How to Keep a Doberman Mentally Stimulated

The Doberman breed was created in the 1860s as a highly trainable and intelligent guard dog. Dobermans are often used in police work, as war dogs and for search and rescue. The breed revels in pleasing their owner and doing a good job, and they are mentally stimulated by working and completing tasks. Dobermans can bore much more easily than less intelligent dogs and need attention from their owner and constant mental and physical stimulation to stay healthy and happy.

Things You'll Need

  • Dog toys
  • Dog treats
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Instructions

    • 1

      Provide toys for your Doberman when it is home alone to keep it occupied. Hide treats in balls and let it figure out how to get them out. Hide treats around the house so your dog can play hide and seek. Use special food or water dispensers that require the dog to step on a peddle or push a button to get to its food.

    • 2

      Participate in agility training, obedience, protection dog or tracking competitions with your Doberman. Training exercises provide the dog with physical exercise as well as mental stimulation. The mental ability needed to complete the tasks required for sport dog competitions will keep the dog's mind occupied and active.

    • 3

      Lead frequent training sessions with your Doberman. Train your puppy in all of the basic commands like sit, stay and fetch. Continue the training throughout the dog's life and challenge your dog to do more advanced tricks. Each training session is a mentally stimulating exercise for the dog. You can incorporate small training sessions into your routine by requiring the dog to do a trick before eating or every day after a walk.