Training a Doberman to come when called is an essential skill that every owner should teach their furry companion. These loyal and intelligent dogs are known for their high energy levels, making it crucial to ensure they have reliable recall. However, teaching your Doberman to come when called is not as simple as it seems. It takes patience, consistency, and the right techniques to instill this behavior successfully.
In this article, we’ll explore the best methods to train your Doberman to come when called, providing tips, tricks, and helpful advice to ensure your furry friend is a well-trained, obedient companion.
Note: For a complete training, we highly recommend this SpiritDog Online Training Course “Coming When Called”.
1. Start with a Strong Foundation
Before you begin training your doberman to come when called, it’s crucial to establish a strong bond with your pet. Spend time playing with your dog, engaging in activities they enjoy, and providing positive reinforcement through praise and treats. Building trust and a strong connection with your doberman will make them more likely to respond positively to your commands.
2. Choose a Distinct Command Word
Select a specific word or phrase for the recall command, such as “come” or “here.” Ensure that the command is distinct from other commands you use and that all family members use the same word consistently. Consistency is critical to avoid confusing your doberman and ensuring that they understand what you expect from them.
3. Begin Training Your Doberman in a Controlled Environment
Start training your doberman to come when called in a controlled, distraction-free environment like your home or a fenced yard. In the early stages of training, it’s essential to minimize distractions to help your dog focus on learning the new command. As your dog becomes more reliable in responding to the recall command, gradually introduce distractions and practice in various environments.
4. Use Positive Reinforcement with Your Doberman
When training your doberman to come when called, always use positive reinforcement techniques. Reward your pup with praise, treats, or playtime when they respond to your recall command. This will help create a positive association with the command and motivate your dog to respond consistently. Remember to be patient and consistent in your training, as it may take time for your dog to master the recall command.
If you’re using treats, these are currently the most popular training treats on Amazon.
5. Gradually Increase Distance and Distractions
As your doberman becomes more reliable in responding to the recall command in a controlled environment, begin to increase the distance between you and your dog during training sessions. Practice calling your dog from various distances and gradually introduce distractions, such as other dogs, people, or toys. This will help your dog learn to respond to the command even in challenging situations.
Related: Looking for the fastest way to train your doberman to come when called? Try this video course.
6. Make Yourself Interesting and Rewarding to Your Doberman
To encourage your doberman to come when called, make yourself more appealing and rewarding to your dog. Use an enthusiastic, high-pitched voice when calling your dog, and reward them with a treat or praise when they respond. You can also try running away from your dog when calling them, as this can entice your dog to chase after you and respond to the recall command.
7. Never Punish Your Doberman for Coming When Called
It’s essential to avoid punishing your doberman if they do not immediately respond to the recall command or if they come to you slowly. Punishing your dog can create a negative association with the command and make them less likely to respond in the future. Instead, be patient and continue to practice and reinforce the command using positive reinforcement techniques.
8. Practice the Recall Command Regularly with Your Doberman
Consistent practice is crucial for training your doberman to come when called. Incorporate recall training into your dog’s daily routine, and practice the command in various environments and situations. This will help reinforce the behavior and make it more reliable over time.
9. Use a Long Training Leash on Your Doberman
When transitioning from a controlled environment to a more open space, consider using a long training leash to maintain control over your doberman while they learn to respond to the recall command. This will help you avoid losing control of your dog and provide a safety measure as you gradually increase the distance and distractions during training sessions.
This is the most popular long training leash on Amazon.
10. Be Patient and Persistent with Your Doberman
Training your doberman to come when called takes time, patience, and persistence. Some dogs may learn the command quickly, while others may require more time and consistent practice. Be patient with your dog and maintain a positive attitude during training sessions. Remember that every dog is unique, and the key to success is consistent practice and positive reinforcement.
11. Use a Professional Online Doberman Training Course
While this article provides many helpful tips for training your doberman, you can increase your chances of success by enlisting the help of a professional online dog trainer. We love the SpiritDog online courses, since its includes unlimited questions with a real dog trainer.
You can check out their Teach Your Doberman to Come Online Course Here
In conclusion, teaching your Doberman to come when called is an important part of responsible dog ownership. It not only ensures their safety but also helps strengthen the bond between you and your furry companion. Remember to be patient, consistent, and use positive reinforcement techniques when training your dog. Keep training sessions short and frequent, and always end on a positive note. With time and practice, your Doberman will learn to come when called reliably, giving you peace of mind and a well-trained, obedient companion for years to come.
More Frequently Asked Questions For Training Your Doberman
Training a Doberman can be a challenging task, but it is also one of the most rewarding experiences for both the owner and the dog. In addition to teaching your Doberman to come when called, there are several other training techniques that are essential for raising a well-behaved and obedient canine companion. Here are the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about training Dobermans.
1. How can I stop my Doberman from jumping on people?
Jumping on people is a common behavior problem among Dobermans, and it can be both embarrassing and dangerous. Fortunately, there are several ways to discourage this behavior. First, teach your Doberman to sit and stay on command. Use positive reinforcement, such as treats and praise, to encourage your dog to sit and stay when greeting people. Also, make sure to give your Doberman plenty of exercise and playtime to help burn off excess energy that can lead to jumping. Finally, if your Doberman does jump on someone, turn your back and ignore them until they calm down. This teaches them that jumping will not get them attention, and they will eventually learn to greet people calmly and politely.
2. How can I teach my Doberman to stop barking excessively?
Barking excessively is another common problem among Dobermans, and it can be a nuisance to both the owner and the neighbors. To teach your Doberman to stop barking excessively, first, try to identify the cause of the barking. It may be due to boredom, anxiety, or a need for attention. Once you identify the cause, you can address it by providing more exercise, mental stimulation, or attention. Also, teach your Doberman the “quiet” command, and use positive reinforcement to reward them for stopping barking when you give the command. Finally, make sure to avoid reinforcing the barking behavior by not giving your Doberman attention when they bark excessively.
3. How can I teach my Doberman to walk on a leash without pulling?
Walking your Doberman on a leash is an essential part of their training and exercise routine, but it can be frustrating if your dog pulls constantly. To teach your Doberman to walk on a leash without pulling, first, make sure you have the right equipment, including a properly fitting collar or harness and a sturdy leash. Then, use positive reinforcement to reward your Doberman for walking calmly and staying by your side. If your Doberman starts to pull, stop walking and wait for them to calm down before continuing. Also, avoid jerking or pulling on the leash, as this can cause discomfort or injury to your dog. Consistency and patience are key, and with time and practice, your Doberman will learn to walk calmly and politely on a leash.
Training a Doberman requires patience, consistency, and a positive attitude. By following these tips and techniques, you can raise a well-behaved and obedient canine companion that will bring joy and happiness to your life for years to come.
4. What’s the best online course for teaching a doberman to come when called? At iHeartDogs, we recommend the SpiritDog online course “Coming When Called.” The course includes unlimited questions with a real dog trainer.
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