Behind the Breed: Doberman Pinscher

In this series we will profile breeds registered with the American Kennel Club to give dog owners some ideas of what to expect of their dog. At Denver Dog Works we work with a network of breeders and with 20 years experience and training thousands of dogs we can help the new dog owner choose a breed that is right for you, your family and lifestyle.

Trainers Notes: I remember my first introduction to a Dobbie when I was young and my aunt had one. She was one of the most lovable dogs that I have ever been around. Energetic, watchful, determined, alert, fearless, loyal and obedient. You should be very cautious before bringing in a very cautious or shy Doberman into your family as it is not indicative of the breed.

Doberman Pinscher

Doberman Pinscher

A square, medium-sized dog, the Doberman Pinscher is muscular and possesses great endurance and speed. He is elegant in appearance and reflects great nobility and temperament. The properly bred and trained Doberman has proved itself to be a friend and guardian, and his intelligence and ability to absorb and retain training have brought him into demand as a police and war dog. The Doberman’s short, hard coat can be black, red, blue and fawn.

A Look Back
Although the roots of the breed are relatively obscure, it is thought that the Doberman Pinscher originated in Germany around 1900, taking its name from tax collector Louis Dobermann of Apolda, who desired a medium size dog to perform as a guard dog as well as companion. Breeds utilized to develop the Doberman Pinscher may have included the old shorthaired shepherd, Rottweiler, Black and Tan Terrier and the German Pinscher.

Right Breed for You?
The Doberman Pinscher is known to be energetic, watchful, fearless and obedient. He is ready to give prompt alarm (and back up that warning) but is also affectionate, obedient and loyal. The breed requires regular exercise, but needs only minimal grooming for his short coat.

If you are considering purchasing a Doberman Pinscher puppy, learn more here.

• Working Group; AKC recognized in 1908.
• Ranging in size from 24 to 28 inches tall at the shoulder.
• Guardian, family companion.

© The American Kennel Club, Inc. http://www.akc.org

Robert Forto | Team Ineka | Alaska Dog Works | Mushing Radio | Dog Works Radio | Denver Dog Works

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Dr. Robert Forto the owner of Denver Dog Works and Alaska Dog Works, is a musher training for his first Iditarod under the Team Ineka banner and the host of the popular radio shows, Mush! You Huskies and Dog Works Radio Shows

I just got a new dog? Now what? Steps 1-2

Michele Forto is the lead trainer at Denver Dog Works

Whether your dog is just eight weeks old or a rescued dog that you’re not sure how old he is or what’s he’s been through.  Now is the time to introduce good habits show your dog what is expected of him and how you plan to interact with him in his new life.

A good place to start is to write down some things you’d like to do with your dog.  Call a local trainer and discuss with him/her what your goals are and ask specific questions about how they can help you obtain those goals.  A training plan should be developed to build from a basic introduction of obedience commands to those that will be of most use to reaching your goals.

Step One: Introduce a flat collar and a six-foot lead.  Even if the dog is older chances are that he may not have ever been placed on a six-foot lead or a flat collar.  In the beginning, it doesn’t matter if you are able to walk around the block or walk 3 miles with your new dog.  What matters is that you are teaching your dog to stay close to you.  I like to describe to people that they are holding hands with their dog.  The walk shouldn’t be about a power struggle.  It should be pleasurable for the both of you.  Encourage your dog, again no matter the age, to follow you, turn when you do, and to walk with you at your pace rather than running some kind of race.  Walking your dog is not a competition.

Step Two: Welcome your new dog to your home.  What exactly does that mean?  Well, I have several clients who have asked me to complete board and trains with their dogs and what I noticed the biggest issue to be was that when we bring a dog home at 8 weeks or 8 months we usually get overly emotional and literally say out loud “welcome to YOUR new home!”  Believe or not you just placed your dog in the alpha role and boy is he happy to have received this ranking without having to earn it!  The first thing you should do is Step One – then walk, do not carry no matter how small, your dog to your front door, place him on a sit telling him good boy, then open the door, ask him to wait while you step over the threshold and then invite him in while you say “welcome to MY home, this is where you’ll be loved, nourished, exercised, and taught how to be the best dog in the world.” Viola! Instant respect, you just let your new dog know that he has to earn everything in his life.  There will be testing remain steadfast.

Tomorrow: Steps 3-5

Michele Forto is the lead trainer at Denver Dog Works and the co-host of the popular Dog Works Radio Show.