has a positive association with the collar.

    For some dogs, this conditioning process may take weeks. Many dogs will continue to appear distressed while wearing a ‘Gentle Leader’ despite the conditioning process; you know your dog best!

    Do this a few times before you actually take them for a walk. When you are ready to walk, make sure that you have treats handy and keep your voice calm and cheerful.

    Start with short walks in low-distraction area. Discourage your dog from pawing at the collar or rubbing their face on your pants.

    Be careful that you never deliver a harsh leash pop through the Gentle Leader. Avoid any kind of correction or movement that will cause your dog to whip their head around.

    Additionally, we absolutely do not recommend the Gentle Leader training collar (or similar head halters) for dogs that struggle with extreme lunging, jumping and reactivity.

    woman with labrador on grassy lawn
    Photo by Blue Bird on Pexels.com

    What is a Prong Collar?

    A prong collar is a type of dog training collar that is made up of metal links with blunt prongs on either side. The prongs are designed to distribute pressure evenly around the dog’s neck so that when the dog pulls, pressure is applied. When they stop pulling, the pressure goes away.

    Prong collars look scary because of their design, but when used correctly, they are a very safe, humane, and effective way to train your dog not to pull on the leash.

    Contrary to popular belief, prong collars will not hurt your dog. The prongs are blunt and rounded; if they are sharp and pointy, you’ve bought a cheap knock-off dog training collar!

    Prong collars were originally designed to protect the dog’s trachea by distributing pressure evenly. Flat buckle collars, slip collars, choke collars and martingale collars cannot offer this.

    When a dog pulls into a regular buckle collar or anything like it, all of the pressure goes into the front of their neck and yes, their trachea!

    This can be painful and damaging to the dog.

    Many people believe that prong collars are much worse than Gentle Leaders, which is unfortunate and based on a lot of misguided marketing.

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    A Herm Sprenger Prong Collar – see it on Amazon

    Are Prong Collars Abusive?

    No, prong collars are not abusive.

    They are a safe, effective and surprisingly gentle way to train your dog not to pull on the leash.

    Many dogs that have been trained with prong collars live happy, healthy lives without any adverse effects.

    For dogs that cannot be walked because of pulling, lunging and dragging their owners down the street, the prong collar is a game-changer. When used correctly, there is no negative body language.

    jumping dog with ball near crop ethnic owner in park
    Photo by Zen Chung on Pexels.com

    Prong collar vs. Gentle Leader story time!

    I’m in an advanced training class with my large male Great Dane. In the class there are some dogs on flat collars, some dogs on prong collars, and some dogs on head halters.

    The dog owners who chose Gentle Leaders for their dogs did so because they believed it was the more humane choice. Our trainer is a positive reinforcement balanced trainer who is fine with either option.

    However, if you watch the dogs in this class, the negative and stressed body language we see is coming exclusively from the head halter dogs!

    On the flip side, the prong collar dogs are happy, enthusiastic, comfortable, and engaged.

    Despite 2 years of positive reinforcement training, the Gentle Leader dogs are still frustrated with the nylon webbing on their face. They show signs of stress including whale eye, pawing, shyness, rubbing, rolling and pinned ears.

    If you use a prong collar correctly, it will not damage your dog or lead to ongoing frustration and annoyance with the tool being used. That’s a simple fact.

    Tread cautiously with marketing that is designed to make you feel otherwise.

    crop ethnic owner training intelligent dog in city park
    Photo by Zen Chung on Pexels.com

    Are Prong Collars a Humane Tool?

    Prong collars are a safe, effective and humane way to train your dog not to pull on the leash.

    They are not cruel or abusive, and when used correctly, they will not damage your dog in any way.

    In fact, correctly used, high-quality prong collars have been shown time and time again to be much more gentle, dog-friendly and humane than head halters (Gentle Leader)!

    Remember, the prong collar works by distributing pressure evenly around the dogs neck.

    They are not pinching the dogs skin or causing pain (unlike a regular collar which can damage the dogs trachea if they lunge or pull into it).

    High quality prong collars (such as the Herm Sprenger, the brand we recommend) have a trachea plate on the front to further reduce the pressure a dog may put into the front of their throat when pulling.

    We would rather see a dog out and about, properly trained in a prong collar, than a dog who has to stay home because they are too difficult to handle on a leash.

    What is the difference between a pinch collar and a prong collar?

    There is actually no difference between a pinch collar and a prong collar. They are two terms for the same thing.

    The term ‘pinch collar’ came about because you have to ‘pinch’ two links together to close the collar around your dogs neck. The pinching of the link has nothing to do with pinching your dog’s neck.

    People think that prong collars look like torture devices, so they took the ‘pinch’ collar word and ran with it.

    Because the word ‘pinch collar’ evokes the concept of ‘pain’, people think it means that a prong collar is teaching dogs avoidance and fear.

    The reality is that prong collars are just a tool, and dog trainers who use them are often very focused on ethics, positive training and helping dogs and owners live their best lives possible.

    All dog training collars and tools available can be used humanely or inhumanely. This includes the prong collar, martingale collar, choke collar, e-collar, flat collar and yes, even harnesses.

    It ultimately boils down to the individual using the collar or tool, not the tool itself, however. This is why, if you are willing to put the time into positive conditioning and addressing lunging or other dangerous behaviors as well, a Gentle Leader can be an acceptable choice for you.

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    A Herm Sprenger Prong Collar – see it on Amazon

    Why Don’t ‘Positive’ Trainers like Prong Collars?

    Positive trainers believe there is a war to wage against training tools that they have determined to be aversive and inhumane. This includes prong collars, which look scary.

    Some tools by nature are more aversive than others. In our opinion, the head collar is naturally more aversive to dogs than a prong collar.

    Because they don’t understand how a prong collar works or is used, they assume it’s a torture device and market it as such. This fanatic war against tools has even made it to politics, where lobbyists have successfully outlawed certain tools in some Countries by using poorly done ‘studies’ and inflammatory language.

    When comparing the gentle leader vs. the prong collar, we believe there is so much more to it than the fact that the prong collar simply ‘appears’ harsher.

    It doesn’t matter that the tools ‘positive’ trainers tend to recommend (no-pull harnesses and Gentle Leaders) have serious pitfalls and are far from ‘positive’. Some people have drawn an arbitrary, uneducated line in the sand.

    We believe that the best kinds of dog training rely heavily on positive reinforcement AND the ethical, thoughtful use of the right tool for each dog being trained.

    Run from any dog trainer who advocates for the ‘yank and crank’ method of prong collar or choke collar training, of course. That is not the correct use of any tool.

    Alternatively, run from any dog trainer who tells you that ‘balanced’ training and properly used prong collars are abusive.

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    Purchase a Breed + Health Kit, JUST a Breed Kit, or a Purebred Breed Kit
    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

    What is the Best Prong Collar?

    The only prong collar brand we can confidently recommend at this time is Herm Sprenger.

    The company has been around for over 100 years and has pioneered the design and use of prong collars. One of the key features of a proper prong collar is the round, blunt ends.

    There should be no sharp points to poke or pinch your dog. We recommend choosing a model with the martingale loop, which will allow you to quickly apply and release pressure into the collar.

    This pressure is a communication that your dog will understand.

    Pulling in and of itself is dangerous, but isolation from experiences and life because of pulling behavior can be unfair and unethical, too. The prong collar has helped millions of dog owners bridge that gap.

    PURCHASE A HERM SPRENGER PRONG COLLAR

    How do I Train my Dog with a Prong Collar?

    All good dog training starts with positive reinforcement.

    We recommend starting your prong collar training in a low distraction environment, off-leash.

    Have your dog wear the prong collar. It should fit snuggly and not rub or poke. Loose prong collars are dangerous and uncomfortable to wear. A properly fit one should feel no different to your dog than a flat collar.

    While your dog is off-leash, use treats and praise to reward your dog for standing by your side, taking a step forward with you, and staying focused on you as you walk.

    Ideally, your dog should have a basic understanding of ‘heel’ and ‘look’ or ‘focus’ before you add prong collar pressure to your training.

    Once your dog has a great understanding of this, it’s time to teach your dog how to control the pressure from the prong collar.

    Attach a sturdy leash to the prong collar and get started.

    Allow your dog to sniff, noodle around, and walk away. Take a step backward and gently apply constant pressure to the collar through the leash. Do not snap, tug or pop the collar. Just apply a gentle, ongoing tug until your dog yields to the pressure.

    Your dog will turn and start coming to you. The pressure will release naturally. As SOON as they do this, mark with a YES and then reward your dog and walk forward a few steps together.

    This process teaches the dog how to ‘turn off’ the pressure from their prong collar. They are in control! Repeat this step as often as possible, over the course of several days.

    Make a fun game of this where your dog is encouraged to stay near you and focused on you as you zig-zag and weave around obstacles.

    Use lots of rewards and make sure that your dog is consistently able to respond to the pressure of their prong collar and release it themselves.

    When comparing a prong vs. a Gentle Leader, the beautiful thing here is that a dog can turn off the pressure from a prong collar and has full control of it. They cannot turn off the pressure from a Gentle Leader, it will always be on their face, irritating the sensitive nerves whether they are pulling or not.

    With these basic positive training exercises, your dog will become very confident in its understanding of the collar, what it means and how to turn the pressure off. You will notice positive body language and enthusiasm!

    ethnic hipster man taming west siberian laika in park
    Photo by Zen Chung on Pexels.com

    What is the Best Tool to Use on a Reactive Dog?

    There are several types of reactivity.

    Leash reactivity is common and is most often caused because dogs are nervous about the constant tension they feel from the leash. It prohibits them from moving naturally and they feel trapped. Reactivity builds and many dogs who are leash reactive are perfectly fine and friendly off-leash.

    Fear-based reactivity is often the result of poor genetics and poor early socialization or experiences such as abuse. This kind of reactivity requires diligent monitoring and thoughtful attention to confidence-building and avoiding triggers.

    General reactivity can be caused by the dogs preferences that you not mess with their food, pain or other medical issues. Always speak with your vet if your dog develops sudden reactivity.

    Stress, anxiety, leash tension, unfair corrections and being ‘over threshold’ are contributing factors.

    When it comes to choosing the right tool to use on a dog with reactivity, it’s important to keep in mind that good training starts by keeping the dog comfortable, and creating positive experiences around triggers.

    For dogs that are extremely aggressive, a martingale collar is required. It is the only truly escape-proof option.

    All training tools (including ‘no-pull harnesses’, Gentle Leaders, and Prong collars) can lead to increased frustration in reactive, fearful, and aggressive dogs if they are not implemented correctly.

    We recommend working with a professional balanced positive reinforcement trainer to help you choose the best tool and training method for your dog, and show you how to help your dog have positive experiences that will build their confidence.

