Understanding Resource Guarding in Large Dog Breeds and How to Manage It

Giant Breed Behavioral Challenges

Q: Why does my Great Dane seem more stubborn than smaller dogs I've owned?

A: Giant breeds like Great Danes aren't actually more stubborn - they're just more selective about energy expenditure due to their size and growth patterns. Great Danes mature slowly, both physically and mentally, often not reaching full maturity until 18-24 months. Their apparent "stubbornness" is usually thoughtful decision-making combined with a natural inclination to conserve energy. At Danes and Friends Training, we work with this trait rather than against it, using motivation-based training that makes cooperation rewarding rather than demanding compliance through force.

Q: My Great Dane is gentle with family but reactive to strangers. Is this normal?

A: This is actually quite common in giant breeds and stems from their historical breeding as guardian dogs. Great Danes were bred to be discerning - protective of their family while being naturally wary of strangers. However, reactivity can escalate if not properly managed. Our behavioral training program addresses this by teaching your Dane appropriate responses to new people while maintaining their natural protective instincts. The key is building confidence and teaching alternative behaviors rather than suppressing their natural awareness.

Resource Guarding Prevention and Management

Q: How do I prevent resource guarding in my giant breed puppy?

A: Prevention starts early with positive associations around food, toys, and high-value items. With giant breeds, resource guarding can be particularly dangerous due to their size and strength, so early intervention is crucial. I recommend teaching "trade" games where your puppy learns that giving up items results in something even better. Practice handling exercises during calm moments, and always supervise interactions with food and toys. If you notice any stiffening, hovering, or reluctance to let go of items, contact us immediately - early intervention is far more effective than addressing established guarding behaviors.

Q: My adult Great Dane has started guarding food from other pets. What should I do?

A: Food guarding between pets requires immediate management and professional intervention. Giant breeds can cause serious harm to smaller animals, even without aggressive intent. Start by feeding pets separately in different rooms or using physical barriers. Never punish guarding behavior, as this typically escalates the issue. Our board and train program is particularly effective for resource guarding cases because we can work intensively on the behavior while keeping all animals safe during the modification process.

Reactivity Training for Large Dogs

Q: People seem afraid of my Great Dane when we're out walking. How can I help my dog stay calm?

A: Public perception of giant breeds creates a unique challenge - people's fear can actually increase your dog's anxiety and reactivity. We teach a "neutral zone" approach where your Dane learns to ignore reactions from strangers while maintaining focus on you. This includes teaching a solid "watch me" command, proper leash positioning, and reading your dog's stress signals before they escalate. Our travel training program is perfect for this since we can work in real-world environments where these reactions typically occur.

Board and Train Program Expectations

Q: What should I expect during my dog's board and train program?

A: Our board and train program is intensive and individualized based on your dog's specific needs. Giant breeds require specialized handling and equipment due to their size and strength. During the program, your dog will live with our team and receive multiple training sessions daily, focusing on their specific behavioral challenges. We provide regular updates and photos so you can see progress. The program includes a comprehensive handoff session where we teach you how to maintain and continue the training at home. Remember, board and train is the beginning of your journey, not the end - consistency at home is crucial for long-term success.

Travel Training Logistics

Q: How does travel training work for giant breeds?

A: Travel training for giant breeds requires additional planning due to equipment needs and space requirements. We bring specialized tools designed for large dogs and work in your home environment where your dog is most comfortable. Sessions typically last longer than with smaller breeds because giant breeds need more time to process and practice new behaviors. We also assess your home setup to ensure safety - things like doorway management and space utilization become crucial when working with 100+ pound dogs. Our travel training covers the entire USA, and we coordinate logistics well in advance to ensure we have everything needed for successful sessions.