I was thinking the same thing. My dobie is almost 90lbs and over a yr old.. and unless you exercise them a lot, you will have a overweight unhealthy dog.
I have an 8 year old European Doberman. He is my second. People always like to talk about how the breed they have is unique. Dobermans however are quite unique. The breeding of them to be a companion dog first and foremost (think ankle biter lap dog) is what makes them actually unique. They don't dream of being off doing other thing. They eat sleep and dream about their owners. Truly a lifestyle not a pet. And European vs American is night and day. My boy is on fire from morning till bed time. He sleeps on my legs at night. He is the alarm clock. And he gets the last bite of food off your plate. I found limiting any of those activities resulted in him not being happy. And when he is unhappy so am i... If you can't stand little dogs because they are up your butt non stop. You probably won't like a Doberman. But if your willing to spend more time with a dog than your spouse you might be in luck. And please please. No physical discipline. You will ruin the dog in short order. They must be reasoned with in a calm cool I'm the boss way. No means no always kinda thing. He is a massive handful. But dang what a dog....
Thank you for sharing your experience! This is super helpful for others, who are considering getting a Doberman, to read. Thank you for taking the time to leave this comment and for being an avid Doberman lover!
@@dorkasaurus_rex @dorkasaurus_rex American Dobermans are bread for size, gentle temperament, healthy, and that's basically it. European lines are old school. To be legal to breed and sell Dobermans in Europe they must still pass schutzhound testing. So all European Dobermans still maintain a true working blood line. They are smarter, faster, stronger, more loyal, and much much more dangerous to own and much harder to handle on a daily basis. BUT in return. You get a real tax collector dog. European Dobermans are way more likely to save you from an attack trained or not. They are much more observant and sensitive to things around them. My particular Doberman is not a pleaser. He does nothing he does not want to unless he knows daddy won't let him slide. I worked intensely for a year on walking. I tried everything. It got to the point he didn't want to go on walks. He stays 6 foot in front. The end. Having said all that. When I take him in public to lows or a farm store. He is in heaven. He must meet every single person there. Doling out kisses and loving every minute of it. As soon as the gate closes. He is a raging monster. I do not recommend the European line to many people as he is a full time job. Without proper raising I don't know of a more dangerous breed. He is like lighting fast. He used to run into deer running from him in the yard. Twice as fast as a cat and just as flexible. Man I love my Zeus. ..
Excellent video John! I fully agree that being a calm and consistent leader goes long ways. And it is sad but unfortunately true, that most Dobermans (other dogs too) are been given up during the teenage phase. I've been a Doberman owner for 30 years and currently own a 2.5 years old male European working line Doberman. We are training in IGP sports. My personal recommendation especially for every new puppy owners is to set your dog up for success. Means don't give them the chance to do the things you don't want them to do. For example, if you're dog is not coming when recalled, there will be no off-leash running around. Put a long line on (can be as long as you want it to be) and immediately bring them back to you if they don't respond. Make sure to reward the wanted behavior. Of course adequate exercise is important too. Personally, I manage my puppies right from the beginning. For example, they are only allowed "free" in the house under supervision and with a very light long line on so I can get a hold of them at any time. This eliminates potty accidents and biting things they are not supposed to. I also teach them that the house is a "quiet zone". Playtime is outside. If they don't behave, they go back in the crate or ex-pen. "House-time" has to be earned. Doing all this and with consistent training, the teenage phase goes much smoother as well.
Oh my, that difficult teen phase😬 Such a shame people just throw their pets away like garbage instead of working through this challenging, but short time period 💔 Interesting to hear studies are showing females are the more reactive ones during that time🤔 As always, thanks for your great insight and advice John! Hey, cool you can juggle too!😊
Yes! It's important for people to realize that it's only a season - like the newborn phase. It will be over before you know it! Just stay strong in the meantime! So glad you enjoyed the info in that study as well. Haha thank you!!
@bohomagik I'm very low intervention when it comes to medical services and my dogs. If my pups show no reason for concern then I see no reason for costly procedures
My half Dobie just got to 6 months and the excessive indoor alert barking, attention demands, and leash reactivity hit us like a truck at once overnight. Going to stay strong, calm, and loving!
That can be super tough to deal with and you're just starting to enter the teenager phase too where they'll be pushing boundaries. Don't worry, once you really start closing in on 1 year of age it gets better, trust me it does. What you describe is super normal for that age. Your pup is frustrated. All that energy and drive pumping! Yes be super calm, consistent, and find new outlets for your pup will help. Also having a super consistent routine each day as to WHEN your pup will get those outlets will help with the anxiety because he/she will know when the outlets come each day like clock work. You got this! And THANK YOU for the super thanks, your support is so appreciated!
