Skip to Content

How to Get Great Danes to Calm Down: Training Tips & Products (2026)

This site is supported by our readers. We may earn a commission, at no cost to you, if you purchase through links.

how to get great danes to calm down

Your gentle giant just knocked over the coffee table—again. That 150-pound blur of limbs and tail isn’t being naughty; Great Danes are genuinely wired with energy levels that don’t match their massive frames. Most owners don’t realize these dogs were bred to chase wild boar through forests for hours, so that pent-up drive doesn’t just disappear because you live in a suburban home.

The good news? Learning how to get Great Danes to calm down isn’t about suppressing their nature—it’s about channeling it. With the right mix of exercise, training techniques, and environmental tweaks, you can transform your tornado into the serene couch companion you’ve been dreaming of.

Table Of Contents

Key Takeaways

  • Great Danes stay in their puppy phase until around two to three years old, so expect naturally high energy levels during this extended period—patience and consistent calming techniques are essential until they reach full maturity.
  • Your Dane needs 1.5 to 2 hours of daily exercise as an adult, but protect growing joints by limiting high-impact activities until 12–18 months when growth plates fully mature to avoid permanent damage.
  • Mental stimulation through puzzle toys, scent games, and training challenges is just as critical as physical exercise—boredom fuels destructive behaviors like chewing, pacing, and excessive barking even after a solid walk.
  • Creating a calm home environment with consistent daily routines, designated safe spaces, and reduced overstimulation helps anxious Great Danes relax naturally without relying solely on calming products or supplements.

Why Great Danes Become Overly Energetic

Before you can calm your Great Dane down, you need to understand what’s revving their engine in the first place.

For new owners, understanding Great Dane puppies is essential to recognizing what triggers their energy and how to manage it effectively.

Most hyperactive behavior stems from a handful of common causes that are surprisingly easy to overlook. Let’s break down the main culprits so you know exactly what you’re dealing with.

If your dog’s energy feels out of control, start by reading this guide on how to train your hyperactive dog to tackle the root issues with proven techniques.

Age and Puppyhood Energy

Your Great Dane puppy’s high energy isn’t misbehavior—it’s biology. Great Danes stay in their puppy phase until around two years old, much longer than smaller breeds.

During this extended puppy phase, you’ll need extra patience and consistency with training routines, especially since Great Danes present unique training challenges compared to smaller breeds.

During this extended puppyhood, elevated hormones fuel growth and drive those infamous bursts of energy. Most won’t truly calm down until they hit maturity around age two to three, so patience and consistent calming techniques are your best friends here.

You can learn more about the impact of canine development stages and how they influence your dog’s behavior and energy.

Lack of Exercise

Even with maturity approaching, exercise deficiency can keep your Great Dane wired. Dogs getting less than an hour of daily physical activity show markedly higher hyperactivity and impulsivity than those exercised one to two hours per day. That energy buildup has nowhere to go, so it erupts indoors as restlessness, jumping, and that signature couch-bouncing chaos. A sedentary lifestyle isn’t just boring—it actively fuels the problem. Adequate activity is key to avoiding in Great Danes, as regular movement is critical for their wellbeing.

Boredom and Mental Understimulation

Physical activity alone won’t cut it. Your Great Dane’s brain craves mental stimulation just as much as their body needs movement. Without puzzle toys, scent games, or training challenges, boredom signs show up fast—destructive chewing, relentless pacing, attention-seeking barking. These canine enrichment gaps fuel anxiety and hyperactivity, even after a solid walk.

Here’s what understimulation looks like:

  1. Shredding furniture or household items
  2. Constant pacing and restlessness
  3. Excessive barking without clear cause
  4. Interrupting you nonstop for attention
  5. Overreacting to everyday sounds

Calming strategies must include relaxation techniques that engage their minds, not just tire their legs.

Environmental Stressors

Your home’s chaos directly fuels dog anxiety. Loud noises—think thunderstorms, fireworks, construction—trigger fear responses in Great Danes. Environmental changes like new furniture or unfamiliar visitors spike stress levels. Even space management matters; cramped quarters with inadequate room for their massive frame create sensory overload.

Climate control issues, inconsistent routines, and urban planning noise pollution all contribute. Separation anxiety worsens when their environment feels unpredictable or overwhelming.