    When used correctly, prong collars (AKA ‘pinch collars’) can be a very effective way to train and communicate to dogs with reactivity issues. But they should only be used under the guidance of a qualified trainer, on certain dogs who have already build on the basics of good obedience (sit, down, leave it, wait, place, stay, come).

    Gentle Leaders are not recommended for use on reactive dogs or dogs that lunge, buck, or pull wildly as they risk damaging their neck, spine, eyes, and sensitive nerve endings.

    Puppy Training: 5 Mistakes in Training

    Great Dane Puppy Fear Stages

    How to Stop a Great Dane from Jumping Up

    How to Teach a Great Dane to Walk on Leash

    Is the Gentle Leader an Abusive Tool?

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    Final Verdict: Gentle Leader vs. Prong Collar

    So which is better? The answer may surprise you.

    While we strong advocate for the use of the prong collar as we believe that it the safest and most humane and effective choice, especially on large and giant breed dogs, the truth is that you should use the tool that works for you and your dog.

    If your dog is showing positive body language and enjoying freedom, enrichment and safe walks because of the tool you chose, then you are doing the right thing!

    Do not let ANYBODY make you feel bad for choosing a training tool, especially not a prong collar, if your dog is enjoying life as a result of the tool.

    Get out in the world and stop isolating yourselves and your dog from life because they pull, lunge or cannot walk politely on a leash!

    It’s time to make a humane, ethical choice and train your dog with the tool that works for you.

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  • Why is Leash Training Dogs So Dang Hard? 8 Things I Learned About Leash Training

    Why is Leash Training Dogs So Dang Hard? 8 Things I Learned About Leash Training

    It’s no secret that leash training dogs can be a huge pain.

    In fact, according to yours truly: me, it has been proven as one of the most challenging things about owning a dog.

    Leash Training Dogs

    Why is it so difficult?

    I really will admit when I got my first puppies (yes- that’s right, I got two 8 week old dogs at once), I thought that daily walks would be fun, and we could start walking right away.

    Peaceful, nice, enjoyable.

    NOT.

    My dogs were terrible. It’s one thing to have your dog pulling on the leash and killing your back (you can just pretend it doesn’t hurt, wave kindly to people passing by, and act like you have everything put together), but when your puppy is rapidly gaining weight (Great Danes) and becoming stronger than you- the pull becomes a problem: physically, mentally AND emotionally.

    I was really stressed. Matter of fact, I was doomed.

    LEASH TRAINING DOGS STINKS

    I said it. Leash training dogs is NOT FUN!!!

    It is SO much work.

    Why are all these people walking all of their perfectly behaved dogs around the neighborhood?

    Meanwhile, me: My dog’s leash is tangled around my entire body like a trap, my dog starts pulling and I do everything I can to pretend it isn’t about to trip me to the concrete. I’m trying to walk nicely- wait, aren’t the dogs supposed to be the ones who are walking nicely? Don’t even BEGIN to think about carrying a COFFEE on this walk. I need BOTH hands.

    Dog walks are no freaking joke.

    LOOSE LEASH: MORE LIKE A FOREIGN LANGUAGE

    One day, I took one puppy on a walk (que the pulling) with a friend.

    She said, ‘you should really teach loose leash walking with her’.

    Great Dane Leash

    Gulp. I am pretty sure you could see the sweat beads on my forehead. WHAT THE HECK IS LOOSE LEASH WALKING? I think my friend could probably HEAR my panic.

    ‘Of course I am practicing loose leash skills with her… We practice loose leash walking ALL the time’…. I could barely muster the words.

    We walk forward a few steps- my puppy pulling on both her collar and leash as I pretend to know what I’ve gotten myself into.

    GOOGLE QUERY: LOOSE LEASH WALKING TIPS

    Panic sets in and I set to the googling.

    Loose leash walking. Dog training. Dog walks that don’t create anxiety attacks.

    Google dings back with 1 billion results.

    “Loose leash walking in dog training: it means that the dog walks on a loose leash, without pulling ahead of or behind the person holding the end of the leash. In order to train your dog to walk on a loose leash, you’ll need patience and consistency.”

    Well that’s just great.

    I’m going to need more than just patience and consistency- I’m going to need a MIRACLE.

    Wish me luck. Slam computer shut.

    LEARNING TO LOVE LEASH TRAINING

    Well, my dogs new how to grow fast, but they did not know how to walk nicely even though we continued to practice walking.

    LOOSE LEASH WALKING
    Photo credit to @lexi.aspen.rayna
    LOOSE LEASH WALKING
    Photo credit to @lexi.aspen.rayna
    LOOSE LEASH WALKING
    Photo credit to @lexi.aspen.rayna

    But, I knew I needed to keep practicing leash training or else we would literally never be able to leave the house.

    I started my quest for teaching loose leash walking.

    THE RIGHT EQUIPMENT TO LEASH TRAIN

    I quickly learned that in order to get these two demons, I mean puppies, leash trained- we were going to need the right stuff.

    All I had was a flat collar, and it felt like every time we went to practice leash training it was more like a ‘choke your puppy’ training session.

    No, really. Both dogs would end up coughing from the amount of pulling and strain on their throats.

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    How to Stop Leash Pulling

    I’m no professional- but I knew that was not healthy. So, I investigated which items are healthiest for dogs to walk on a leash.

    Here is what I found:

    FLAT COLLAR OTHERWISE KNOWN AS A ‘REGULAR’ COLLAR FOR NOOBS LIKE ME

    Your dog’s collar might be adorable but if it is hurting your dog, what’s the point?

    I found that a flat collar was actually really uncomfortable for my puppy and it constricted her breathing. (Yes- every dog DOES need a regular collar for multiple reasons, including tags/identification, but is it best for training? Not really.)

    Heres a cute one… because it’s cute…

    Custom designer dog collars pink
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    Custom velvet collar, bowtie and leash set. Make your own here.

    Anyways, I knew I needed to find something different if we were going to make any progress with leash training.

    Using a regular collar can put strain on your dogs throat and neck, ESPECIALLY when they pull or if they are regularly pulling on the leash.

    MARTINGALE COLLAR

    A martingale collar is a type of dog collar that provides more control over the animal without the choking effect of a slip collar.

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    Ruffwear Chain Reaction
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    If it Barks Martingale Collar
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    Dazzber Martingale Collar

    A martingale collar is often used on dogs who pull on their leash.

    The martingale collar was specifically designed for sighthounds, which have necks that are larger than their heads and can easily slip out of standard collars.

    Martingale collars have become popular with dog owners.

    SLIP COLLAR OR CHOKE COLLAR

    A slip collar (also called a choke chain or check chain) is a type of dog collar that consists of a loop of material that tightens when pulled, and is loosened when the lead is slackened.

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    Slip Collars: Black and white striped, neon green, and thin chord.

    Slip collars are used to train dogs to not pull on their leash, as the tightening of the collar around the neck punishes the dog for pulling.

    At first, I thought that training your dog to walk on a choke collar or slip collar seemed cruel. But, as I looked into it, I learned that it is actually WAY better for the dog and their entire body to use a slip/choke collar rather than constantly yanking their neck around on a regular collar and leash.

    GENTLE LEADER

    The Gentle Leader is one that really got me angry.

    The marketing of the ‘gentle’ leader is brilliant- and EVERYONE falls for it- it’s gentle of course, right?

    WRONG.

    The gentle leader is actually a head halter that puts pressure on your dog’s muzzle- not their neck like a regular collar.

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    Which training methods are cruel, and which are not?

    This type of leash is used by putting the loop around your dog’s muzzle and clipping the leash to the ring on the back of the head.

    I’m sure you can imagine how this would feel, being yanked or even pulled by the muzzle.

    I can’t imagine anything less gentle.

    LEASH

    Since my puppy was pulling incessantly on the leash, I opted for a short, tight one that was within my control. I didn’t want them to pull me over or hurt themselves, so I went with a sturdy, comfortable leash.

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    4 feet, 6 feet, or 8 feet options

    I also got a long leash, which is very helpful in the training process.

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    Affordable Long Lead in Different Lengths

    PRONG COLLARS

    Prong collars are another one of those items that are scrutinized by pet owners but used nicely by a good professional trainer.

    A prong collar is a type of dog collar that has metal “prongs” that point inwards, towards the dog’s neck. Prong collars are NOT cruel.

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    Buy your own prong collar.

    Prong collars are used to train dogs not to pull on their leash, as the prongs will pinch the skin if the dog tries to pull away from the owner.

    RETRACTABLE LEASH

    I quickly learned that most dogs will be extremely dangerous on a retractable leash.

    They can get tangled up in it, or worse- run out into the street without you knowing and get hit by a car.

    I decided against using one for my own safety and the safety of my dogs during training.

    E COLLAR

    E collars were intriguing to me! An e collar is NOT a shock collar. An e collar is a collar that helps you COMMUNICATE with your dog.

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    The collar you choose to buy REALLY matters. Click to see the devices we vouch for.

    Inside of the e collar is a receiver and a transmitter. The receiver goes on the dog’s collar and the transmitter stays with you, usually around your neck.

    The e collar is used to leash train, and teach your dog what is right from wrong.

    MY CHOICES FOR TRAINING SESSIONS AND EQUIPMENT

    I REALLY loved the fundamentals behind the e collar methods to training your dog with both positive reinforcement as well as correcting when the dog is wrong- so I opted for using an e collar, a regular collar, and a standard leash. I also got a long leash for using inside the house or backyard to begin to start leash training.

    Now that I had all the right equipment, it was time to start training!

    TIPS FOR SUCCESSFUL LOOSE LEASH WALKING

    Start in a distraction free area- like your backyard.

    Put the long leash on your dog, and let them walk around without you doing anything.

    This is called “getting used to the feel of the leash.”

    Offer treats when your dog is walking nicely, keep your sessions short, and

    Once you regularly see good behavior you can gradually increase to spending more time on the lead and add in some distractions.

    ADD IN DISTRACTIONS

    Have a family member or friend stand about 20 feet away from you, holding your dog’s favorite treat.

    If your dog pulls ahead and creates leash tension, ask them to stop pulling by saying “stop” and “sit”.

    Keep practicing this until your dog is really good at it, then move on to other distractions like another person or animal walking by.

    Remember- baby steps! Rome wasn’t built in a day.

    INCORPORATING TREATS

    In my opinion, treats are an essential part of training your dog.

    I made sure to include a treat every few minutes or even seconds during short periods of training. I got a treat pouch and kept the treats close by at all times!

    Here are the treats that my puppy absolutely LOVES!

    Great Dane Puppy Treats
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    Now it’s time to start walking!

    As you walk, keep the slack in the leash- don’t let your dog get ahead of you or lag behind.

