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11 Secrets to Make Your Great Dane Come When Called

| Published on April 25, 2023

Training your Great Dane to come when called is an essential aspect of their obedience training. As a giant breed, Great Danes can be challenging to handle if they don’t obey basic commands, such as coming when called. With their massive size and strength, it’s crucial to train them to come when called to prevent them from running off or getting into dangerous situations. In this article, we will discuss effective methods for training your Great Dane to come when called, including positive reinforcement, consistent training, and using high-value rewards. With patience and consistency, you can train your Great Dane to become a well-behaved and obedient companion.

Note: For a complete training, we highly recommend this SpiritDog Online Training Course “Coming When Called”.

1. Start with a Strong Foundation

Before you begin training your great dane to come when called, it’s crucial to establish a strong bond with your pet. Spend time playing with your dog, engaging in activities they enjoy, and providing positive reinforcement through praise and treats. Building trust and a strong connection with your great dane will make them more likely to respond positively to your commands.

2. Choose a Distinct Command Word

Select a specific word or phrase for the recall command, such as “come” or “here.” Ensure that the command is distinct from other commands you use and that all family members use the same word consistently. Consistency is critical to avoid confusing your great dane and ensuring that they understand what you expect from them.

3. Begin Training Your Great Dane in a Controlled Environment

Start training your great dane to come when called in a controlled, distraction-free environment like your home or a fenced yard. In the early stages of training, it’s essential to minimize distractions to help your dog focus on learning the new command. As your dog becomes more reliable in responding to the recall command, gradually introduce distractions and practice in various environments.

4. Use Positive Reinforcement with Your Great Dane

When training your great dane to come when called, always use positive reinforcement techniques. Reward your pup with praise, treats, or playtime when they respond to your recall command. This will help create a positive association with the command and motivate your dog to respond consistently. Remember to be patient and consistent in your training, as it may take time for your dog to master the recall command.

If you’re using treats, these are currently the most popular training treats on Amazon.

5. Gradually Increase Distance and Distractions

As your great dane becomes more reliable in responding to the recall command in a controlled environment, begin to increase the distance between you and your dog during training sessions. Practice calling your dog from various distances and gradually introduce distractions, such as other dogs, people, or toys. This will help your dog learn to respond to the command even in challenging situations.

Related: Looking for the fastest way to train your great dane to come when called? Try this video course.

 

6. Make Yourself Interesting and Rewarding to Your Great Dane

To encourage your great dane to come when called, make yourself more appealing and rewarding to your dog. Use an enthusiastic, high-pitched voice when calling your dog, and reward them with a treat or praise when they respond. You can also try running away from your dog when calling them, as this can entice your dog to chase after you and respond to the recall command.

7. Never Punish Your Great Dane for Coming When Called

It’s essential to avoid punishing your great dane if they do not immediately respond to the recall command or if they come to you slowly. Punishing your dog can create a negative association with the command and make them less likely to respond in the future. Instead, be patient and continue to practice and reinforce the command using positive reinforcement techniques.

8. Practice the Recall Command Regularly with Your Great Dane

Consistent practice is crucial for training your great dane to come when called. Incorporate recall training into your dog’s daily routine, and practice the command in various environments and situations. This will help reinforce the behavior and make it more reliable over time.

9. Use a Long Training Leash on Your Great Dane

When transitioning from a controlled environment to a more open space, consider using a long training leash to maintain control over your great dane while they learn to respond to the recall command. This will help you avoid losing control of your dog and provide a safety measure as you gradually increase the distance and distractions during training sessions.

This is the most popular long training leash on Amazon. 

10. Be Patient and Persistent with Your Great Dane

Training your great dane to come when called takes time, patience, and persistence. Some dogs may learn the command quickly, while others may require more time and consistent practice. Be patient with your dog and maintain a positive attitude during training sessions. Remember that every dog is unique, and the key to success is consistent practice and positive reinforcement.

11. Use a Professional Online Great Dane Training Course

While this article provides many helpful tips for training your great dane, you can increase your chances of success by enlisting the help of a professional online dog trainer. We love the SpiritDog online courses, since its includes unlimited questions with a real dog trainer.

