update on my 55 pound doberman?

Question

Listen, my doberman is well cared for. he has been dworm, neut.,and had all of his shots. I love my dog! Giving him to someone else is not an option, ok. I just want advice on how to stop him. My parents are the only ones allow to walk him now, and he never breaks away and run into traffic with them, . I just want to know what I can do to be a better dog owner, I know medical care is no good if I don't find a way to keep him from getting hurt physically.GIVING HIM UP IS NOT AN OPTION! thanks

Answer 1

Your Doberman should have been in obedience training at about 14 weeks of age. I'm on my 5th Doberman and all of them have been in obedience training while their ears were still stacked. The earlier the better -- thereby avoiding some of the bad habits your dog now has and that you will need to break. When he acts as he does, he is clearly saying he thinks he's the pack boss -- and it should be the other way arround!

I would strongly recommend contacting a local Doberman Rescue for help. They will work with you to find a good trainer.

FYI -- Based on your message, you really need the help of a professional trainer -- and one that understands Dobermans. I encourage you to investigate trainers and I would also encourage you to investigate a trainer who will board your dog and lay the training foundation down WITHOUT you being present initially. A good trainer will do this and then train you once your dog knows what to do. Given your parents are said to be able to control him, the problem is more YOU than your Dobe.

You've apparently given this dog way too much freedom without setting ANY rules.

Answer 2

I think the best thing for you is to do leadership practice with your dog so he'll see you as alpha. Also, even though people have the misconception of how horrible a PRONG collar is, it's the best way to correct your dog immediately. It doesn't hurt, go to the pet store and wrap it around your arm and pop yourself with it, and while you do that keep in mind how much the extra thick skin your dog has. So get a prong collar but make sure you learn how to use it properly. Above all you probably should at least take him to a puppy kindergarten class. You'll learn a lot on how to be a better leader and understand your dog more.

Answer 3

Dobermans are assertive and can be very pushey dogs. If you are not in charge they will be. From what you describe the dog sees you as not in charge and not as the leader. He sees himself above you in the pecking order and it taking full advantage of that.
Dobes need firm consistant training. Anyone who is going to handle the dog should work and train with the dog. Dobes do not always take direction from children well sometimes even the wife will have issues with the dog. You need to have a firm voice and work with the dog in an obedience class or at least work on basic obedience things at thome with the dog.
If you are not able to control the dog you should not be walking it where it could get hurt. Learn to control the dog before taking it out in public where the dog or someone could be hurt.
If you need help work with a trainer who have teach you how to control the dog.

Answer 4

no offence but I agree with far_2_smart. dogs with bad obidence are not bad dogs, they have been mislead by a owner.

what you need to do is establish to this dog that YOU are a pack leader and that he must listen to you. Consistancy is the most important thing. you have to punish the dog for all the bad things he does. every time! don’t feel bad about punishing him because that’s what happens out in the wild in a pack!

dogs are happier when they are subordinate. If you do research, you will find that a dog that does not have a strong dominate leader will be less happy and far more anxious because he then feels like he has to run the pack which is why he isn’t listening to you. He sees it as he is in charge of you.

You need to go to a professional trainer, or get lessons on how to train, because there comes a point when it is to late for you to switch rolls with the dog, and you will remain the underdog of the relationship.

Like I said, put him on a leash with a training coller (people call them choke chains which IS NOT what they are or do!! don’t worry, it sounds cruel but I promise it will not hurt the dog!!!!) and when he pulls you or tries to run you snap that coller WITH PURPOSE! tell him NO in a low dominate voice. Remember you don’t get anywhere by yelling loudly at a dog. You have to remain CALM but FIRM!

Dogs can sence how you are feeling. So if he makes you nervous because you know you cant control him, your dog will sense that and it will put him on edge as well. Be calm, assertive and positive. Go to him with a new attitude such as “I will walk you with NO problems today” and the second he gets out of line you snap that collar tell him HEEL and keep walking. If he does it again, You do it again!

CONSISTANCY is very very very crucial to a dog training. If you need any help [e-mail] email me, I have a lot of experience and specialize in difficult breeds, usually the bully breeds! and thick headed dogs. Ive been there and I totally understand your frusteration, im working on the same problem with my female 2 yr old pitt right now. GOOD LUCK stay positive and try your best not to get frusterated.

Answer 5

Find a basic obedience class in your area and sign up for it. Get one of your parents to take you, but you handle the dog in class. Size is of no consequence once you learn how to properly control the dog, I know a woman who can't weigh any more than 95 pounds and handles St. Bernards and Rottweillers that are much heavier and stronger than she is. Until you have the training, I would also walk with your parents and the dog as you need to be one of the pack leaders in your dog's eyes.

Answer 6

I looked at your other question and I like many strongly suggest dog obedience class. You may also want to try the gentle leader it's kind of shaped like a muzzle but it isn't.
instead of a collar you put teh lead on the ring that's under the dogs mouth.
The idea of this is that a dog follows it's head so if you can control the head then you can better control the dog.
I have mix that without a gentle lead I can not walk her. ( I got her when she was 2) .

Answer 7

1. Obedience classes will help out tremendously.
2. Fence in an area - if you cannot fence in the entire 2.5 acres.
3. Consider a shock -collar - this isn't my favorite choice, but when desperate...it will work.
4. Training is critical, especially if you do not have in a fenced in area.

Your pup is young now, but at some point he's going to grow and he'll be bored on your porch.

Answer 8

I agree that obedience classes for this breed is recommended. You say that your parents are the ones who are allowed to walk them but who feeds them and gives him the most attention at home. Are they the only ones that walk him? Very important questions here. If you feed him and give him water and give him the attention at home and play with him yet your parents walk him, that MAY be one of the issues.

Answer 9

Try a prong collar they are NOT inhumane at all it is safe. I started to use one when my Dobe almost pulled me into traffic after a squirl, when he'd never pulled before. I do it for safty on both parts. Never leave it on unless you are walking him. Good luck also try taking him to obedience class. NEVER give up on him something will work.

Answer 10

You need to start walking him... He needs to learn that you are the master too... If you do not work with him then your fault not his.. Start by walking near your home in a park or back yard.. when he tries to lead you you must stand strong and tell him no and then bring him back to you...