How to Teach a Great Dane to Leave It
Teaching "leave it" to your Great Dane is essential for managing impulse control, especially around food and household hazards. While Great Danes are naturally friendly, patient, and gentle—making them eager to please—their sheer size means counter-surfing and food-stealing behaviors can cause real damage and danger. This intermediate obedience guide is designed specifically for your Dane's moderate trainability and energy level, using positive-reinforcement methods to build reliable impulse control. Since Great Danes benefit from clear, consistent structure paired with rewards, this training creates a foundation that prevents dangerous scavenging and keeps your dog safe. With 60 minutes of daily exercise already built into your routine, you're well-positioned to add focused training sessions that strengthen the "leave it" command your Dane needs.
Step-by-step
- 1
Start with Sit and Settle
Before teaching "leave it," ensure your Great Dane has solid sit and settle behaviors—these calm states are the foundation for impulse control. Practice these commands daily for 2–3 minutes, rewarding generously with high-value treats. This prepares your Dane's mind for the discipline required in the next steps.
- 2
Introduce "Leave It" with Low-Value Items
Place a toy or object your Dane rarely cares about on the floor and hold the leash gently nearby. Say "leave it" in a calm, firm voice, and immediately reward with a high-value treat if your Dane doesn't sniff or touch it. Repeat this 5–6 times per session, keeping it short to match your Dane's moderate trainability.
- 3
Gradually Increase the Challenge
Move from toys to slightly more interesting items (a bone, a piece of kibble) placed at increasing distances. Always reward with something tastier than the "leave it" object—use high-value treats like cheese or chicken. This teaches your Dane that ignoring temptation pays off better than stealing.
- 4
Practice Around Food Situations
Practice "leave it" during real-world scenarios: during meal prep, near dropped food, and at mealtimes. Start by saying "leave it" before your Dane has a chance to lunge, then mark success with a word like "yes!" and reward immediately. Great Danes' food motivation is strong, so consistent, immediate rewards are crucial here.
- 5
Test Impulse Control with Counter-Surfing Temptation
Place a low-value treat or toy on a low surface your Dane can reach, then ask for "leave it." Reward if your Dane resists—this directly addresses the counter-surfing and leaning behaviors common in the breed. Practice 3–4 times weekly for 2–3 weeks until the response is automatic.
- 6
Reinforce and Maintain Long-Term
Continue brief, daily "leave it" practice sessions (5–10 minutes) even after your Dane masters the command. Occasionally surprise-test the behavior in new environments. Keep rewarding every successful "leave it" response—Great Danes respond well to consistent positive reinforcement and may regress if rewards stop.
Pro tips
- Great Danes are leaning and counter-surfing specialists due to their height and weight—practice "leave it" specifically around your kitchen counter and dining table during real mealtimes, not just training drills, to build practical impulse control.
- Never use punishment or corrections with Great Danes; they're sensitive and dependable by nature and respond best to positive reinforcement. A patient, rewarding approach strengthens your bond while building the behavior faster.
- Schedule "leave it" training sessions before your Dane's main daily exercise, not after—a Dane who's already tired may lack motivation to work for treats. Use your 60-minute exercise window strategically to support focused training.
Frequently asked questions
My Great Dane ignores the "leave it" command when she's already focused on food. What do I do?+
Start training away from tempting situations—use low-value items first. Once the command is strong in calm settings, introduce mild distractions gradually. If your Dane is already fixated, use the leash to create distance and redirect her attention. Never punish; instead, reward any sign of disengagement and work with lower-value items until the behavior strengthens.
How often should I train given my Dane's moderate trainability?+
Aim for 5–10 minute sessions, 4–5 times per week. Great Danes have moderate trainability, so short, frequent sessions with high-value rewards work better than long, intense training. Keep sessions fun and end on a positive note to maintain motivation.
What's the best reward for a giant breed like my Dane?+
Use small, high-value treats your Dane rarely gets otherwise—cheese, cooked chicken, or commercial training treats. Portion them tiny so your Dane doesn't fill up during training. Pair treats with enthusiastic praise; Great Danes are sensitive to tone and respond well to verbal encouragement.
Will my Great Dane's low barking tendency make training harder?+
No—in fact, low barking is an advantage. It means your Dane won't distract herself with vocalizing, allowing better focus on the command. Use a calm, steady voice when saying "leave it," and your Dane will respond to the clarity of your tone.