Hello everyone,
I am a first-time dog owner and recently got a Doberman puppy. I am not sure what types of behavior to expect from him as a puppy. I have heard mixed opinions about the breed, and I just want to make sure that everything is normal.
My puppy is currently 12 weeks old and seems to be chewing on everything in sight. He also has zoomies where he'll run around the house like crazy for a few minutes. He's overall very friendly and loves to snuggle, but he does get a bit nippy when he plays.
Is this normal behavior for a Doberman puppy? How long should I expect the chewing and zoomies to last? How can I help him stop nipping during playtime?
Thank you for your help in advance.

Hey there,
I have owned a Doberman puppy a while ago, and I can tell you that their behavior can vary from puppy to puppy, but generally, what you are experiencing is normal. When your dog chews on everything, try to keep him away from the things he is not allowed to chew, give him chew toys, and redirect his focus when you suspect he is about to chew on something he shouldn't.
My puppy had zoomies too, especially in the morning before we went on a walk, and it can be quite an experience. But don't worry, it should reduce as he gets older, and regular walks, playtime, and exercise would help.
As for the nipping, Dobermans are playful puppies and would often want to use their mouths for playing. Ensure you provide enough chew toys, and when your pup nips during playtime, use a clicker or voice correction to create a distraction. The idea is to let the puppy understand that nipping is not an acceptable form of play. If it persists, you can get him into puppy classes where he can learn more positive behaviors and socializing skills.
In summary, with enough love, patience, socialization, and training, you'll have a happy and well-adjusted adult Doberman. Congratulations on your new pup!