    If they start to pull, stop walking and make them sit until the slack is back in the leash.

    PRACTICING PATIENCE (WHILE YOUR DOG PULLS ON THE LEASH)

    One of the most important things to remember while leash training is to be patient!

    Your dog has probably been pulling on the leash their whole life, so it’s going to take some time for them to adjust.

    Be consistent with your commands and using treats as rewards, and eventually you’ll see results!

    WALKING YOUR DOG: ENJOYMENT VS. SURVIVAL MODE

    If you are as desperate as I am to teach your dog to walk on a leash, you probably understand that there are times that your dog really might not listen, might pull constantly and walking might not be fun.

    SPOILER ALERT: sometimes your dog just needs to go for a quick walk to potty and it might not be the right time to train your dog.

    Set aside collar and leash time daily if you can, be intentional about correcting behavioral issues, but do not be a perfectionist.

    Walking with your dog is a process that sometimes comes in waves of ups and downs. Be sure to really recognize when your dog is ‘off duty’ and can have some ‘free time’ to stop and smell the roses.

    DOG WALKS: THEY CAN BE FUN! (I PROMISE)

    I started off thinking that getting a dog to walk appropriately was absolutely miserable.

    But as I continue walking my dog every single day, I have learned that every walk is different.

    Sometimes, I will have my dog’s attention completely, and sometimes I won’t.

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    Enzo, 9.5 years old

    But, EVERY single walk does teach me something new about them, and I have learned that in order to train your dog you have to dig inside of yourself as well.

    Some of my most cherished memories and moments are just me and my dog out for a walk. I promise, it does get better!

    LEASH TRAINING: THE FINAL VERDICT? WORTH IT. YES. A MILLION TIMES OVER.

    Although training a puppy or older dog is NEVER easy- when you get a dog you have to start leash training.

    Over time, with a million of hours of practice, blood, sweat and tears, my dog has become reliable both on leash and off leash.

    I trust my dog with my life- something I NEVER would have guessed I would have been able to say about the floppy/clumsy/terribly behaved puppy I brought home.

    Teaching your dog to walk nicely is a civic duty of pet parents- and I promise, it is so worth it.

    How to Introduce an E-Collar
    How to Introduce an E-Collar
    Need help with modern e collar training? Check out our guide.
  • What is the best leash for Great Danes?

    What is the best leash for Great Danes?

    The Best Leash for Great Danes

    A proper leash for a Great Dane will be well-made, sturdy, and have a substantial solid metal clip on it. The last thing we want is for our giant breed dogs to get loose and run off because their leash breaks!

    Inexpensive nylon leashes with plastic clips can easily break, setting your dog free to run and cause havoc off-leash!

    Talk about embarrassing (hey, many of us have been there)!

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    Viper 15ft Training Lead
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    Leather Dog Leash
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    Leather Slip Leash

    The Best Leashes for Walking a Great Dane

    Once your Great Dane has excellent walking skills and does not pull you around, lunge, or react, we recommend walking your Great Dane off-leash (with a positively-implemented E-Collar) and/or on a 6-8 foot leather leash connected to a flat or Herm Sprenger Prong collar.

    Leather wears well, is easy to clean, feels nice in your hand, and will often be more sturdy and well-made than an inexpensive nylon leash.

    PRO TIP: Buy a set of leather horse reins from the farm store and add a substantial clip to each one. If your Great Dane pulls, it’s so important to have peace of mind that your equipment is solid.

    When your Great Dane is trained to walk nicely and be 100% responsive to you while off-leash, the leash becomes nothing more than an extra item your dog will wear on walks only because it has to be there for leash laws.

    While off-leash obedience training is the gold standard, some Great Dane dogs require more control than others.

    For dogs that aren’t there yet or that may be dangerous and require additional control, a sturdy leash is a must!

    Best leashes for Great Danes

    The best leash for training sessions

    We recommend a sturdy 4-8 foot leather leash for training sessions.

    The ideal collar for a Great Dane is either a martingale or a prong collar. Flat collars are only for dogs that do not pull ahead or lunge.

    Headcollars (also known as ‘Gentle Leaders’ or ‘Halti’) often work ‘quickly’ but many dogs find them aversive and frustrating. We don’t recommend them for a number of reasons.

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    The Best Training Collars for Great Danes

    A Herm Sprenger prong collar is our tool of choice for teaching Great Dane dogs how to politely walk on a leash. While a prong collar may look like a torture device, it is actually one of the most gentle and clear ways to communicate with our gentle giants!

    Prong collars work by applying gentle, even pressure to the neck when the dog pulls ahead or lunges. A good training program will utilize positive reinforcement to teach the dog that this pressure is something they can control and easily get rid of by turning back towards you as the handler.

    This ability to control the sensation from the collar is very rewarding and empowering to dogs!

    This pressure is a deliberate and clear yes and no communication that can result in an incredible transformation for dogs that lunge, pull or struggle to focus around little distractions.

    A properly used, high-quality prong collar such as the Herm Sprenger will not pop a balloon.

    PURCHASE A HERM SPRENGER PRONG COLLAR
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    A Herm Sprenger Prong Collar – see it on Amazon

    We do not recommend using any kind of training collar on a puppy, however.

    Prior to 5-6 months of age, a lot of time should be spent first teaching the correct position (heel) and loose leash skills by utilizing positive reinforcement in low-distraction areas. This will set your pup up for success and ensure that your training efforts utilizing a prong collar on your more mature dog are much more effective!

    Basically put, if you wait until your Great Dane puppy is pulling before you start leash training, you’re making a huge mistake.

    The best leash for recall training

    Training recall should be fun! If you want your Great Dane to consistently come when called, you need to first prevent your Great Dane from running away (and practicing that behavior on repeat).

    A long line leash is a must for recall training (whether you are using an E-Collar or not!).

    We recommend choosing a 15-30 foot Biothane leash (our favorite is below).

    Biothane is waterproof, stink-proof, and easy to handle. Plus it comes in super fun colors! Your Biothane leash can last a lifetime, too.

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    Biothane Long Leash on Amazon



    When teaching your Great Dane to come when called, use lots of positive reinforcement. Start small, just a few steps away, and say ‘COME!’. As soon as your pup starts towards you, say YES and then deliver treats, praise, play, or fun.

    Gradually add distance, distractions, and duration. Make sure to occasionally grab the collar, reward, and release so that your pup doesn’t accidentally learn that coming to you and having the collar grabbed always means the fun is over.

    Never scold your dog for ignoring your recall command. That’s the fast track to making sure that your pup NEVER comes when called.

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    Slip leads for safety

    We believe all Great Dane parents should keep a few inexpensive slip leads on hand. Slip leads are escape-proof and fantastic for new rescue dogs, puppies, dangerous dogs and when you need a leash and collar combo QUICK!

    Keep one for each dog in your home in your coat closet; this way you’ll always have access to something in case of fire or otherwise. Keep some in your car, too.

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    Slip Collars: Black and white striped, neon green, and thin chord.

    The best retractable leash for a Great Dane

    Retractable leashes are dangerous and offer very little control. Most are rated only for dogs under 100lbs, and if your Dane reaches the end and warps the cord around somebody or something, they can cause serious damage to themselves and others.

    The only appropriate time to implement a retractable leash for a Dane is on smaller, well-trained Danes that have excellent recall and obedience skills both off and on leash.

    A fancy retractable leash with a high weight limit can be helpful for handlers that cannot physically manipulate a proper long leash.

    This may be helpful for providing some dogs additional freedom to move and explore, however, we don’t recommend it for walking in high-distraction areas or with Danes that are reactive in any way.

    As always, we believe that modern positive E-Collar training is much safer and more humane than any kind of contraption that relies on physical restraint.

    The truth is that a properly E-Collar-trained dog of any size can safely be on a retractable leash (to satisfy leash laws), too.

    All about the wireless training leash

    Did you know that modern technology has brought us the wireless leash?

    With modern E-Collar training, your dog can be reliably off-leash in just weeks.

    This is very different than traditional shock collar training, as it uses a very gentle muscle stimulation (not zaps and punishment) to communicate in a positive and humane way.

    We use and recommend E-Collar Technologies Mini Educator or Easy Educator collars for off-leash training mature (5+ months) puppies and adult Great Danes.

    By freeing our dogs of physical restraints, we greatly reduce the chance of orthopedic damage, anxiety, and frustration that can come from tension on a no-pull harness, collar, Gentle Leader, or long leash.

    E-Collar trained dogs come when called, can walk politely next to us (even on a leash), and are amazingly responsive-without harsh physical communications.

    Thankfully, a wireless E-Collar can provide you with peace of mind that your dog will, with training, come when called, turn away from distractions, stop before running into traffic and return to your side in an automatic sit when asked.

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    Getting started with an e collar.

    The Best Harnesses for Great Danes

    There are times when you need to physically restrain your dog and make sure that your dog’s neck or shoulders aren’t injured by lunging or pulling. This can be necessary for dogs who have Wobblers disease, orthopedic issues, or who are genetically predisposed to those conditions.

    For this reason, something ergonomic will be the BEST choice when paired with lots of positive training. It’s especially important to train your Great Dane not to pull, even for short distances, if they are struggling with orthopedic issues.

    Choose one with a Y-front, as below:

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    The Ruffwear Front Range Harness, a less obstructive and more comfortable harness option for dogs that do not pull.

    All about ‘no-pull’ and front-clip training tools

    We do not recommend the long-term use of ‘no-pull’ or ‘front-clip’ harnesses for giant breed dogs. These tools are obstructive to the shoulders and chest and can cause frustration, pain or even joint damage.

    An obstructive harness labeled as a training device for loose-leash walking is built to use pressure, punishment, gait alteration, and behavior suppression and teach your dog not to lunge ahead.

    Of course, this can help you accomplish your ‘no-pulling’ goals, but restricting natural movement and gait is not the most humane or ethical choice.

    When your dog pulls into the straps, it adds additional pressure to the chest and shoulders. If the pressure is not immediately released, it then forces them to the side so they cannot continue moving forward.

    This is hard on joints, and can be damaging to dogs that are predisposed to structural problems (including Wobblers, arthritis, and other joint problems). It is not very effective at the clear communication needed to form good leash skills, either.

    Somehow these have been marketed as a ‘positive’ training tool, however, don’t be fooled. Some dog trainers will tell you that it works like a ‘Thundershirt’ to calm anxious behavior and pulling.

    What they are really saying, but don’t want you to understand, is that the tool they recommend is physically restrictive and suppressive to behavior. We find this to be particularly alarming.

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    If you do use a restrictive ‘no-pull’ harness for Great Dane leash training, we recommend teaching your dog to respond immediately to the pressure on their chest and turn back to you for a treat and reward. Never leave it on your dog unattended in one, and don’t use it as a tie-out.