Anxiety Triggers

Beyond the obvious stressors, anxiety in Great Danes often hides in unexpected places—a doorbell’s sudden chime, the rustle of a trash bag, or even your own rushed morning routine. These anxiety triggers spark fear responses that snowball into hyperactivity. Watch for:

Using dog training clickers for small dogs helps your Dane associate calm responses with rewards, gradually replacing fearful reactions with confidence.

  1. Noise phobia from sudden sounds
  2. Separation issues when you leave
  3. Social anxiety around unfamiliar dogs
  4. Environmental stress from routine disruptions

Essential Exercise for Calmer Great Danes

Exercise isn’t just about burning off energy—it’s one of the most powerful tools you have to bring out the calm, well-behaved Great Dane hiding beneath all that puppy chaos. But here’s the thing: not all exercise is created equal, especially when you’re dealing with a breed that grows fast and carries serious weight on developing joints.

Let’s break down exactly how much activity your Dane needs, what’s safe at different life stages, and how to structure it so you’re building calmness instead of just wearing them out.

recommended daily exercise amounts

A tired Great Dane is a calm Great Dane—but how much exercise is enough? Adult Great Danes need about 1.5 to 2 hours of daily activity, split into multiple sessions, to keep energy levels in check. Puppies require less structured exercise (around 5 minutes per month of age, twice daily) until physical maturity arrives at 18–24 months.

Life Stage Daily Exercise Duration
Puppy (under 6 months) 10–30 minutes (short bursts)
Adolescent (6–18 months) 30–60 minutes (limit intensity)
Adult (18 months–7 years) 1.5–2 hours (walks + play)
Senior (7+ years) 30–60 minutes (low-impact)

Mix walks with mentally stimulating games to satisfy both body and brain without overdoing it.

Safe Activities for Puppies Vs. Adults

safe activities for puppies vs. adults

Your Great Dane’s exercise needs shift dramatically through growth stages. Puppies under 6 months need only 5–15 minutes of leashed walking to protect developing joints—think puppy socialization walks, not marathons. Mental enrichment like puzzle toys helps burn puppy energy without joint stress.

For older puppies showing signs of separation stress during crate training, incorporating gentle anxiety management techniques can complement your structured exercise routine.

Adults crave varied activities: swimming, gentle hikes, and trick training offer joint protection while satisfying their need for both calming exercises and adult leisure.

Structured Walks and Playtime

structured walks and playtime

Structured walks aren’t just about mileage—they’re about building calm from the inside out. Aim for 30–60 minutes of daily walking, split into 1–2 sessions, blending leash training with obedience cues like “heel” and “leave it.” Rotate routes to keep minds sharp, and add controlled sniff breaks for natural outdoor activities.

For playtime management, supervised tug sessions (side-to-side, not vertical) channel puppy energy while reinforcing impulse control through start-stop commands.

Avoiding Overexertion in Large Breeds

avoiding overexertion in large breeds

Think of your Great Dane’s growing joints like wet clay—too much pressure before they set, and you’ll create permanent cracks. Growth plate care means limiting high-impact activities until 12–18 months, when bones fully mature.

Treat your Great Dane’s growing joints like wet clay—too much pressure before they set creates permanent cracks

Joint load management and exercise moderation protect cardiovascular safety in large breed dog care.

Schedule walks during cooler hours for heat stress prevention, watch for excessive panting, and stop immediately if your dog slows or limps—managing dog energy means knowing when enough is enough.

Training Techniques to Promote Calmness

training techniques to promote calmness

Training is where the real magic happens. When you teach your Great Dane the right commands and stick to a solid routine, you’re not just getting obedience—you’re building a calmer, more confident dog.

Let’s look at the training techniques that actually work to settle down even the bounciest Dane.

Basic Obedience Commands

Teaching basic commands is the foundation of behavior management for your Great Dane. When your dog understands what you’re asking, they can trade chaos for calm. Focus on these five essentials:

  • Sit Command – stops jumping and creates a calm default before doors, meals, or greetings
  • Down – encourages a relaxed posture incompatible with pacing or lunging
  • Stay – builds impulse control and stillness in distracting situations
  • Come – recalls your dog away from excitement, preventing uncontrolled reactions
  • Heel – teaches loose-leash walking so walks don’t escalate arousal

These obedience tips give you real control and help your Great Dane settle.

