Posting puppy Doberman ears at 4 months too Late?

[asadur_bey]

Hello Everyone,

I'm new to this forum and a new Doberman puppy owner.

I have a 12 week old Doberman. His earns are cropped, and I'm planning to post his ears. However, I've registered my puppy to a board & train program starting next week for a month.

My question is: would be would it be too late to start posting his ears at 16 weeks (4 Months) once he completes this program and back home?

Ideally, I would start posting now, but he needs to get started on this training program. I've attached a couple pictures showing how his ears are standing up already surprisingly. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

 

[Aaron56]

You would be better off waiting on that board and train stuff.

(no way I would ever send a dog of mine 'off' to be trained like that)

 

[JanS]

Welcome from Minnesota. What a nice looking pup you have!

I agree about not doing the board and train when the pup needs to bond with you right now. I'm personally not a fan of board and train at any age since I think it's best for you to work with the pup and sign up for a group class when he's old enough. At this age, it could have negative effects when this breed is so loyal to the owner.

I would cancel the training thing and keep him home so you can start posting right away and get that bonding time with him.

 

[Aaron56]

Welcome from Minnesota. What a nice looking pup you have!

I agree about not doing the board and train when the pup needs to bond with you right now. I'm personally not a fan of board and train at any age since I think it's best for you to work with the pup and sign up for a group class when he's old enough. At this age, it could have negative effects when this breed is so loyal to the owner.

I would cancel the training thing and keep him home so you can start posting right away and get that bonding time with him.

Agree 1000%

 

[Ddski5]

I don’t mind a board and train if you know the trainers and they do quality work and give regular updates. Do they know Dobermans? Technically a Doberman is a dog but in truth a Doberman is a Doberman. They play different, train different, bond different, etc…

I do think that 3months is too early for B/T. A young pup Doberman really needs to focus on the obedience foundation through fun and security with his owner. They learn through daily interactions with you set up through play, especially at 4months. You send him to a B/T that straight up uses discipline with on/off rewards for expected responses and it will not be the same as if it is for the master he is to bond with. If you do not have Doberman experience, what I just stated is hard to understand…

If you have zero experience, zero confidence and no clue how to train a Doberman and must sent to a B/T then at least wait until around 7months…after he has bonded to you and ear cartilage has hardened. Until then you can learn training techniques from this site, on YouTube, attend a basic obedience class after work or weekend.

It’s not impossible, if I could do it then so can you. And if you wind up doing all the training, it’s 100% better because his foundation originated and was worked through you.

Hard work? Yes
Time consuming? Yes
Frustrating? Yes
Rewarding? You can’t imagine how awesome it is and how proud you become.

But to answer your initial question…
No, I would not send him to B/T on account of the potential of these folks not knowing or caring or being observant of the ears. From your pictures it looks as if the ears have already started forming or else they would not be standing so erect.
So…ear cartilage tends to shape and harden from 4-6 months which is usually when they start and finish teething. If during this time they droop from fatigue, stress, or weakness then there is a chance of them not recovering unless a watchful eye catches it and post them up immediately…not in a couple of hours, not after training, not later when the owner shows up….immediately. And the worse thing that can happen is the pup sleeps on a bent ear, during cartilage formation, and cause a break or a crease in the cartilage…then you are fu@#*^. Have not seen any Dobermans ears recover after the cartilage has been broken or creased.
So the short answer to your question is No, not a good idea at all and imho, regardless of what the B/T trainers say. They screw up and not be aware? You are the one stuck with a crop flop for the rest of your Doberman’s life- not them.

Sorry…this is not what you wanted to hear.

 

[Ddski5]

If you are wanting to B/T him at 3months? Then he is probably being a typical Doberman puppy and ripping your arse up..

Yup…that’s part of the bonding that takes place. You feel each other out, he learns food comes from you when he is good and adherent. He learns from you what is right and wrong, etc…He learns and enjoys fun /play through you.

 

[Aaron56]

I don’t mind a board and train if you know the trainers and they do quality work and give regular updates. Do they know Dobermans? Technically a Doberman is a dog but in truth a Doberman is a Doberman. They play different, train different, bond different, etc…

Jan nailed it in her reply and then you came along and nailed it again.

There are sooo many valid reasons to question any sort of board and train...

 

[Ravenbird]

Agree with the others here. Nothing wrong with a high quality B&T with tons of background checks and references, but not at this age when this puppy needs to bond with you. The ears need posting now through about 6 months of age and any neglect can result in a permanent flop. If the B&T is simply basic puppy obedience and potty training, you would be miles ahead to do this yourself.

