How to House Train a Doberman

According to The Humane Society of the United States, a puppy can control its bladder for one hour for every month of its life, i.e. a four month-old puppy can be expected to eliminate approximately every four hours. Perseverance, dedication and effort is necessary, therefore, when house training a puppy. The Doberman is considered to be an easy breed of dog to train, but you should still be prepared to spend several weeks house training it.

Things You'll Need

  • Crate or cage
  • Leash
  • Treats
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Instructions

    • 1

      Set up a crate or cage for your Doberman, big enough for it to turn around in and with a bed and a few toys inside. Place it in a quiet area of your home. Confine your Doberman to the crate for most of the time during the training process.

    • 2

      Take your Doberman out of its crate at least every two hours during the day, and immediately after it wakes up, has playtime or eats and drinks. Take it outside on a leash. Repeat a key word or phrase of your choice that you want your dog to associate with going to the toilet, such as "outside", "toilet time" or "do your business." Gradually, your dog will learn that it is time to eliminate whenever you say this word or phrase. Take your dog to the same outdoor spot each time, away from distractions, and give it time to do its business.

    • 3

      Praise your Doberman, and reward it with a treat whenever it eliminates outdoors. Do this right after it has done the elimination; if there is any delay between the act and receiving a treat, your puppy will not learn to associate the two. Do not praise it too soon; make sure it has finished eliminating so that you do not distract it.

    • 4

      Look for signs that your Doberman needs the toilet, such as sniffing the floor, barking, whimpering, scratching at the door and turning around in small circles. Take your dog outside immediately to your designated toilet spot. Remember to praise and reward it after it has finished eliminating.

    • 5

      Hire a dog walker, or ask a friend or family member to let your Doberman out of its crate for its breaks if you are not around during the day. If you leave it too long, you can guarantee the dog will have an accident.

    • 6

      Feed your Doberman at the same times each day to make it easier to establish a routine; this will make house training easier as eating will stimulate its bowels, and the dog will need to eliminate after eating.

    • 7

      Remove your Doberman's water supply approximately two hours before bedtime to reduce the risk of overnight accidents. According to The Humane Society of the United States, most puppies can sleep for around seven hours without needing the toilet.