Short, Consistent Training Sessions

Once your dog knows the basics, the next challenge is keeping their attention sharp. Brief, frequent sessions work magic with Great Danes—aim for 10 to 15 minutes, two to three times daily. Shorter bursts prevent mental fatigue and boredom, so your dog stays engaged instead of zoning out. Consistency in timing and cues builds focus fast, turning training into a calming ritual rather than a chore.

Session Element Puppies (Under 1 Year) Adult Great Danes
Session Length 3–5 minutes 10–15 minutes
Training Frequency 4–5 times daily 2–3 times daily
Daily Total Time 15–25 minutes 20–45 minutes
Best Focus Window Morning, after naps Morning, early evening
Calming Techniques One command at a time Multi-step sequences

Positive Reinforcement Methods

Reward training transforms high-energy giants into well-mannered companions. Great Danes thrive when you reward calm behavior with treats, praise, or play—not corrections.

Clicker methods pair a distinct sound with rewards, helping your dog link actions to good outcomes. Gentle commands and positive reinforcement build trust and focus, turning training into a calming ritual.

Dogs trained this way learn faster and show fewer stress behaviors than those trained with punishment.

Advanced Calming Commands (Place, Settle)

Once your Great Dane responds reliably to basic commands, you can introduce place training and settle commands—two relaxation techniques that teach genuine calm, not just stillness.

Place training directs your dog to a designated mat or bed and stay there until released. Settle commands reward truly relaxed postures: a chin on the floor, a sigh, slow breathing. These calming signals show your dog’s learned how to calm down on cue.

Reducing Anxiety and Hyperactive Behaviors

reducing anxiety and hyperactive behaviors

Sometimes your Great Dane isn’t just full of energy—they’re anxious, and that anxiety shows up as hyperactivity, pacing, or destructive chewing.

The good news is you can spot the signs early and take real steps to help your dog feel safer and more relaxed. Here’s how to recognize anxiety in your Dane and what to do about it.

Identifying Signs of Anxiety

Your Great Dane isn’t trying to drive you crazy—they’re actually trying to tell you something’s wrong. Watch for these telltale stress behaviors that signal your gentle giant needs help calming down:

  • Pacing and whining that won’t quit, especially when you’re getting ready to leave
  • Excessive drooling paired with restless body language and those worried eyes
  • Destructive chewing on furniture, walls, or anything they can reach when anxious

These emotional responses are your dog’s canine anxiety showing through loud and clear.

Addressing Separation Anxiety

Patience is your best friend when tackling separation anxiety in Great Danes. Start desensitization techniques with absences of just seconds—yes, seconds—then gradually build duration.

Counterconditioning methods pair your departures with high-value treats, creating positive associations. Environmental management means arranging dog sitters during training.

For severe cases, pharmacologic interventions like fluoxetine offer anxiety relief strategies alongside your behavior work. Professional guidance ensures your dog anxiety solutions actually stick.

Desensitization to Noise and Triggers

Loud noises can turn your gentle giant into a trembling wreck, but systematic desensitization rewires those fear responses over time.

Start with recorded sounds at whisper-level volume while offering treats—your Great Dane begins associating thunder with good things. Gradually increase intensity over weeks, watching for calming signals like relaxed ears.

This sensory training transforms sound anxiety into confidence, helping your dog calm down when trigger alerts would’ve previously sent them into panic mode.

When to Seek Professional Help

Sometimes your best training efforts hit a wall, and that’s when calling in a certified animal behaviorist or veterinary specialist becomes the smartest move you can make. If your Great Dane shows persistent anxiety despite consistent training, or displays aggressive responses you can’t manage, professional trainers offer behavioral therapy customized to your dog’s specific triggers.

Don’t wait until crisis management becomes necessaryveterinary guidance catches problems early.

Creating a Calming Home Environment

creating a calming home environment

Your Great Dane’s surroundings play a bigger role in their behavior than you might think. A chaotic home can keep even a well-exercised dog on edge, while the right setup helps them actually relax.

