Jason Morgan 
Many dogs don’t like being on a leash, is what people say. The trick is how you get them accustomed to the leash. You can’t just slap on a leash on them and go, “C’mon, let’s go for a walk!” they’re not going to listen to you. They’ll tangle you in their leash, run away, or drag you along.
Dobermans can also be strong-willed and stubborn, so it is challenging to train them. One area where Dobermans often need extra training is walking on a leash. Dobermans are powerful dogs who may try to pull or lead the way on walks. As a result, it’s important to start leash training early.
Let’s discuss this in detail:
Things to Remember Before Leashing
Here are a few things you should keep in mind before you start to leash training your Doberman:
Be Calm – Your Attitude Means Everything
Being calm in front of your Doberman is very important. If you get anxious or excited while attaching the leash to his collar, he will sense that and react likewise. So you must stay calm and act casual as if this was the most normal thing in the world.
Practicing Basic Manners
If your Doberman doesn’t know the basic commands such as sit, stay, come, etc., it won’t be easy to train him to walk on a leash. Before starting with the leash, ensure that your Doberman is well-versed in the basic commands. This will make the whole process much easier for both of you.
Teaching a Release Command
The release command is very important, as it will allow you to let your Doberman off the leash when he behaves well. A good release command is “free,” but you can use any word or phrase you want to be consistent with it.
To teach your Doberman the release command:
- Start by having him sit or lie down.
- Attach the leash to his collar and give the command “free.”
- Please give him a treat and praise him for being a good dog when he gets up.
- Repeat this process several times until he can respond to the command consistently.
Keep it Positive and Fun
Leash training should be a positive experience for both you and your Doberman. Praise him and give him treats whenever your Doberman is doing something right. This will help reinforce good behavior and make leash training more enjoyable for you.
Reward ASAP
It’s important to reward your Doberman as soon as possible after he does something you want him to do. If you wait too long, he may not make the connection between his behavior and the treat. It’s important to reward your dog that motivates him, so experiment with different types of treats to find something he loves.
How to Start the Leash Training
Get the Right Equipment
To leash train your Doberman successfully, you need to have the right equipment. Start by getting a high-quality collar or harness that fits your dog snugly but is not too tight. It would help if you also got a comfortable leash that is the right length for your Doberman.
Yield your Doberman to Leash Pressure
If your Doberman starts to pull on the leash, stop walking and stand still until he relaxes. Once he has stopped pulling, you can start walking again. This will teach him that pulling on the leash will not get him where he wants to go and that yielding to leash pressure is the best way to walk on a leash. Again, when you are training your dog to yield to leash pressure, they may not immediately do it, but even if they try a little, it’s important to reward them so that it motivates them to practice more on the leash yielding and also because they love to please their owners.
Heel Position
Once your Doberman is walking calmly on a leash, you can start working on getting him to walk in the heel position. This means that he should be walking by your side, not in front of or behind you. For this position, the Doberman may take a little time to get accustomed to it, so practice it frequently until he gets the hang of it. To train your Doberman to heel, use treats and praise to reward him when he is in the correct position. Here’s how you do it:
- First, make sure the Doberman’s front two paws are parallel to your heels and hold him there with a treat in your hand close to his nose, commanding “heel.”
- Second, start walking forward and give the command “heel.”
- Third, if the Doberman tries to move ahead or lag, stop immediately and make him start over from the parallel position.
- Fourth, when he correctly walks in the heel position, praise and give him the treat.
The Doberman usually takes a little time to learn this position but will eventually learn that walking in the heel position is the best way to get where he wants to go and that it pleases his owner.
Start with Short Sessions
Leash training should be done in short sessions, so your Doberman doesn’t get too overwhelmed or tired. Begin by attaching the leash to his collar and letting him walk around the house on it. Once he seems comfortable, take him outside for short walks around the block. Slowly increase the length of your walks as he gets more used to walking on a leash.
Walking with the Leash
Finally, it’s time to take your Dobie for a walk! Remember to keep your Doberman on a short leash first and gradually increase the length as he gets more comfortable walking on a leash.
Also, take breaks frequently, so your Doberman doesn’t get too tired. And most importantly, have fun! Walking with your Doberman should be a pleasant experience for both of you.
