8 week old puppy training

[Kobewc]

getting my little guy very soon. He will be 8 weeks old when I pick him up from the airport!

I’m curious what are your first commands/most essential things to teach him?

My current list:
1) potty training
2)sit
3)down
4)crate/place
4.5) stay
5)heel
6)separation anxiety training (leaving him alone with some toys+treats for a few minutes apart) and do this in intervals for longer times

I’m not sure what else is absolutely essential to teach my new puppy? Can you give me a list of your favorite tricks/useful things to help him be the best pup and grow to be an amazing trained Doberman?

I also plan on petting him/hand in bowl while eating every so often to avoid any sort of eating aggression.

I’m not sure if these commands can be taught at 8 weeks young ? Or if some of the more advanced he might need to be a bit older


Any feedback/advice is appreciated!

 

[BGpa]

Looks like a good start to me!

 

[Two Dobes]

"OFF" is a good one when they are that young...because the new kid is so small, they tend to jump up and put feet on your legs for attention....if you wait too long, you will have a 50 pound young adult jumping on everyone he meets . They learn quick when you are consistent. I always have used off, so not to confuse it with 'down' which would mean lay down....off to keep feet off humans. You mentioned you will be using a crate, just making the crate a safe, fun place to be . Many people start by feeding the young one in the crate. Look forward to photos!!!

 

[JanS]

I’m not sure if these commands can be taught at 8 weeks young ?

I would not push anything much on an 8 week old or expect too much of him. You can start with some of the basics you mentioned but keep the sessions very short.

I also plan on petting him/hand in bowl while eating every so often to avoid any sort of eating aggression.

That I wouldn't do or he will feel his food is threatened. As stated, feed him in his crate and it not only makes him feel secure but it make the crate a happy place where he wants to go.

 

[Kobewc]

I would not push anything much on an 8 week old or expect too much of him. You can start with some of the basics you mentioned but keep the sessions very short.

That I wouldn't do or he will feel his food is threatened. As stated, feed him in his crate and it not only makes him feel secure but it make the crate a happy place where he wants to go.

Okay, so you think the bowl thing is bogus? I’ve seen some YouTubers say that it’s good aka Doberman planet lol. Good to know thanks!

When do you think trickier commands is appropriate to start ? How old ?

 

[JanS]

Okay, so you think the bowl thing is bogus? I’ve seen some YouTubers say that it’s good aka Doberman planet lol. Good to know thanks!

This might be a helpful thread on the food subject.

M

Thread '18 Month Old Doberman Growling Suddenly'

Nov 26, 2023

We have an 18 month old male Doberman who recently started growling when someone is approaching to pet him. We had two incidents with this. 1) He was chewing on a bully stick. My son’s friend came up to him to pet him. She came up to him and gently gave him a pat on the head and he immediately started growling at her. She backed off naturally, but it really caught me by surprise as he has never resource guarded anything. He was trained and socialized from a very early age. 2) He was napping in his bed when my niece walked by and attempted to pet him. He started growling at her and then...

• Mirjana.Kristo
• Replies: 18
• Forum: Training & Behavior

When do you think trickier commands is appropriate to start ? How old ?

It's never too early to start basics in small sessions and incorporate more complex things as they mature. Age wise, they can all vary so just take it slow and get to know your pup and what feels right.

 

[BGpa]

Hope I'm not too blunt here, and you will see it as constructive criticism by one who has been there done that...
60+ years of dogs and a reputation in family as "dog whisperer..." (i'm not, I just love dogs and they can tell)
including one dobe that was so easy 30 yrs back I have forgotten...
And I am humbled every day.
and
I still learn something new from my dobe dog.

If there is one lesson I wish I had spent a bit more time getting ready to train this dobe cuz I am just now starting to catch up 2.5 yrs later. And we'd be further ahead but lesdon learned!

So...thats for context:
? For you as you havent told us much other than "impulsive".,,
Is this your first dog raised from a pup?
First dobe?
What are your goals for her?

If I were you, I'd find a good trainer ideally proven as experienced in dobes NOW.

To get signed up to go to for lessons in person. The point of dog training is first in teaching YOU and by watching how YOU do with pup, as a good trainer can give you far better advice in person than any generic you-tubes, books, frankly.

Petco generic classes are fine, a better than nothing start but I promise you that you will get FAR more value out of working with someone who knows what they are doing than DIY.