Let’s look at four ways you can transform your space into a calm zone that works with your dog’s natural need for security and predictability.

Establishing Safe Spaces

Every dog needs a retreat—a quiet corner where the world’s chaos can’t reach them and they can finally let their guard down. For Great Danes struggling with anxiety or separation anxiety, safe havens are non-negotiable.

Set up peaceful environments with:

  1. Crate training in a low-traffic area
  2. Calming aids like soft bedding and dim lighting
  3. Quiet zones away from household hustle

These relaxation techniques help your gentle giant truly calm down.

Maintaining Consistent Routines

Ever notice how Great Danes thrive when life runs like clockwork? Daily schedules and Predictable Feeding aren’t just for your convenience—they’re powerful Calming Routines.

Routine Management gives your Dane clear expectations, while steady Sleep Patterns help prevent anxiety. Set regular times for meals, walks, and training. You’ll see calmer behavior and fewer stress signals in your gentle giant.

Reducing Overstimulation

Your Great Dane’s brain can hit overload just like yours does after a chaotic day—too much noise, too many visitors, or nonstop activity can turn even the calmest dog into a restless bundle of nerves. Sensory Management means creating breathing room between high-energy events.

  • Dim the lights after play sessions to signal it’s time to calm down
  • Limit visitor interactions when your Dane shows signs of overstimulation
  • Skip the dog park on days packed with training or mental stimulation
  • Watch for anxiety signals like pacing or zoomies—they’re your cue to dial things back

Using Calming Aids and Pheromones

When dialing back stimulation isn’t enough on its own, science-backed calming aids like dog appeasing pheromone diffusers and gentle compression vests can give your Great Dane the extra support they need to settle. Pheromone therapy mimics the natural calming signals mama dogs release, while calming collars and supplements offer portable stress relief.

These natural calming methods work best alongside consistent routines—not as a replacement for proper exercise and training.

Top 7 Calming Products for Great Danes

Sometimes your Great Dane needs a little extra help to settle down, and that’s where the right products come in. From calming chews to anxiety wraps, there are tools designed specifically to ease stress and promote relaxation in large breeds.

Here are seven products that can make a real difference in helping your gentle giant find their calm.

1. ZippyPaws Interactive Dog Toy

ZippyPaws Burrow  Interactive Dog & B008PFB3HGView On Amazon

Boredom turns even the gentlest Great Dane into a restless giant. That’s where the ZippyPaws Burrow interactive toy comes in—it’s a hide-and-seek game that engages your dog’s natural hunting instincts.

You hide the squeaky plush toys inside the burrow, and your dog works to pull them out, giving their brain a workout that burns energy without wearing out their joints.

It’s especially useful for mental stimulation during training breaks, helping reduce anxiety-driven behaviors by keeping your dog focused and engaged.

Best For Dogs of all sizes who need mental enrichment and interactive play to stay engaged, especially those prone to boredom or anxiety-driven behaviors.
Price Range $24.85
Primary Purpose Interactive play
Target Dogs Small & medium
Active Ingredients None (toy)
Effectiveness Variability May wear faster
Care Instructions Machine washable
Additional Features
  • Hide-and-seek squeaky toy
  • Refillable burrow design
  • Not for tough chewers
Pros
  • Engages natural hunting instincts through hide-and-seek play that provides mental stimulation without high-impact physical activity
  • Machine-washable design with refillable burrows makes it easy to clean and reuse with compatible ZippyPaws Miniz toys
  • Works well for training breaks and enrichment sessions to reduce restless behavior and keep dogs focused
Cons
  • Not suitable for aggressive chewers or dogs who destroy plush toys quickly, as the soft fabric can wear out with heavy use
  • Requires supervision to prevent dogs from tearing apart the toy and potentially ingesting pieces
  • Smaller versions like the Chipmunk Log may not provide enough challenge for very large breeds who need bigger, more durable options

2. iHeartDogs Hemp Calming Chews for Dogs

iHeartDogs Hemp Calming Chews for B0C8X9J667View On Amazon

Sometimes mental games aren’t enough, and that’s where iHeartDogs Hemp Calming Chews work wonders. These bacon-flavored bites combine hemp oil benefits with joint support—perfect for anxious Great Danes who pace or whine during storms.

