My personal approach (and why)

I personally don’t use harnesses for my Danes unless a dog is fully trained. With a giant dog, a harness can turn into a towing setup if they’re allowed to pull. That’s why I focus hard on leash manners early.

When my dogs are puppies, I prefer to keep a collar and leash on them (supervised) so I can redirect quickly and reinforce good habits. Before we ever venture near traffic, they must be thoroughly trained to walk calmly on a leash and collar.

Here’s what I train specifically:

• Sidewalk rules: stay on the sidewalk, don’t drift toward the street.
• Crossing routine: stop and sit before crossing, then cross on cue.
• Distraction-proofing: practice around other dogs, cats, and squirrels with rewards.
• Daily reps: 10–20 minutes a day builds a dog you can trust.
• High-value treats: I always carry treats while training and walking.

With consistent daily work, my Danes don’t chase animals. They’ll look, maybe stop and stare at a cat, but they don’t bolt. That’s not luck. That’s training.

Safety note: Always follow local leash laws, and don’t test “off-leash trust” anywhere near roads or uncontrolled environments. Training should be built in safe, controlled spaces first.