 

[asadur_bey]

Thank you for everyone who replied!

It's so nice to have a community like this where other Doberman owner's look out for each other. I cancelled the B/T. I've posted my pup's ears.

Now to the big issues - I'm really struggling with housebreaking my puppy. He's also not crate trained, whenever I put him inside the crate, he panics profusely. How would you recommend I go about correcting this?

 

[JanS]

I cancelled the B/T. I've posted my pup's ears.

That's great news!

He's also not crate trained, whenever I put him inside the crate, he panics profusely. How would you recommend I go about correcting this?

It's not uncommon for them to not want to go in the crate at first. I always start by feeding all of their meals in the crate and still do so they associate it with a positive thing. At first they might act all dramatic about it but you just have to ignore it until they are quiet and settle down. I ignore them, make no eye contact and don't talk to them at all when they are fussing. This is a smart breed so if having a panic attack will get him out, that's what he's going to do.
Once they learn the crate is their safe den they go in there on their own for naps and things.

 

[Ddski5]

Thank you for everyone who replied!

It's so nice to have a community like this where other Doberman owner's look out for each other. I cancelled the B/T. I've posted my pup's ears.

Now to the big issues - I'm really struggling with housebreaking my puppy. He's also not crate trained, whenever I put him inside the crate, he panics profusely. How would you recommend I go about correcting this?

I don’t know you but have to say, that’s is a big gut check to make and I am proud of your decision. So many folks would ignore, go the easy route and gamble on the B/T. It’s really not worth it- the risk vs the reward.

Posting ears is the first big step- you are doing it yourself, good for you!

Housebreaking is a process and will come with time, you just need to be consistent, persistent and on time. On time? You need to be very aware and observant to the pup all the time…he even remotely sniffs or squats? Scoop him up and take him outside and say- time for tee tee, he walks around goofing off, say time for tee tee again over and over. When he does potty, you have a big celebration, high pitched voice, arms waving jumping around overjoyed- you went tee tee!!! You do this over and over- this is the fun and excitement you bring to create some bonding with him. You do this over and over until his brain patterns it. Really that’s all training is…rewarding the good actions and creating a pattern in their young brains. Some learn it quick…some take a long time. My first Doberman learned within a week being home, my second Doberman had accidents in the house well into 5months old. She was just not developmentally ready until she was. You cannot negative punish this, you just have to be patient, persistent, consistent and on time catching them and scooping them up and take them outside. There’s absolutely no way a Doberman chooses or wants to pee/poop in the house on purpose.
Over time, if you stay consistent with this and verbally cue him verbally with “go tee tee” over and over, he will learn the language and command. I can take Freyja outside anytime and tell her to tee tee and she will squat and urinate. Same thing with drinking water- every time he drinks water, verbally cue him, “drink water”, he will learn the command. This is needed on very hot days when you know he needs to drink water but he chooses not to.

 

[Ddski5]

Crate training? Just as Jan says…it’s a battle of hard love. Can’t give in to the whines, squeals, barks or howls.

I recently posted this for another member:

Crate training goes back to my early days of learning and researching the basics of owning a Doberman. I looked at my YouTube history and I must have watched 60 different videos on it.
I think crate training is one of those things in which you just have to put in the time and the desired response will come. Some are easy and learn it…some are happy in there and love to go rest in their private lair. Mine only went in the crate if I asked them to do it. They want to be within 5ft of me all the time.
I used the crate in early puppyhood to control the crazy antics, keep them safe, when I left the house and a place to sleep at night. Generally stopped using the crate daily around 6-8months and gave them free rein of the house. It’s been a long time since I put Freyja in there, wife has been trying to get me to break it down and store in the shop but I don’t want to because I may get the itch for a new pup.
I do know that if they are in the crate and are whining, crying, barking…you do not let them out until they are settled and quiet for 3-5mins. This includes coming home to a crated excited pup.
Sometimes you just have to do tough love and refuse to acknowledge or let them out if they won’t settle.
Sometimes you go in there and softly tell them- it’s okay…I am here, it’s alright, calm down.
Sometimes I would sit down next to the crate until they settle. I think it really depends on the Doberman in front of you. Really love that saying from @Ravenbird.

Looking at this video now after years of Doberman experience, I am not for sure how it works but I’ll be damn…it worked with both of mine. You just need to sacrifice 3-5 nights that you know you will be sleeping on the couch.

