New Dobe - Help/Tips

cookie725 · 05-21-2008, 10:51 AM

I hope I am not repeating a post -- I introduced myself in another forum and asked this, but I realized it probably wasn't in the right category for questions. As a new Doberman mom, are there any first timer tips or things I can expect? I have a VERY large puppy, and he currently thinks he is the "boss," and does not like to listen when he doesn't want too. At the same time, when he does, he is such a smart and good boy.
Please, any advice on this as well as general tips would be greatly appreciated. Thank you so much!

workingk9s · 05-21-2008, 11:01 AM

My advice is to get into puppy classes. I like to rely on professionals to help as long as they are familiar with the breed. He is very cute!

dusuwho · 05-21-2008, 11:02 AM

He sounds normal to me. Exactly the same age and sex as my first dobie. Don't give him an inch if he's being awkward. He will take advantage of it. If there's something in it for him he'll probably listen. Otherwise, probably not.

Expect to be mentally challenged thats all I can say.

Cheers,

sorthund · 05-21-2008, 11:08 AM

I would enroll in a puppy class as well as use NILIF (Nothing In Life Is Free)....
Nothing in Life is Free

darkstar91769 · 05-21-2008, 12:56 PM

+1 on NILF. my boy was really dominant when I got him. Trainer gave me a handout on the NILF regime and we had our pack order sorted out very quickly. Food rewards are your friend but make him earn every single treat. good luck.

cookie725 · 05-21-2008, 01:08 PM

Thank you for the responses. I checked out the NILF and printed it! I'm definitely going to give it I try!!! Also, I will look into some training classes. Thank you.

Dusuwho :
"Expect to be mentally challenged thats all I can say."

I love this comment -- it is absolutely the truth!!!

**sebsyd** · 05-21-2008, 06:09 PM

Puppy classes will build confidence and allow you to become a better handler. I never went anywhere without a ton of treats in my pocket and made them work for it all. We are still working on it as I sit here and type! They can be quite persistent in their desires. It is far better to gain control now. But he is showing age consistent behavior, nothing out of the realm of acceptance. I think my hardest behavior to overcome was that I had to learn to be ultra consistent with them both. When I gave a command, I had to follow through on it, even when I didn't want to get up from my nice perch on the coach. Sebastian is almost one yr and Sydney is 10mo and we still are working on it every day. Good luck.

cookie725 · 05-22-2008, 09:00 AM

Thanks for the tips! I'm hearing patience and persistance a lot. Also, I read up on the "Nothing in Life is Free" and started applying everyone's advice last night. Even in a few hours, we already had progress! Yay!

2RescuedDobies · 05-23-2008, 01:30 AM

There are other things you can do to ensure your pup understands who is alpha. Such as sit before going outside, allowing you to walk out of doors first, eating before they do and even having him sit before you pet him. Dobermans tend to overthink everything, test the waters as often as they can, and push the limits as far as they can. Be consistant. Make sure your pup is getting enough exercise- a bored Dobie can be a destructive one. Dobies need something to do. Take a look at the different dog sports. Have fun with your boy. He looks like a cutie.

Deville · 05-26-2008, 01:55 PM

Please bear in mind I am new to the breed myself, but this worked well for me.

My boy was a 1 and half years old when I got him and something that worked well combined with NILIF was time outs. I found one thing a Dobe really hates is being separated from you and any action that may be going on.

You'll be amazed how far a quick 2 or 3 minute time out in the bathroom will go if he is being disrespectful.

It's funny when they learn what a time out is, you just say the word and they put them selves in there all on there own, all you gotta do is close the door, lol.

I adjust the time Diesel spends in there by how bad he was. When he was nipping people he would get an hour plus, but for little stuff like being a bit pushy or demanding he only gets five or ten minutes, which seemed to be enough.

Come to think of it, Diesel hasn't had a time out in weeks.

Congrats on your new Dobe, and good luck.

EDIT:
Just thought of a few other things. Try and keep your jaw firmly closed around him as much as you can, at least when hes excited. I found out quick that they like to move there heads very quickly and jump unexpectedly. I've nearly bitten the tip of my tongue off more then a few times from my dobe jumping and hitting the bottom of my jaw.

Also, if your in an off leash area or anywhere your boy can run around be careful when they are running towards you, They seem to have a need to run full speed towards you and not hit the brakes until they have passed you.

I've read about a few dobe owners going to the ER from a hyper extended knee or worse due to there dogs crashing into them. Personally, I usually turn right around when he is charging towards me, and one time in particular I am so glad I did.

He plowed into the back of my leg at full speed, it was really painful and it was a really good bruise, but nothing compared to what it would have been had he hit me from the front.

Just my 2 cents, and as said earlier I'm new to the breed myself, just thought I'd share my personal experiences so far.