If you are thinking about adding a Great Dane to your family, you may be wondering do Great Danes bark a lot. The truth is that this dog breed can have a wide range of personalities, and some do bark more than others.
In this blog post, we will discuss the characteristics of Great Danes, as well as what you can expect if you decide to add one of these dogs to your home. I will also provide tips on how to deal with any barking issues that may arise.
Key Takeaway
- While Great Danes are not typically known for excessive barking, the frequency and intensity of their barking can vary depending on individual personality, environment, and if certain behaviors are not kept in check.
- Great Danes are known for their deep and powerful barks, which can be quite loud due to their large size.
- While Great Danes are not typically excessive barkers, they are known for their loud and deep bark, and the frequency can vary depending on individual temperament and environmental factors.
Do Great Danes Bark A Lot?
Do Great Danes bark a lot? Yes. Great Danes are well-known for their excessive barking. A Great Dane will commonly bark when they are hungry, feeling threatened, bored, see something outside, or want to go for a walk, among other things. The most effective way to reduce barking in this breed is proper training early on.
I used to detest the barking of my Great Dane until I mastered ways to make him a little calmer regardless of the situation. A dog clicker plays a significant role in training your dog on controlled barking. I would advise you to give your Great Dane adequate training to control his barking.
Great Danes are courageous and communicative dogs; if they have an idea, they must share it with those around them. This may sound lovely, but if you’ve ever heard a Great Dane bark, you’ll know it’s not. Although Great Danes are gentle pets, their barking is pretty deep and scary to some people.
Barking can be a problem if you live in an apartment or have young children. The loud Great Dane bark can easily wake up your kids or irritate your neighbors. At first, you should try to find out the reason why your Great Dane is barking. Maybe it is something that you can fix right there on the spot. However, some Great Danes will bark at everything, no matter what you do.
In those cases, you should consider taking your Great Dane to a professional dog trainer. But, keep in mind that barking is pretty common in Great Danes younger than one year. However, if the excessive barking continues as your Dane reaches adulthood, talk to a dog trainer.
Do Great Danes Have Deep Barks?
Great Danes do have deep barks, and they are known for being vocal dogs. However, this doesn’t mean that all Great Danes bark constantly or that they’re not good family pets. In fact, many people find the deep bark of a Great Dane to be comforting, and the breed is typically very gentle with children.
If you’re thinking about adding a Great Dane to your family, make sure you’re prepared for the occasional loud outburst – but also know that these dogs are often very quiet when inside the home. Great Danes make great family pets, as long as you’re prepared for their size and vocal nature says Hepper.
The science behind Great Danes and their deep barks is quite simple. Large dogs have deep barks because they have longer vocal cords. And since sound is simply vibrations in the air, longer vocal cords mean lower-pitched sounds.
If you are ready to ignore the deep barks and only think about the positives that a Great Dane can bring, definitely get yourself a pup. Also, you need to know that Great Danes won’t just bark all day long. It’s not like the only thing that you will be hearing at your home is barking.
Are Great Danes Great Barkers?
Yes. Great Danes are notorious for their barking which is around 100 to 110 decibels. Of course, it doesn’t help that Great Danes are self-assured, brave, and boisterous, as well as having a terrifyingly loud and domineering bark. I have had cases where Great Dane owners report that their dog barks if they detect a slight sound or movement. The barking can go on for a while if they are in a confined space such as a dog crate.
After training my Great Dane on barking aspects, I no longer get the frequent barking. However, if he sees an intruder entering my compound, he will alert me with a few controlled barks and growling. Note that when Great Danes bark, simply acknowledging them is usually enough to calm them down and get them to stop.
Great Danes are unlikely to attack intruders or show signs of aggression unless there is a compelling reason to do so. Fortunately, your Great Dane will not feel the need to lunge at an intruder; the mere sight of these dogs, combined with their terrifying persistent bark, will deter any intruder!
Most Great Danes are not nuisance barkers, but only proper training can prevent excessive barking. Keep in mind that if you do not stop the barking early enough, you will have a dog with the loudest and most resounding bark you are likely ever to hear.
Your Great Dane will constantly bark, and regardless of how much you love them, their vocalizations will drive you and your neighbors insane. This is significant because you may not always be present to acknowledge them and help them stop barking. For example, you won’t calm them down if you’re not at home. As a result, training is the only real long-term solution.
Why Does My Great Dane Growl A lot?
Boredom is one of the main reasons why your Great Dane growls so much. Like most dog breeds, Great Danes appear to have sufficient energy. However, if it is not expended throughout the day, all pent-up energy will manifest as mischief, growling, and barking.
I try my best to keep my Great Dane busy with exercises and the daily training on barking. It is challenging to keep up with these dogs, but training exercises will tire them out and make them less likely to bark.
Great Danes are incredibly protective of their owners, and they are likely to perceive any stranger or anyone who enters your property as a potential threat. Therefore, your Great Dane will continue to bark until the stranger has left or you tell them to stop.
They won’t be as enthusiastic or raved about it! Great Danes are highly sensitive and suffer from separation anxiety. Therefore, your Dane will gladly accompany you wherever you go or start barking if you leave it alone.
Because they like human closeness, they will respond immediately and howl and whine until you return. The Great Dane will most likely bark excitedly when you leave them alone, and the barking can last for some time.
Overall, some Great Danes bark excessively because they have not been adequately trained; they are unaware that this is a behavior that they should not engage in.
While you will never stop a Great Dane from barking, you can teach them to control their barking. A dog must communicate with its family when necessary. Ultimately, you want to avoid unnecessary communication.
How To Stop Great Danes From Barking A lot?
