Hi everyone,
I recently got a new Doberman puppy and I'm excited to train him to obey commands and perform tricks! However, I'm unsure where to start and what techniques I should use. I want to ensure that my dog is well-behaved and a joy to be around.
I've done some research and found mixed opinions on whether to use positive reinforcement or punishment-based training. I'm leaning towards positive reinforcement, but would love to hear from others who have successfully trained their Dobies.
What commands and tricks should I teach my Doberman? How often should I train him and for how long? Any tips or tricks for a first-time Doberman owner would be greatly appreciated!
Thank you in advance for your help!

Hello everyone!
I have a 5-year-old Doberman named Zoey, and I've found that positive reinforcement training works best for her as well. As a high-energy breed, Dobermans benefit from having a lot of exercise and mental stimulation. I always made sure to use training as a way to exercise Zoey's mind as well as her body.
One thing that I found really helpful when training Zoey is to have patience and break up training sessions into small increments. I would focus on one command or trick at a time and gradually build up from there. Once she mastered one trick, I would move onto the next. Training for about 15 minutes a day is a good starting point, and once your dog progresses, you can increase it up to 30 minutes at a time.
I also suggest varying your training exercises to keep your Doberman's interest piqued. Mixing up tricks and commands and adding in new ones will help to keep them engaged and motivated to continue learning. It also helps to train your Doberman in different locations, such as at home, in the park, or on a walk, showing them that commands are universal, and they need to obey everywhere.
Lastly, obedience classes, and working with a professional trainer can help make training more effective and give you the right tools to work with your dog. Overall, training a Doberman is a rewarding experience that strengthens the bond between you and your furry friend.
Good luck with your training, and remember to have fun!