Dobermans are well known for being loyal, fearless, intelligent, and obedient. However, your Doberman simply doesn’t want to follow even the basic commands, such as 'sit'. When you try to fit his leash so you can go for a walk, he goes into overdrive. He jumps around and you spend the next five minutes chasing him around the kitchen. It makes the whole ordeal rather stressful. Teaching him to sit patiently will put an end to this dilemma.
It will also help for a number of other reasons. If you can teach him to sit, you can have him sit and wait before you give him his meals. This will help reinforce your position as pack leader. Teaching him to sit is also the most basic command that will be the foundation for all future training.
Fortunately, Dobermans are fast learners, so this type of training is relatively straightforward. The most challenging part comes in initially conveying to him what it is you want him to do. Once he understands this, you just need the right incentive. Food or a favorite toy is often the most effective tool. You will also need to turn training into a fun game. Doberman puppies learn best when they are having fun.
Because he’s a puppy, he should eager to please and a quick learner. This means you could see results in just a day or two. However, if he’s not so good at following instructions and is easily distracted, then you may need up to a week. Succeed with this training and you will have laid the groundwork to teach him a range of other commands, from ‘wait’ to 'high five'.
Before you start training, you will need to gather a few bits. The most important component will be food. So, stock up on treats or break his favorite food into small chunks. A toy will also be needed for one of the methods, as will a clicker.
Set aside just 5 to 10 minutes each day for training. Try and find a time where there won’t be noisy kids charging around the house, distracting him.
Once you have all that, you just need patience and a positive attitude, then work can begin!