I own the Doberman from the time it was a pup till the day it passed away. I never been blessed with such a smart dog. Never seen such a smart dog in my life

@laurakrajnikburick2731

Ай бұрын

Same here, I agree totally. My two dobermans (owned at different times) were my best friends and stuck by me no matter what. They are really attuned to us. Love them ❤

@TheTrutheverytime

Ай бұрын

Same here bro I had my first Doberman when I was 12 years old and we had to give him away Cose my mum can’t handle it and now I’m 30 and I just got my new puppy and I love him so much and will never let him go !

My Dobermans are well trained and have 100% recall off leash on my horse farm , HOWEVER they wear e collars when running loose because they can and have chased horses at the fenceline , chased barn cats and the occasional visiting Sand Cranes when I'm busy doing horse work . I call them off first , if no response I can use the high pitched audio option and lastly a zap if truly necessary . In an emergency they can save an animals life . I call it their "hearing aids"

@2017_K___Booth

Ай бұрын

My doberman went after horses too. It scared the crap outta me!

@M00s3r

Ай бұрын

In that case, it makes sense, not "outing" on the horses or cats could be disastrous, maybe even fatal.

@DobermanPlanet

Ай бұрын

Completely makes sense to me as well Sherri! Great use of the tool in my book. 👍

@lindamcmanus5807

Ай бұрын

totally agree

@rosemarymarsh3357

Ай бұрын

My Dobie chases motorbikes and she’s almost gotten run over. I think an e collar might help. She’s two years old. What type would you recommend? I have done a lot of training with her but she just goes crazy when she sees motorbikes.

I appreciate the passionate engagement from all sides on this topic! The comments have been so great and it's evident that these discussions are necessary and often overlooked! I'd LOVE to address some misconceptions that have arisen from this video. The focus of this video was on "extreme applications" of training tools, particularly in cases where their use could be considered cruel. When I mentioned instances like using a prong collar on a Doberman before teaching them basic concepts such as yielding to leash pressure, my intention was to highlight specific extreme scenarios, not to condemn these tools universally. This is an important distinction to highlight. I am not a "positive only" trainer. I'm a big believer in a balanced approach to training a Doberman (Doberman Planet's own study has shown that Dobermans respond best to a MIX of positive reinforcement during training and a clear, firmer approach). Yes, I've absolutely recommended prong collars and e-collars in certain contexts to my clients, and will continue to do so where appropriate. Many of the guests we've proudly featured on this channel show their dog wearing both! However, I do prioritize gentler approaches as a starting point. Ultimately, this video reflects my opinions and my approach to training. I completely respect different approaches. Dobermans are so intelligent and adaptable, that many approaches other than mine can be effective too! Thank you for your understanding and passion on this topic! I love that the discussion is more open as a result of this video and we can now discuss the MANY nuanced ways to use these tools. I always appreciate ALL comments, even constructive criticism! So, thank you!!!

@lw1373

Ай бұрын

Glad you clarified especially for non-Dobe owners. This is not the breed for everyone. My last few have been from Dobie rescues who thoroughly check the person who wants to rescue. Each is an individual with their own personality and a rescue takes time to adjust and now is my best friend. He decides who he wants to make friends with.

E collar worked great for us. After the first two shocks for not listening, it only took, at the most, the warning beep to recall our Dobe when he would chase deer.

I absolutely hated prong collars BEFORE taking my first Good Citizens test for my first male Dobe puppy. AKC doesn't promote prongs. After my 6th class and watching my 7 month old Dobe drag me around...the the teacher tried to show me proper way to walk him and he got drug all around...they fitted me with a prong. Honestly, after the 2nd week training with the prong we didn't need it. He understood completely. Since then I have used it with my older male pups. My females haven't required it and always have seem to get the basics of leash training quickly. Little males do fine without it until they hit that window where they get rather hard headed. They don't stay there but to have control (especially as an older woman, like myself) the aid it supplies has stopped me from getting hurt. I don't use them after they understand and respect me. Probably babied the boys too much also. But I couldn't help myself. Look at those big eyes. Hard to say no.

@DobermanPlanet

Ай бұрын

Sounds like a very appropriate use of the tool to me, Kelsey! I also love the level of discernment with the tool as well. So glad you found what works well for you!

@gailscibelli9148

Ай бұрын

Totally agree. I'm small framed, 70 year old. Couldn't afford to be dragged down. Prong just gives me that protection. NEVER do I yank on it

@tinaosullivan6451

27 күн бұрын

The prong collars can harm or possibly kill them be aware

No offense, but a high end e-collar has 1-130 power level and I can't even feel it on my own neck until past 21 - We train our dobie at 9-10 which is basically like a tap on the shoulder for them, no pain, no ouchie, annoyance at best. Cheaply made e-collars like the one you showcased here, have less power settings (1-10) have a extremely short ramp-up on the ouch/pain level and not recommended for any type of training. EDIT: I also was a big fan of gentle leaders until someone explained that in a situation of them running full speed at 80 lbs and you not moving at all, it could cause a serious neck injury by whipping their head around so we decided against it.

