Would You Be Able to Train a Doberman?

Take the following quiz to see how you’d measure up. Remember, a Doberman isn’t for everybody. If a Doberman isn’t right for you, there’s surely a canine companion out there who is.

A. Your Doberman won’t come when called. So you… 1. Scold her when she comes. 2. Offer treats and keep coaxing. 3. Get a field collar immediately.

B. Your Doberman puppy wet inside. Again. You… 1. Paddle him! 2. Scold him, but take him outside immediately. 3. Scold him and make him wait until next time.

C. Your Doberman won’t sit after a few training session. 1. Force her rump down. 2. Re-examine your training techniques to see if you are being inconsistent. 3. Scold her for not sitting when told.

D. Your Doberman won’t stop chewing on things when you’re gone. 1. Spank her for chewing—it’s inexcusable. 2. Offer more chew toys and see if it stops. 3. Leave her in the yard all day.

E. Your Doberman won’t heel. You… 1. Scold her for yanking you around. 2. Get a chain collar for training. 3. Accept it as part of owning a larger dog.

ANSWERS A. Scolding the dog when he comes won’t help. After all, you’re punishing him for doing what you want! Try coaxing and SMALL treats for a while. If it doesn’t work, try training with a field collar to reinforce your verbal commands.

B. For very small dogs, it’s understandable if they wet inside because their bladders aren’t mature enough or big enough to “hold it.” Take them out every two hours. If you can’t do that, try crate training. Paddling is unfair in this situation. You should scold the dog so he gets the idea, but take him outside immediately, and pour on the praise when he does wet or mess outside. He’ll get the idea soon.

C. You should say “sit” firmly, but scolding is unnecessary. Don’t force the rump down too hard or you could hurt the dog. Do re-examine your methods to make sure your vocal tone is correct, your command is consistent, and your dog is being trained when she isn’t tired or hungry. Keep the sessions short and frequent, not long and sporadic.

D. Do spank her for chewing, but also offer a variety of chew toys in locations throughout the house. If these tactics don’t work, she could be too stressed while you’re gone. Consider crate training to give her a safe, time-out zone where she can unwind.

E. If the scolding won’t work, try a “choke chain” collar. No, they don’t really choke the dog; the collars simply tighten when the dog misbehaves, and loosens when he behaves himself. Dobermans are strong dogs and there’s nothing wrong with using training equipment designed to help you control them. Although some people say that the collars are cruel, which is worse, a minor tug at one of the strongest parts of the dog’s body, or your arm and torso getting yanked around?

Score: 1-2—Either shop for a different dog, or read up on Dobes for a while to better understand their willful but sensitive personalities. 3—Almost there! Keep researching and reading. Visit Dobes in the middle of professional training. 4-5 You’ll probably do great!