The calming chew effects kick in around 30 minutes, giving you natural stress reduction without sedation. Start with hemp dosage guidelines of 1-5mg per 10 pounds of body weight, adjusting as needed.

Third-party tested and Clean Label approved, they’re a safe bet for dog anxiety relief when your Dane won’t settle.

Best For Great Danes and large dogs dealing with anxiety from storms, travel, or stressful situations who could also benefit from joint mobility support.
Price Range $24.99
Primary Purpose Calming support
Target Dogs All dogs
Active Ingredients Natural calming blend
Effectiveness Variability May not work for all
Care Instructions Not specified
Additional Features
  • Bacon flavored chews
  • Joint mobility support
  • Clean Label Project approved
Pros
  • Works in about 30 minutes to calm anxious dogs without making them drowsy or sedated
  • Third-party tested and Clean Label Project approved for safety and quality assurance
  • Dual-purpose formula supports both calming and joint health in one bacon-flavored chew
Cons
  • May not work for every dog, with some owners reporting no noticeable calming effects
  • Contains coconut-based ingredients that could trigger allergies in sensitive dogs
  • Ingredient list may be incomplete, making it harder to identify potential allergens before use

3. ThunderShirt Dog Anxiety Relief Vest

Thundershirt Dog Anxiety Treatment - B0029PYC3KView On Amazon

Another solid relief product for anxious Great Danes is the ThunderShirt, a snug vest that applies gentle pressure around your dog’s torso—think of it as a calming hug during fireworks or vet visits.

Proper vest sizing matters here; an ill-fitting garment won’t deliver the comfort your Dane needs and might even backfire. Pair it with positive training for best results, especially when tackling anxiety triggers like thunderstorms.

It’s not a magic fix, but it’s a drug-free addition to your anxiety and stress management toolkit.

Best For Great Dane owners looking for a drug-free way to ease their dog’s anxiety during stressful situations like thunderstorms, fireworks, or travel.
Price Range Not specified
Primary Purpose Anxiety relief
Target Dogs All breeds
Active Ingredients Gentle pressure
Effectiveness Variability Results may vary
Care Instructions Machine washable
Additional Features
  • Drug-free pressure wrap
  • Adjustable straps included
  • Breathable polyester blend
Pros
  • Applies gentle, calming pressure that many dogs respond well to during stressful events
  • Machine washable and made from breathable fabric that holds up over time
  • Works best when combined with positive reinforcement training for lasting results
Cons
  • Sizing can be tricky for deep-chested breeds like Great Danes, and a poor fit reduces effectiveness
  • Results vary by dog—some see major improvements while others show little change
  • Not a standalone solution for severe or chronic anxiety, and may need to be paired with training or vet guidance

4. Natural Hemp Calming Chews For Dogs

Natural Hemp Calming Chews for B08J4HNQZFView On Amazon

If you want a natural relaxant without the vest or diffuser, look at hemp calming chews packed with L-theanine, chamomile, and hemp seed oil. These canine supplements offer gentle hemp oil benefits—omega fatty acids for balanced behavior—while L-theanine modulates brain chemistry to ease canine anxiety.

CBD effects are still being studied, but many dog owners see modest improvements when combined with training. Check for third-party testing and organic sourcing; quality matters with calming chew ingredients.

They won’t replace behavior work, but they’re a solid natural calming method for your Great Dane.

Best For Dog owners looking for a gentle, non-sedative supplement to help their Great Dane manage stress from thunderstorms, vet visits, or separation anxiety without heavy medication.
Price Range $42.99
Primary Purpose Stress reduction
Target Dogs All dogs
Active Ingredients Hemp & melatonin
Effectiveness Variability Individual results vary
Care Instructions Not specified
Additional Features
  • Vet-recommended soft chews
  • No GMOs or sugar
  • Duck flavored
Pros
  • Combines multiple calming ingredients like L-theanine, chamomile, and hemp seed oil that work together to support relaxation without knocking your dog out
  • Vet-recommended formula with no harsh additives, GMOs, or artificial preservatives, making it safer for daily or as-needed use
  • Provides omega fatty acids from hemp seed oil that support normal brain function and balanced behavior over time
Cons
  • Results vary widely between dogs—some see clear improvements while others notice little to no effect on anxiety or reactivity
  • At $42.99 for a 9-ounce bag, the cost adds up quickly, especially for larger breeds like Great Danes that need higher doses
  • Requires planning ahead since the chews work best when given at least an hour before a stressful event, so they’re not ideal for sudden triggers

