Your puppy should be well socialized when you bring him home. He will be used to meeting people, and average noises in the house and on the street will not startle him. Socialization for your puppy is very important and good breeders begin socialization early. If there were children in the breeders family, the pup will be used to them as well. Let your dog meet the neighbors and play a few minutes. Take him for short walks in public places where he will see people and other dogs as well as hear strange noises. Watch other dogs, however, as they are not always friendly. Keep your dog on a short leash to keep control over him so he does not jump up on anyone.
You will find it to your advantage to have a mannerly dog; therefore, teaching your Dobe some basic commands will make your dog a better citizen. One of the family members should attend Puppy Kindergarten classes, which will teach good manners and serve as a basis for further training and activities. This is a class that accepts puppies from two to five months of age. It will take about two months to complete the class. You will cover the basics: sit, heel, down, stay and recall (come). There are definite advantages to each. Sit and heel are necessary when walking your dog. Who needs a puppy walking between your legs, lunging forward or lagging behind, in general acting like a nut? Teach your dog to walk like a gentleman on your left side and to sit as you wait to cross the street. Recall is very important if your dog either escapes from the yard or breaks his leash and you need to call him back. Remember, it is essential to have an obedient and reliable Doberman.
Next step: Basic Obedience for Doberman Pinscher Puppies
Reprinted from Breeders Best: Doberman Pinscher © 2004. Permission granted by Kennel Club Books, an imprint of BowTie Press.