Despite their reputation, Doberman pinschers or “Dobies” are some of the most affectionate dogs on the planet. They are highly motivated to please their humans, which unfortunately some people have exploited in order to make them people-aggressive. But Dobies are not born aggressive and, with proper training and lots of patience, will be content to act puppy-like for the rest of their lives. But no matter how old the Dobie is, be patient and persistent.
Channel That Energy
Healthy Doberman pinscher puppies are so full of energy that they may literally bounce off of the walls. They ideally should have two brisk walks per day of 30 – 40 minutes in order to help channel this energy. Access to a yard where they can play fetch and run about is another great way to burn off that puppy exuberance.
It also makes them easier for training. As author and dog trainer Liz Palika says in “KISS Guide to Raising a Puppy” (DK Publishing; 2002), “A tired puppy is a good puppy.” Set up training sessions so that the puppy is a bit tired and therefore more likely to pay attention to you. Doberman puppies will not only work for food, they will work for favourite toys. Keep that toy only for training sessions. Keep training sessions to only five or ten minutes because some Dobie puppies have a short attention span and may begin to wriggle about for more play.
Chewing
All puppies will chew, but the general public is biased against Dobies, thinking that they are biting machines. When caring for a dog with an undeserved bad reputation, it is especially important that he or she learns bite inhibition. When puppies play together, they play very roughly. But when they are hurt, they do a high pitched yip in order to let their playmate know to back off. So, whenever the puppy places his or her mouth on your skin, yip or yell “Ouch”, even though you are not hurt. The hardest part is making sure every human in the household and visitors do this, too.
Keep plenty of acceptable chew toys on hand for the Dobie puppy. Do not set the Dobie puppy up for failure by leaving any valuables like shoes, antiques or teddy bears within reach. All puppies explore the world with their mouths and even adult Dobies can’t resist tasting new things every now and then. Just ask Barney, who used to be the guard dog at Wookey Hole Cave’s Teddy Bear Museum in Wells, England.
Jumping
Although all Dobie puppies are different, many seem to be part pogo stick. This means they like to run at people and then jump on them. When visitors come to the door, they may suddenly spring off the couch and launch onto the visitor’s chest. Although the Dobie only means to be playful, this can really rub people the wrong way.
If the Dobie puppy can’t be trusted, keep the puppy in another room until a lead can be put on. A person will have to keep hold up the puppy and encourage the puppy to sit. Any visitor needs to ignore the puppy until the puppy sits still (even for one full second). Then praise can be lavished on the puppy.
Do not let small Dobie puppies jump up on visitors, because they will get into the habit of doing this when they are strong enough to knock over an adult man. Some people have had success teaching their Dobies to always go lie down on a dog bed whenever the door bell rings.
References:
“KISS Guide to Raising a Puppy.” Liz Palika. DK Publishing; 2002.