So, Even if the best you can do is puppy class at Petco, then AKC basic obedience, and at the beginner level heres some good generic advice:

How to Find & Choose a Dog Trainer – American Kennel Club

Choosing the right dog trainer is essential. Here are some tips to finding a first-rate trainer who will make your life easier.

www.akc.org

The point of picking one proven coach at first you'll have a proven template and as you advance then your questions and the answers here will be more useful as they are on point, with the fundamentals you have learned.

And your pup will have consistent signals and expectations.

Training for YOu and dog,
Its a small expense compared to upfront cost of the buying decision, and
Later tearing your hair out as "nothing works!"
Or giving up and going with "board and train", or worse hiring a behavioral dog trainer if you or that unknown boarder really screws up your pup.

Not saying you will...just know that dobes are not dogs. They take more work but the rewards are huge.

You can thank me later.
How to:
1. I'd ask your breeder for a referral in your area, or
2. Find and contact the local DPCA chapter club and ask, or find a FakeBook doberman group in your area and ask for best trainer. You may get some flakes on FakeBook but screen for most likely brst advice from proven dobe owners.
3. If this is gonna be a working dog, or comes from a high drive line, then do the same at UDC.
4. If you tell us where you are maybe someone here can offer a name. Top trainers at executive dog level are booked, referral only but you can go to one of the competing trafe associations and get a list near you:

HOME - APDT International

APDT International is the leading resource for professional dog trainers worldwide. Explore training certification, industry standards, continuing education, and connect with experts to advance your career.

apdt.com

Or

Certification for professional dog trainers and behavior consultants

The Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers is the only independent certifying organization for the dog training profession. Learn about certification, further education, and more.

www.ccpdt.org

and see if that appeals to you.

Even read one book to stick with thats a fit for dobes is a good start. (Maybe some of the most experienced here can suggest one or two.)
5. The commands you cite fall under category of "basic obedience" and if you ever think later to compete in AKC you might as well follow their basics on how to...check AKC and youtube for writtem and video examples.
You an refine/adapt/add later once uiu have the basics down.
@Kobewc You may be a little behind on the power curve here, and your life is about to change...

So no offense, asking random questions all over the innertubes is just gonna generate analysis paralyis, IMHO...

So unless you already have someone proven in training dobes, or other strong drive smart dogs, to observe YOU in the interaction and coach YOU,

Then it will be frustrating for you and since this time of juvenile puppy development is so SO useful- you dont want to waste time in basic DIY mistakes.

Once you do this, ie: "learn how to speak dog and train consistently", then teaching the dog is relatively easy. And you will be amazed what you get after 2-3 years. You are ALWAYS training and it should be fun, so if you are confident by having a mentor (or two in trainers)
You can "listen to the dog in front of you".
The biggest bond in working dogs comes from working with their owner.

Sorry if that comes across as blunt but I think its the best I can do.
If I am wrong, apologies in advance.

 

[MichiH]

Okay, so you think the bowl thing is bogus? I’ve seen some YouTubers say that it’s good aka Doberman planet lol. Good to know thanks!

When do you think trickier commands is appropriate to start ? How old ?

I would just hand feed for trainings, use their meal time as training times. You can spread it out through the day or use the meal time for training.

Like @JanS said they may feel threatened in their bowl. So using their food for training will help with any food aggression, typically. They see you as the one who feeds them and you’re not a threat, but make training consistent. You’re the one in charge!

Also, like @JanS 8 weeks is super young. I felt the same not sure what to train at first, but you’ll figure it out. Keep it super basic. They will have the attention span of a fly for awhile.

Make it fun! Important to potty train and reward. Also, crate training very important.

Make your Doberman comfortable start with simple stuff / important stuff. As stated above @Two Dobes said leave it also an important one. Then progress to stay, off, down, all the commands needed for a polite and safe dog. Then tricks for fun, but that’ll come with time.

Enjoy! It’s a ride that’s for sure, but with time in, consistency, and patience- you two will be ok! And you’ll make a wonderful companion with lots of hard work put into them. Read this forum up and down. Ask any and many questions too!

 

[Aaron56]

Bite inhibition is going to be fun if you only have a single dog and one that is that young!

And yes on the petting while they eat. I do that all the time puppies on up. Better to do that while they are young when they cant really bite your face off than start trying it later when they can!