5. ThunderEase Dog Calming Diffuser

ThunderEase Dog Calming Pheromone Diffuser B071XDRGN6View On Amazon

Pheromone therapy through calming diffusers like ThunderEase offers a hands-off approach to dog anxiety. You plug it in where your Great Dane spends most time, and it releases synthetic canine appeasing pheromone—the same calming signal nursing mothers give their pups.

Clinical trials show modest reductions in separation anxiety, barking, and pacing for some dogs. Each refill covers about 700 square feet for 30 days.

It’s not a miracle cure for every animal, but as part of your broader canine anxiety toolkit, it’s a safe, natural calming method worth trying.

Best For Dog owners looking for a drug-free, low-effort solution to help ease mild to moderate anxiety, stress barking, or fear of loud noises in their pets.
Price Range Not specified
Primary Purpose Anxiety relief
Target Dogs All life stages
Active Ingredients ADAPTIL pheromone
Effectiveness Variability May not work for all
Care Instructions Replace monthly
Additional Features
  • 30-day continuous release
  • Plug-in diffuser format
  • Safe around other pets
Pros
  • Completely hands-off once plugged in—covers up to 700 square feet for a full month without any daily effort
  • Safe to use around kids and other pets, with no sedation or known drug interactions
  • Mimics a natural calming signal from mother dogs, so it works with your dog’s biology rather than against it
Cons
  • Results vary widely—some dogs show no improvement or may even seem more anxious
  • Refills add up since you need a new one every 30 days, and the diffuser itself should be replaced every six months
  • Quality control issues reported, including leaking where the bottle connects and a very bright green light that can be disruptive at night

6. Zesty Paws Calming Chews For Dogs

Zesty Paws Calming Chews for B077MDJ58YView On Amazon

For hyperactive Great Danes, Zesty Paws Calming Chews combine natural calming methods like L-theanine, ashwagandha, and valerian root into a peanut butter treat your dog will actually want. The calming chew ingredients target normal stress and nervousness without sedation—think composure, not couch potato.

Dog supplement safety matters: consult your vet before starting, especially if your Dane takes other medications. While calming aid reviews show mixed results and pet nutraceutical regulation doesn’t require the same testing as prescription drugs, many owners report calmer dog behavior during storms and travel.

Best For Great Dane owners dealing with hyperactivity, storm anxiety, or travel stress who want a natural calming option that doesn’t sedate.
Price Range Not specified
Primary Purpose Calming support
Target Dogs All life stages
Active Ingredients L-Theanine & Ashwagandha
Effectiveness Variability Results may vary
Care Instructions Not specified
Additional Features
  • Peanut butter flavor
  • 90 count soft chews
  • Contains organic hemp seed
Pros
  • Contains clinically studied ingredients like Suntheanine L-theanine and Sensoril ashwagandha that promote relaxation without drowsiness
  • Peanut butter flavor makes it easy to give as a treat, and dosing scales up to 3 chews daily for dogs over 75 pounds
  • Targets multiple stress triggers—fireworks, car rides, separation anxiety—with a blend of herbs and amino acids in one chew
Cons
  • Results vary widely between dogs, and some may need dose adjustments or see no effect at all
  • Not regulated like prescription medications, so efficacy isn’t guaranteed by the same clinical standards
  • May interact with other meds or supplements, and some retailers don’t accept returns once opened

7. iHeartDogs Heartbeat Puppy Toy

iHeartDogs Heartbeat Puppy Toy - B0B8332Y5DView On Amazon

For puppies struggling with separation anxiety, the iHeartDogs Heartbeat Puppy Toy mimics a mother’s rhythmic pulse and warmth—sensory stimulation that triggers oxytocin release and helps Great Danes calm down during crate training or storms.

Puppy comfort stems from familiar canine development cues, making this calming aid particularly effective for anxious young dogs.

