Basic Education For A Doberman
Basic education for a Doberman
Many first-time owners of dangerous dogs are hesitant to properly educate their pets. If you are also concerned about giving your animal adequate training, which allows you to maintain a healthy bond and based on respect, these tips for basic education for a Doberman can help you achieve it.
The doberman, from loyal guard dog to dangerous breed
Dobermans arrived in the United Kingdom and the American continent in the early 20th century. Hailing from Germany, their reputation as a loyal guard dog made them a popular breed that became a symbol of wealth.
The Second World War, however, gave a 180 degree turn to the fame of these animals. As loyal mascots of SS officers, the media of the time began to regard them as ‘demon dogs’ despite their high intelligence and loyalty to their masters.
Basic education for a doberman, a loyal and intelligent breed
Dobermans are, by nature, very intelligent, which means that they learn very quickly everything that their owner teaches them. This has its advantages and disadvantages, as they will understand both how to please you and how to avoid their obligations.
This breed loves mental gymnastics, so their training should be geared more towards an intellectual stimulus than a physical one. Despite this, Dobermans are large in size and have a very active metabolism, so ideally you should get a combination of both stimuli.
If positive training is postulated, in general, as the best way to make your dog learn, in Dobermans it is essential : this breed feels a great attachment to its master and they need you to show them that they can trust you from the first moment.
If, out of fear of their size or bad reputation, you use extreme punishment methods, such as yelling, kicking or straggling, they will start to fear you and react accordingly.
Once you start training, make sure they understand what ‘NO’ and ‘YES’ mean. For desirable behaviors, once they do, approach them, say ‘YES’ loudly and clearly, and reward them with a toy or their favorite snack.
Until they understand the meaning of this word, try to encourage them as soon as they show any signs of improvement, no matter how small. For undesirable behaviors, try to shift their attention to something else so that they will stop what they are doing.
If they already understand what ‘YES’ means, instead of teaching them to understand ‘NO’, ignore their behavior and don’t reward them when they misbehave. It will be easy for them to see that something is wrong, and they will try to understand how to receive the reward again. If their behavior still doesn’t improve, use ‘NO’ loud and clear.
Early socialization, key for any breed type
Exposing puppies to environments that allow them to become familiar with other people from the first minute is the best solution for:
- Lose the fear of strangers. This is especially important to avoid defensive reactions on the street, especially if you live in a bustling city.
- Get used to being still and calm when you can’t pay attention to them. If they are not used to lying down and sitting quietly while you have a conversation, you will never be able to combine your social life with the needs of your pet.
- Trust more in yourself and those around you. A puppy feels secure only in the face of what he knows. If you have been surrounded by people all your life, it will be easy for him to trust you, your family and those close to you.