@@DobermanPlanet Thank you so very much for the words of encouragement and all of the helpful information you're putting out--this channel has become my go-to for understanding my pup and how to give him the best shot at success and happiness!
Yes! Just what I needed to hear. We have our first and she's now 10 months. She's been a terror! Not listening to commands and barking all the time. We did have potty issues resurface but I think we have been on a good run now. We stay on top of her just in case.
Hi John, Thanks for addressing this issue with new Dobie owners. My 1st female Dobie, I took to an obedience class, put on by Disney's movie early dog trainer William Koehler. Some of his methods I do not agree with, but basics were great. I took her at 5 months old. After 3 months of classes she graduated getting 3rd place out of 25 other dogs of all ages. Early training and having a purpose can really motivate Dobies. I have found that males protect the property, while females act more for a family protection. Just my observation since having 6 females and 2 males. Early socialized Dobie makes for a happy dog and pet parent!
just wanted to express how thankful I am for these videos. 9 out of 10 people that meet (shark) say how incredibly well behaved and obedient he is.Well sir it's all your videos that have trained me.. can I request a specific video?
May have made it to complex. He is busy with a lot of people reaching out I'm sure. If you want a specific video may be best to just request the video.
I figured that, I have searched youtube for a certain type of dog video that does not exist, the fact that he is the real doberman whisper/handler it would be a huge success with probably millions of views, and would be probably one of the easiest, to make. and that is why I only wanted to share it with the person and dog who has helped me decide to buy/save the most amazing creature I have ever met..that's all thanks for your interest, have a great day and life for that matter.@@privateinformation118
Hi, Johnny! Thanks so much for your kind words - they really mean so much! Please email us a message at media@dobermanplanet.com with your video request and we'd be happy to add it to our list of ideas!
So glad to find this video. I’m going through all these issues with my 1 year old male Dobbie. Stood on my tile floor and pee’d right in front of me. I was dumbfounded, he’s been potty trained forever. Definitely more defiant as of late too. Glad to know its all likely just hormones! ❤
Hello John. Ive watched EVERY video you made. I currently have a 1.5 yr Euro Monster. Hes my 3rd Dobe & I have experience showing my 2nd & did well. Lemmy has been a major stressbomb. Can't sit still for a minute. Everything you mentioned is my guy plus 10! Hes been rough. Ive even questioned my training techniques which really depressed me. Ive just started nose work. Never did this before. He likes it. Im going to continue. Thank you for your vids. We love them over here.
My girl is 6months and its started. I think socialising went well so hopefully this stage passes with minimal regression. She has a pretty good temperament to start with!
My dobie is 8 months old and out of control. Your videos are very helpful in explaining some of these behaviors are normal in dobies and suggestions of what you can do to correct the behavior.
You nailed it! New owners should watch this video once a month around puppies age of 6 month. My girl just turned 15 months and the difference is like night and day.
Hershey is about 14 months old and has been a challenge but he is the best dog I ever had and checks every box for me. He is awesome in the car and never try's to get up front and usually just sleeps. He loves water and can catch the ball. He was so easy to train to sit speak lay and give paw etc. And is so good off leash and always checks with me. But like I said he was a challenge. But is becoming a great dog!
if only i had this video 2-3 months ago xD ive had a German Shepherd and a Black Lab before i got my Doberman and the difference in behaviours has been wild! my two previous dogs felt like a walk in the park compared to my Doberman, so many differences but its been nothing short of fun xD
They sure are very different than any other dog breed. Sorry this video didn't come into your life soon enough, but glad you know it now! "This, too, shall pass"! :)
My intact euro male Doberman became VERY protective of me from about 9 mos to 1 year. He’s always been protective, like even as a small puppy. but that puberty time, he was downright dangerous because he was already large. Our trainer explained to me that it was from puberty and we worked on some solutions. He’s now 5 yo and a sweetheart to almost everyone … almost … but during that few months he was over the top. He took his job too seriously.