Tips to Prevent Your Dobermans from Pulling on the Leash
Start the training when they are Young
For your Doberman to get accustomed to walking with a leash, it is best to start the training when they are young. This is because they are more impressionable at a young age and will be more likely to remember the training.
Teaching-Self Control
When Dobermans pull on the leash, it is often because they are excited and want to go faster. One way to prevent this from happening is to teach your Doberman self-control. This can be done by making him wait for his food or toys and only giving them when he is calm.
You can also try giving him a treat when he is walking calmly on the leash. This will show him that he gets rewards for walking nicely on a leash and will motivate him to keep doing it.
Attention Span
Another reason why Dobermans pull on the leash is that they have a short attention span. To prevent this, you can try to keep your Doberman’s attention on you by using treats or toys. For example, you can hold a treat in front of his nose and only give it to him when he looks at you.
Once he is looking at you, praise him and give him a treat. You can also try to get his attention by calling his name or making noises. If you do this consistently, your Doberman will start paying more attention to you and will be less likely to pull on the leash.
Rewarding for Correct Position
Praise and give him a treat whenever your Doberman is in the correct position. This will show him that he is doing what you want and will motivate him to keep doing it.
Remember, leash training takes time and patience. But if you are consistent with it, you will eventually have a Doberman that walks nicely on a leash.
Pulling the leash Shouldn’t be Reinforced
One of the most important things to remember when leash training is that pulling on the leash should not be reinforced. You should not move forward when your Doberman pulls on the leash.
Instead, you should stop walking and stand still until he stops pulling. Then, you can start walking again and praise him for walking nicely. If you do this consistently, your Doberman will learn that he needs to walk nicely on the leash to go forward.
Be Patient
Leash training takes time and patience. Don’t get discouraged if your Doberman isn’t getting it right away. Just keep at it, and eventually, he will catch on. Showing agitation or distress can cause your Doberman to get overwhelmed and make the training process even longer.
See Also: Do Dobermans Need a Muzzle?
Conclusion
Leash training a Doberman can be a challenging but ultimately rewarding experience. Remember to be patient and consistent with the training, and it will eventually pay off. Following the tips in this article, you can train your Doberman to walk nicely on a leash and have a pleasant walking experience for both of you.
Good luck!
FAQ
How long does it take to leash train a Doberman?
Leash training takes time and patience. It is best to start when they are young, but it is possible to train an older Doberman. Be patient and consistent with the training; eventually, your Doberman will catch on.
What should I do if my Doberman starts to pull on the leash?
If your Doberman starts to pull on the leash, stop walking and stand still until he stops pulling. Then, you can start walking again and praise him for walking nicely. If you do this consistently, your Doberman will learn that he needs to walk nicely on the leash to go forward.
What is the best way to get my Doberman’s attention when leash training?
There are a few ways to get your Doberman’s attention when leash training. One way is to hold a treat in front of his nose and only give it to him when he looks at you. You can also get his attention by calling his name or making noises.
Why is my Doberman pulling on the leash?
Your Doberman might be pulling on the leash because they have a short attention span, are excited, or are trying to get to something they want. In these cases, you can try to distract your Doberman with a treat or toy.
How can I make leash training more fun for my Doberman?
One way to make leash training more fun for your Doberman is to use treats or toys as rewards. You can also try to make the training sessions shorter and more frequent. If your Doberman has fun, he will be more likely to learn and less likely to pull on the leash.
What if I can’t get my Doberman to stop pulling on the leash?
You can try using a harness if you can’t get your Doberman to stop pulling on the leash. A harness will take the pressure off your Doberman’s neck and make it more comfortable for him to walk.
What is the best type of leash to use when leash training a Doberman?
The best type of leash to use when leash training a Doberman is a 6-foot leash. This will give you enough length to keep your Doberman under control but not too much that he can get tangled up in it. You can also use a harness with a leash attached to your waist. This will give you more control over your Doberman and prevent him from pulling you.
What is the best type of collar to use when leash training a Doberman?
The best type of collar to use when leash training a Doberman is a flat collar. This type of collar will not put any pressure on your Doberman’s neck and will be more comfortable for him to wear.
What are some other tips for leash training a Doberman?
Other tips for leash training a Doberman include using positive reinforcement and being consistent with the training. You should also make sure that your Doberman is getting enough exercise. Dobermans are high-energy dogs and need to burn off some energy before they can focus on training.
