Find a good puppy kindergarten class to take her to not only for basic obedience skills but for socializing with other puppies. I use puppy class to just get my pup out and about....not to have a perfect dog by 5 months of age. Find a place that is positive reinforcement based. If a good fit, stay in classes for her whole first year for weekly outings and homework to help guide you as she gets older.

I'm not a Cesar fan....too much dominance stuff that people misinterpret and the dogs pay the price for being perfectly normal and being misjudged as "dominant". Check out "The Power of Positive Dog training" by Pat Miller.

You are correct to be wary about dog parks....especially with a puppy. I'd make a point once she has all her shots to get her to public places, such as people parks, PetSmart, any store that allow dogs just to get her used to walking around other dogs and people. Walk your neighborhood daily as long as weather permits. Let her have play dates with any dog she seems to like in her puppy class.

I assume you are in a house and a student? Do you have housemates? A fenced yard? You can manage a dog and full time student status? Not to be nosy but a Doberman puppy takes up a huge amount of time, and if not given attention, can be destructive due to boredom. They are wonderful dogs but want to be with their people and need a good amount of exercise.

 

Thanks for the reply! I have housemates, they're all fine with the dog. Once april hits and i'm done this year i'm moving to BC to live with my brother until the next school year in september. In BC we're outside everyday either canoeing, hiking, swimming or mountain biking so i'm really excited for april so i can take her with me while doing all of that. I go for runs daily so the exercise while in school shouldn't be a problem. what type of exercise do you do with your dogs?

 

You might see if there is a very good puppy class in you area that is NOT a free for all, puppies run loose to do as they please. But the kind that controls greetings, calls out of play, etc.

 

Good advice here. I agree about the puppy classes. Remember while it is a puppy not to RUN it until it's older. I'm sure there will be more responses. Crate training to cut down on destruction. Best of luck. Congratulations on your puppy. They have lots of energy and remember, they are VELCRO dogs. You will love it. :bier: