How do I safely pick up my Great Dane and earn its trust?
Pick up a Great Dane using two‑hand support within 5seconds to keep joints safe, and follow a 7‑step routine to build lasting trust.
Proper Pickup Technique
Position yourself at the dog’s side, sliding one hand under the chest just behind the front elbows and the other hand under the hindquarters near the hips. Keep the elbows slightly bent so you can lift within a 12‑inch range without arching your back. This two‑hand cradle distributes the 110–175lb weight across your strongest muscles and protects the dog’s shoulder and hip joints.
Raise the dog smoothly, aiming for a height of 24–30inches off the floor, then lower it onto a stable surface such as a non‑slip mat. Avoid jerking motions; a steady lift lasting no more than 5seconds reduces the risk of strain. After setting the dog down, give a calm voice cue like “steady” to reinforce the safe experience.
Step‑by‑Step Trust Building
Begin with a 2‑minute calm greeting: sit at the dog’s level, let it sniff your hand, and reward a relaxed tail wag with a soft “good boy” and a ½‑cup (120ml) treat. Keep eye contact brief—no longer than 3seconds—to avoid intimidation. Repeat this greeting twice daily for the first week.
Progress to gentle handling: after the greeting, place one hand on the chest for 5seconds, then add the second hand for a brief 3‑second lift while the dog remains on the ground. Offer a chew toy weighing about 5lb as a distraction, and praise each successful step. Increase handling time by 2seconds each session, never exceeding 15seconds until the dog shows no signs of stress.
- 1. Calm greeting – 2min, twice daily
- 2. Hand on chest – 5sec
- 3. Two‑hand lift – start 3sec, add 2sec each session
- 4. Reward with ½‑cup treat or 5‑lb chew
- 5. End each session with a gentle pet
When Not to Handle
Avoid any lifting within 30minutes after a meal; a full stomach needs 2–3hours to settle before movement. Skipping handling during the heavy shedding season (October–December) prevents matting of loose hair on your hands and reduces skin irritation.
Never pick up a sleeping Great Dane—most dogs need 12–14hours of uninterrupted rest each day. If you’re rushed, skip the session entirely; a rushed lift can cause a sudden spike in cortisol, which shows up as a tense posture and rapid breathing.
Stress Signals to Watch
A flattened ears‑to‑head position and a low‑pitched whine indicate the dog feels uneasy. Look for a rapid tail flick of 4–6times per minute, which often precedes a growl if the stress escalates.
Physiological signs include a breathing rate above 30 breaths per minute and a slight tremor in the front paws. If you notice these within 10seconds of starting a lift, pause, lower the dog gently, and give a calming voice for at least 60seconds before trying again.
Space and Flooring for Safe Handling
Allocate at least 100–150sqft of clear floor space in the living area so the dog can move freely before and after a lift. Use joint‑friendly flooring such as ¾‑inch thick rubber tiles or low‑pile carpet; these surfaces reduce impact forces by up to 30% compared with hardwood.
Maintain room temperature between 68°F (20°C) and 75°F (24°C) to keep muscles supple. Provide a 36‑inch‑wide, 24‑inch‑deep raised bed with a supportive orthopedic mattress; this gives the dog a stable place to rest after handling sessions.
- Clear floor: 100–150sqft
- Rubber tiles: ¾‑inch thickness
- Room temp: 68°F(20°C)–75°F(24°C)
- Raised bed: 36inwide×24indeep
Keep reading about Great Dane: Great Dane care sheet
Related questions
How often can I lift my Great Dane without hurting its joints?
Limit lifts to 3–5 times per week, keeping each lift under 15seconds. This schedule balances bonding with joint health for a dog that lives 7–10years.
What size treat should I use during trust training?
A ½‑cup (120ml) portion of soft kibble or a 1‑ounce (28g) piece of cheese works well. Keep treats under 5% of daily caloric intake to avoid weight gain.
Is it okay to handle my Great Dane in colder weather?
If indoor temperature drops below 60°F (15°C), add a 2‑inch fleece blanket on the floor. Cold muscles are more prone to strain, so keep handling sessions brief—no longer than 10seconds.
Not veterinary advice. This guide covers husbandry — housing, feeding, cleaning and handling. If your great dane is injured, off food unusually long, or behaving abnormally, contact a veterinarian.