    Unfortunately, harnesses of most kinds tend to be pretty easy to slip out of as well, and that can be very dangerous for you and your dog, especially if your dog doesn’t have a rock-solid recall and off-leash obedience!

    Make sure it is properly fitted, and spend lots of time teaching and rewarding the desired behavior of walking next to you and checking in. Work on recall and obedience as well, every day to establish good skills!

    Training Great Danes to walk nicely in a harness

    Leash training in a harness is not impossible, but can also require a restrictive long-haul approach (to avoid pulling) that can be frustrating to both you and your dog.

    An ergonomic (non-obstructive) harness will give your Great Dane leverage to lunge, pull, and take YOU for a walk. That, as you know, is incredibly dangerous for them and for you!

    If you do plan to stick with a harness for loose-leash training, we recommend making sure that you put a lot of time into practicing obedience indoors and off-leash!

    Your dog cannot lunge and pull you to the ground if they have solid recall, focus, and engagement skills in other words.

    Practice makes perfect; many dog owners who are experiencing frustration with pulling on walks are simply being subjected to natural dog behavior from dogs that need a lot more training and guidance. It’s not stubbornness or dominance.

    Great Dane E Collar Training

    11

    Great Dane Puppy Leash Training

    It is important to start leash training your Great Dane puppy immediately. Don’t wait for puppy classes or pulling to start!

    Adult Great Dane dogs who pull, lunge, and act wild on a leash are dangerous; take advantage of the time you have for teaching and reinforcing good behavior and correct leash skills while your puppy is still small. Even if your puppy seems to be ‘calm’ and easy, it’s important to start young!

    Some people proudly think that their small, sweet Great Dane puppy is “perfect and doesn’t pull on a leash“, so they don’t put the time into leash training.

    These puppies grow into large dogs and learn pretty quickly (usually around 5-6 months) that they can throw their weight around (especially in a harness)!

    Don’t be fooled. Your Great Dane puppy may not pull yet, but if you don’t put some time into good walking and engagement skills now, that day is coming.

    Good loose-leash training actually starts off-leash! If your Great Dane puppy can walk next to you with no leash at all, they will have a solid foundation for on-leash walking skills.

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    Positive Reinforcement Great Dane puppy Training

    Great Dane puppies should always be taught how to walk on a leash using positive reinforcement! Treats, praise, play, and attention, for example, can be used to reward your pup for behaviors that you like.

    The more that you reward your dog, the more likely it is that you see your Great Dane puppy repeat behavior that you like to see such as sit, leave it, down, off, and heel.

    Practice these skills daily in short 2-3 minute training sessions indoors and in your yard. This habit will help you create an amazing, obedient, calm, and friendly adult Great Dane!

    Leash training for Great Danes

    Once your Great Dane puppy has spent time around your house learning how to walk on a leash, it’s time to go outdoors and leash train around distractions! In many ways, this may feel like you are stepping backward, but it’s important to start small.

    Keep a short leash by neatly bundling the excess into your right hand. Keeping your dog on the left, take a step forward. Mark with a YES and offer a reward.

    You may find that your pet will pull harder when outdoors: for these dogs, the environment is just too exciting, or maybe causes a lot of anxiety.

    Either way, stop walking and hold your ground. Wait for your pup to release the pressure from pulling you forward. Mark with a yes and then turn and walk in the opposite direction so that your dog follows you.

    As always, mark with a YES and a reward when they come to your side and engage with you! Walk ahead with purpose and repeat this process until your dog is very good at releasing tension instead of adding it.

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  • The Best Collars for Great Danes

    The Best Collars for Great Danes

    When it comes to choosing the best collars for Great Danes, we’ve got you covered! There are many different types of dog collars available for puppies or adults on the market today, from traditional buckle dog collars to harnesses, electric collars, and beyond.

    Best Collars for Great Danes

    So, which one should you choose?

    Do you have a puppy? Does your dog pull? Do you have problems with running away, fence-jumping, lunging, or escaping? We’re sharing tons of information, and more, below.

    Should a Great Dane Wear a Collar or a Harness?

    Best Collars for Great Danes

    A very small but notable study was done showing that harnesses, even the type that is meant to be ‘non-obstructive’ nearly always change the way that a dog moves and walks. This is something that has been theorized for many years.

    More studies are needed but as owners of giant breed dogs, we should all take note!

    While harnesses have their place, we believe that in general off-leash obedience and wide, flat collars are much better than harnesses for Great Dane’s orthopedic health and for Great Dane owners.

    Collars are safer, less restrictive, and more humane overall for most dogs, especially when paired with positive training that will ultimately give you full voice control of your dog.

    For more information on each type of harness that you might choose for a Great Dane, check the table of contents.

    Best collars for Great Danes
    A Pet Safe ‘Easy-Walk’ harness is not recommended: note the restrictive strap across the chest.

    Ruffwear Webmaster Harness for Great Danes

    In a ‘less-obstructive’ harness such as the Ruffwear Webmaster or Front Range, your dog will have a lot of leverage to pull you around. If you must use a harness for your Great Dane dog, this can be a good option for dogs that don’t pull or lunge.

    It’s also very helpful for dogs that may need a little assistance (it has a handle on the back), for example!

    With Great Danes, you should be relying on voice control, training, and obedience, not your physical ability to hold your dog back.

    If your Great Dane dog pulls, lunges, reacts or is less than obedient, harnesses will be dangerous for you and for others around you!

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    The Ruffwear Front Range Harness, a less obstructive and more comfortable harness option for dogs that do not pull.

    If you must use a harness (some dogs with Wobblers or orthopedic disease that require mobility support and/or that cannot be off-leash, for example) then we recommend the less obstructive Ruffwear harnesses mentioned above.

    The Y-front construction of the Webmaster or Front Range or Webmaster harness is less obstructive to movement than harnesses that are made to deter pulling behavior, and the Ruffwear harnesses are well-built! Plus they have a handle on the back if you need to support your Dane for any reason.

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    The Ruffwear Webmaster dog harness with a handle for mobility support

    The Basic Great Dane Collar

    This choice for a regular dog collar is up to your budget and aesthetic needs! There are many options available including collars made of leather, rope, nylon, and Biothane.

    A leather collar will be beautiful and there are many custom options available. We love a leather collar on a Great Dane! They look nice and last forever.

    A personalized collar with leather stamping or embossing, for example, is an awesome way to make sure your dog has identification without the constant jingling of tags.

    This type of ‘basic’ collar is great for everyday use, but still rugged enough to hold up to a Dane:

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    ROAM Dog Collar (our top pick)
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    Agiotage Custom Leather Color on Etsy

    Biothane Great Dane Dog Collars

    Biothane is nice option for people who have dogs that like to play in the mud or swim, as they are waterproof and easy to clean. We like Biothane dog collars because they also come in bright collars and can be customized when you shop for them at www.etsy.com!

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    Viper 1″ thick Biothane Collar, comes in a range of colors.

    Tactical Dog Collar

    Some Great Dane dog owners love the look and rugged construction of a tactical dog collar! These are usually wide, heavy, and made with sturdy hardware that is less likely to break if your dog were to lunge or pull.

    Many of them have handles, too and they typically come in camouflage colors such as taupe and green. We love and recommend this type of wide, heavy collar for large, full-grown adult Great Danes.

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    Tactical Dog Collar – See it on Amazon HERE
    Best Collars for Great Danes
    A puppy wearing a basic nylon collar. He will quickly outgrow this and someday, it will only fit around his nose!

    Great Dane Collar Safety

    We don’t recommend leaving collars on dogs unattended, especially if your Great Dane tries to escape their crate, destroy things, get into stuff or play rough with your other house dogs.

    Many Great Dane dogs have been hurt or killed by collars that were worn unattended.

    If you are worried about your Great Dane running away without a dog collar unattended, we recommend off-leash training, obedience training, a remote electric training collar (more on this below), management, and a microchip!

    What size collar does a Great Dane puppy need?

    Great Dane puppies do best with small or medium-sized inexpensive nylon dog collars.

    Blueberry Pet Collars on Amazon has a massive range of regular collar patterns and colors to choose from. An adjustable Great Dane collar with a range of several inches will last the longest as your puppy experiences explosive growth.

    Measure your Great Dane’s neck; most puppies fit into a size small or medium to start.

    Keep in mind that your Great Dane puppy is going to grow FAST and you’ll be needing to replace this soon enough, so save your money at this point!

    You’ll need your cash reserved for food, supplements, vet care, and regular training collars for your adult Great Dane!

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    Never leave your Great Dane puppy unattended in a dog collar, training collar, or martingale collar of any type.

    They can become trapped, chew it off and try to swallow it or get tangled up while attempting to escape or while playing with other dogs in the house.

    The best dog collars for Great Dane Puppies

    We recommend choosing a flat collar OR ergonomic harness for your puppy.

    Do not introduce any kind of prong-style collars, head collars, ‘no-pull’ harnesses or otherwise until your puppy has a good positive basic obedience foundation and lots of socialization.

    If your Great Dane puppy dog pulls, go back to basics! Leash training is 99% YES. Instead of punishing your Great Dane puppy for pulling, teach your puppy what you want them to do instead.

    How to leash train a Great Dane Puppy

    Use treats praise and fun games to reward your puppy for looking at you, walking next to you, and staying by your side around obstacles.

    These are easy to teach in boring places. As your leash training progresses, you might even work with a trainer to build on those skills around distractions such as other dogs.

    Use positive socialization methods and a longer leash to explore the world around you and encourage calm behavior.

    We recommend that all Great Dane puppies work towards their Canine Good Citizen title! For more information on leash training Great Danes, read our blog post here.

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    What are the Best Dog Collars for Great Danes that Pull?

    Many Great Danes learn quickly that they are bigger, stronger, and faster than you. They have a massive neck size, powerful chests, and shoulders and can really throw their weight around!

    We tend to accidentally encourage these dangerous behaviors by using a tense leash and getting frustrated or chasing and scolding our dogs.

    A Great Dane that pulls is a dangerous dog, even if they are friendly! For those dogs, a basic dog collar with a cheap leash attachment is unlikely to be enough.

    In the next section, we will cover the best Great Dane collars, the best shock collars, and the ideal dog training collars for Great Danes, so that you can make an informed and humane decision for your gentle giant!

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    Are no-pull harnesses good for Danes that pull?

    No-pull harnesses, also known as ‘Front Clip’ or ‘Easy-Walk’ harnesses are often seen as a positive and friendly alternative for dogs that pull, however, they are not good for Great Danes.

    These harnesses punish and attempt to reduce the pulling behavior by restricting natural movement and adding pressure to the chest, ribs, front, armpits, and shoulders.

