At what age should I start training a Great Dane puppy?

As early as possible, from the moment they come home — basic manners, socialisation and gentle leash introduction shouldn't wait until they're older, given how much easier it is to establish good habits before a Dane reaches full size.

Are Great Danes good with first-time dog owners?

Their generally biddable temperament helps, but their size is a genuine consideration for anyone without experience handling a large breed, particularly around leash manners and general physical management. Research the breed's needs thoroughly before committing, regardless of experience level.

Do Great Danes need a lot of exercise?

They need regular exercise, but a Dane puppy in particular shouldn't be over-exercised while still growing, since it can put strain on developing joints. Ask your vet what's appropriate at each stage of growth.

Why is my Great Dane not responding to training?

Check whether sessions are short and positive rather than long and repetitive, since that tends to suit the breed's temperament better. If a normally responsive dog suddenly stops engaging, or if socialisation gaps show up as fear or reactivity, a vet or a qualified trainer can help identify what's actually going on.

Are Great Danes easy to train?

Great Danes are generally considered easy to train in temperament — they're intelligent, eager to please and respond well to consistent, reward-based methods — but their enormous adult size means the stakes on getting leash manners and basic obedience right early are higher than with a smaller breed.

Why temperament works in their favour

Great Danes are widely described by owners and breed clubs as gentle, affectionate and eager to please, which are exactly the traits that make a breed easier to train. A dog who wants to work with their owner responds well to positive, reward-based training, and Danes generally fit that description.

That said, individual temperament varies, and a Dane who hasn't been well socialised as a puppy can be reserved or nervous with strangers or unfamiliar situations, which affects how training goes in practice. Early, varied socialisation matters for this breed as much as obedience training itself.

Why size raises the stakes early

A Great Dane puppy can end up weighing considerably more than an adult of many other breeds, which means a habit that's mildly annoying in a small dog — jumping up, pulling on the lead, not settling on command — becomes genuinely difficult to manage once a Dane reaches full size. This is why training a Dane isn't optional in the way it might feel with a smaller, easier-to-physically-manage breed.

Leash training in particular is worth prioritising from the very start, using a harness suited to their size and build, since a fully grown Dane who pulls is a genuine physical challenge to walk, however sweet-natured the dog is otherwise.

What actually helps with training a Dane

Short, consistent training sessions started as early as possible, using positive reinforcement and food rewards, tend to work well with the breed's eager, biddable temperament. Rushing a Dane's physical growth with too much strenuous exercise before their joints are ready is a separate concern worth discussing with your vet, since it's easy to over-exercise a large-breed puppy without realising.

Patience with the puppy phase matters more than usual here, simply because a Dane spends longer growing into their eventual size than most breeds, and a gangly, still-growing adolescent Dane needs the same calm, consistent handling as a small puppy for considerably longer.

A properly fitted collar or harness, sized and adjusted as your puppy grows, makes early training noticeably easier, since equipment that fits poorly can undermine consistent leash manners however patient the training itself is. Checking the fit every few weeks during the growth spurt matters more for a breed that changes size this quickly than it does for a dog that reaches adult size in a matter of months.

Kit for this breed

Things we stock that owners commonly reach for here. Nothing on this page depends on you buying one.

Waterproof Dog Harness, Collar & Lead Set

A sturdy waterproof harness, collar and lead set that keeps walks tidy and your dog under control.

From£7.99

No-Pull Dog Harness & Reflective Lead Set

A padded no-pull dog harness with breathable mesh and reflective trim, paired with a matching reflective rope lead. The vest spreads pressure evenly for comfortable, secure walks and better visibility after dark.

From£8.99

Stainless Steel Dog Tie-Out Ground Stake & Cable

A stainless steel ground stake and cable that gives your dog safe room to roam outdoors.

From£31.99

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Common questions

At what age should I start training a Great Dane puppy?: As early as possible, from the moment they come home — basic manners, socialisation and gentle leash introduction shouldn't wait until they're older, given how much easier it is to establish good habits before a Dane reaches full size.
Are Great Danes good with first-time dog owners?: Their generally biddable temperament helps, but their size is a genuine consideration for anyone without experience handling a large breed, particularly around leash manners and general physical management. Research the breed's needs thoroughly before committing, regardless of experience level.
Do Great Danes need a lot of exercise?: They need regular exercise, but a Dane puppy in particular shouldn't be over-exercised while still growing, since it can put strain on developing joints. Ask your vet what's appropriate at each stage of growth.
Why is my Great Dane not responding to training?: Check whether sessions are short and positive rather than long and repetitive, since that tends to suit the breed's temperament better. If a normally responsive dog suddenly stops engaging, or if socialisation gaps show up as fear or reactivity, a vet or a qualified trainer can help identify what's actually going on.

Sources

Written against guidance published by UK veterinary and welfare organisations. Always confirm specifics with your own vet.

Written by Matt Garnett, who runs Giddy Pets and is a lifelong pet owner — not a vet. This is general information, not veterinary advice, and it cannot replace an examination by the vet who knows your animal. How we write these guides.