Crate Training?

I would still invite the parents over to meet Bruno no matter what. But the problem is, MOST of the parents around here do not like Bruno (or rather his breed). They always make comments. So I think to ease their fears, I'd be putting him in the crate. Bruno loves company, but only when he gets to know them. He doesn't like strangers coming to the house. He's fine when our family comes over (or close friends). So I wouldn't crate him then. Only when kids or my father inlaw came over (he's deathly afraid of Bruno, lol. He said one day Bruno gave him that "eye" like he was gonna eat him----Oooookay! lol So he won't come over till we have a crate).

I think for Bruno's sake, putting him in a seperate room might be better. Because I think he too would get excited and want to come out and play if he saw ppl here. I think if he was alone, than he'd sleep and get comfy. It would be more relaxing.

Thanks for the advice Hopefully we will get a crate soon. We'll see how it goes

He's not to old, no dog is ever to old. They have to learn your lifestyle. If it means that your kids friends can come over without any hesitation untill some of the parents adjust there mind set about a doberman why not. You certainly don't want your kids to lose out on friends because of these kids parents. I know they love the dog but deep down they might resent Bruno on occasion because friends parents not letting their kids there because of him. As far as the house goes your young man needs to have his wings clipped lol, seriously couches are expensive and the springs hurt your butt. It might help with that as well. When ever my dogs were pups and untill I could trust them in the house they were supervised in the kennel when I went out etc. (safe) I take turns now that my dog is older and totally house trained some days I put our dog in the kennel when I go out, sometimes when I'm home, and some nights I do, I never use the same pattern so It never seems like a punishment, a nice treat a kiss and a blankie, like the kids night night. The one thing honestly that is most important in this blathering of mine is don't give in to the whining let him stay untill he stops, for a piece of time. Because he is smart and will play on you just like kids do. If you give in once you are done for he will whine even harder next time because it worked and he will have you wrapped around his pointed ears. lol Seriously, good luck.

I think it is a good idea to crate him for those reasons and considerate to him and the new kids.

He is still young IMO and no way is he too old to learn crate training.
When I say, "kennel up!" mine run into their crates at top speed. LOL. I am big on using yummy treats as a reward.
To get them used to going in I say, kennel up, then throw some yummy food in the back of the crate. Sometimes I shut the door for a moment, sometimes leave it open, and slowly train and build on that, leaving it shut for more time and mixing up what I do.
I also leave lots of safe toys in there, and filled Kongs too. Sometimes they go in their crate while I am home and can't watch them as closely as I would like, but they can still see us. Mostly that is only with puppies though, my male hardly ever uses a crate anymore except for at shows, but he still loves to "kennel up" when asked.

And don't give in to his protests (cries or barks) b/c you are not hurting him and things are just fine. He will come around quickly enough. He might not even protest at all, every dog is different. Most do like their crates and even choose them to take naps in on their own. And they are safe and teach him not to tear up your stuff while you are gone.

Everyone has different spin on crate training I think and the past talks about it on this forum would be good to take a look at, good luck!! And let us know how it goes.

Looking at the pic of Bruno flaked out on the bed, not sure I'd want to settle for a crate if I were him! Java has just done the same thing: hubby is out of town, so I've cheated and brought her to our room. Was sitting on my side of the bed reading, happened to get up and she has quickly claimed the warm spot. And here I thought she was asleep!!

Kidding aside, crating is the best thing we ever could have done. Java settles into her crate when she wants some serious peace and quiet and when we are visiting friends and family in Canada, it's her familiar spot in unfamiliar surroundings. Plus, as you stated, it makes parents of small children who are cautious around any large breed feel more comfortable. Seeing Java laying quietly in her crate, paws crossed...well, she hardly looks like a 'killer'....

There is something about human nature and an aversion to putting dogs in crates. I had pangs of guilt at first, even though I read how dogs see the crate as their "den" etc. etc. However, what sealed the deal for me was the first day I was sitting at one of our computers and Harley walked right into his family room crate on his own and rested. I couldn't believe my eyes.

In our obedience class, we're working on the "go to your place and lie down" command where we use a dog bed or a blanket (basically something that is portable and can be carried around). I put the blanket on the floor and kept leading him to it with the "go to your place and lie down" command and he wanted nothing more than to go into his crate instead of the blanket. I actually had to lock the crate door shut so he would give up trying!

He still whines in there from time to time, but then again, he whines when I put him in a down-stay. In fact, he's whining right now as I type this because I won't let him chew on electrical cords or rifle through the trash. Basically, he whines whenever I tell him to do something he doesn't want to do. He's a stubborn fella, but I am even more so, and I've told him that's why God matched him with me. And I feel so blessed!