How to Stop a Great Dane Growling Aggressively

Great Danes are known for being gentle giants. Indeed, these dogs are the tallest breed in the world and yet these animals are also one of the gentlest ever. Such is their pleasant temperament towards humans, canines and other pets alike that it is highly unusual for a Great Dane to exhibit aggressive behavior like growling.

Still, there may be instances when your Great Dane will growl at both man and animal to express their displeasure, disapproval and discontent. This is but a normal reaction as Great Danes are as sensitive in spirit as they are tall in body.

Fortunately for owners of these gentle giants, you have many options to prevent your Great Dane from being the grouch of the dog world. You will have to exercise patience, provide love and be the alpha dog when training your giant pet to stop growling.

Withhold Punishment

The most important advice when training a Great Dane to stop growling is to withhold punishment for the aggressive behavior for two reasons. First, you cannot successfully fight an aggressive adult Great Dane, no thanks to its sheer size. Second, you are encouraging greater aggression in the dog since it will retaliate against the pain inflicted on it. Instead, you should reward your Great Dane when he follows commands like “Be quiet”. This way, he can associate obeying commands with positive things.

Explain the Reasons

Gentle giants Great Danes may be but they also need their space, both literally and figuratively. As such, you have to instruct children to avoid overcrowding your pet lest it becomes agitated from the lack of space. It is also important to make the children stop whatever it is that they were doing that lead to the Great Dane growling its displeasure. For example, if food has been taken away from the dog, then it must be returned with respect.

Lessen Perceived Threats

Despite their huge size, Great Danes can feel intimidated or threatened by something or someone. In this case, you have to check if there is a valid reason to feel these negative emotions in an otherwise even-tempered dog. You may check the premises for unwanted intruders, be it animal or man. If there are none, you must reassure the Great Dane about it. But if there is valid reason and you were alerted to it, then it is only right that praises are heaped on your beloved dog.

Get Veterinary Advice

Since Great Danes are generally not the growling types, any sign of aggression on their part especially if it suddenly appears for apparently no reason at all should be given due attention. One reason for it may well be ill health. Your giant pet should be checked by its veterinarian for allergies, hormonal imbalances and other illnesses, any one of which may be causing aggressive behavior. Put yourself in the shoes, or paws, of your Great Dane and think how you will express your physical pain but you cannot speak, write or do sign language and you will understand the feeling.

More importantly, you should consult a professional dog trainer or animal behaviorist for guidance on how best to deal with a formerly gentle Great Dane exhibiting signs of aggression. This way, you are assured that your dog will be back to his normal, happy and good-tempered self.