Building Trust with Your Great Dane: Key Communication Tips

Communication, Handling, and Respect

Building a strong bond with your Great Dane starts with clear communication. By learning to read your puppy’s signals and handling them with care, you establish a foundation of trust that will last a lifetime.

The Foundation I Have Built

From the minute your puppy was born, I have been handling and touching them every single day. This began with specialized early neurological stimulation and continued with daily handling and curriculum exercises up until the day they go home. I have laid the groundwork to ensure they are comfortable with human touch and interaction.

Continuing the Work at Home

To ensure they stay comfortable for the vet and groomer, please continue to touch and handle them in different areas 2 to 3 times a week. This includes gently rubbing their ears, lifting their lips to see their teeth, handling their paws and nails, and getting them used to their collar being touched. Move slowly and give a treat for calm behavior so they associate being handled with a positive reward.

Coaching Through Fear

When your puppy is faced with something new or scary, stay neutral and calm. You are their coach. Use positive reinforcement like treats and encouraging words like Yes or Yay Good Puppy to build their confidence. Focus on forward movement. Even if they just move one paw toward the object, that is a win! Desensitizing them to new things over a few days with lots of positive rewards is how you build a brave dog.

Reading Stress Signals

Your puppy communicates through their body. If they feel overwhelmed, they will show you. These are the signs to watch for:

• Yawning when they aren’t sleepy.

• Licking their lips repeatedly.

• Looking away or refusing to make eye contact.

• Showing the whites of their eyes (whale eye).

Respect the Puppy: Meeting Needs First

To raise a well-adjusted Great Dane, you must meet their needs in this order:

1. Physical and Mental Stimulation: Brain work and exercise prevent boredom and trouble.

2. Rules and Boundaries: Be consistent about no jumping, no mouthing, and not harassing other pets.

3. Respect Their Rest: Puppies need sleep to grow. If they are sleeping, do not wake them up.

4. Love and Affection: This is the reward for a calm, respectful puppy.