Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Dogs

An easy guide for training your Doberman pinscher the right way

Gabrielle LaFrank
By

Training your Doberman pinscher might seem intimidating — they are a smart and active breed, after all. The truth is, though, that Dobies are incredibly eager to please, so you’re likely to have a dog who’s even more excited to learn than you are. Just don’t forget the treat bag!

With some forethought and the right mindset, Doberman pinscher training can be a breeze. It might take some practice to be as clear and concise as possible when communicating with your pup, but in the end, this will make a world of difference for you both. When in doubt, some pets and a delicious snack will definitely help get the message across.

Recommended Videos

Have an alpha demeanor

According to the American Kennel Club, Dobermans are incredibly smart and eager to please, though they can get rowdy and even destructive when raised or trained inconsistently. In addition to being full of excess energy, this breed can be pushy when they’re particularly motivated — or unmotivated.

To help combat any Dobie stubbornness, make sure she understands that you’re the boss. It’s not about being harsh or loud, though; it’s about letting your dog know that you’re the one who makes the decisions for you both. Once your dog has mastered a basic obedience command like “sit” or “wait,” incorporate that training when feeding your dog or letting her out to potty. When she has to earn her favorite things, she’ll understand that you’re the one who calls the shots.

two doberman pinschers stand next to one another on green grass
Jenson/Shutterstock

Work with their desire to please

Because Dobermans are so naturally motivated to please their owners, many Dobie parents find that training comes pretty naturally. The keys to keeping your pinscher engaged in training are thorough praise and appropriate training intervals. Make sure to find a training treat that’s both healthy and enticing to your dog — though these are no substitute for verbal praise and lots of loving pets!

Although Dobies are often eager for training, too much practice can encourage your pup to act out. Start with five to 10 minutes of training per session when you’re starting out, then build up according to what feels right for you both.

Start with the basics

Dobermans are excited to please their owner and earn a reward, so start with the easiest commands to give them an opportunity to succeed. This builds their confidence, too! Learning the essentials will make some of the more advanced commands even easier since complex moves often combine and build off the basics.

“Sit” is the perfect place to start. Grab a treat and hold it in front of your dog to get her attention, then slowly raise your hand (and the treat) above your pup’s head. To keep an eye on the treat, your dog will naturally lift her head and eventually sit. Don’t forget to praise and reward her! Once you go over it a time or two, incorporate the command word “sit” every time you repeat the trick.

Learn a release command

One helpful training tool for pups who love to please is the “release” command. This command essentially tells your dog that you’re done asking her for things and she can go back to just being a dog.

You would use this command after telling your Dobie to “sit,” “stay,” or just about anything else. In fact, you might already have a release command without even knowing so. A lot of pet parents tell their pups “Okay!” when it’s time to grab a treat after training — it’s exactly the same idea!

a doberman pinscher stands in a grassy field on an overcast day
patstatic/Pixabay

Be consistent

Doberman pinschers are smart and loyal, but they’re creatures of habit, too. Routines will help keep them relaxed and happy … as long as you don’t come home late, that is! Falling off routines is one common cause of a wily Dobie, though confusion can make them lash out, too.

To combat this, stay as consistent as possible during training. Short, frequent sessions are predictable and just long enough to keep their minds engaged for learning. When actively training, be sure to remember your usual command words and don’t expect your pup to magically pick up on anything new.

When it comes to training Doberman pinschers, most owners are very lucky: All it takes (sometimes) is an alpha demeanor and clear, consistent practice. Of course, every pup is different, so it’s fruitless to expect every Dobie to act just like the rest. It’ll take some time to find what works for you, but try to have some fun in the process!

Editors' Recommendations

Topics
Gabrielle LaFrank
Gabrielle LaFrank
Contributor
Gabrielle LaFrank has written for sites such as Psych2Go, Elite Daily, and, currently, PawTracks. When she's not writing, you…
What to expect when your dog’s expecting: A dog pregnancy guide
Weekly guide to your dog's pregnancy stages
a pregnant brown American pit bull mix with a bow around her stomach poses standing on a wooden crate with flowers

Jodi Jacobson/Getty Images Jodi Jacobson / Getty Images
Whether or not you’re planning on breeding your dog, there’s a lot of value in learning about dog pregnancy stages and how to care for a dog who’s expecting. Especially if you're the kind of person who would rescue a dog in need, you never know when you (or someone around you) might benefit from this knowledge. As adorable and exciting as puppies are, do you know how to handle what comes first?
If you look at dog pregnancy week by week, it’s much simpler to understand. You’ll be able to break down the tasks and to-do’s so you’ll always be able to give your expectant pup the love and care she deserves. Nothing is better than a healthy and happy mama and babies! Here’s what you need to know:

How long is a dog pregnant?
Although there is an answer, the reality of every pregnancy will vary. The American Kennel Club reports that the average gestation period for a dog is 63 days from conception to birth. This can vary because it can be nearly impossible to tell exactly when conception occurs in canines. Once mating occurs, sperm can stay alive inside the female for up to a few days. Puppies are fully developed around day 58, so labor can begin as early as then.

Read more
3 effective tips to make puppy sleep training less of a nightmare
Help your puppy get to sleep with this guide
A black and white French bulldog puppy sleeps in the arms of a person wearing a sweater

Bringing home a new puppy means you’re in for a whole lot of cute … and a lot less sleep. Before 4 months of age, a pup’s sleeping schedule consists of naps throughout the day and night — not the nighttime slumber you’re used to! This is a habit he'll grow out of, but with a few cozy arrangements, you can help your puppy sleep through the night with ease.
Puppy sleep training takes some preparation and time, but it can be done. The first few nights might be difficult if you have a stubborn pup who isn’t ready to hit the hay, but he'll get used to it in time. Here’s what you need to know.
According to the folks at Purina, a puppy is likely to sleep all the way through the night around 16 weeks of age. Although they will need a lot of sleep — around 17 to 20 hours a day — for the first several months of life, these naps will come in small chunks throughout the day. Just like human babies, young puppies alternate between periods of energy and rest, so it’s important to let them sleep when and where they need to.

Should you crate train your puppy?
Sleeping in a crate can benefit both you and your dog, especially when he's younger. A small puppy will have trouble controlling his bladder and might want to chew, which means containing him is essential to keeping him safe. You definitely don't want your animal to swallow something dangerous in the night or while he's home alone.

Read more
Why do dogs cry? The 5 most common reasons
Is crying a real thing with dogs? Find out here
A dog lies on the floor making sad eyes up at the camera

One of the best parts of dog ownership is having someone to comfort you when things feel tough, and we try to do the same for them. However, dogs can cry for all sorts of reasons, and it's not always a good idea to indulge them. Sometimes you need to train your pup that crocodile tears won't get them their way — when they cry to get out of the crate or to get a treat, for example.

On the flip side, you always should keep a watchful eye out for cries that indicate a deeper issue, like sudden pain or discomfort. So you know whether to turn a deaf ear or reach for your phone to call the vet, these are five of the most common reasons your pooch might cry.

Read more