Vito Update & Video

cookie725 · 06-02-2008, 09:37 AM

For those of you that don't know, Vito is my first ever Doberman. He is 3 months old -- and was quite the handful at first! Very dominate and lots of energy!! I took everyone's wonderful advice and we have been applying the Nothing In Life is Free method along with other tips. In addition, we finally got his longer run hooked up, so he has LOTS more room to just run and get his crazies out! Also, I have starting 15-20 minute training sessions with him everyday.
He now listens VERY well -- coming when we call, and stopping the nipping when we say no. When it is time for him to eat. He sits by his dish, hands me a paw, and then waits for me to tell him it's okay to eat. When it's time for outside or a walk, he sits patiently and waits for me to leash him!
Vito really loves his training sessions too. He's so eager to learn and is such a smart boy.
So far, we have conquered sit, shake, stay, and down (lie down). Yay for Vito!!!!
I did purchase a clicker this weekend, and am going to begin that this evening. I will let you know how it goes...
In other news, Vito gets to have his ears free for a little bit tonight, so I promise to take pics before we tape them back up!!!
In the meantime, here is a short video from the weekend -- although it's not thoroughly exciting nor the best quality. We have a little pond out front and I noticed Vito kept barking at it. Upon closer inspection, I found out that when he'd go to take a drink from it, he'd see himself in the water!!! I think he thought the "other puppy" wasn't going to let him have any -- so he barked!! I hope you like it:
YouTube - Doberman Barks at Reflection

**voodoolizard** · 06-02-2008, 09:48 AM

wow.. you sound like you are doing wonderfully !!!
mine like training sessions as well !!!
we have just mastered roll over. and a really good one is to put them in a down and lay a cookie on there paws and make them stay and leave the cookie till you say !!
missy thinks it murder to look at the cookie on her paw, but she is always keen to please !!

keep up the good work !!

he will grow up to be a fantastic well behaved doberboy !!!

waiting · 06-02-2008, 09:54 AM

You two are doing fantastic.. He is so cute in the video, you can definitely see he is barking at his reflection.

cookie725 · 06-02-2008, 10:56 AM

Thanks guys! There's nothing better than accomplishing something (or many somethings), with a Dobie!!! Not only that, but I really feel like Vito and I are bonding -- sorry if that sounds corny -- but it's almost as if we are understanding each other! Lol He follows me everywhere, and he even senses my mood change! This weekend I had a sad moment, Vito came over quietly, laid his head in my lap, put a paw on my knee, and just looked up at me.
They truly are amazing animals!!!

zeus and me · 06-02-2008, 11:26 AM

aw vito is a cutie for sure! he looks chunkier then my zeus. how much does he weigh? zeus did alot of growing this month went from 22 pounds to 33.I got out the tape today and he is 20 inches at the shoulder. I know when I picked him up his sister was bigger then he was lol! vito looks bigger too

I think you will find that owning a doberman is so wonderfull!!!! I knew when I met my first doberman friend at 10 that that was the breed for me! my love for them has never ended. a dog is a dog is a dog....untill you own a doberman. the expressions that seem to understand all that is said to them....the undieing love....they really do strive to be perfect for you.each one molding to its owner....always knowing and waiting to please

cookie725 · 06-02-2008, 11:32 AM

Words cannot describe how amazing Dobes are...
I have loved the breed for as long as I can remember, and I couldn't be prouder to be a Dobe owner and Vito's person!

It's amazing how much they grow, and our relationship grows from day to day. You could never own a Dobe and think, "dog." He is truly my best friend...
Ok, now I am just being sappy! Lol!

Vito is 12 weeks and 35 very solid pounds! Whew! He was 14lbs when we got him and has just grown immensely. He's a tall boy too, though I'm guilty of not measuring... Oops, I will though because now I'm curious. I know he's tall enough to have almost sneaked chicken off the counter the other evening...

Vito's father was absolutely huge -- 100 lbs at least, so I have a feeling I will have a very large boy on my hands!!!

zeus and me · 06-02-2008, 11:45 AM

I was outside a few days ago...had taco meat cooking on the stove. my zeus knocked pan and all off the stove! I came in yelling and he took off slipping and sliding couldnt get his feet under his self hahahahaha but....knock on wood....he hasnt nosed the stove or counter since ha! mamma was MAD

cookie725 · 06-02-2008, 01:12 PM

Haha. That's great. They are too smart, and sneaky, for their own good!!! I did save my chicken, though it was close! I just couldn't believe he was tall enough to reach! How fast they grow...

**Burns** · 06-03-2008, 12:11 PM

Keep up the great work with the training - sounds like you are doing really well! All your hard work and time will be worth it when you have a well-trainined, well-mannered full grown boy

Cute video!

GunnersMum · 06-03-2008, 12:23 PM

Love the video. He was trying to get that other puppy to come and play no doubt. Glad your training is coming along.