As mentioned in the previous section, Bark training is not about putting a complete stop to barking. Instead, you want to help your dog control how much he barks. Remember that Great Danes are extremely sensitive, so do not yell at your dog when they make mistakes, as this can severely hurt them emotionally.
Working consistently with your Great Dane as a puppy is the best way to limit excessive barking. The earlier in their lives you can train them, the better for everyone.
You should be consistent and do it several times per day – consistency is essential. Puppies absorb information more quickly than adult dogs, and they can learn basic commands at a young age.
Training not only helps your dog burn off excess energy but also exposes him to various sensory stimuli, which helps prevent phobias and intolerance to unfamiliar objects and situations.
Bark training, interestingly, entails teaching your dog to bark. That’s right; you read that correctly. Your Great Dane will learn to bark only when it is necessary. This effectively teaches them when it is appropriate to communicate. It teaches them when it is inappropriate to do so inadvertently.
Using A Dog Training Clicker To Control Barking
Let’s take a look at an excellent method for teaching your Dane not to bark excessively. This procedure necessitates the use of a dog training clicker and bag of healthy and tasty treats:
- When your Great Dane is already barking, you can start training by saying “speak.” First, offer your dog a treat after clicking the clicker. Then, say “speak” again once you have your dog’s attention.
- Repeat this procedure until your dog barks after every command and appears to understand the word “speak” and how it relates to their barking.
- Once your Great Dane understands “speak,” repeat the process when they are quiet and reward them for remaining silent when you command it. Your dog is learning the word this time.
- You can eventually teach them the word “stay.”
- You can use this for different words and commands, such as “sit,” “down,” and so on.
Don’t forget to teach your Great Dane puppy several simple commands such as sit, stay, down, come. It teaches your dog valuable skills while also teaching them to respect you as their owner. You will realize that it is easier to train your Dane not to bark excessively once they understand that “speak” means bark and “quiet” means no more barking.
Always keep treats on hand to reward good behavior and command obedience. Never punish lousy behavior, yell at, or ignore your Great Dane. Remember that it will take time, patience, and consistency, but it will be well worth it in the end.
Why Does My Great Dane Bark At Me?
There could be a number of reasons why your Great Dane barks at you, from wanting attention to being afraid or feeling threatened. If your Great Dane is barking excessively, however, it might be indicative of a problem and you should consult with a veterinarian or behaviorist.
Some common reasons Great Danes might bark at their owners include:
- Wanting attention: Great Dane often bark when they want something, such as when they’re hungry or need to go outside.
- Fear or anxiety: Great Dane may bark when they’re scared or feel uncomfortable in a situation. For example, if there are fireworks going off outside, a dog may start barking out of fear.
- Excitement: Some Great Danes bark when they get excited, such as when their owner comes home from work.
- Frustration: If a Great Dane is confined to a small space or isn’t able to do what it wants, it may start barking out of frustration.
If your Great Dane is barking excessively, there might be an underlying issue that needs to be addressed. Consult with your veterinarian or a behaviorist if you’re concerned about your dog’s behavior. They can help you figure out what might be causing the problem and how to address it.
FAQs
Q: Are Great Danes good guard dogs?
A: Great Danes are not typically considered good guard dogs. While their large size may be intimidating, they are generally friendly and gentle. They are more likely to greet strangers with wagging tails rather than displaying aggressive behavior.
Q: How big do Great Danes get?
A: Great Danes are one of the largest dog breeds. On average, male Great Danes can reach a height of 30-34 inches at the shoulder and weigh between 140-175 pounds. Female Great Danes are slightly smaller, typically measuring 28-32 inches in height and weighing 110-140 pounds.
Q: Are Great Danes good with children?
A: Great Danes are generally good with children. They have a gentle nature and are usually patient and tolerant. However, due to their large size, supervision and proper socialization is important to ensure the safety of both the dog and the child.
Q: Do Great Danes require a lot of exercise?
A: Great Danes are not overly active dogs and do not require excessive exercise. Daily walks and moderate play sessions are typically sufficient to keep them healthy and content. It’s important to avoid strenuous exercise during their growth period to prevent potential joint issues.
Q: How long do Great Danes live?
A: The average lifespan of a Great Dane is typically 8-10 years. However, with proper care, including a healthy diet, regular veterinary check-ups, and a suitable living environment, some Great Danes can live beyond 10 years.
Q: Are Great Danes easy to train?
A: Great Danes are generally intelligent and eager to please, which can make them relatively easy to train. However, they can also be stubborn at times, so consistent and positive reinforcement methods are recommended. Early socialization and obedience training are crucial for their development.
Q: Are Great Danes good apartment dogs?
A: Great Danes are not typically considered ideal for apartment living due to their large size. They need a significant amount of space to move around comfortably. However, if provided with enough exercise and mental stimulation, some Great Danes may adapt well to apartment life.
Q: Do Great Danes shed a lot?
A: Great Danes have a short and smooth coat, which generally requires minimal grooming. While they do shed, it is not excessive compared to some other breeds. Regular brushing can help maintain their coat and minimize loose hairs in the house.
Q: What are common health issues in Great Danes?
A: Great Danes are prone to certain health issues, including hip dysplasia, bloat, heart disease, and certain types of cancers. Regular veterinary care, a balanced diet, and appropriate exercise can help promote their overall health and well-being.
Conclusion
Great Danes are barkers; it’s just the way they are. The benefits of having a Great Dane are pretty many, but their terrifying bark is not one of them unless they are alerting you to an intruder.
These dogs are not afraid. So, do Great Dane dogs bark a lot?
Yes. However, you can use the methods I have highlighted in this post to control their barking. Another thing to remember is that Great Danes are known to yawn, grunt, and even “talk.”
Unfortunately, they are a very vocal breed, and some owners confuse these sounds with ‘barking.’