 

[Aaron56]

Petco generic classes are fine, a better than nothing start but I promise you that you will get FAR more value out of working with someone who knows what they are doing than DIY.

I would not personally take any puppy of mine to a Petco for training ever. Those places are notorious for hiring kids that know little to nothing. A good trainer is going to be working elsewhere and actually get paid for their time.

I would also advise to not take any puppy to a place like Petco until a few weeks AFTER the very last round of shots. Those public places like that are doggie germ magnets and a great place to pick up stuff you really may not want to deal with.

 

[LucyXIII]

Congratulations! I just got my boy in April, I have made an alternative list based on my trainer's curriculum, research and what I'm glad I did.

Mostly in the order they occured to me:

Bite Inhibition -- play stops and the playmate leaves when you bite too hard

Body Handling -- touching the whole puppy, messing with toes, ears, opening and reaching into the mouth. That last one will be important

Recall

Leave It

Place

Resource Guarding -- my method is adding something better than kibble to the bowl or while he is playing with a toy, taking the toy for a moment and giving it back.

Alone time in the crate or otherwise.

Dole out his meals as training rewards. It builds a bond and stimulates the mind.

I will accept payment for my "expertise" in the form of puppy pics.

 

[GennyB]

I’m not sure if these commands can be taught at 8 weeks young ?

I would start with short, FUN sessions. Play lots of games with rewards for the pup. Keep lots of toys by your side for redirecting for when the little alligator starts chomping. As he learns the basics you can turn up the heat with corrections.

 

[Aaron56]

My current list:
1) potty training

Get youself one of these -

That thing can be combobulated to be useful for many different needs.

If you wanted to attach a doberman collar to your wrist (or ankle) (and be able to adjust how much slack they have) - This what you want...



An 8 week old puppy is going to need to go pee a LOT.

Several times per night is what you should expect at that age.

If they is attached to you they will pull and you will wake up to take them out. They will not want to piss right where they are sleeping if they can help it...



Have a designated area from the get go where accidents can happen and you don't say anything while they get cleaned up. (am talking about pee pad stuff here)

That 'pee pad' training you do will most likely rarely be needed as you dog matures but they will not forget that if for whatever reason they is having an 'emergency' that they have a safe place to do it in without any grief coming their way.

You can train them to have whatever 'accident' in a particular spot if you want to. Easier if trained that sooner vs trying to train that later in my experience.


Accidents is going to happen no matter what regardless of how old the dog is.


You can train the dog where that spot is...

 

[GennyB]

Age wise, they can all vary so just take it slow and get to know your pup and what feels right.

IMHO, keeping it fun and games in the beginning teaches you a lot about your puppy, especially his tolerances. I watch for signs that he's had enough or is very engaged and wants to keep going.

 

[Ddski5]

At eight weeks…
Everything revolves around fun, play and bonding. I would not do anything structured or repetitive boring commands.

Use food as a lure into different positions:
Just start moving him around with fun and playful motions- with excitement from you. Walking around, having him follow you during fun actions. Then use food as a lure to get him to Sit, down, left side, right side, between legs, up onto a step, etc…all of this in a casual manner while playing and moving him through space.

I would have a pocket full of kibble and everytime he made eye contact with me I would say an emphasized “yes” as a positive marker and reward with kibble. “Yes” is a good marker but I found that a clicker worked much better in the early stages.

Just have fun and bond- gonna have to endure the DoberShark. Don’t get frustrated or angry, try to redirect into something else. It’s a stage you just have to work through.

 

[BGpa]

I would not personally take any puppy of mine to a Petco for training ever. Those places are notorious for hiring kids that know little to nothing. A good trainer is going to be working elsewhere and actually get paid for their time.

I would also advise to not take any puppy to a place like Petco until a few weeks AFTER the very last round of shots. Those public places like that are doggie germ magnets and a great place to pick up stuff you really may not want to deal with.

Good advice, to check out the trainer.

We are fortunate to live where there are several in area and I did some homework to find best reviews, confirmed with an older positive trainer that the best experienced Petco trainer in area was best for CGC class, as she was strict...
But may not be available to most.
So,
Ideally, invest in a proven trainer with dobe or similar drive and temperament dogs.

Fwiw: I have been doing some advanced OB plus a couple customized tasks for SD with a 40 year trainer who says AKC now hands out CGC evaluators like candy...

Therapy dog certifiers dont accept CGC as proof of anything.