Khatra is 8 months old, and she is definitely in her teenage stage. She is wonderful in all ways in her training, but we've observed a couple behaviors that have surfaced. Her stealing habit has increased. It is kind of funny because she seems to have no shame in it and doesn't hide or destroy the items she steals. She walks around with things like treasures she has found. I can't ever leave my readers on the coffee table! She has been ignoring commands, as if she is way too smart to listen to a lowly human. Her protection instinct has increased especially at night. She will patrol the whole house checking rooms and doors and wanting to go outside to patrol and bark at the world. She is especially protective when my husband is away and we are alone at home. However, she loves people and going to any dog friendly locations. She loves to meet new people and is especially friendly and happy. And like you said, it is because when she was between 9 and 16 weeks we made special efforts to take her out to meet people. I conditioned her to know the word "friend" whenever we met someone safe. Her favorite friends are the UPS, Fedex, and the Tractor Supply people. She has gone to puppy class and now is in beginner obedience. At home her obedience is awesome - top notch. But her attention expires at our group classes because she wants to play with the other dogs. Just trying to be consistent.
We had a female Dobie who lived for 11 years and almost 4 months. She went through a couple of these behaviors. She started going to the bathroom in the house and not always behaving as well as she had before. I didn't know at the time this was the reason. We just went back to basics with the housebreaking and in a couple days she was back to normal. We had another adult dog (German Shepherd mix) who played an integral role in teaching Dobie puppy the rules of the house. It was cute and truly made our job a lot easier. Plus the puppy copied her adult "sister" making things much easier too. It's hard to understand why someone would get rid of a pup at this stage. I know it is work to get through but we get through it together. They are family members.
Flint is 8 months old right now. This is all so accurate! My husband swears up and down I bought the most hard core complicated dog on the planet. He has no respect from Flint and really struggles to get him under control. It blows his mind when he gives Flint a command and Flint just stares at him, but then I walk into the room, give that same command and Flint obeys immediately. My husband spends way less time with Flint though. The barking... we had the cops called on us twice in one day for his barking, but I think it has more to do with his volume than frequency. He's at least 3x as loud as the other dogs in the neighborhood. As for his pushiness, he's always been pushy. He will ram toys into us repeatedly for attention. It's my fault for not correcting that early because I thought it was funny. Oops. Yesterday he pushed limits with me by chasing our chickens and ignoring "leave it." I caught him, put the prong collar on, and we made many passes through the chicken flock. When he'd get that predator focus on one I'd snap the prong and say "leave it" at the same time. In 30 minutes, he was laying down while the chickens were eating food all around him. Anyway today we start e-collar training. Being able to correct him at a distance during his teen stage will set the tone for obedience for the rest of his life I hope. Thanks for this video John!
@taramcfadden7076 Be careful with the e-collar training. Just strapping it on the dog and "frying" the dog for unwanted behaviors might give you some success right there. But you may cause yourself issues for later on. There is a proper way to train with an e-collar. First you should condition the dog before even using it. I recommend taking an e-collar (online) class from an experienced working dog trainer like Michael Ellis. If you chose a different trainer, do your research on them. There are too many who just call themselves "trainer". Good luck!
My female (Zena) has been a pretty quiet puppy. She is almost a year old and we never heard her bark. She hit 11 months and all of a sudden, she found her voice. Now her favorite thing is looking out the window when it is open and watching everything and barking at any little thing she see's or thinks she see's. She is easy to distract and we can get her to do other things. But now she is very watchful on what is going on around the house. Funny how you mentioned that females do this. thanks
My doberman is 3 and he is pretty calm now. But as a teenager and an early adult he was a menace. But now that he is About 3.5 years old we dearly miss his naughty tantrums. If you have a teenage dog and are fed up with his or her anti authoritative behaviour. You will miss their teenage days a lot when they get older
My boy is 100 lb in tact and just turned 2. I am still experiencing some of this with him! No bad aggression but so pushy and stubborn still! Help! Lol😅
Our Female Doberman is now 10 months we have had her since she was 3 months. I will tell you, Doberman's are ALLOTT of work. I have always been fond of this Breed but honestly, didn't really know much about them and their characteristics. Our dobie still likes to nip at your ankles and wrists. She doesn't bite hard but just like playing but we have tried so many things to get her to stop doing this, with no luck. I also have found while taking her on walks she now likes to bite the leash and pull it away from me. Like she wants to be the one in charge not me. I correct her, but have to 10-15 times per walk. I also have noticed her barking more at people walking by us particularly if one is wearing a ball cap, or some type of face mask. She also hears something and goes CRAZY so I need a good grip on the leash if we are outside, inside she bolts for the back door wanting to go out just to "Patrol" and bark. These are things she has been doing just in the last few weeks. Yeah, these dogs all seem to suffer from ADHD which I find ironic because they are supposed to be so focused on their owners........Look Squirrel and runs off. That's not focusing on me. She also likes to do this thing where she is kicking her legs while scratching the floor, like she is challenging you? I have some video's on Instagram I will add here so show. Yeah she is a Nut Job, but we Love Her haha. Our first dog, and I will admit, She can be more than I feel like handling on some days, but she is a Good Dog and is part of the Family. Link to the leg scratching here: instagram.com/reel/C4OwfqQvL3t/? Here is a link to the leash biting craziness: instagram.com/reel/C3xytiKxC4l/?
