Calming a Great Dane

Great Danes are a breed of dog known for their large size and friendly nature. These gentle giants can be a great addition to any household, but their size can make them intimidating to some. One of the challenges that Great Dane owners face is managing their energy levels. In this article, we will explore how to calm a Great Dane and answer some common questions related to their energy levels.

How to Calm a Great Dane

Great Danes are naturally energetic dogs; their large size can make them even more challenging to manage. However, there are some tips and tricks that you can use to help calm your Great Dane and make them more manageable.

Exercise

Great Danes require a lot of exercise to burn off their energy. It is recommended that they get at least 30-60 minutes of exercise per day. This can be a combination of walks, runs, and playtime in the backyard. A tired dog is calm, so give your Great Dane plenty of opportunities to burn off their energy.

Here’s a table to provide some examples of exercises that can help burn off a Great Dane’s energy:

Type of Exercise	Description
Walks	Take your Great Dane for a 30-60 minute walk at a brisk pace.
Runs	If you’re a runner, consider taking your Great Dane for a jog or run with you.
Playtime	Great Danes love to play, so spend some time playing fetch, tug-of-war, or other games with your dog.
Agility Training	Great Danes can be trained to navigate through an agility course, which is a great way to burn off energy and bond with your dog.
Swimming	Great Danes are natural swimmers, so consider taking them for a swim at a nearby lake or beach.
Hiking	If you enjoy hiking, bring your Great Dane along for a fun and challenging workout.

Remember always to start slow and gradually increase the intensity and duration of the exercises. Be sure to consult with your veterinarian before starting any new exercise routine.

Training

Training is an essential part of owning a Great Dane. Training helps manage their energy levels but also helps to prevent unwanted behaviors and strengthen the bond between the owner and the dog. This article will provide a Great Dane training schedule to help you train your Great Dane.

Puppy Training (8-12 weeks)

House Training

House training should start as soon as your Great Dane comes home. Take your puppy outside every 1-2 hours after eating, playing, or sleeping. Reward your puppy with praise and treats when they eliminate outside.

Crate Training

Crate training can help teach your Great Dane to be comfortable in a crate and prevent destructive behavior. Start by introducing your puppy to the crate with treats and toys. Gradually increase their time in the crate, and always praise and reward good behavior.

Basic Commands

Teach your Great Dane basic commands like “sit,” “stay,” “come,” and “down.” Use positive reinforcement techniques like treats and praise to encourage good behavior.

Adolescent Training (12-24 months)

Leash Training

Leash training is an integral part of Great Dane training. Start by introducing your dog to the leash and collar with treats and praise. Practice walking on a leash in a quiet area and gradually increase the number of distractions.

Socialization

Socialization is crucial during the adolescent phase. Introduce your Great Dane to new people, animals, and environments in a positive and controlled way. This can help prevent anxiety and aggression later in life.

Advanced Commands

Reinforce basic commands and introduce new commands like “heel” and “leave it.” Use positive reinforcement techniques and keep training sessions short and fun.

Adult Training (24+ months)

Advanced Leash Training

Continue practicing leash training and introduce new challenges like walking in crowded areas or uneven surfaces. Use positive reinforcement techniques and remain patient and consistent.

Advanced Commands

Reinforce basic commands and introduce more advanced commands like “roll over” and “shake.” Use positive reinforcement techniques and keep training sessions short and fun.

Canine Good Citizen Training

Consider enrolling your Great Dane in Canine Good Citizen training. This program teaches dogs good manners and responsible dog ownership skills. It can also prepare your dog for therapy work or other advanced training.

In conclusion, training is an integral part of owning a Great Dane. Starting with basic commands and house training as a puppy, progressing to adolescent training with leash training and socialization, and moving on to adult training with advanced leash training and Canine Good Citizen training can help your Great Dane be a well-behaved and happy member of your family. Remember to use positive reinforcement techniques and keep training sessions short and fun.

Calming Supplements

A variety of calming supplements are available for dogs that can help manage their energy levels. These supplements usually contain natural ingredients like chamomile, passionflower, and valerian root. Always consult with your veterinarian before giving your dog any new supplements.

Here are some examples of calming supplements that can be used for large dogs like Great Danes:

Supplement	Description
Chamomile	Chamomile is a natural sedative that can help reduce anxiety in dogs. It can be given as a tea or in capsule form.
Valerian Root	Valerian root is a natural sedative that can help calm nervous dogs. It can be given in capsule or tincture form.
Passionflower	Passionflower is a natural sedative that can help reduce anxiety in dogs. It can be given in capsule or tincture form.
L-Theanine	L-Theanine is an amino acid that can help reduce anxiety and promote relaxation in dogs. It can be given in capsule or chewable form.
Melatonin	Melatonin is a hormone that can help regulate sleep patterns and reduce anxiety in dogs. It can be given in tablet or chewable form.