Me paraphrasing but to your point- agreed its not the venue, or even the piece of paper, and finding the right trainer(s) is at least as important as finding right breeder.

You may also find you aren't a good fit with a trainer, no harm no foul, or need to level up, later.

Its like this, from a working dog competitor in Germany said: if the dog doesnt have drive, you dont have the engine.
If you the owner/handler dont have training, then you dont know how to use the steering wheel...

 

[Kswoodssue]

At eight weeks…
Everything revolves around fun, play and bonding. I would not do anything structured or repetitive boring commands.

Use food as a lure into different positions:
Just start moving him around with fun and playful motions- with excitement from you. Walking around, having him follow you during fun actions. Then use food as a lure to get him to Sit, down, left side, right side, between legs, up onto a step, etc…all of this in a casual manner while playing and moving him through space.

I would have a pocket full of kibble and everytime he made eye contact with me I would say an emphasized “yes” as a positive marker and reward with kibble. “Yes” is a good marker but I found that a clicker worked much better in the early stages.

Just have fun and bond- gonna have to endure the DoberShark. Don’t get frustrated or angry, try to redirect into something else. It’s a stage you just have to work through.

Yes this!

 

[Aaron56]

Its like this, from a working dog competitor in Germany said: if the dog doesnt have drive, you dont have the engine.
If you the owner/handler dont have training, then you dont know how to use the steering wheel...

Drive is sometimes dependent on having confidence that you can actually pull it off.

This girl had a squirrel drive in the beginning that I would have rated at about a 3 on a scale from 1 to 10. Might have been a bit higher when she was younger but as those things kept getting away every time that 'drive' started to go down.

Once she actually 'got' her first - Her confidence and 'drive' towards getting another went up in a very noticeable way.

The sort of drive where commands and boundaries are way less important to the dog than getting the 'whatever' is...

Not as big a deal if you can close a gate and keep them from chasing whatever out into the street -

Not nearly as safe if you have no gate and a squirrel runs by (and out into the street)...

 

[BGpa]

Yep. We started e-collar use (in a very specific and limited way, based on k9 working dog trainer) as "Hand of God NO" when eating a woodchip, dead bird, coyote poop, rotten lobster on beach, jellies in beach...you name it, these dobergoats will test it...until you educate "leave it" on thise items even when Grampa is not watching...

And:

As insurance on an off leash recall, expecting that the day would come (as it will)

When dog will just.be.too.excited.to.listen whilest chasing that black and white cat over there in the bushes...

Dont chase that black and white cat...

 

[BGpa]

@Kobewc
Hey there...by now I'm expecting you are working thru your to-do to be prepared to bring home pup in August, and I was thinking anout your reference to Doberman Planet...I've read some elsewhere the dobe folk kvetch that his content is, wrong, imperfect, etc...

And I can see how if he is not coming from the traditional show dog world, then people can get haughty...but just put things in perspective and think about YOUR needs and goals, and look for advice on that...widely.

I like to do research and *i hope* I dont come across as a know-it-all because
1. I dont
2. all of us are on a journey, of learning with our dogs. Thats half the fun.
3. Imma noob! This is my second dobe, and the first was far back in the mists of time, so easy and just a family pet, that any training advice from me in that is outdated...

So I hope I'm humble enough to admit I dont know much but I'm willing to share where we are in the journey, even if I take some shots from the peanut gallery...
Its all good. Constructive criticism is what you want from actual dobe owners...

and thats my take on Doberman Planet guy too. I admire how He is putting himself out there and I like watching his journey, too. Even the mistakes.

PS: There are other trainers on the innertoobs, some total wackos, others humble enough to share lessons learned.

I just found this one, and he describes how some of the "positive only" stuff might be fine for a golden, its maybe not gonna work for your dobe...and its a learning process, even your mistakes...thats called...life.
(Soapbox/off)

Anyway- this place here at DCF is great for dobe specific info, esp if you cant find an actual dobe experienced trainer in person.

So I'd be interested in how it goes and what others here have to say, been there done that, multiple dogs, inc more of a working perspective.

Best piece of training advice so far...
"Don't be afrraid to apply your common sense too. Listen...and
"Learn from the dog in front of you"

The bond you form in training is life-long.
(I would never send my dog out to board and train...for that reason, but thats just me)

I'm excited for ya!
Stay in touch!