Great Danes are huge dogs that can cause chaos if allowed to run riot around your home! Crate training can help to keep your super-size pet in check, making life safer and more comfortable for both of you.
Read this guide to learn how to crate train a Great Dane in just six easy steps.
Why Crate Train a Great Dane?
Although most dog owners view crate training as a positive thing, some first-time pet parents have reservations about crating their pets. But whatever your viewpoint, there are undoubtedly several good reasons why you should consider crate training your Great Dane.
A Natural Den
Dogs are naturally denning animals that appreciate somewhere safe, secure, and comfortable to rest and relax.
When crate training is done correctly, your Great Dane’s crate can provide that perfect chill-out zone where your dog wants to spend his time.
Safety
Imagine that you find yourself in an emergency situation. Your Great Dane is charging around your home in a panic; he might even escape into the street outside or become trapped somewhere inaccessible.
What can you do?
If your pet is securely confined in a suitable crate for Great Danes, it will be much easier to take your dog to safety.
Also, dogs often regard their crates as a safe, secure place to sleep and relax. Many times, a frightened dog will voluntarily retreat to his crate. So, crate training can help your dog to stay and feel safe during an emergency or natural disaster.
Safe, Comfortable Transportation
If you have a collision, your dog and your passengers are much less likely to sustain injury if your dog is securely contained. So, the safest and most comfortable way to transport your Great Dane in your vehicle is undoubtedly in a secured crate.
Also, when traveling by air, your dog must be contained in an airline-approved container.
Recovery From Illness
If your Great Dane is sick or recovering from surgery, the most comfortable, quiet environment for him is in a cozy crate.
After surgery at the vet clinic, dogs are confined in crates while they recover. So, if your Dane is already crate trained, that experience won’t be as traumatic for your pet.
Can You Crate Train an Adult Great Dane?
If you’re about to take on an adult Great Dane, you’ll be pleased to learn that it is perfectly possible to crate train an adult dog.
Generally, crate training an older dog is more challenging than training a puppy. Puppies are like sponges, soaking up new experiences and learning quickly. Mature dogs, in comparison, typically have to unlearn old habits before they can learn new ones.
The key to crate training an adult Great Dane is to be patient and use positive reinforcement techniques.
How To Crate Train a Great Dane In 6 Easy Steps
In this part of our guide, you’ll learn how to crate train your adult Great Dane.
1. Prepare Your Great Dane’s Crate
Start by choosing a crate that’s the correct size for your dog. Generally, the correct size of a crate for a Great Dane is 54″ length x 37″ width x 45″ height.
Place a comfortable, cozy blanket or mat inside the crate. Put the crate with the door open in a quiet spot that’s warm and dry and out of direct sunlight and drafts.
2. Get Yourself Ready!
Make yourself relaxed and calm, and put aside any negative feelings you have about crating your dog.
Dogs are extremely sensitive to human emotions. If you get stressed or panicky about crating your pet, he will pick up on that. So, make sure that you’re in a happy place before you begin.
3. Prepare Your Great Dane
Your dog won’t focus on his crate training lessons if he’s full of pent-up energy. So, before you begin, take your dog for a walk, go to the dog park, or play a game of fetch in your backyard.
4. Create Positive Associations
Your Great Dane must see his crate as a positive place to spend his time. So, start by putting a favorite toy or some treats close to the open crate door.
When your dog goes close to the open door to grab a treat or take his toy, praise him.
5. Tempt Your Dog into The Crate
Once your dog will happily go near the crate’s open door, you can begin putting toys and treats inside. Putting your dog’s food bowl inside the crate can also tempt your pet to enter.
Begin by placing the treats and food at the front of the crate, gradually moving them to the back until your Dane goes right inside the crate of his own volition.
6. Close the Door
The first time you close the crate door with your Dane inside, pull the door shut for a second or two before allowing your dog to come out again. That helps to overcome any anxiety your dog has about being confined in the crate.
Repeat that process until your dog keeps calm when you close the door. Gradually increase the time you keep the door closed by a few seconds. Once the dog begins to get comfy inside the crate, try leaving the door open for a few minutes before gradually working your way up to keep your dog confined in the crate for an hour or more.
Troubleshooting
If your Great Dane starts to panic or shows signs of becoming anxious, stop what you’re doing and let him out of the crate. Take a break.
It’s perfectly normal to have a few setbacks when crate training an older dog, but don’t despair. Simply take a few steps back or even begin all over again.
Remember that senior dogs and those with weak bladders will need toilet breaks, and you shouldn’t keep your dog crated for longer than he can wait before needing to relieve himself.
Final Thoughts
Use positive reinforcement to successfully crate train your Great Dane by using these six simple steps.
When done correctly, crate training can be a fun, rewarding experience for both you and your pet. If things go wrong and your furry friend becomes upset or anxious, take a few steps back or even start the whole process over again from the beginning.