The Ultimate Guide to Crate Training Your Great Dane
Crate training isn’t punishment — it’s structure, safety, and calm. This page covers the exact routines that work for giant breeds: setting up the crate, building confidence, reducing whining, and making it their “safe place.”
Great Dane Care Tips
Daily routines, feeding setup, training basics, and products that make life easier with giant breeds.
Explore Care →Great Dane Safe Home
Traction zones, stairs safety, feeding areas, and house setup to prevent slips and injuries.
Safer House →Feeding & Nutrition
What to feed, how to feed, and habits that help reduce stomach upset and bloat-risk routines.
Nutrition Tips →A Brief Read
Great Danes are sensitive “velcro dogs.” They attach hard, and they can panic when left alone — especially as puppies.
Crate training gives them a predictable, safe space and prevents dangerous behaviors (eating objects, chewing walls,
injuring themselves, escaping, etc.).
The golden rule: the crate must predict calm and good things. No yelling, no forcing, no “you’re in trouble.”
We build crate time like a skill: tiny wins, repetition, and confidence.
Training
Start here if your Dane is new to the crate (or had a bad start). This is the “reset” routine.
- Make the crate a food zone first: feed meals near it, then inside it.
- Door open at first — reward calm entries and exits.
- Close the door for 10–30 seconds while they’re eating/licking, then open before they panic.
- Build duration slowly: 30s → 1m → 3m → 5m → 10m.
- Practice “crate” cue + reward the moment they step in.
- Release only during calm (wait for a pause, even 1 second).
XXL Heavy-Duty Crate
Sturdy crate for giant breeds. Pick a size that allows standing/turning without being “too roomy.”
Find on Amazon →Crate Cover (Calm + Den Feel)
Helps reduce visual triggers and supports settling — especially helpful for anxious puppies.
Find on Amazon →Lick Mat (Crate Calm Tool)
Spread a thin layer of soft food. Licking helps regulate stress and buys you calm minutes.
Find on Amazon →Puppy Training
Puppies need structure. This is the simple schedule that prevents crate screaming and accidents.
- Potty → play → train (2–3 mins) → crate with chew/lick → nap.
- Most puppies can’t hold it long: plan frequent potty breaks.
- Crate should be near you at first; distance comes later.
- Don’t “let them cry it out” into panic — aim for calm repetition.
- Use a consistent cue: “crate,” “bed,” or “kennel.”
Puppy Playpen (Crate Alternative Zone)
Great for supervised time when they’re not ready for full freedom but need more space than the crate.
Find on Amazon →Enzyme Cleaner (Accidents Happen)
Removes odor fully so puppies don’t “return to the scene” and repeat accidents.
Find on Amazon →Treat Pouch (Fast Rewards)
Crate training is reward timing. Keep treats ready so calm moments are reinforced instantly.
Find on Amazon →Feeding
Feeding and crate training work together — food builds positive association fast.
- Feed meals in the crate (door open first).
- Use enrichment: lick mats, stuffed toys, slow feeders.
- Water breaks before crating help reduce accidents.
- Stick to a predictable schedule.
Stainless Slow Feeder
Slows gulping and helps crate meals last longer (more calm time, less chaos).
Find on Amazon →Stuffable Enrichment Toy
Stuff with kibble/soft food for a long-lasting crate activity.
Find on Amazon →Lick Mat
A reliable “settle switch” — especially for leaving the house or post-walk naps.
Find on Amazon →Bedding
Great Danes are heavy, long, and bony — crate bedding can make or break comfort and settling.
- Start simple if chewing is a problem (mat first, then upgrade).
- Choose washable covers. Giant dog mess is real.
- Non-slip bottoms prevent bunching and frustration.
- If puppy chews bedding: remove it and use a chew-safe mat temporarily.
Orthopedic Crate Pad (Giant Breed)
Supports joints and encourages longer naps — helpful for growing Danes.
Find on Amazon →Chew-Resistant Crate Mat
Good “starter bedding” for puppies who are still mouthy and destructive.
Find on Amazon →Waterproof Crate Liner
Helps protect bedding and speeds cleanup if accidents happen early on.
Find on Amazon →Chew Toys
Chews prevent boredom (and screaming). Crate time is easiest when the dog has a job.
- Rotate 2–3 crate-only chews so they stay “special.”
- Avoid brittle chews that splinter or risk tooth damage.
- Oversize everything — giant breed safety first.
- Supervise new chews first; then use the safe “approved” ones in the crate.
Stuffable Rubber Chew (XL)
One of the best crate tools: long-lasting, engaging, and helps dogs settle.
Find on Amazon →Durable Giant-Breed Chew
Pick a large size that can’t be swallowed. Replace when cracked or worn.
Find on Amazon →Lick Mat (Crate Calm)
Perfect for “I’m leaving the house” moments — calm licking replaces panic.
Find on Amazon →More Great Dane Crate Training Reads
Puppy Schedule That Prevents Chaos
Potty → play → crate nap. The simple rhythm that reduces accidents and barking.
Read article →Calming Tools That Actually Help
Lick mats, white noise, and routine — what helped my Danes settle fastest.
Learn more →Safe Home Setup for Giant Breeds
Traction, stairs, and house safety upgrades that help prevent injuries and stress.
Read more →