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Q:

Is it normal for Dobermans to bark a lot?

Hey guys! I have recently brought home a beautiful Doberman and I am loving every bit of her personality. However, I have noticed that she barks a lot, especially when she sees another dog or a stranger approaching the house. I am not sure if this is a normal behavior for this breed or if there is something that I am doing wrong. I want to make sure that my dog feels secure and comfortable, and at the same time, I don't want to disturb my neighbors with excessive barking. Can anyone share their experiences with their Dobermans, and if they have faced similar issues? Any tips or suggestions to control or reduce the barking would also be appreciated. Thank you!

All Replies

tboyle

Hi everyone! As a Doberman owner for several years, I can relate to the struggle of excessive barking. However, in my experience with my Doberman, it is essential to recognize that barking is a natural behavior for dogs. It is their way of communicating with their owner and the world around them.

As such, I have found that discouraging barking altogether is not always feasible. Instead, what has worked for me is redirecting my dog's barking towards something more productive. For example, I would train my dog to bark on command, and then redirect that energy towards a toy or training activity that stimulates his mind.

Another approach that has helped me is reinforcing the behavior I want to see, rather than scolding my dog for the behavior I don't want. For example, when my Doberman is quiet, I reward him with treats or praise. This helped him understand that being quiet is a good behavior and helped reduce his barking overall.

Lastly, I would suggest you keep in mind that consistency and patience are key to training your Doberman to bark less. Every dog is different, and it may take more time and effort for some than others. With time, effort, and consistency in training, you can turn your Doberman into a loving and obedient companion.

immanuel.hickle

Hi, the barking behavior you are seeing is quite common in Dobermans. I have a Doberman who is 3 years old now, and he used to bark at every little sound or movement when he was a puppy. However, as he grew up, he became more confident and now barks only when there is a real threat or danger. The key is to train and socialize your Doberman from an early age so that she understands that there is no need to bark at every stranger or dog she sees.

Have you tried providing your Doberman with plenty of exercise and playtime? Sometimes excessive barking can be a sign of pent-up energy or boredom. Try taking her for longer walks or playing fetch in the park to tire her out. Also, using positive reinforcement techniques such as rewarding her when she doesn't bark or responding to commands can help her understand what is expected of her.

Lastly, if you are concerned about your neighbors, you can use anti-barking devices such as collars that emit sound or vibrations when the dog barks excessively. However, please note that these should be used as a last resort and not relied upon solely as a means of training. Overall, with patience, consistency, and proper training, you can help your Doberman become a well-behaved and happy companion.

kobe.tremblay

Hello fellow Doberman owners! I have owned a Doberman for several years now and I can empathize with those struggling with excessive barking. In addition to the excellent suggestions already mentioned, here are a couple more tips that have helped me with my Doberman.

First, I found that exercising my Doberman frequently is an excellent way to reduce excessive barking behavior. As a high-energy breed, they require plenty of physical activity and mental stimulation. When they're tired, they're less likely to bark excessively from pent-up energy. I ensure your Doberman has adequate exercise to reduce barking.

Second, I recommend crate training your Doberman. It can provide a quiet, safe, and familiar place that they might retreat to when stressed or anxious. This will help them manage their emotions and reduce the desire to bark excessively. A cozy and comfortable crate can also help with the anxiety associated with separation from their owner.

Ultimately, remember that excessive barking can create frustration and problems for both you and your neighbors. Please do not hesitate to seek professional help from a veterinarian or dog trainer if needed. Be patient, consistent, and follow a positive reinforcement approach to train your Doberman effectively. With time and effort, you can have a well-behaved and happy Doberman companion.

rodrick55

Hello! I have been a proud owner of a Doberman since he was a puppy, and now he is 5 years old. Barking can be a common behavior for them, especially when they feel threatened or territorial. However, excessive barking can also be a sign of anxiety or fear. It is important to understand the underlying cause of the behavior before addressing it.

