Great Danes are gentle, affectionate, and sociable. Their friendly disposition makes them excellent companions, but their sheer size can pose a challenge if they aren’t properly trained. Fortunately, they are intelligent and responsive to training, especially when started early and handled with patience.
That said, their laid-back nature can sometimes come across as stubbornness or a lack of motivation. Training a Great Dane requires consistency, calm leadership, and positive reinforcement. Early socialisation and obedience training are key to preventing unruly behaviour, particularly as they grow into their large adult frames.
Don’t be discouraged if your Great Dane takes a bit longer to learn a new command — their calm personality means they respond best to low-stress, reward-based training sessions that respect their sensitive nature.
Read more: Great Dane breed insights: care, temperament, & expert tips
Health considerations that can affect training
Great Danes are prone to several health conditions that can impact training:
Joint issues
Due to their large size, Great Danes are susceptible to hip dysplasia and arthritis, which can make certain movements uncomfortable, affecting motivation and engagement.
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Avoid intense physical demands during training and stick to gentle, joint-friendly exercises. Opt for ....?????
Heart conditions
Dilated cardiomyopathy is relatively common in the breed, which can affect stamina and energy levels.
If your Great Dane seems unusually lethargic, distracted, or unmotivated during training, consult your vet to rule out any underlying issues.
How real fuels your Great Dane’s focus
Just like us, dogs learn best when they’re feeling healthy, balanced and energised. Diet plays a big role in your pup’s ability to focus, stay calm, and retain information.
Great Danes benefit from:
Steady energy sources like butternut squash and purple sweet potato, which have a low glycaemic load and help release energy slowly.
Essential fatty acids like DHA and EPA (omega-3s from fish, mussels, or fish oil), which support brain health and development, memory, and learning.
Fresh, bioactive nutrients like Blueberries and Shiitake Mushrooms to support immunity, skin health, and overall wellbeing.
“A fresh food diet packed with brain-boosting nutrients supports your dog’s ability to learn and adapt. Omega-3s, especially DHA, are critical for memory and cognitive function.”
— Dr Alex
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All Lyka meals are formulated by Board-Certified Veterinary Nutritionists to provide complete and balanced nutrition for learning, growth, and everyday health.
Exercise first for improved focus
Exercising your Great Dane before a training session can help burn off excess energy and improve concentration. While they aren’t as hyperactive as some breeds, they still require daily exercise to stay healthy and engaged.
Ideal activities include:
Long, moderate-paced walks
Light playtime in the yard
Gentle hiking or nature walks (depending on their age and joint health)
Avoid strenuous exercise that could stress their joints, especially in growing puppies or seniors.
Training tips for Great Danes
Training a Great Dane is about building trust and structure from an early age. Their size alone makes good manners essential.
Keep sessions short, sweet, and full of positive vibes. Here’s what works best:
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Training your Great Dane puppy
Great Dane puppies are wonderfully sweet and surprisingly calm — but don’t let that fool you. Their size increases rapidly, so early training and socialisation are vital.
What works?
A regular toilet routine
Positive crate training for safe sleep and downtime
Early and controlled socialisation with people, dogs, sounds, places and situations
Great Danes are sensitive to harsh corrections, so always use gentle, force-free methods that promote trust and confidence.
Training your adult Great Dane
Just because your Great Dane’s out of puppyhood doesn’t mean the training stops. In fact, ongoing mental stimulation is essential to keep their mind sharp and behaviour balanced.
This might look like:
Reinforcing polite greetings at the door
Learning new tricks or games
Adjusting to life changes, like moving house
Training for mobility support, like using a ramp in senior years
Dogs have neuroplasticity, meaning they’re capable of learning at any age. Keep training light and engaging, and celebrate progress — no matter how small.
When to aall in a Trainer or Behaviourist
Not sure if your Great Dane’s quirks are just stubbornness — or something deeper?
A trainer is your go-to for obedience, manners, and routine behaviours. A qualified behaviourist, on the other hand, is best for issues like:
Reactivity
Anxiety or phobias
Aggression
Resource guarding
They work closely with your vet to address underlying causes and create a tailored plan. The earlier you seek support, the easier it is to create lasting change.
“If training your dog is very challenging, it may be worth considering a trainer or a behaviourist. A trainer can help you identify what may be triggering their behaviour and show you how to help your dog cope in those situations. The solution may be as simple as reframing what we expect from our dogs and our behaviours around them.”
— Laura V, dog behaviourist
New to Lyka? Let’s Rethink Dog Food Together
Training your Great Dane is a journey — one that requires consistency, creativity, and compassion. Whether you’re navigating house training with a stubborn puppy or teaching your senior dog new routines, every small win is a step toward a calmer, more connected life together.
And remember, a well-fed brain is a trainable brain. Supporting your Great Dane’s learning with fresh, real food meals helps unlock their full potential.
Lyka nourishes hundreds of Great Danes across Australia – from energetic pups to seniors in their golden years – they’re all thriving on Lyka.