    Many dogs will pull through this pressure anyways because the environment is still more rewarding than the damage they are doing to themselves.

    These are also easy to escape and will do little to deter pulling caused by fear, overstimulation, frustration, excitement or anxiety.

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    An Easy-Walk harness, similar to the 2 Hounds ‘Freedom No-Pull’. Notice the strap straight across the front of the chest.

    A front clip or ‘no-pull’ harness may or may not temper pulling behavior, but it will nearly always alter your dog’s natural gait and ability to freely and comfortably extend the front limbs.

    Types of Harnesses you should not use with a Great Dane Dog

    We never recommend the use of any kind of ‘no-pull’, front clip, or T-Strap harness for Great Danes!

    Why are no-pull harnesses bad for Great Danes?

    When worn, they keep your dog from moving naturally and don’t allow the front limbs to extend comfortably or fully, even when your Great Dane is not pulling!

    Somehow, these have been marketed as ‘positive’, ‘humane’ and ‘force-free’ however they are definitely not. Even if a harness like this is fit correctly, used with a double leash system or marketed as ‘gentle’, it’s still working by restricting movement.

    Great Danes are giant breed dogs with sensitive orthopedic needs. They need to be able to move naturally without having their shoulders restricted. At the same time, you as the owner needs to know that your Great Dane cannot and will not pull you down!

    If you regularly have your Great Dane wearing an Easy-Walk, Balance, Freedom, or a similar ‘no-pull’ harness, we recommend switching to a good training collar instead (more information below).

    Many dog parents who want to do the right thing for their dogs are surprised by this information, and that’s understandable!

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    A ‘Freedom’ no-pull harness.

    Is a Martingale Collar Good for Great Danes?

    A martingale collar is our top choice for walking Danes that don’t pull or lunge!

    Martingale collars are escape-proof and the wide fabric version will be gentle and non-obstructive on a Great Dane’s neck.

    Martingale collar pro tip: the collar should be made snug enough that if your dog were to pull into the collar or try to back out, the two D-rings would not touch.

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    Ruffwear Chain Reaction
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    If it Barks Martingale Collar
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    Dazzber Martingale Collar

    Martingale collars should never be worn when your dog isn’t on a walk or being actively supervised.

    Do Martingale Collars Hurt Dogs?

    Martingale collars are wonderful in that they are not meant to be harsh or punishing, and they are incredibly difficult for a dog’s head to slip out of.

    Newly adopted dogs and dogs that are a flight risk should ALWAYS be in a martingale collar or on a slip lead!

    They also come in a range of stylish collar options from floral to superheroes, in soft fabrics and wide widths that make them ideal for walking your Great Dane.

    A proper martingale collar for a Great Dane dog will be wide, flat, and made of nylon or fabric.

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    A Great Dane puppy in a wide, flat Martingale collar from Magnolia Mutts

    Ruffwear Chain Reaction Martingale Dog Collar

    Some models, such as the Ruffwear Chain Reaction dog collar have a metal chainlink paired with nylon that allows you to quickly zip the chain. The noise is an audible correction that will get your dog’s attention.

    The chain reaction option is good for dogs that only gently pull occasionally or need a little reminder to focus at times, but will not be good or safe for dogs that pull wildly.

    Those dogs need to be in a Herm Sprenger prong collar (more on this below).

    Martingale collars are different than choke collars: choke collars have nothing stopping them from becoming extremely tight and restrictive. Martingale collars are ‘limited slip’ and will stop becoming tighter at a certain point.

    Martingale collars are not meant not hurt your dog, but as with any training collar, if your dog is lunging, pulling, and acting as a freight train you should seek professional help.

    A dog in that state of mind is a danger to you and to itself.

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    Ruffwear Chain Reaction – See it here on Amazon

    Does a Gentle Leader Work for Great Danes?

    Like the no-pull harness, head collars (also known as ‘Gentle Leaders’ and ‘Halti’ collars) are promoted as a ‘positive’ and ‘humane’ alternative to prong collars for Great Dane dogs.

    Is the Gentle Leader an Abusive Tool?
    Things that are More Aversive Than an E Collar in Training
    EZ 900 Collar Review

    They are somewhat effective at reducing or eliminating pulling in Great Danes because they are so aversive and punishing!

    The solid majority of Great Danes require an adjustment period when introduced to head collars. They are uncomfortable to wear.

    The reality is that many dogs just don’t like them, even after weeks of positive conditioning!

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    A Great Dane wearing a Gentle Leader from Amazon

    If your Great Dane pulls or lunges in a Gentle Leader (or similar), their head will be forced to the side.

    This is fairly effective at deterring pulling and lunging, however, we believe it’s not ideal for their sanity OR their orthopedic health.

    Dog lovers everywhere should take note of this before using or recommending this tool.

    Gentle Leaders and similar devices are especially problematic for Great Danes that do tend to lunge, pull, react, or are prone to wobblers (which has a genetic link and by the moment of diagnosis, the damage has been done).

    Many times, lunging and pulling will also mean that the skin on their face will be rubbed or pushed up into their eyeballs. A dog’s face has thousands of sensitive nerve endings.

    Many Great Danes will paw, whine, lay down or frantically try and remove a head collar from their face. This is a strong indication that head collars are an aversive tool.

    Head collars are an inappropriate tool for most Great Danes, despite their popularity and widespread use.

    We only advocate for head collars when they are being used thoughtfully, with lots of positive conditioning on dogs with good structure and no genetic link to Wobblers disease…that also don’t pull, lunge or react wildly to begin with.

    They can be an appropriate and subtle communication tool for people who are relying on their highly trained Great Dane for service work and public access, or who because of age or stature cannot physically manipulate a prong collar and fully physically control a Great Dane otherwise.

    There is a time and a place for them, but as the go-to dog collar for Great Dane training? We believe it’s time to flip the script on this one, and give our Great Danes a much more elegant and humane option. (Read on, friends!).

    32

    Can You Use a Prong Collar on a Great Dane?

    Prong collars are actually one of the most humane, effective and ethical tools to use if you have a Great Dane that lunges or pulls you around.

    We hear you, prong collars look like torture devices and you’ve heard some negative propaganda!

    However, unlike a nylon harness or Halti Gentle Leader collar, a properly used prong collar relies on a simple YES and NO communication, not physical restraint.

    Prong collars provide a clear pressure-based sensation that when paired with positive reinforcement is incredibly effective, gentle and humane at stopping pulling and lunging.

    Your Great Dane will then redirect their focus back on you!

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    A Herm Sprenger Prong Collar – see it on Amazon

    A prong collar is meant to fit snugly on your dog’s neck, high and tight if possible. Loose, poorly fit and poorly made prong collars ARE aversive, so make sure you do it right.

    A properly used prong collar will not pop a balloon! They work by causing even pressure around your dog’s neck; this pressure is annoying to your dog but NOT painful and not damaging.

    We we only recommend HERM SPRENGER prong collars for dog training, which have blunt ends and construction that protects the trachea and creates pressure, not stabbing.

    Cheap prong collars are not made the same and may harm, confuse or frustrate your Great Dane.

    Is it cruel to use a prong collar on a dog?

    It’s a myth that prong collars are ‘inhumane and rely on pain, stabbing and harsh corrections’.

    (We will show you how to introduce a prong collar to a Great Dane in the tutorial below).

    16
    A poorly fit prong collar on a brindle Dane with cropped ears – this should be higher and snug so as not to rub, pinch or poke.

    A prong collar is not cruel, but would you like to know what may be?

    -Never feeling like you can take your dog places with you because they pull too much on a leash (frustrating to you AND your dog).

    -Having your dog become increasingly more frustrated, anxious, bored and under-socialized because you cannot control them in a harness (and people told you that a prong was abuse, so as above you don’t take your dog places).

    -Letting your dog jerk themselves around on a collar, harness or head collar because you don’t have a clear, concise way to communicate both YES and NO to your dog.

    -Being at your wits end with your dog, unsure what to do, hesitant to consider a prong collar because somebody misled you into believing that it was inhumane and should never be used.

    We believe the Herm Sprenger prong collar is one of the best, simplest and most humane Great Dane collars available, however you must learn how to use it correctly!

    If your Dane is rubbing their face raw in a head collar and you still think that it’s the more humane choice vs. a prong, read on to learn how the prong collar is actually a very positive tool!

    How to use a prong collar on a Great Dane

    1. Start off-leash in a boring room. Use treats and praise to reward your dog for standing at your left side and looking at you.
    2. Take a step (lure your dog to step with you if needed) and then reward your dog. YES! Treat. Gradually add steps between rewards. Once you can walk 10 steps and have your dog stay by your side for the reward, add the ‘heel’ command.
    3. Begin walking more than ten steps. Add in turns and obstacles. Keep it positive and fun!
    4. Fit your Herm Sprenger prong to your dog (High and tight, snug and ideally with a second leash clipped to a backup collar. Add a good leather or nylon leash and hold it loosely in your hand. Do not add tension! Practice walking around in your boring room with the obstacles and turns, and continue to reward your dog. This ongoing practice will give you voice control, which is much more effective and safe than physical restraint.
    5. Next, allow your dog to sniff around or walk away, or take a step back from your dog until there is tension in the leash. When you feel that tension, plant your feet on the ground (don’t move towards your dog) and continue to apply a little gentle ongoing tension from the leash.

      As soon as your dog gives into the pressure and comes towards you, the pressure will release automatically; your dog is in charge of releasing this tension, not you!

      You can mark this moment with a YES and reward your dog! Your dog should not yelp, cower, scream or act fearful. Remember, a properly used high quality prong uses pressure, not stabbing.
    1. Practice step 5 several times in your boring room and then try it outside in low-distraction environments as well! Your dog should learn very quickly that when they feel gentle pressure from the prong, they can make it stop by releasing the tension on the leash and coming to you for guidance. Notice that you are NOT jerking your dog around, popping the collar, allowing your dog to pull wildly, stringing your dog by the neck or being harsh!
    2. Practice the HEEL position with your dog as above, and continue using ‘pressure and release’ randomly to remind your dog to walk next to you, look at you, or re-engage when distracted. Fade out treats and rely mostly on praise. Remember, KEEP THE LEASH LOOSE! Never add tension unless you are deliberately communicating to your dog. When you do add tension, imagine the tension being so gentle; there is no need to yank or pull back. Gradually increase the distance of your walks and the distraction factor of the environment. Always teach your dog from kindergarten to college: do not expect PHD level obedience at Home Depot out of a dog that is used to pulling wildly and having their way! Work up to that over time.
    3. When your dog fully understands how their collar works, you can also add quick short ‘pops’ of the prong collar if your dog is not paying attention to you. A quick pop should result in your dog looking at you, at which point you can mark with a YES and a treat! Always reward the behavior that you want.
    4. With prong collar training the goal is to be as gentle as possible. If you are yanking your dog around, feel like the leash is always tight, have tense hands or are having to constantly correct your dog with ‘pops’, you haven’t set your dog up to understand their collar or how to respond to it. Go back to step one.
    5. If your dog is ‘leash reactive’ and acts like a fool on a leash, the prong collar will not be a quick fix. As with any tool (including harnesses) you can make this behavior worse if you are relying on the tool only as a ‘punishment’ or physical restraint device. Make sure to use lots of positive reinforcement and set your dog up for success by maximizing the distance between your dog and things that set them off. You can gradually close this gap as your Great Dane becomes more comfortable with their prong collar and relationship with you.
    PURCHASE A HERM SPRENGER PRONG COLLAR

    Are Shock Collars Humane?

