Your Aggressive Great Dane – Is He Unhappy or Confused?

Having an aggressive great dane can cause problems because of their huge proportions. They look intimidating and their bark is deep.

They are normally gentle, affectionate, and sensitive, however, great danes are not known for being the most intelligent breed of dogs.

Why Is My Great Dane Aggressive?

Great danes were originally bred as hunters and later as guard dogs. They have a pack mentality and need to know where in the “pack” they stand. If a great dane owner has not made it clear through training and socialization who the pack leader in the household is, the owner will be inviting aggressive great dane behaviors.

A confused great dane may develop aggressive or intimidating mannerisms until he is made aware of his place in the pack.

STOP YOUR AGGRESSIVE GREAT DANE

Another common reason for aggressive great dane behavior is being left alone for long periods of time. Great danes need to be with their owners at all times. They crave companionship and thrive in environments where love and firm boundaries are handed out in equal helpings.

Great danes who are left outside to fend for themselves will develop separation anxiety. When stressed, these large dogs can wield damage and destruction in a very short time. Great danes are happiest being wherever their owners are.

A great dane looks intimidating. This large dog may do nothing but run towards a human and that person will think the dog quickly approaching is an aggressive great dane. There is no getting around the fact that sheer size will intimidate many who do not know your dog.

What Makes Him Happy?

An aggressive great dane ultimately needs three things from his owner.

First, he needs firm, consistent training so he understands what his boundaries are. This will alleviate any stress he may have about his place in the home. It removes any confusion and makes him a happier dog.

Second on the list is constantly giving him access to new people, places, and experiences. This is crucial to socializing your aggressive great dane so he is not nervous in new situations. It will keep him even tempered and generally more content.

The third thing your great dane needs from you is constant love, affection, and attention. Your dog will pine when away from you for even short periods of time and absolutely needs to be close to you. Great danes intensively dislike being left on their own and won’t enjoy even being in the next room over from you.

Habits and Behaviors

Great danes have a few habits that can be disconcerting to those not in the know. These large dogs like to use people as walls to lean on.

They crave the sense of touch from their owners and lean on them showing affection. While this is fine for those who are prepared for it, elderly people and children may be at a disadvantage. It doesn’t take much weight for a child to be knocked over.

When a great dane gets excited, his tail starts wagging and becomes whip like. Because of the height that these dogs can attain, a whipping tail can easily harm a child’s face, push a vase off a coffee table, or send a glass of milk on the table flying.

STOP YOUR AGGRESSIVE GREAT DANE