While heartbeat toy benefits are mostly anecdotal and some pups ignore or destroy them, many trainers see improved dog behavior and faster nighttime settling. It’s worth trying, especially if your Dane seeks constant contact for anxiety relief.

Best For Puppies and anxious Great Danes who struggle with separation anxiety, crate training, or settling during stressful events like thunderstorms.
Price Range Not specified
Primary Purpose Comfort & companionship
Target Dogs All life stages
Active Ingredients Heartbeat & warmth
Effectiveness Variability May stop working early
Care Instructions Machine washable
Additional Features
  • Battery-operated heartbeat unit
  • Disposable heat pack
  • Crate training aid
Pros
  • Mimics a mother’s heartbeat and warmth to trigger calming hormones and help puppies feel secure
  • Machine washable plush design makes it easy to keep clean between uses
  • Many owners report faster nighttime settling and improved crate training results
Cons
  • Heat packs are disposable and single-use only, requiring frequent replacement
  • Some dogs ignore the toy completely or try to destroy it instead of cuddling with it
  • Heartbeat unit batteries drain quickly if left on, and the battery compartment screw is difficult to open

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do I calm down my Great Dane?

Start with daily exercise—at least 30 to 60 minutes—and basic obedience training using positive reinforcement.

Add mental enrichment like puzzle toys, establish calm routines, and create a quiet safe space for relaxation.

What age does a Great Dane calm down?

Most Great Danes hit their calming stage around two years old, when puppyhood finally loosens its grip. But don’t expect instant zen—full maturity and steady energy levels can stretch until three or four years.

Will my Great Dane ever calm down?

Yes, most Great Danes calm down markedly by age two or three as they reach physical maturity.

Consistent training, daily exercise, and mental stimulation accelerate this natural shift toward calmer behavior patterns.

What not to do with a Great Dane?

Avoid overexertion risks like forced running before eighteen months, improper feeding that triggers bloat, aversive training methods, neglecting supervision around counters, and inadequate environment management—all contribute to behavioral issues and hyperactivity in your Great Dane.

Can diet influence a Great Danes hyperactivity?

You’re what you eat—and so is your Great Dane. Macronutrient balance, amino acid profiles, and omega 3 effects all shape canine health and wellness.

Calming diets with nutrient density can meaningfully reduce dog behavior issues and hyperactivity.

How does weather affect Great Danes energy?

Weather sensitivity plays a surprisingly big role in canine energy. Temperature extremes make Great Danes dial back their intensity—hot days trigger lethargy to prevent overheating, while cold stiffens joints and dampens their usual drive.

Are certain toys more effective for calming?

Picture your Great Dane gnawing contentedly on a puzzle toy—that’s the magic of Interactive Play and Sensory Toys.

Durable Toys designed for Quiet Time Activities genuinely soothe anxious dogs better than typical fetch items.

Can music or sounds reduce Great Dane anxiety?

Music can absolutely ease your Great Dane’s stress. Classical tunes, reggae, and soft rock reduce anxiety triggers through sound therapy, while white noise masks separation anxiety and sound anxiety—proven calming music strategies in canine auditory research.

What are signs of over-exercise in Great Danes?

Watch for musculoskeletal strain, lameness, excessive panting, or respiratory distress after activity. Great Danes showing exercise intolerance, behavioral changes, persistent fatigue, or thermoregulatory failure need immediate rest and veterinary evaluation.

Can diet affect my Great Danes energy levels?

Your Great Dane’s diet is a key factor for energy levels. Caloric intake, macronutrient balance, and dietary sensitivities directly influence energy metabolism and nutrient digestion, affecting dog behavior and overall pet care routines in powerful ways.

Conclusion

The biggest dogs often need the gentlest approach. Once you understand that learning how to get Great Danes to calm down isn’t about forcing stillness—it’s about satisfying their instincts—everything clicks.

Exercise their bodies, challenge their minds, and create routines they can trust. Your giant will settle naturally when their needs are met.

That toppled coffee table? It’ll soon become a relic of your hyperactive past, replaced by peaceful afternoons with your serene companion.

Avatar for Mutasim Sweileh

Mutasim Sweileh

Mutasim is the founder and editor-in-chief with a team of qualified veterinarians, their goal? Simple. Break the jargon and help you make the right decisions for your furry four-legged friends.