| House Training your Doberman |
House training your Doberman is easy for you and your Doberman if you follow some simple guidelines. The critical thing to remember is most puppies are incapable of much control until they are around 12 weeks of age, With proper timing though and following a schedule, you can start with puppies as young as six weeks old which is great news :-). Let's look at some of the things you will need: (1) A shipping crate of a size to fit your Doberman when he/she is an adult. It should ONLY be large enough for the Doberman to stand up comfortably and turn around (for reasons that will become apparent later on) (2) A "Potty area". This will need to remain the same until your Doberman is fully trained; (3) A "Potty Word or Sign"; (4) Your puppy's favorite snacks. I find small pieces of hot dog (the sausage) work great and your Doberman will love them! (5) A cleaner which is non ammonia based for any accident areas. If you can find one that is made specifically for pets, they are the best. You should be able to get one which is called "No Go". You can get this from pet stores or catalogs. (6) A schedule designed to meet your Doberman's needs; (7) Above all you need a little bit of time and patience! Ok, we mentioned earlier the crate (don't you love that word) If you can get the molded, fiberglass type of crate used when shipping by air that is the best type. This will become your Doberman's "den" and - believe it or not - he will grow to adore it. Your Doberman will remain in his crate at all times when you are not giving him your full attention. This is really really important. The crate must not be too big. Your Doberman should have enough room to stand up and turn around. If the crate is too large, you will defeat the purpose because your Doberman will relieve himself in one end and lie in the other. For most young puppies, you will need a crate divider. These are very helpful because you can buy a crate which will fit your adult Doberman and use it while he is still a puppy. Your Schedule With Your Doberman The next most important thing is the your Doberman's schedule. A young Doberman puppy will need to go out every three hours - after each meal, after he drinks a lot of water, after he wakes up, and after playtime. I sometimes find it helpful to keep a diary of what the puppy "does" and when. You will see a pattern after about a week and this may be helpful in establishing a schedule. Your Doberman's Designated Area When your Doberman's crate door is opened, pick your Doberman up and carry him to the area of your yard that will be the "potty area". You must always take him to this same area for potty time. Take a favorite snack of his with you, it could even be the hot dog. Stay with your Doberman and have him on a lead if possible. You absolutely must not play with him. Your Doberman should learn from the beginning that this is not playtime or walk time, it is "potty time." Your Command For Your Doberman The instant the puppy begins to relieve himself, say the word that you have chosen for your potty word. It can be "go potty", "hurry", or anything you like. Just pick a word and don't change it! As the puppy is eliminating, repeat your chosen word in a pleasant and praising tone of voice. Praise For Your Doberman When he finishes, give him a "snack" and praise him profusely! Take the puppy back inside for food, playtime, etc. Remember to take him back outside after food or playtime. After 20 minutes, it's back in the crate for both rest and reinforcement. Continue this cycle until the evening. After Dark For Your Doberman I personally don't give food and water after 10:00 p.m. to my Doberman. This seems to help the pup stay clean throughout the night. At bedtime, move the crate to your bedside. Make sure your Doberman is in a draft-free area and has plenty of warm bedding. (I have found that a cold puppy is soon a "wet" puppy.) Most puppies will settle in fairly well if they are near your bed. When the pup wakes up in the morning, he will kick up a fuss to go out. Remember your spot and treats! So what do you do if Your Doberman doesn't understand the idea of Potty Training! If you find your Doberman in the process of going to the toilet in the house, clap your hands and say, "NO!" You then have to pick him up and take him out to his spot outside. If he manages to finish his business then praise him. When you go back inside, I recommend that you put your Doberman away so he cannot see you cleaning up his mess. As I mentioned previously please do not use any cleaner that contains ammonia. I recommend spraying the area with a product called "No Go" after you get the spot clean. If you discover a mess that has already happened, put Your Doberman in another area and clean up the spot. Please do not shout at your Doberman in any other way. If he goes in the house, you fell down on the job. It is your responsibility to see that he is in the right place in the right time. If you shout at your Doberman, it will not help your Doberman get housetrained. It will, however, teach your pup to be afraid and to mistrust you. What To Do When Your Doberman Does Not Mess Any More When the time comes that there have been no accidents in the house for two weeks straight and when you can tell that your Doberman is learning what "Go potty" means, you may begin extending his "free time" out of the crate. If there is an accident, you may have gone too fast. Remember that this is a baby you are dealing with; he cannot progress any faster than his maturity level will let him. But What About An Older Dog? The process for older Dobermans is very much the same. Remember - even Dobermans who are supposedly perfectly housebroken may have several "accidents" as they get accustomed to their new surroundings. Often too, Dobermans of both sexes will "mark" their territory so that any possible predators are alerted that this is now their "turf". On the other hand, an older Doberman with seldom need to go out every three hours. A more realistic schedule for an adult Doberman is upon awaking. Most Doberman (like people!) will urinate within several seconds of waking up. Many will have a bowel movement within minutes of waking up. Allow the older Doberman an hour or so free in the house. Then out again at lunch and another hour or so of free time. Back in the crate. Out again around dinner time which is usually when the Doberman will both urinate and defecate again. If so, your Doberman can hang out with the family and watch TV or lounge with you until bedtime. Take him out to his potty spot and then back in his crate to sleep. Otherwise, use the same methods and schedule using the same spot, the same potty word, the same cookies, etc. What To Do If Your Doberman Still Goes To The Toilet! Correctly and consistently using this method of training I have had no failures - and neither will you. Each and every Doberman has been reliable within three weeks of beginning his training. When your Doberman does the "right" thing, remember to stay on your schedule & use plenty of praise and rewards (cookies). And, if your pup "forgets", be sure that you don't let him see you clean up after him. If you do not see ANY results after 4 - 5 weeks, you may need to seek the advice and services of a professional Doberman trainer. |