How should I handle my Great Dane’s fear of common objects?

It is actually incredibly common for Great Danes to be afraid of everyday objects! Despite their massive size, owners frequently affectionately describe their Danes as “huge chickens” who are terrified of harmless things like ceiling fans, balloons, frogs, turtles, lizards, doorways, the dark, and even old motorcycle helmets left on tree stumps.

Because Great Danes are a highly sensitive breed, they can easily react out of fear or anxiety. To help your dog overcome their fears, you should focus on building their confidence using the following techniques:

• Desensitization and Repeat Exposure: Slowly and repeatedly expose your dog to the objects or activities they are afraid of. You can combine this with mental exercises to help them process the exposure and build their bravery.

• Use Positive Reinforcement: Focus on reward-based training to reinforce good, calm behaviors. You should strictly avoid negative reinforcement or punishment, as this will only increase your sensitive dog’s fear, frustration, and anxiety.

• Find What Motivates Them: Figure out what your individual dog loves to work for—whether that is high-value food, a specific toy, or verbal praise—and use it to reinforce their brave behavior around scary objects.

• Be Patient and Consistent: Handle your Dane’s fears with consistency, kindness, and patience. Ensure everyone in your household is on the same page and reacting to the dog’s fear the same way, so your dog doesn’t get confused.

• End on a Good Note: Never end a training or exposure session when you or your dog is feeling frustrated. Always wrap up the lesson in a positive space to maintain trust and a strong bond.