Doberman

Doberman Training Tips

The doberman is another one of those dog breeds that has gotten the reputation for being aggressive or mean. Many times, these opinions are held by people who may not know enough about a certain breed. If you take the time to learn a little bit about dobermans, you'll find that they do have some unique characteristics that people will confuse with aggression. Below, we will discuss some of these traits and how they can be controlled through training.

Doberman Personality

The dobermans were bred as war dogs that were meant to accompany soldiers in battle. For this reason, they are extremely loyal and brave. They are also very confident and assertive, which is often misunderstood. People who do not know the breed very well mistake this assertiveness for aggression. This is unfortunate, and is one of the reasons that dobermans get such a bad rap. Another characteristic that makes training somewhat challenging is the fact that they are also very active and energetic. These dogs require an abundance of physical exercise and mental stimulation.

Training

Make sure that you are familiar with your breed's personality traits before you begin training, no matter what kind of dog you have. The first thing you need to do when training a doberman is establish yourself as the alpha male. In other words, make sure the dog knows that you are in charge. You must be very assertive and firm, due to the personality of the dog. If your dog thinks he has a chance to become the alpha male, you could be in big trouble. Always be careful that assertiveness does not turn into abuse. Never hit your dog, no matter what. You can do more emotional and mental damage than physical when you hit your dog.

Due to the high activity of dobermans, you need to find ways to work plenty of running and hard work into your dog's training program. These dogs were bred to work, and have tons of energy to burn. Try to incorporate some playtime into your training routine. Not only will your dog be happier, he will be able to pay attention better when he doesn't have so much excess energy. Allowing your doberman to get the proper amount of activity and exercise will make him less apt to destroy things in and around your house as well.

Training should be consistent and firm, when dealing with dobermans. A dog of this size and with this much power must be started out early. As soon as you bring your puppy home, you can begin the training process. It's also the best time to begin socializing your dog with other animals and people. If you take the time to do this correctly, your dog will be a great family companion for years to come.

Dog Training Agility

Basic Agility Training For Dogs

Just like for humans, agility training for dogs makes them more confident, increases their speed, and increases their overall flexibility, while doing things on their feet. Agility training for dogs is one of the fastest growing sports for dogs in the world. This relatively new dog sport is not only fun for the dogs but fun for the owners as well.

History of Agility Training for Dogs

Agility training for dogs started sometime in the late 1970s in England, where it somewhat copied horse show jumping. Both agility training for dogs and horse jumping build a strong bond between the owner and the animal. They also help to develop strategy and teamwork. You win an agility event with your dog by completing the course in the fastest time with the fewest number of faults. It is very similar again to horse jumping when the horse knocks down one of the poles of the fence.

Positive Benefits for Dogs

Another benefit of agility training for dogs is the mental effect it has on shy dogs and owners. Both often show a renewed confidence after successfully negotiating an agility obstacle course. Many dogs improve their coordination dramatically by completing the basic training exercises used to teach jumping and ramp work.

For those hyperactive dogs, agility training provides them with a method of releasing some of that extra energy in a positive manner. The mental workout for the dog is often greater for the dog than the physical one. The teamwork that the sport builds between the owner and the animal builds a level of communication between the two that is very similar to how humans communicate.

To make a great team in agility training, your dog and yourself must be in perfect sync, since there is no leash or collar allowed on a agility course. The order of obstacles is different on each course and the pathway twists and turns, so the dog, to be successful, has to learn a whole new vocabulary.

Puppies

Puppies can start training with regular walks through the agility courses as early as four months. As they get older, conditioning walks of two miles or longer are recommended. Dogs must be trained not to rush the obstacles as not to injure themselves by falling from an a-frame or a dog walk. Ramps have cross-laths to help with traction when the dog sprints up the ramp.

For the dog who is afraid of heights, the owner will coax through the uncertainty and by doing so will help his dog and himself.

Good Luck in agility training your dog!