I've had a red Dobie girl exhibiting all those traits! I watch American Standard Dog Training and his approach is very balanced and excellent for these kinds of cases. The love we give needs to be balanced with effective corrections! Herm Sprenger prong collars are game changers, if used properly. Things will only get more intense , yes I do believe she is challenging you guys. Don't give up yet and best of luck !!! 🙏🏼❤
@@lyndellechristian I partially agree with you. We have spent over $1000 on Obedience Training from a respected trainer/behaviorist for our Doberman. We needed to stop when our dog got spayed. The collars you mention do work with a BIG "IF" and that is IF they are used properly. They can also hurt the dogs neck as puppies. Our Doberman is 10 months old. She is stubborn as a mule and can be VERY difficult. You can throw money at training and special this or that, but in the end you either get along with the dog or you don't. We Love our Doberman, even though ours was gifted to us from my Daughter, people need to really research the dog they are interested in PRIOR to getting one. Just because you like the look, or "heard" these are good dogs, is really pointless and may lead to disappointment which could leave one to give up the dog. Dobermans are ALLOT of work, and as long as you know that going in? You will have no problems.
this, by far, is the best doberman-guide channel i've come across. I recently acquired a female puppy who is now 6 months and 3 weeks old. Over the years, I've had various breeds of dogs, but I'm noticing some behaviors in Nova that I haven't seen in the adult Dobermans/Dobermen(?) owned by my friends. 1. She has a constant urge to lick my face, to the extent that I have to apply balm to my face to deter her at night when I sleep. While it was initially amusing and endearing, it has become disruptive to my sleep, and I cannot be near her head. Is this behavior just a phase typical of her teenage stage, or should I be more vigilant and address it? 2. She currently weighs approximately 21 kilograms (about 46 pounds) at 6 and a half months old. Is this weight within a healthy range? Unfortunately, I live in an area where access to quality veterinary care and facilities is limited. 3. she is extremely calm/well-mannered around my other household pets (except the goat; hates it), and also around strays and other dogs in the locality. she never charges them, or barks. just stares at them with a confused look. But she charges people if she's off the leash. she never bites them or even tries to, but she'd run up to them, growling/barking menacingly and "playing" with them. i can't explain it; she bows down kinda, wagging her butt and tail, and hopping around the said person. i'm concerned about it because where i'm from, dogs aren't loved, they're tolerated. i was wondering if this would die down once she's all grown up. she's leash trained, and i want to start with off-leash training at the earliest. Sorry for the long post. just concerned about my good girl. P.S. She snores every night! is that normal too?
I just brought my 4th Dobie, home, March 8, 2024. Having obedience trained so many dogs, it seems to me that because dogs live a shorter life than most people, they go through phases quickly. Or, at least, faster than humans. So, with every phase I have learned that if I'm patient, it will soon pass. Finally, curbed the puppy nipping. Since my puppy stopped nipping, I bought Vitamin C serum to heal the little cuts & prevent scarring.
Getting a new Doberman puppy in a couple weeks. Should be interesting based on the experiences here. Hoping to document some of the training and behavior...
I had my titus (90%) house broke at 9 weeks old. Then we had a major winter freeze to the point it was unsafe for any of dogs to go onside for about 72 hours. We designated a place in the basement for them to use with some ASTRO turf. Titus's potty training was zeroed out it took an additional 6 months to get him back on track. He still has issues with stress pooping in stores. He also now (19 months) has been fighting/regressed in almost all prior training. I am working with a local trainer to get him back on track. She has owned/worked dobermans for most her life. After just one session I can get him to walk on a leash without trying to dislocate my shoulder.
Oh that would be a very difficult time. I'm glad your family has been able to walk through that challenging phase - you've come out on the other end so you know this 19 month old phase will be (hopefully) short lived as well. So glad you've got a good trainer and that you are seeing progress already!!
@DobermanPlanet end goal is to have him trained as my ptsd service dog. He has helped me out around the house and genral public settings amazingly. It just getting his basics back under control that has been the challenge. Your Channel has actually helped me decide to get him in the first place and conquer many challenges so far. Keep up the amazing work. I hope arlo is doing well. We miss him but totally understand why he's not on anymore.