One way to reduce excessive barking in Dobermans is to socialize them well at a young age. This includes introducing them to different people, animals, and environments in a positive and controlled manner. This will help them build confidence and understand that not everything they encounter is a threat.

Another approach is to teach your Doberman alternative behaviors. For instance, when someone comes to the door, you can train your dog to go to a designated spot and stay there until they are released. You can also teach them to focus on you when they start to bark and reward them when they do so.

Lastly, it is important to reward your Doberman when they are quiet. At first, even a moment of silence can be seen as progress, so don't hesitate to offer a treat or praise when your dog is quiet. It is also important to avoid inadvertently rewarding barking behavior, such as giving attention or treats when your dog is barking excessively.

Hopefully, these tips will help you train your Doberman to bark less and become a happier, more confident companion. Good luck!

fleta77

Hey everyone, I have been a Doberman owner for over a decade now, and I feel that the breed's barking behavior is entirely dependent on the dog's personality and upbringing. My Doberman rarely barks, except to alert me to someone at the door.

However, I have noticed that Dobermans do have a propensity to bark more than other breeds. That being said, there are several ways to control excessive barking, including keeping your dog entertained with toys or teaching them tricks. Keeping your Doberman mentally stimulated can often reduce the need for them to bark to the point of excess.

Another approach that worked wonders for me is spending time understanding your dog's behavior and body language. Certain triggers can make a Doberman bark excessively; noticing these triggers early will help you train them to be more relaxed in these situations. Sometimes it might require the help of a professional trainer or behaviorist to get to the root of the problem.

In the end, a Doberman's excessive barking may be cause for concern, but it does not have to be a dealbreaker. Investment in training and a consistent approach to your dog's upbringing can make all the difference. Remember, Dobermans are loyal and intelligent; with patience and a good relationship with your dog, excessive barking can become a thing of the past.

concepcion.sipes

Hi there! I have owned several Dobermans over the years and have experienced different levels of barking with each one. It seems that some Dobermans are naturally more vocal than others, but excessive barking can be an issue with any breed of dog, not just Dobermans.

I agree with the earlier post that exercise and positive reinforcement training can help reduce barking behavior. I also recommend teaching your Doberman the "quiet" command, which can be very effective. Start by saying "speak" or "bark" and then rewarding your dog for barking. Then, say "quiet" and offer a reward when your dog stops barking or quiets down. Repeat this exercise, gradually increasing the amount of time your dog must be quiet before receiving a reward.

Another tip is to control your Doberman's environment as much as possible. If she barks at people or other dogs passing by your house, try closing the blinds or curtains to block the view. You can also try keeping your Doberman in a separate room or kennel when you have visitors over.

Lastly, if excessive barking continues to be a problem, it may be worth consulting with a professional dog trainer or behaviorist. They can assess your dog's behavior and provide customized training techniques to help reduce barking. Good luck!

wisoky.edna

Hi everyone! I just wanted to chime in with my experience with my 7-year-old Doberman. When I first got her as a puppy, she would bark at everything and anything. It was definitely a challenge to train her not to bark excessively, but with time and patience, she has improved significantly.

One thing I would like to add to the previous responses is that establishing yourself as the pack leader is crucial in training your Doberman to bark less. Dogs are pack animals and follow those they perceive as the leader. If your Doberman sees you as the alpha, she will be more likely to follow your commands and respect your boundaries.

Another tip is to address any underlying anxiety or fear your Doberman might have. If your dog is barking excessively due to anxiety or fear, it is essential to address the root cause. This can be done by desensitizing her to her triggers gradually. For instance, if she barks excessively when she sees other dogs, start by exposing her to dogs at a distance and rewarding her for calm behavior. Slowly decrease the distance between them over time.

Lastly, consistency is key when training your Doberman. It is important to set boundaries and stick to them. You should respond to unwanted behavior every time it happens, and reward good behavior consistently. With patience, time, and plenty of positive reinforcement, your Doberman can learn to bark less and become well-behaved and happy.

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