What Do I Need to Become a British Doberman Trainer?

Doberman dogs are often labeled "aggressive" by those with no understanding of the breed. Dobermans are inherently loyal, intelligent, graceful and athletic, but are often exploited for their attributes by those who seek financial gain as opposed to a companion or pet. Skilled trainers, who love and know the breed, can help a Doberman reach its true potential through kindness, consistency and discipline.

  1. The Velcro Dog

    • The Doberman is nicknamed the "Velcro Dog," because once you win its loyalty and trust, it will forge a unshakable lifetime bond with you. It thrives on being the center of attention and does not adapt well to being kept in a kennel. Enforced and prolonged isolation from its owner or family causes it a great deal of anxiety. The Doberman is a very protective, alert and intelligent dog, and is often described as "the dog with the human mind." It is very vocal, and prone to perpetual barking and whining. Part of its charm is its willful nature, but he is also a very trainable dog who loves to learn. A healthy Doberman is power personified and an epiphany of elegance. Its muscular body is lean and compact and is supported by long, athletic limbs, built for speed and perfectly proportioned, Its head is often described as noble, and its eyes are both watchful and aware. Because of its physical power and natural intelligence,it responds well to the required advanced training needed to develop a stable character through discipline and obedience.

    The Protective Hound

    • Herr Karl Friedrich Lous Doberman wanted the ultimate guard and companion, so he bred the Doberman. The traits of its ancestors loom large in the Doberman. It is a natural guard dog, which will maintain an eternal vigil on the family home. Early training is vital to prevent it from becoming too dominant and territorial as it grows, and to help her identify the difference between friend and foe. It will respond well to interesting training sessions,

    Taming the Beast

    • Dog obedience activities, which incorporate tests of intelligence and physicality should be participated in daily. Running, retrieving and swimming are all natural ways to channel the dog's instinct for the love of the hunt and thrill of the chase. The Doberman's instinctive sense of status will not respond well to physical punishment. A firm and patient hand and plenty of positive reinforcement are required to win its obedience and respect. The Doberman is a quick learner and easily bored, so its trainer needs to be inventive and innovative to keep it occupied. It will expect the same high standards in its trainers as it sets for itself, so sloppy or half-hearted training is doomed to failure. Training a Doberman is a difficult challenge, and inadequate or incorrect discipline has resulted in these dogs growing up aggressive and being wrongly labeled as "killers."

    British Trainers

    • The UK's Association of Pet Dog Trainers provides all the up-to-date training skills and techniques for anyone wishing to be a British Doberman trainer. It is a voluntary organization that promotes the use of kind, fair and effective training. It offers continuous professional development and advice and information from professional trainers and instructors. The association rejects the invasive, coercive or punitive form of training, which it considers harmful and damaging, in favor of a more modern, tried-and-tested approach.