We use the collar as well when off leash out doors niya at 2 is still coming Through the end of this so hope is insite.the dobies we had before didn't reach major level in majority till almost 3our 6 yr old will be happy when that milestone comes she's in the laid back phase.
Just got a 4 month old European Doberman and she’s very smart. She’s getting big quick and starting to nip a bit more. One question, bc I’m not at home and can’t leave my puppy out, what are some good tips in not having them in the crate all day? Any alternative or advice. I feel bad since I can only her out when I take a lunch. Before and after work though I try to play with her
Help a girl out with some advice, my girls (I got two 6mo female dobbies) won't pee or poop unless its inside the house. We take em out right after waking up, wait for an hour, and they just won't do it until we come back inside. Help anyone?
So my puppy is 9-10 months, and for some reason hes not going through an "adolescent phase". He is super calm, sweet, nice to all people, and the most is playful with my other dog and some minor jumping in the morning. I am waiting I have a feelings it all going to hit a 1-2years old. Is this normal? Do dobermans become territorial around 1-4 years old?
Truth be known, you shouldn't get your dogs spayed or neutered! It causes them to have more cancers & other diseases. At least wait til their a little bit older like 2or3yrs old. I know that my comment gonna get several backlashes. But do your research. There are now some vets that say it is bad for your dogs to spay or neuter them.....
@@christopherblack4520 If someone is a responsible pet owner, than they can keep an unwanted pregnancy from ever happening in the first place..... I've owned dogs my whole life & none have ever been spayed or neutered..... I've had 1 planned liter in my entire lifespan & I'll be 60yrs old in 9 days.... Just goes to show you that it can be done! We bred one of our black labs we had back in the bout 2002.... I've owned 8 Dobies 2 of which were rescues, 4 Labs, 3 GSD, 1 Poodle, 1 Lasa Apso, & a couple of mutts......
Get a vasectomy! They will be sterile but not desexed and still have the protection of their hormones! Finding a vet who does them is the challenge. Do research on it and get the latest results of the studies.
My dobies weren't too bad about the peeing in the house. They did test me. They were pretty good all in all. Other breeds I've owned that do that are dachshunds and terrier mixes. They are stubborn and test you all the time.
totally agree, ive owned a dobie, no issues at all, have a wirehaired daxie, oh my goodness, ive never met such a stubborn breed, toilet training took nearly a year and i was so on it…. give me a dobie anyday ! Im getting one next year… cant wait :)
It's like your Dobe got a factory reset and everything they knew got erased. Manners, tricks just gone I have a set of canine "commandments". Thou shal not be aggressive about food thou shall not charge the door and others. Two days of firm insistence of following the rules and all was well. Never saw anything like it
Donut Operator just did a video on a police chase and they had a Doberman on the force. But he went after a cop instead of the suspect running up the hill.
@@darionwalker3185 There were two dogs. The one that went after the cop was a Doberman. Or maybe the dog mysteriously grew a bushy tail before it went after the suspect.
Start off slow (having friends/family over to your house; walks at the park during slow hours where there aren't many people) and work your way up (go out for ice cream together; going into stores)!
Here is a great video where we visited a Doberman rescue center: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-0mFGGKCuJJQ.htmlsi=BUAohWgdj1cXt3UM. This gives you a good glimpse into what you will see, some questions to ask, and what you'll experience while there!
my pleasure, right back at you, myself, wife , son, and dog enjoy all your videos.keep them coming please,ps this is the first time i have ever even thought about sending $ to anyone channel. it wont be the last.@@DobermanPlanet
My dobey is 17 months old, she wants to play with a ball but teases you by putting the ball at your feet then trying to race your hand to it with her teeth. She doesn’t bite hard but you can feel her teeth, if you fold your arms on your lap she will pick it up and put it on your lap. The odd thing is she will fetch it up to three times on medium distances but go all day if she could putting it at your feet and grabbing your hand as you try quickly to pick it up. I’ve got to out smart her of that or wait to see if she gets better as she matures. If I say BE NICE she will try the mouth lightly once then rub on you with her side a bit to like say sorry and lick your hands to signal we are good and ok. She’s fun ,she’s my bestie so we both try.
I think that may be teaching her Resource Guarding. There may come a time when she has something you don't want her to have, and she won't give it up and will fight to keep it.
Boy howdy i,ve got my hands full with Ziggy at 7 months. Females are so much easier than males. He is a carpet shark and limitless energy is hard to take all day long. Alot of challenges coming up, bite bite jump jump hump my older female bite bite jump....
