Doberman pinschers are strong, highly intelligent and have the potential to be dangerous, if not trained properly. According to the Doberman Pinscher Club of America Public Education Committee, proper training in the first year of a Doberman̵7;s life is critical in ensuring that you will have a well-behaved and well-adjusted adult Doberman. This training includes consistency, patience and a mutual understanding that you are in charge.
Things You'll Need
- Crate
- Crate dividers
- Treats
Instructions
Establish your role as leader. Dobermans are typically domineering breeds and unless you teach your dobie that you are in charge, he will try to dominate you. Start this training while your puppy is young, typically, as soon as you adopt him. Cradle your Doberman puppy in your arms like a baby with his belly up. This is a vulnerable position for dogs and will teach him that you are the alpha. In addition, always walk through doors ahead of your Doberman puppy and when on walks--do not allow your puppy to go ahead of you--always keep him at your side and control his actions with his leash. It is also beneficial to make him wait for your permission before he is allowed to eat, and to handle his food before he eats it so that your scent is on it.
Provide your Doberman puppy with a crate. Crates not only create havens for dogs, but they also assist with housebreaking. The Doberman training website Gentledoberman.com states that crate training is an effective way to potty-train Doberman puppies. The website also suggests that dobie owners purchase crates that are made for full-sized Dobermans, but use crate dividers while the puppy is still small. The crate should only be big enough for the dobie puppy to stand up and turn around in--a crate that is any larger could hinder successful potty-training as your puppy is able to walk away from his mess. Leave your dobie in the crate when you are away from home or are sleeping. Immediately after you release your puppy, take him outside to go potty. Leave the crate door open when you are home and place your puppy̵7;s treats and toys inside to entice him to spend time inside.
Turn away from your puppy and say "no" when he jumps on you. Dobermans are large dogs who can knock down or potentially injure those they jump on. Once you turn away, command your puppy to "sit" by grabbing his collar and backing him up so that he falls on his bottom. Praise him after he sits, but if he jumps up or gets too excited again, turn away and repeat the process.
Stop your Doberman puppy from chewing on you and others by grabbing his muzzle or shoulders and saying "no," then giving him a toy to chew on. Biting and chewing is a natural behavior for all puppies, but when you are dealing with a large-breed dog, such as a Doberman, this can make for dangerous behavior as adults. Giving him a toy will redirect his biting energy and he will, ultimately, learn that while it is appropriate to chew on toys, it is not acceptable to bite people.