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Why do Great Danes Lean? | 10 Reasons Along with Training

By Marian Haaz · · Updated

Why do Great Danes lean 10 Reasons Along with Training (2022)
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The Great Dane is a gentle giant known for its affectionate personality. If you have one, you have probably felt all that weight lean against your legs. But why do Great Danes lean on you?

Most often, leaning is a way to get close to you and ask for attention or affection. A Dane may also lean when he is unsure, afraid or wants something.

Read on to learn the common reasons behind leaning and how to manage it.

Leaning of Great Danes

Leaning is usually a harmless, affectionate habit. Many Great Danes lean on their favorite people, and some lean on visitors too.

The kind of leaning we mean here is the brief, intentional kind. If your Dane leans because he seems unsteady, weak or in pain, that is different, and he should see a vet.

Some guests enjoy a Dane lean, but others may be startled. Keep an eye on your dog so he doesn't knock anyone over.

A Few Reasons of Great Danes Leaning

A Few Reasons of Great Danes Leaning

Here are the top reasons for Great Dane's leaning:

Affection

Most Great Danes lean simply because they want to be close to you. AKC describes Great Danes as friendly, patient and dependable dogs that love being around people.

Protective Behavior

Some Danes lean against their owner when something new or unusual is happening, staying close as if to keep watch.

If your dog does this at harmless things, stay calm and reassure him. There's no need to encourage guarding behavior.

Fear

A frightened Great Dane may lean against you for comfort, for example during fireworks or a thunderstorm.

In that case, he is looking for security rather than affection. Stay calm and give him a quiet place to settle.

Stay Warm

Great Danes have short, single coats and little body fat, so some feel the cold. A chilly Dane may lean on you for warmth.

Give him a warm, padded bed away from drafts, and consider a dog coat for cold walks. If he shivers a lot even when warm, see your vet.

Seek Attention

Seeking attention is one of the most common reasons for leaning. To your Dane, a lean is a bit like a hug.

But a dog that can weigh well over 100 pounds can easily knock over a child or an unsteady adult. Supervise your Dane around kids, and teach him to lean gently or not at all.

For Playing

Sometimes a Great Dane leans on you to start a game. Give him toys, play with him and teach him new tricks to keep him happy.

Hunger

Your Dane may lean on you when he wants food or water. Feed him on a regular schedule, with at least two meals a day, and make sure he always has fresh water.

If you want to give a snack, small pieces of apple (no seeds or core) or a few blueberries are fine. Never give grapes or raisins: the ASPCA warns that grapes and raisins can cause kidney damage in dogs.

Tired

Great Danes may lean when they are tired or recovering from surgery or illness. Let him rest.

If your Dane leans because he seems weak, wobbly or in discomfort, call your vet.

Showing Dominance

Leaning is sometimes described as a dominance behavior, but most behavior experts no longer view dogs' relationships with people this way. In Great Danes, leaning is almost always about closeness or attention.

If your Dane pushes into you, ignores cues or seems pushy, work on reward-based training. Talk to a qualified trainer or your vet if you see growling or other signs of aggression.

Anxiety

Changes in the environment, such as a move, new visitors or new places, can make a Great Dane anxious, and he may lean on you for reassurance.

You can help by building his confidence through gradual socialization: new places, new people and positive experiences.

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Training for Great Danes who Leans

Training for Great Danes who Leans

Many owners are fine with leaning, but it helps to teach your Dane to lean gently and to stop on cue. Here's how:

Teach him Leaning Pressure

Use positive reinforcement. Because most Danes lean for attention, you can control the habit through when you give that attention.

When he leans too hard, stop petting him and step away. When he leans gently or stands beside you, praise and pet him.

Everyone in the family should follow the same rules so your Dane doesn't get confused. Over time, he will learn to lean more gently.

OFF Command

Teach an OFF command that means "move away from me." Reward him when he steps back.

Even if your family enjoys leaning, visitors may not, so this cue is worth teaching.

These are tips from Great Dane owners, not professional trainers. A certified trainer can help if the habit is hard to manage.

Leaning is usually behavioral, but sometimes it points to a health problem. Watch for these:

Ear Infections

A dog with a sore ear may tilt his head, shake it or rub it against you or furniture. If your Dane holds his head to one side, see your vet.

Hip Dysplasia

Hip dysplasia can make a Dane shift his weight, walk unsteadily or lean on things for support. Keeping your puppy lean and avoiding hard exercise while he grows lowers the strain on his joints. See your vet if you notice stiffness or limping.

Anxiety

Anxiety is common in dogs, including Great Danes. If your Dane suddenly becomes clingy, he may be anxious or unwell. Give him time and reassurance, and see your vet if it continues.

What Should I Do if Great Dane is a Notorious Leaner?

Don't worry, it's normal for Danes. Your Great Dane may lean on you when he is happy to see you, wants attention or is tired.

If he leans because he is scared, help him feel safe and work on building his confidence. For severe anxiety, talk to your vet before trying any supplement or calming product.

If your Dane suddenly leans much more than usual, he may be in pain or unwell, so take him to the vet.

Is leaning a problem?

Leaning is usually not a problem. For most Great Danes, it is simply a sign of affection.

It can be a problem for children, older adults and anyone with balance issues or leg injuries, since a full-weight lean can knock them down. Teach gentle leaning and supervise around vulnerable people.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Why Do My Great Danes Go Between my Legs?

Great Danes may stand between your legs for comfort or security. Anxiety, uncertainty or low confidence can make them want to stay close.

How Do Great Danes Show Affection?

Great Danes show affection by wagging their tails, leaning on you, licking you, following you, asking for petting and bringing you toys.

Do Great Danes like to Be Cuddled?

Many Great Danes love to cuddle. They are affectionate dogs that like to stay close to their owners.

Do Great Danes thinks They are lap Dogs?

Many Great Danes act like lap dogs despite their size. When they lean on people, they don't seem to realize how heavy they are.

What Does it mean when a Great Dane Sleeps leaning Against you?

It usually means your Great Dane feels safe and relaxed with you. It is a sign of trust and affection.

Wrapping up

Leaning is normal for Great Danes and is usually a sign of affection. Enjoy it, but teach your Dane to lean gently, especially around children and guests.

If leaning comes with limping, head tilting or other changes, see your vet.

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