Training Your New Family Member

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Dobermans are active and should be consistently and thoroughly trained to be good companions and to provide the best security possible for your home and family. For this reason, they do best with an experienced owner (but even humans can learn!) so, if you are a first time owner, it is best to learn as much about them as you can before you take on the responsibility of owning this canine thoroughbred. Whether you are a first time owner or and experienced owner looking for a trainer, we highly recommend Karen Garvin and Associates (520) 790-3647 in Tucson. They are excellent at training dogs and their owners and they offer the owners of Spear-Bar puppies a $25 discount on their training program. If your are not fortunate enough to live in Tucson, they may be able to recommend a training facility near you.

Socialize your Doberman pinscher at 12 weeks of age to be with other dogs, pets and people. This will prevent your dog from becoming too overprotective of his family and will assist him in developing an even temper. Training is also easier since the dog will be less prone to distractions.

Do pet your dog frequently and let him be acceptably expressive in his gratitude for your attention. Do spend plenty of time with your dog and give him lots of exercise.	Don't let your dog jump up on you. He will assume that this is acceptable behavior toward any human and may injure someone or damage their clothing. Don’t make him a neurotic by neglecting him.

Do get into the habit of using only one command word or phrase for each response you wish to elicit. If your dog doesn’t respond, reinforce the command by pushing down gently on his hindquarters until he sits for example.	Don’t nag your dog by repeating commands - it teaches him to ignore you.

Do use your dog’s name to get his attention and then tell him what you want him to do.	Don’t use your his name and then expect him to read your mind as to what you want.

Do be nice to your dog every time he comes to you. Do go to your dog when you must correct him. Do continue to walk your dog down if he retreats from you. Not doing so teaches him that he can avoid proper behavior by running from you. Calmly walk him down as long as it takes. Pursue him at a normal pace without calling to him which teaches him that you will be as persistent as long as you have to be and that he cannot avoid you.	Don’t do anything your dog perceives as unpleasant when he comes to you. Don't call your dog to you and then correct him when he comes. This teaches him that if he comes, he may be punished and he will subsequently begin to fail to respond to the come command. When you have to walk him down, don't let frustration or anger make you correct the dog by hitting him. Give the same level of correction you would have if you before walking him down.

Do use a normal tone of voice when you give a command. Do use hand gestures when you give a command until he will respond to hand gestures alone. Associate the same hand gesture with the same verbal command each time.	Don’t yell at your dog. DON'T HIT YOUR DOG. He may begin to fear bite or begin to cower when you give a command. Your dog WANTS to please you and praising him is much more effective than trying to make him respond out of fear.

Do be consistent in your actions and expectations.	Don’t confuse your dog by inconsistent expectations.

Do provide an outlet for your dog’s energies.	Don’t try to suppress behaviors that need an outlet.

Do keep your dog mentally stimulated by training him.	Don’t let your dog stagnate.

Do understand that your dog is a social animal. Train him so he can be a part of the family.	Don’t lock your dog up or put him out because you haven’t trained him to behave.

Do socialize your dog with people and other dogs. Wait until vaccinations are finished to do so.	Don’t isolate your dog. Dogs are social animals and don’t do well in isolation. You need to be realistic about how much time you can devote to a pet.

Do become your dog’s pack leader.	Don’t expect your dog to obey you if you have not established that you are his pack leader.

Do make learning fun for your dog. Start by giving him treats when he responds correctly. Gradually increase the time between rewards for correct behavior until you are giving no treats other than praise and petting.	Don’t get too serious in your training. Don't train for more than 15 minutes or so at a time because this wearies the dog and makes him dislike the training sessions. Let your dog have a play period after a training session.

Do car train your dog. You will need to transport him eventually and he must be well trained.	Don't let him in the front seat where he may interfere with your steering or distract you and cause an accident.

Do handle your dogs mouth and feet frequently during petting sessions. This accustoms him to that handling which you will need later for veterinary inspections and for nail clippings. Leash train your dog early.	Don't take your dog to your vet's office off the leash. He can harm or be harmed by other animals on the premises or upset the other animals or their owners. The Vet does not need a round-up or stampede in his or her office.

Do keep trying and your dog will reward you by getting the message.	Don’t give up when the going gets tough.

Do get outside help when you get stuck.	Don’t blame the dog.

Some Helpfull Tips on Training


Sit on command. Use only one command, then reinforce	Teach your dog to sit with a treat. Hold treat slightly in front of dog’s head, say "Sit," and bring hand slightly above his eyes. Give treat when he sits.
	Use a treat in one hand, and apply some upward pressure on the collar with the other as you say "Sit."
	Say "Sit," and apply a little upward pressure of the collar. Lots of praise when dog sits.
	Without touching your dog, or showing him a treat, say "Sit." When he responds correctly, reward him with a treat. If the dog does not respond properly, review Step 3.

Down on command. Use only one command, then reinforce	Teach your dog to lie down with a treat. With your dog sitting at your left side, put your left hand on top of his withers. Show him a treat held in the right hand. Say "Down," and lower the treat to the ground between his feet and slide it forward so he has to lie down to get the treat.
	With the treat in your right hand, and your left hand through his collar, say "Down," lower the treat and apply downward pressure on the collar.
	Say "Down," and apply a little downward pressure on the collar. Lots of praise when he lies down
	Without touching your dog, or showing him a treat, say "Down." When he responds correctly, reward him with a treat. If the dog does not respond properly, review Step 3.

Recall coming when called Play the Recall Game as often as necessary. Be sure you can touch your dog’s collar every time he comes to you and before you give him a treat. On leash, inside.	After have accomplished the on leash inside step, proceed to the following steps: Off leash, inside. Off leash, outside in a confined area. On leash with distractions. Off leash with distractions.

Safety - yours and his Practice having your dog stay before he can	Also teach your dog the proper way to: go in or out of a door, go up or down stairs, or get in and out of the car

Spear-Bar Kennels
(520) 883-0494
3940 W. Ajo Way
Tucson, Arizona 85713