    The shock collar is another greatly misunderstood tool.

    Did you know that there is a huge difference between a bark collar, a shock collar and a remote dog training collar (also known as the e-collar)?

    E Collar Myths
    What is an E Collar?
    What is the Difference Between an E Collar and a Shock Collar?
    9 Reasons to E Collar Train Your Great Dane Puppy
    EZ 900 REVIEW

    Should I Use a Bark Collar on a Great Dane?

    Bark collars are an automated device meant to deter or stop nuisance barking. They use sound, noxious smells (such as citronella), shock or uncomfortable levels of muscle stimulation to reduce barking.

    Some offer multiple training modes, but in general a bark collar is meant to be a fairly basic, easy to use automated tool.

    Bark collars have their place, but it’s important to remember that if your dog barks there is often a reason. Boredom, anxiety, frustration and habit are common causes that should be addressed before using any kind of bark collar!

    For more information about using a bark collar on Great Danes, read our article here!

    Training Shock Collars for Great Danes

    A training shock collar will be inexpensive and offer three training modes: beep, vibrate and a few levels of aversive shocks. The shock is meant to punish and reduce behavior.

    We do not recommend the use of inexpensive shock collar devices on Great Danes or other large breed dogs!

    The other two training modes (vibrate and beep) are more gentle than the sharp static zap of the shock collar, so many people rely on those modes when training their Great Dane dog.

    Remote dog training collars (also known as ‘E-Collars’ or ‘Educator Collars’), on the other hand, are not they same. Far away from a traditional old-school shock collar, they are an excellent choice for Great Danes.

    Educator Remote Collars work differently than shock and rely on a wildly effective positive training and conditioning process.

    Are E-Collars Good for Great Danes?

    Many people who do not understand these more modern devices will tell you that all electric training collars all use aversive shock and that you will harm and abuse your dog by using one.

    Many people are uneducated about modern remote collar tools and have never used them or felt the stimulation from a proper one themselves, so take negative opinions with a grain of salt!

    (We will elaborate more on this below!)

    Do shock collars work on Great Danes?

    Of course, shock is very good at deterring behavior. That’s why it works; it’s easy to wave a remote at a dog and scare them away from repeating a behavior.

    When you have a giant breed dog, obedience is extremely important for their safety and yours!

    A more appropriate choice than a shock collar is to use an Educator Remote dog collar properly to teach your Great Dane dog to come enthusiastically towards you, not run away.

    This is very helpful when you want them to stop doing something they shouldn’t be doing, or run to you when something dangerous could harm them.

    This is why we advocate for the proper use of modern E-Collars (proactive training), not shock collars (reactive training).

    How to Introduce an E-Collar
    How to Introduce an E-Collar
    Need help with modern e collar training? Check out our guide.

    How do E-Collars work?

    A modern electronic training collar uses low levels of gentle muscle stimulation that will feel like a touch sensation, not harsh shock or aversive vibration. Following some quick, fun training exercises dogs learn to respond to this stimulation.

    The best part about a modern electric stimulation collar is that it relies on communication, not physical restraint!
    This is the best and most humane thing for our dogs.

    E-Collar trained dogs:

    1. Come when called, reliably
    2. Will happily walk away from something when asked
    3. Can be taught to walk off-leash or in a loose leash position
    4. Are under voice control, not physical restraint, which is much safer and better for their orthopedic health
    5. Are kept safe: a dog that has excellent recall and off-leash obedience is not running away, bolting out of the door or jumping over fences
    6. Have more enrichment: an off-leash trained dog will always have better access to natural physical and mental activities such as swimming, running up and down hills, zooming around, climbing, playing and circling than an on-leash, long-leashed or yard-only dog.
    7. Cannot damage their gait, neck or shoulders as they can in choke collars, flat collars, harnesses and head collars.

    Training your dog with an E-Collar means FREEDOM.

    Other dog collars cannot offer any of what we listed above. The modern E-Collar is an elegant, gentle and effective tool.

    9 2
    A remote-collar trained dog enjoying off-leash freedom AND safety

    A life changing Great Dane training tool

    Many people have told us that our positive E-Collar training method, paired with an Educator collar changed their lives!

    We are hearing from Great Dane dog owners who are quickly seeing more freedom, more fun, less frustration, less anxiety and a better relationship between them and their dog.

    If you are looking for the best training collar for a Great Dane, we believe that Educator Collars and the positive remote collar training method is key.

    The Easy Educator and the Mini-Educator are the best training collars for Great Danes and large breed dogs. They are rugged, waterproof, have a fantastic battery life, and offer 100 levels of stimulation that at low levels cannot be felt by humans.

    If you are looking for the best shock collar for your Great Dane, start looking for remote Educator collars instead. We promise it will be worth the extra investment and a little time spent on dog training!

    OUR 10 FAVORITE GREAT DANE COLLARS

    Mini-Educator

    This is the most economical and user-friendly option for modern remote off-leash training.

    ET 302 FrontSS Side

    Easy-Educator

    Choose this option if you want more features and have a slightly bigger budget for choosing the best remote single or multi dog system for your Great Dane.

    EZ 900 Right

    Biothane Bungee Educator Collar

    All Educator receivers (the part that your dog wears) should be paired with a bungee collar made of Biothane. The bungee makes it comfortable for your Great Dane to wear the electric dog collar and ensures a good fit!

    A collar like this will NOT have a leash attachment, as its meant to be worn on its own.

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    Educator Bungee Biothane Strap

    Herm Sprenger Prong Collar

    As above, we believe the Herm Sprenger Prong collar is the most effective, humane and gentle option for Great Dane dogs that pull, lunge and struggle to focus. A properly used prong is one of the safest and most gentle Great Dane collars you can choose! Work with your dog using positive reinforcement and plan to fade this one out over time.

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    Magnolia Mutts Custom Fabric Martingale Collar

    We love Magnolia Mutts because she donates a large portion of her income each month to Great Dane rescues! She makes beautiful Martingale dog collars for Great Danes that are fashionable and well-made.

    We believe that a Magnolia Mutts martingale collar is one of the best Great Dane collars available for dogs that have been trained to not pull or lunge on a leash.

    Slip Lead

    A slip lead works by fitting snugly on your dog’s neck and making it so that there is no way for them to escape. Slip leads are a MUST have for dogs that will escape a dog collar or harness. They are also so helpful for quick trips!

    What is the Best Leash for Great Danes?

    Lastly, we recommend keeping slip leads in your car and around the house; you never know when you might need one.

    71N901ADaRS. AC SL1500

    Blueberry Pets Everyday Collar

    Blueberry Pets on Amazon has lots of choices in dog collars for your Great Dane. We like this option if you are looking for a good inexpensive and basic regular collar to hold dog tags or wear around the house.

    This is a good collar choice for puppies! Choose an inexpensive, adjustable collar that will fit your Great Dane’s neck size as they grow, and that has a leash attachment for those early socialization experiences and leash training exercises.

    Blueberry Pets offers different collars to catch the eye of many different dog parents.

    819CtUXMphL. AC SL1500

    Stylish Leather Collar

    A leather collar is a rugged, beautiful dog collar for your Great Dane!

    The great thing about a leather collar is that it is bound to last. They are tough and tend to wear well with age. Choose this for dogs that don’t pull, when you want something more rugged and more stylish than a basic nylon collar!

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    Tactical Leather Dog Collar, see it on Amazon

    Custom Biothane Collar

    Biothane is an amazing material that is stink-proof and comes in beautiful colors. Choose this to hold tags on dogs that like to get muddy!

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    Olly Dog Biothane Collar for Great Danes

    Tactical Collar

    Tactical collars look cool and they are rugged enough to hold up to our giant breed dogs. Choose this for walking dogs that DON’T pull.

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    Tactical Dog Collar – See it on Amazon HERE

    Ruffwear Chain Reaction

    The Ruffwear Chain Reaction is a dog training collar for dog owners that need a little extra control than they get from a martingale or basic flat collar.

    It’s a mid-option between martingale and prong dog collars that will help your Great Dane dog understand that they need to focus on you.

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    Ruffwear Chain Reaction – See it here on Amazon

    HOW TO CHOOSE A GREAT DANE COLLAR

    When you are looking for the perfect collar for your Great Dane dog, we hope to have been helpful.

    We have covered everything from the best collar material, the best dog collar for puppies, how to choose a waterproof dog training collar, the best Great Dane collars for adult dogs that pull, and shock collar training (including information about the best shock collar options for your pet).

    Need more? Join our Facebook group, below!

    READ MORE:

    The Top 5 Adorable Facts About Great Dane Brindle Dogs

    Find a Great Dane Rescue

    Screen Shot 2022 03 30 at 2.11.34 PM

    JOIN OUR COMMUNITY

    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!

    HELLO DANES ON FACEBOOK
  • Walking a Great Dane on a Leash

    Walking a Great Dane on a Leash

    Taking a Great Dane for a walk doesn’t have to be a challenging experience filled with pulling and stress. However, many of us have experienced that exact problem! Given their size and tenacity, untrained Great Danes have the tendency to turn the tables. They end up walking us instead. If walking a Great Dane on a leash calmly and gently is something you would like to do properly, this article is for you!

    This article covers:

    • The dangers of Great Danes with bad leash manners
    • How to teach Great Dane puppies to walk on a leash
    • Training tips for teaching adult Great Danes to stop pulling
    • The best tools and gear for Great Danes
    13

    1. Leash Skills Matter for Great Danes

    Inappropriate leash skills can actually cause damage to both you and your pets.

    It is essential to train your Great Dane the appropriate way to walk on a leash. Not only will this make public times more enjoyable for both of you, but it can also prevent health problems that can occur from pulling on the leash.

    Damage to Dogs from Poor Leash Skills

    Some common problems that can arise from incorrect leash skills are joint damage, neck and back injuries, and tracheal damage.