Always consult with your veterinarian before giving your dog any new supplements. They can help you determine the appropriate dosage and ensure no interactions with any other medications your dog may be taking.

Calming Techniques

There are several calming techniques that you can use to help your Great Dane relax. One technique is to play calming music for your dog. Studies have shown that classical music can have a calming effect on dogs. Another technique is to use aromatherapy. Essential oils like lavender and chamomile can help calm your dog’s nerves.

Are Great Danes Low-Energy Dogs?

No, Great Danes are not considered low-energy dogs. They are pretty energetic and require a lot of exercise to burn off their energy. Great Danes are also known for their playful nature and love running and playing.

Are Great Danes Energetic?

Yes, Great Danes are considered energetic dogs. They are known for their playful nature and require a lot of exercise to burn off their energy. Great Danes can be quite active and enjoy running and playing with their owners.

FAQs

How much exercise does a Great Dane need?

Great Danes need at least 30-60 minutes of exercise per day. This can be a combination of walks, runs, and playtime in the backyard.

Do Great Danes make good apartment dogs?

Great Danes are not typically recommended for apartment living because of their large size and energy levels. They require a lot of space to run and play, and they can be destructive if they don’t get enough exercise.

Can Great Danes be left alone?

Great Danes can be left alone for short periods, but they do not like to be alone for extended periods. They are social animals and crave attention and interaction with their owners.

How can I calm my Great Dane during a thunderstorm?

Dogs can fear thunderstorms and other loud noises, and Great Danes are no exception. When a storm hits, your Great Dane may become anxious, restless, and agitated. As a pet owner, knowing how to calm your dog during a storm is essential to keep them safe and happy.

Here are some tips on how to calm a Great Dane or other large dog during a storm:

Create a Safe Space

Creating a safe space for your Great Dane can help them feel secure and calm during a storm. Choose a quiet room in your house where your dog can retreat to. This can be a bedroom, bathroom, or even a closet. Make sure the space is comfortable and secure, with plenty of soft bedding and toys.

You can also create a den-like space for your Great Dane by covering its crate or bed with a blanket or sheet. This can help block out the noise and create a sense of security.

Use Calming Techniques

Calming techniques can help reduce your Great Dane’s anxiety during a storm. One technique is to play calming music or white noise to drown out the sound of thunder. You can also use aromatherapy by diffusing calming essential oils like lavender, chamomile, or peppermint.

Another technique is to use pressure therapy. This involves wrapping your dog in a snug-fitting garment like a ThunderShirt or using a weighted blanket to provide security and comfort.

Provide Distractions

Providing distractions can help take your Great Dane’s mind off of the storm. This can be as simple as giving them a favorite toy or treat to keep them occupied. You can also engage them in a training session to help redirect their attention.

Stay Calm

Dogs can pick up on their owner’s emotions, so staying calm and relaxed during a storm is essential. Speak to your Great Dane calmly and reassuringly, and avoid showing any signs of anxiety or fear. This can help your dog feel more secure and less anxious.

Consult with Your Vet

If your Great Dane’s anxiety during storms is severe, you may want to consult with your veterinarian. They can recommend prescription medications or other treatments to help reduce your dog’s anxiety and calm them during a storm.

Storms can be scary for Great Danes and other large dogs, but you can take steps to help calm your pet. By creating a safe space, using calming techniques, providing distractions, staying calm, and consulting with your veterinarian, you can help your Great Dane weather the storm and stay happy and healthy.

Check out this post from the AKC on helping your gentle giant weather the next storm.

Are Great Danes Good with Children?

Great Danes are known for their gentle and affectionate nature, making them great with children. However, due to their large size, they can accidentally knock over small children, so it’s important to supervise their interactions.

To learn more, visit our prior post about Are Great Danes Good with Children?

Can Great Danes be trained to be therapy dogs?

Great Danes can make excellent therapy dogs due to their calm and gentle nature. However, therapy dog training requires significant time and dedication, so committing to the process is essential.

Conclusion

Great Danes are energetic and playful dogs that require a lot of exercises to burn off their energy. However, they can be calmed down and more manageable with proper training and management. Using calming supplements and techniques, and providing adequate exercise can help keep your Great Dane happy and healthy.

Remember that Great Danes are social animals and crave attention and interaction with their owners. They thrive on positive reinforcement and respond well to training. By understanding their energy levels and providing them with the care and attention they need, you can enjoy a happy and healthy relationship with your Great Dane.