Good luck and with EVERYTHING in having a Doberman.
Stay patient
Stay consistent
Stay persistent
You cannot break your goals or allow them to slide…
If you stay on course and with purpose…you will be so proud of your perfect companion. It’s amazing what they can become if you do it correctly.

This is a good post for you to read:

L

Thread 'Angel'

Apr 13, 2025

It brings me the greatest pleasure to introduce: Angel! No reg name yet, but he is a Melrae pup. He's just over 9weeks and he is A LOT. He's making me work too tire him. His favorite things are food and finding bits of debris to ingest.
Thank you to the whole extended Melrae and Soluna fam on here, watching your dogs gave me in insight into the line. Special thanks to @JanS for the recommendation.

We're working on leash, name, and leave it. Leave it gets used a lot.

The immediate struggle we have though, is the Crate. He didn't fuss overmuch when we first started the (9hr) drive...

• LucyXIII
• Replies: 48
• Forum: Doberman Pictures and Videos

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[Ddski5]

What is this “Doberman bond” that everyone keeps referring to??

Do you have children? because it’s the only thing I can equate it to. I have owned beagles, curs, hounds, labs and pound dogs and have to be honest and say that a Doberman pup is in its own realm. They can be just as challenging as raising a baby. The antics and craziness they bring forth is very challenging and frustrating and must be curtailed with boundaries and consistency. This mentality, this program that YOU instill establishes you as the master, the giver, the guardian, the parent on many levels because of the time and energy you put forth to establish control. You don’t set boundaries, don’t set discipline? You will raise a crackhead Doberman that will rip your arse up. So in essence, what you put into your Doberman is what you will get out. Not to harp on B/T again but that’s the problem with them….they do the work, they have the battle of wills when in all actuality, it needs to be happening between you and your pup.

You post the ears, get through the DoberShark and Doberteen phases, all the while training the foundations of obedience and incorporating fun play (which is absolutely imperative- fun play)….you will develop a bond with him and he will be the greatest friend, buddy, companion you could of ever dreamed of. Not trying to be dramatic with that…it’s just true.

 

[JanS]

they do the work, they have the battle of wills when in all actuality, it needs to be happening between you and your pup.

Yes, this!

 

[Ravenbird]

@Ddski5 speaks the truth on every point!

 

[JanS]

I cancelled the B/T. I've posted my pup's ears.

How is it coming along?

 

[MyBuddy]

How is it coming along?

I was wondering about that too. Would love to see an update and new photos on your pup! @asadur_bey

 

[Ziva23]

Hello Everyone,

I'm new to this forum and a new Doberman puppy owner.

I have a 12 week old Doberman. His earns are cropped, and I'm planning to post his ears. However, I've registered my puppy to a board & train program starting next week for a month.

My question is: would be would it be too late to start posting his ears at 16 weeks (4 Months) once he completes this program and back home?

Ideally, I would start posting now, but he needs to get started on this training program. I've attached a couple pictures showing how his ears are standing up already surprisingly. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

Absolutely not too late. Cartilage grows through the 8 month. My puppy has a show crop so I am posting her up to her 9th month to ensure the top of the ear is good

 

[BGpa]

What is this “Doberman bond” that everyone keeps referring to??

Do you have children? because it’s the only thing I can equate it to. I have owned beagles, curs, hounds, labs and pound dogs and have to be honest and say that a Doberman pup is in its own realm. They can be just as challenging as raising a baby. The antics and craziness they bring forth is very challenging and frustrating and must be curtailed with boundaries and consistency. This mentality, this program that YOU instill establishes you as the master, the giver, the guardian, the parent on many levels because of the time and energy you put forth to establish control. You don’t set boundaries, don’t set discipline? You will raise a crackhead Doberman that will rip your arse up. So in essence, what you put into your Doberman is what you will get out. Not to harp on B/T again but that’s the problem with them….they do the work, they have the battle of wills when in all actuality, it needs to be happening between you and your pup.

You post the ears, get through the DoberShark and Doberteen phases, all the while training the foundations of obedience and incorporating fun play (which is absolutely imperative- fun play)….you will develop a bond with him and he will be the greatest friend, buddy, companion you could of ever dreamed of. Not trying to be dramatic with that…it’s just true.

Great post. How did I miss this earlier?

 

[Ddski5]

Absolutely not too late. Cartilage grows through the 8 month. My puppy has a show crop so I am posting her up to her 9th month to ensure the top of the ear is good View attachment 158066

Wow!!
Those ears look fantastic!