    These injuries most commonly happen while training dogs when the dogs yank extremely hard. This hard pulling causes the Great Dane’s owners to feel the need to yank back in order to gain control. This tension between owner and dogs can create extreme unnecessary strain on a large breed dog’s neck.

    Injury to an Owner’s Back/Neck from Negative Leash Skills

    Owners too, can get injuries from large breed dogs who are stronger than them and eager to yank on walks.

    If your dog is excited and sees a rabbit or other dog, they can yank so hard that you might be pulled off your feet. This can cause serious injuries to your back or neck.

    Additionally, if they are ‘chronic pullers’, your back / spine / neck will get fatigued and your muscles can begin to feel sore or painful.

    Training your Great Dane to act correctly in public from the start will save you both a lot of pain and frustration in the long run.

    10

    2. Teaching a Great Dane Puppy How to Walk on a Leash

    Teaching a Great Dane puppy to walk on a leash involves patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement. Here are some steps you can follow:

    1. Start Early:
      Begin leash training as early as possible, ideally when your Great Dane is still a puppy. This helps them develop positive associations with the leash and prevents the formation of bad habits.
    2. Get the Right Equipment:
      We recommend using a wide, flat martingale collar which is escape proof and safe as long as the puppy is not pulling. Read HERE for why we do not recommend front-clip “no-pull” harnesses or Gentle Leader head collars.
    3. Introduce the Leash:
      Let your puppy get used to the leash by allowing them to investigate it in a controlled environment. Praise and reward them for any positive interaction with the leash.
    4. Associate Positive Experiences:
      Associate the leash with positive experiences. For example, put the leash on before mealtime or playtime. This helps create positive associations with the leash.
    5. Indoor Practice:
      Start leash training indoors where there are fewer distractions. Allow your puppy to drag the leash around while supervised, praising them for walking calmly.
    6. Short Walks:
      Begin with short walks in a quiet and familiar environment. Keep the walks positive and enjoyable. Use treats and praise to reward your puppy for walking nicely on the leash.
    7. Avoid Pulling:
      If your puppy starts pulling, stop walking. Do not move forward until they return to your side. Reward them for walking beside you.
    8. Consistency is Key:
      Be consistent with your commands and rewards. Use the same cues and rewards every time you walk. Consistency helps your puppy understand what is expected.
    9. Gradual Exposure:
      Gradually expose your puppy to different environments, people, and other dogs while on the leash. This helps them become accustomed to various stimuli.
    10. Positive Reinforcement:
      Always use positive reinforcement. Reward good behavior with treats, praise, or play. This encourages your puppy to repeat the desired behavior.
    11. Patience and Calmness:
      Stay patient and calm during the training process. Avoid getting frustrated, as puppies can sense your emotions. Training should be a positive and enjoyable experience for both of you.

    Remember, every puppy is unique, so adjust your training approach based on your Great Dane’s individual needs and temperament. If you encounter specific challenges, consider seeking guidance from a professional dog trainer.

    3. Using a Long Leash with Your Great Dane Puppy

    Using a long leash is a valuable tool when training calm leash skills and recall in Great Dane puppies.

    The extended length provides them with a sense of freedom while maintaining control. During training sessions, start in a secure and spacious area, allowing the puppy to explore and move around with the extended lead.

    PRO TIP: We highly recommend doing this in LOW distraction areas where there is no chance your excited Great Dane puppy will wrap themselves around another dog or human they encounter!

    Reinforce positive behavior by rewarding them for walking calmly beside you and responding to recall commands. The length of the leash allows for gradual distance increases, promoting a strong recall response.

    As the puppy becomes accustomed to the long leash, it serves as a bridge to off-leash training, fostering a sense of reliability and trust between the owner and the Great Dane. Consistency, positive reinforcement, and gradual progression are key elements in utilizing a long leash effectively for cultivating both leash manners and recall abilities in these large and lovable puppies.

    Do not forget to reward your Great Dane Puppy!

    As they respond to your commands and learn to stay close, reward your Great Dane puppy with lots of training treats. Your pup will probably look clumsy while beginning to leash train and they might even get tangled up in the long leash. That is okay!

    We recommend using your puppies kibble to reinforce and reward these skills. You can also use small amounts of high-value treats such as cheese, Charlee Bear, and Ziwi Peak!

    4. How to Choose the Best Leash for a Great Dane Puppy

    You might think it is okay to choose any collar, any harness, or any leash for your Great Dane puppy or even adult Great Dane. However, each item should be chosen with care!

    5. Using a harness for a Great Dane

    We do not recommend the use of a harness. There has been some small studies done that show the use of a harness actually can change the way your Great Dane puppy and adult Great Dane begins to walk and move. The harness can add additional strain on your dane, causing them to pull harder and changing the way that their body allows them to move.

    6. Which collar is best for training purposes

    You will need to make a decision whether or not you will like to e collar train your Great Dane. We are advocates of ethical, balanced e collar training. You can find an abundance of e collar training resources in our ecollar guide below.

    However, never attach a leash onto the e collar. You will need an additional collar to attach your Great Dane onto with a leash. Great Danes and other dogs should never have a leash attached to their e collar.

    Standard collars come in all sorts of designs, colors, patterns and fabrics. We recommend prioritizing one that fits correctly, is washable or wipeable and that is suitable for a big dog. Great Dane owners will likely need to purchase multiple collars: one for their puppy, possibly one for a teenager Great Dane, and another for adult Great Danes.

    Taking Your Great Dane Puppy on a Walk on a Leash

    When leash training a Great Dane puppy, start with your first outdoor walk on a leash in an environment with as few distractions as possible – inside the house or in the backyard are good places to start. This time, you will be using a standard length leash. Choose a space with enough room to move, but not so much space that you cannot conduct safe and effective Great Dane walking skills.

    Start with short distances

    Great Danes are active dogs who need lots of mental stimulation and play as well as training. However, leash training should be done in short spurts so that your puppy has positive association and learns that when it is time to train they will not get exhausted by being asked to walk.

    Grab some treats and get ready to walk!

    Choose a spot that you know your Great Dane will be safe and free from distractions. Have your puppy wear the leash for short periods of time at first, gradually increasing the amount of time as they get used to it. Start to walk with your Great Dane for a few steps, then stop your puppy and say their name to get eye contact. Then ask your dane to sit. If their bottom moves downward into a sit position, say the marker word ‘YES’, and reward heavily!

    Short, frequent breaks and praise while training to walk

    Reward your puppy with treats or praise whenever they walk calmly on a leash or listen to other commands like sit. Great Danes are a growing, large and strong breed so it is of utmost importance to lead them by a confident, calm and peaceful example. They are also extremely intuitive and will pick up on their owners nerves and feelings.

    7. Why does eye contact with Great Danes make such a difference?

    Also, there can never be too much praise when your Great Dane gives you eye contact. You want to ensure that your Great Dane LOVES to look at you–especially when you are outside and there are so many other fun things to look at. Other dogs, squirrels, people, or noises/smells can take attention of your puppy off of you. But with guidance and training your Dane can learn that you are just as exciting as the distractions.

    And be patient – remember that puppies have shorter attention spans than adults, so have shorter training sessions and give lots of patience with your Great Dane puppy!

    8. What to do if Your Great Dane Pulls on the Leash

    Leash training is a lifelong skill and you might not get the desired behavior right away. Additionally, leash training requires you to continue training throughout the entire life of your Great Dane.

    If your Great Dane is pulling on the leash, there are a few things you can do to correct the behavior. First, make sure that your dog is wearing a collar that fits properly. A loose collar can provide too much slack, making it easy for your dog to pull.

    Second, keep your walks short at first and gradually increase the distance as your dog gets better at walking on a leash.

    Third, be consistent with your commands and rewards. Every time your dog walks calmly beside you, give them a treat or verbal praise.

    Next, try to practice in areas with little distractions

    Finally, don’t forget to have patience; leash training is a lifelong skill and it will take time for your dog to learn how to walk calmly on a leash.

    9. Going from Stressful Leash Walks to Enjoyable Leash walking

    When your dog pulls on the leash, you may feel like you’re in for a long walk. However, with a little patience and practice, you can help your dog how to heel and make walks more enjoyable for both of you. To start, stand still for a few seconds after you put the leash on your dog. This will give your pup time to settle down and get used to the leash. Then, begin to walk, very slow, taking only a few steps before stopping again.

    Moving into longer distanced walks and Great Dane leash training

    Once your dog realizes that he needs to stay by your side, you can start going for longer distances. If at any point during the walk your dog begins to pull ahead, simply stop and wait until he sits back down at your feet. Waiting for your Great Dane to sit is extremely helpful. However, getting that eye contact is of equal importance. Make your eyes super enticing by pulling a treat up to your eye level so that their eyes are lead to your own. This action is training your Great Dane (and other dogs) that by looking to you for guidance they will be rewarded.

    Make sure to bring along lots of treats and reward heavily when the pulling resides.

    10. The Best Leash for Great Dane Leash Training

    The type of leash you use can make a big difference in how successful your training is.

    A long leash can be used for more spacious walks once your dog is able to be given more freedom. Long leashes can also be great tools to teach recall. Some long leads are linked below for your convenience.

    A short leash is a good choice for more day-to-day practice, as it will give you more control over your dog and prevent them from getting tangled up. The following suggestions can be purchased in 4 feet, 6 feet or 8 feet.

    Retractable leashes are not recommended, as they can be difficult to control and may cause your dog to get tangled up.

    We recommend being cautious when using a harness or a fancy retractable leash. Most harnesses can cause joint / conformation issues because they put all the pressure on your dog’s chest instead of their back. A standard collar and leash is the best way to go when first starting out with training.

    11. How to Teach Leash Manners in the Midst of Distractions

    When you’re out with your dog, it’s important to be able to stop them from pulling on the leash or running off after squirrels without losing your cool. Here are a few tips to teach your dog to not pull in the midst of distractions.

    First, start with basic obedience commands like sit and stay. Once your dog has mastered these commands in a low-distraction environment, you can begin working on stop walking in areas with more distractions.

    If your dog starts to pull or run off after something, simply stop walking. Once they look back at you, start walking again. Direct your Great Dane to give you their attention by showing them that you have treats, and pulling the treats up to your eyes to get good eye contact.

    Repeat this process until your dog is responding consistently. With patience and practice, you’ll be able to teach your dog stop leash pulling even in the most distracting situations.

    In Conclusion:

    In conclusion, with a little patience and practice, you can transform stressful times into enjoyable ones. The key is to be consistent with your commands and rewards, and to keep training sessions short so that your dog doesn’t get overwhelmed. With time and patience, you’ll be able to work with your dog how to heel and have calm, pleasant walks together.

