Great Dane Training

United States
March 5, 2007 2:54am CST
I have a very loveable Great Dane puppy. She has taken 2 obedience classes and is generally a great fun loving puppy, however she is terrible on the leash. Does anyone have any suggestions as to what sort of lead I should use for her that won't injure her. She is very strong and pulls hard with her 100+ pound body.
1 person likes this
2 responses
• United States
30 Apr 07
Yes, I raise and show Great Danes plus I'm an obedience instructor! Didn't they cover this in her classes? If not I'm really surprised because basic manners like this are one of the things I really stress in my classes! If you want a "quick fix" go get a Gentle Leader for her. It looks a lot like a horse halter when you put it on and works like nothing else I've ever seen! Be careful not to let her run out to the end of the leash, though, as she could really injure her neck that way! But even the strongest dog is unable to pull very hard with a GL on and if you take a look at one you'll see why. It's not harsh or hurtful in any way whatsoever but most dogs do have to get used to it simply because they object to having it on their face the way it is. I would also strongly suggest training with her on this issue whether you go with a GL or not using "heel". Get treats that she really goes wild for (I usually cut up liver into small chunks, sprinkle lightly with garlic powder, and cook it in the oven turning it occassionally on 200 till it's liver jerky), pack your pocket with it, and go out for a walk in the yard. Start with her sitting by your side, step off with the same foot each time (this adds a visual cue to help reinforce what you're trying to do) saying "heel" as you move forward. Hold the treat in your hand in a way that she can smell it and even lick it some, kind of blocked by your fingers, near your side where you would like her to walk with the leash slack. Every few steps that she stays there by your side trying to get the treat praise her and let her have it. Periodically stop walking and lead her into a sit by your side with the treat (just raise the treat slowly over her head and back some so that she has to sit to keep looking at/smelling/trying for the treat) without saying "sit". This tells her that when she is in heel and you stop she's expected to automatically sit without being told to. Repeat and repeat and REPEAT! LOL Slowly start taking more and more steps until you give her the treat and before you know it she'll be walking politely at your side instead of trying to take you "grass skiing"! LOL Tell me how it goes!!
1 person likes this
• United States
28 May 07
Thanks for the good suggestions. We;ve been working religiously with her now and have a halti. She is Much easier to manage and we BOTH actually enjoy our walks now. Thanks!
• United States
29 Aug 07
I agree with the gentle leader. My boy knows when it is on its time to be serious and he walks perfectly with it. We traveled across the country and I was worried about controlling him at pit stops, but our mutt was much harder to control because he knew what he was suppose to be doing while having the gl on.
@zubairsk (341)
• India
18 Nov 09
I like Great dane puppy very much and they are very cute to see.I have two Great dane Puppies and it is three years old and i love it very much.Every day i take care about them and their food and diet.Whenever i went outside i will keep them in a safe place.I usually watch in TV different Great dane puppies.pets and animals.Great dane Puppies look very cute,funny and pretty looking.