You can check out their Teach Your Great Dane to Come Online Course Here

In conclusion, training your Great Dane to come when called is an important aspect of their obedience training. By using positive reinforcement and consistency, you can teach your Great Dane to obey this crucial command, ensuring their safety and preventing them from getting into potentially dangerous situations. It’s important to remember that training takes time and patience, and you may encounter setbacks along the way. However, with consistent training, you can help your Great Dane become a well-behaved and obedient companion that you can trust to come when called. By investing time and effort into their training, you can create a strong bond with your Great Dane that will last a lifetime.

More Frequently Asked Questions For Training Your Great Dane

1. How Do I Train My Great Dane To Walk On A Leash?

Training your Great Dane to walk on a leash is an essential part of their obedience training. Leash training helps you to control your dog, keep them safe, and prevents them from running off or getting into dangerous situations. Here are some tips to help you train your Great Dane to walk on a leash:

  • Start Slowly: Start by introducing the leash gradually, let your dog sniff and get used to the leash before you attach it to their collar. Once they are comfortable with the leash, try walking with them inside the house.
  • Use Positive Reinforcement: Use treats or verbal praise to encourage your dog to walk beside you. Reward them when they walk calmly beside you or follow your lead.
  • Practice Consistently: Practice leash walking consistently, gradually increasing the distance and duration of the walks. Don’t forget to praise and reward your dog for good behavior.
  • Avoid Punishment: Avoid using physical punishment or yanking on the leash as it may cause fear and anxiety in your dog, making them less likely to follow your commands.

2. How Do I Stop My Great Dane From Jumping Up?

Great Danes are big dogs, and when they jump up, it can be quite intimidating and even dangerous. Here are some tips to help you stop your Great Dane from jumping up:

  • Be Consistent: When your Great Dane jumps up, don’t give them attention or affection. Instead, stand still, turn away, and avoid eye contact until they calm down. Consistency is key in preventing your dog from jumping up.
  • Use Positive Reinforcement: When your Great Dane greets you calmly, give them a treat, or verbal praise to reinforce good behavior.
  • Train Alternatives: Teach your dog alternative behaviors such as sitting or lying down, which they can do instead of jumping up. Reward them for practicing these behaviors.
  • Provide Adequate Exercise: Great Danes are high-energy dogs and need plenty of exercise. Ensure your dog is getting enough physical activity and mental stimulation to reduce their jumping behavior.

3. How Do I Teach My Great Dane To Stop Barking?

Barking is a natural behavior for dogs, and it’s how they communicate. However, excessive barking can be annoying and disruptive, especially if you live in a residential area. Here are some tips to help you teach your Great Dane to stop barking:

  • Identify the Trigger: Identify what triggers your dog to bark excessively. It could be a doorbell, people passing by, or other dogs barking. Once you identify the trigger, you can work on addressing the behavior.
  • Use Positive Reinforcement: Use treats or verbal praise to reward your dog when they stop barking or remain calm in a triggering situation.
  • Teach the “Quiet” Command: Teach your Great Dane the “quiet” command, and reward them when they stop barking on command. Practice this command consistently until your dog learns to stop barking when you say “quiet.”
  • Provide Adequate Exercise: Great Danes are high-energy dogs and need plenty of exercise. Ensure your dog is getting enough physical activity and mental stimulation to reduce their barking behavior.
  • Seek Professional Help: If your Great Dane’s barking behavior is excessive and difficult to control, seek help from a professional dog trainer or behaviorist.

In conclusion, training your Great Dane requires patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement. Whether you’re leash training, addressing jumping behavior, or reducing excessive barking, it’s essential to use positive methods and avoid physical punishment.

4. What’s the best online course for teaching a great dane to come when called? 

At iHeartDogs, we recommend the SpiritDog online course “Coming When Called.” The course includes unlimited questions with a real dog trainer.

 

iHeartDogs is reader supported. Our articles contain affiliate links where we are paid a small commission for linking to a product at no additional cost to the reader. 

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