  • 3 Fast Tips on How to Train Your Great Dane to Walk on a Leash

    3 Fast Tips on How to Train Your Great Dane to Walk on a Leash

    Danes are gentle giants, but they are also powerful dogs. If you’re not prepared for how much power and strength your Dane can put into pulling on the leash, it can be very dangerous. In this guide, we’ll teach you how to train your Great Dane to walk on a leash – without any danger of them getting loose or running away.

    How to train your Great Dane to walk on a leash

    The Foundations of Leash Training Your Great Dane

    Before you can know how to train your Great Dane to walk on a leash like a pro, you need to make sure they know basic obedience commands. This helpful guide will show you how to use positive reinforcement to get your dog walking by your side in no time!

    Leash Training Basics for Great Danes

    It’s important to train your Great Dane how to walk on a leash correctly from an early age. In this stage of training, you will work with your dog off-leash in your home or yard.

    If you don’t have space for safe off-leash work, use a long leash and an ergonomic harness (we do not recommend using ‘Petsafe’ or ‘Easy Walk’ no-pull harnesses on Great Danes).

    Practice until you can walk 10 steps or more between rewards. Add obstacles such as cones or balls, too, and practice walking around them together. Reward your dog for engaging with you while you practice!

    Tip 1: How to Train Your Great Dane to Walk on Leash by Recognizing Common Problems

    Recognize Common Problems: Know and recognize common behavior issues and tackle them from puppyhood. Here is a list of 7 essential dog obedience skills that all dogs and puppies should know.

    Tip 2: How to Train Your Great Dane to Walk on Leash with Consistency

    Be Consistent: We all know the importance of being consistent. If your family has a rule, be sure the rule stays the same all the time.

    Tip 3: How to Train Your Great Dane to Walk on Leash Using Rewards

    Give Rewards: One way to get your dog’s attention when he misbehaves at the hands is by giving rewards. You don’t have to scold or punish! Instead ask for what we’re looking for-a sit followed by delicious treats like food will do just fine in most cases.

    Consider E-collar training to help build strong skills. Contrary to popular belief, E-collars are an ethical method to set your Great Dane up for success. Check out this guide for which e-collars are safe, and which are not.

    5 Tips for Leash Training Your Great Dane
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    Get Control of Your Great Dane on a Leash

    Dogs are easily distractible and pull on the leash while walking. However, with a few easy tricks, you can train your dog to focus on you.

    Start off by gradually increasing the amount of time you spend walking together. When encountering a distraction, ask your dog to engage with you and continue moving.

    Eye contact is very important when your Great Dane sees a distraction like a rabbit or squirrel.

    Some tips for getting your Great Dane to give you eye contact are:

    • Provide high quality treats, such as Freeze Dried Beef Liver. When a distraction arises, pull a treat to your eyes to become more important than the distraction.
    • Avoid high intense situations. If your Great Dane pulls heavily on the leash while passing other dogs, be sure to cross the street before passing them. Do not put your Great Dane in situations that they might fail.
    • Practice the ‘place’ command often. Teaching ‘Place‘ will allow you to command your Great Dane to sit or lay in a moment of chaos or distraction, when they may rather be pulling on their leash.

    With consistent practice in different environments, you’ll have a well-behaved dog that walks perfectly beside you.

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    “Training your dog with positive reinforcement is the key to a happy, healthy relationship. Using a harness instead of a collar can help control pulling and make walking much easier.”

    You Successfully Leash Trained Your Great Dane

    You’ve successfully trained your Dane to walk on a leash!

    It’s always important to be aware of any pain or discomfort your dog may be feeling, and to recognize any gradual changes in behavior.

    Be sure to keep up the good work by continuing to monitor your dog for signs of falling back into old/negative leash behaviors and practice your leash skills regularly. Congratulations on being a responsible pet owner!

  • 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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    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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    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.

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    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.

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    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.
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    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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    Affordable Long Lead in Different Lengths

    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

  • How to Teach a Great Dane to Walk on a Leash

    How to Teach a Great Dane to Walk on a Leash

    There is almost nothing more dangerous than an out-of-control giant breed dog. Good leash skills are one of the most important things that you can teach your Great Dane! If you are ready to learn how to teach a Great Dane to walk on a leash, read on.

    Don’t worry, it’s not as difficult as it sounds. With a little patience and some positive, thoughtful balanced dog training, you’ll have your Dane walking nicely on a leash in no time. Here’s what you need to know.

    How to teach a Great Dane to walk on a leash

    Step One – Teach Your Great Dane to Walk on a Leash 101

    Step one: start with basic obedience commands like sit, look (at me), and touch (the palm of your hand).

    You’ll need to have these commands taught at a basic level before you can move on to really teaching your dog how to walk on a leash. All of these skills are easy to teach using positive reinforcement!

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    Use lots of rewards. This helps your Dane build confidence and will help you install correct behaviors (which will come in handy if your Great Dane pulls a lot when you leave the house)!

    You’ll notice a massive difference in your dog if you practice these skills even just 5-10 minutes each day.

    Be consistent with your commands and rewards – always praise and treat your dog when they follow your instructions

    Teach a Great Dane to Walk on a Leash

    Leash Walking Basics: Teach Focus and “With Me”

    In this stage, you will work with your dog off-leash in your home or in a fenced yard.

    If you don’t have space for safe off-leash work, use a long leash and an ergonomic harness (we do not recommend using ‘Petsafe’ or ‘Easy Walk’ no-pull harnesses on Great Danes).

    Use lots of treats and with your Great Dane on the left side, take a step. Praise, treat and repeat.

    Practice this until you can walk 10 steps or more between rewards. Add obstacles such as cones or balls, too, and practice walking around them together. Reward your dog for engaging with you!

    Gradually introduce the leash, making sure to keep the training positive and upbeat.
    Keep the leash loose in your hands. It is only there for safety.

    We like a basic slip lead or a martingale collar + leather leash.

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    HOW TO TRAIN A GREAT DANE TO BE CALM

    Many people struggle in this step of teaching focus, engagement, and calm behavior in all environments.

    You may notice that your Great Dane does AMAZING with these leash training exercises when you are at home, but when you go somewhere new they forget everything that you’ve taught them!

    Here are some tips for teaching your Great Dane to be calm in ALL environments:

    • Use structure and routines at home to encourage ‘calm’ settling behavior
    • Teach a ‘place’ command and build this skill up until you can say ‘place’ and expect your dog to settle there, no matter what
    • Make sure your Great Dane is getting enough physical and mental enrichment! The world is much less exciting to a dog that is satisfied. Proper enrichment will reduce anxiety, boredom, and the frustrating behaviors that result from not getting enough. (Read our blog post on bored Great Danes! and also the best toys for Great Danes)
    Teach a Great Dane to Walk on a Leash

    Practice Leash Walking

    Now it’s time to increase the difficulty! You’ll want to work on your leash skills in a variety of places with varying distractions.

    Start off slowly, with just a few minutes of walking at first. Gradually increase the amount of time you spend walking together as your dog gets more comfortable ignoring the world and focusing on YOU.

    When you encounter a distraction, ask your dog to engage with you and continue moving.

    Continue to use a lot of positive reinforcement! This is how you teach your dog the correct behavior and increase the chance that they will repeat the behavior that you want.

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    THE BEST LEASH FOR GREAT DANES

    We recommend that all Great Dane owners have three leashes:

    1. A good long Biothane leash (for off-leash training and being in places where being off-leash is not legal)

    2. A leather leash with a sturdy clip for everyday use and walking with a flat collar, martingale, headcollar, or prong collar

    3. A leather slip lead for ease of use, training, and safety (slip leads are escape-proof!)

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    How Do I Stop My Great Dane From Pulling?

    We recommend that all Great Danes who pull revisit leash walking 101, outlined above.

    However, there will come a time for all Great Danes where the environment is simply more rewarding than any treat or praise that you can offer!


    You can make two choices here: never go places, or use tools to communicate with your dog. Let’s dig into this below.

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    GREAT DANE TRAINING TOOLS

    We recommend the use of well-fitted Herm Sprenger Prong Collars for Great Danes that pull.

    Prong collars are commonly used for Great Danes, but it is important to use them correctly. If you’re not sure how to use a prong collar, ask a highly qualified positive-balanced dog trainer for help.

    Herm Springer is the ONLY brand worth buying; they cost more but they are built correctly and created with rounded edges so that your dog feels evenly distributed pressure, NOT pain during use.

    We recommend the use of a wide, flat martingale collar for most Great Danes.

    A properly used prong collar, introduced with lots of positive reinforcement can be implemented in a way that is less harmful, less frustrating, less aversive, and safer for you and your Great Dane than a flat collar, ‘no-pull’ harness, choke chain or head collar.

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    Leather Slip Leash
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    Herm Sprenger Collar
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    E-Collar Training for Great Danes

    Modern E-Collars are introduced in a positive way and use muscle stimulation as a communication (not sharp static ‘shock’). When used and conditioned properly, E-Collars from E-Collar Technologies can be an amazing and helpful tool for off-leash work AND developing better on-leash skills.

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    We use and recommend only E-Collar Technologies.

    You can purchase a mini-educator E-Collar for your Great Dane HERE.

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    Should I Use a Harness for my Great Dane?

    Harnesses have their place, however, for most Great Danes they are the wrong choice.

    The only appropriate harness to buy for a Great Dane will have a y-front on it.

    All other harnesses (including those marketed as ‘No-Pull’ such as the ‘Freedom’ or ‘Easy-Walk’ harness) work by squeezing the shoulders, throwing the dog off-balance, and restricting movement.

    Is the Gentle Leader an Abusive Tool?

    No-pull (front clip) harnesses are NOT good training tools for Great Danes. They rely on physical restraint and restrictions to movement that can be damaging to their shoulders, chest and gait.
    Just because it’s made of ‘nylon’ doesn’t mean it’s a ‘positive’ or ‘humane’ tool.

    One big problem with choosing a y-front harness for your Great Dane is that if your Great Dane were to pull you, they have a ton of leverage to do so.

    A proper Y-front harness should be used with a long leash and only with dogs that do NOT pull, lunge or react. We recommend the RUFFWEAR FRONT RANGE HARNESS.

    RUFFWEAR FRONT RANGE HARNESS FOR GREAT DANES
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    Off-Leash Obedience for Great Danes

    We believe that all Great Danes should also be reliably off-leash trained. Good off-leash skills translate to great on-leash skills!

    Reducing the reliance on a leash and collar for every activity is much healthier for them from a physical and mental enrichment standpoint, too.

    Off-leash dogs cannot damage their gait, neck, or head by lunging into collars, harnesses, or ‘Gentle Leaders’. They also get to experience the freedom of movement which is very enriching to them.

    For more information about off-leash training, visit our E-Collar and off-leash obedience category!