@fairygrl999

Ай бұрын

ooh thats such a good point about the head collars, that definitely changed my opinion too

@DobermanPlanet

Ай бұрын

No offense taken! The one I showed in the video was definitely a cheap one. A "1" setting on this one, as I showed in the video, felt like less than a static shock you'd get walking along a carpet.

Excellent video, John. Thank you for all the information.

@DobermanPlanet

Ай бұрын

Of course Cathy, I really appreciate your support, means so much to me!

When used correctly prong and ecollars are fantastic tools. My dog gets excited when I take out the prong collar.

@DobermanPlanet

Ай бұрын

I agree. There's a time, place, and specific use for every tool in my opinion. Any tool can be used in an inappropriate way for sure. Sounds like you're doing great Brian!

Thank you for the video

@DobermanPlanet

Ай бұрын

So glad you enjoyed it!

My wife and I have successfully used: Dominant position training Prong collar leash training E-collar off leash trading Leonidas is now 15months old at 106lbs, and I don’t think there’s a happier or better behaving dog, Dobe or otherwise, anywhere in our area. He’s incredibly friendly and playful and gets lots of love from us and everyone we meet.

@txusmc8265

Ай бұрын

I agree 💯. Did the same with my service, Doberman Tank. It is all in how you use it. Just like the leash on the muzzle can cause neck damage.

@eviejameson4706

Ай бұрын

Great dog name!

So did you get another Doby (red) or was you visiting a friends?

Great video, John. Agree with you completely.

What an important post. Really important. People should know and remember that Dobermans are among one of the most sensitive of dog breeds... despite their appearance and what people see in the movies. You can kill a Doberman's spirit with cruel treatment. This breed is incredibly keen and devoted to pleasing its family, and they're smart. A strong voice (not shouting) is all that is needed... along with enthusiastic praise when they do well.

@DobermanPlanet

Ай бұрын

Yes, they are very smart and positive reinforcement goes a long way!

My Doberman is now 3. She is an absolute joy to have in our family. The teenage years were the worst and felt like they lasted forever but now that we are past that and she has matured well worth enduring that ❤ I have never used any of the shock collars or choke chains etc on her and she has been very smart and trainable due to the strong bond we have and always being together. Love this video. Thank you Doberman Planet❤!

For obedience, treats were great and good enough, but I did introduce the shock collar for off leash purposes once treats did not seem really help with my Dobbie. I use it today as more of a “fail safe” when off leash much like the example given. Another good piece of advice if getting one, the type of shock collar you get also matters. A cheaper one has less settings. I spend a bit more for mine, but have 1-100 range which allows for more adjustments. I also have a vibrate feature which also does the trick if needed which she responds to very well on the VERY rare occasions nowadays. In summary, it uses correctly, like all things, can be effective.

My dobie is like most.. velcro dog. Sometimes it can be overwhelming but I know he just wants love. He doesn’t understand I have human responsibilities. 😂 ❤

@2017_K___Booth

Ай бұрын

Same here! Your comment made me laugh because I have the same experiences. I decided to get a job at a pet resort so I can take her to work with me. She is right by my side. It gets so bad that I have to make her get in the passenger seat because she wants to sit on the center console and lean on me.

@DobermanPlanet

Ай бұрын

Haha so true. They are attached at the hip!

Great video, as always! Would love to see you deep dive on the differences between purely positive, dominance-based, and balanced training styles, perhaps with the use of a Skinnerian conditioning chart. Everyone seems so afraid to touch that topic that the general population has a murky understanding of those terms and methods at best. Have a great day!

John, it’s usually very interesting❤

Greetings from Norway, will just say that I love your Doberman Planet, learn so much from you . We do have different laws here , like totally band to dock tale and cropping ears since 40 years ago, The breeders here has not so much knowledges reg training , and explaining how much different a Domerman are from other breeds. Thanks to you and after greeving my Gimli for 6 months, I am ready for my first Doberman, after having German Shepard and Rotwilers for 50 years. I have watch your show for 4 years and cant wait. Will have a trainer brougt in from Germany.. it will be the europein Doberman and a mail. So thank you, 🐾🐾🇳🇴

Tank you❤

I agree with your ecollar explanation. The person who trained me to use the ecollar said the shock component is a safety or life saving tool. ie, many dogs will chase a rabbit on sight and can chase it into a busy street. On the SportDog brand, a level 3 should bring the dog out of the tunnel vision of his hunting mindset. You use just enough to stop the dangerous activity. It should not be used to discipline the dog.

@DobermanPlanet

Ай бұрын

I agree. To he fair too there are many other ways to use an ecollar but purely for punishment shouldn't be one of them in my opinion.

@suzannethepatriot8049

Ай бұрын

Yes. I only used the shock twice when my Dobe chased deer towards a busy road. After that, it only too the warning beep to get him to recall.

The part about Deprivation Based Training is confusing, or more varied than you are discussing here. Not from an expert's viewpoint, but from a commoner viewpoint. I spent some time playing with a dog. Dog had a ball toy. I wanted to take the ball while dog was holding it. I said a word for dog to release for me to take the ball. Dog did not cooperate. I repeated; dog did not cooperate. My next step was, I stop playing and walk into the house. Dog soon followed, to be with me; so deprivation of PLAY was made but not any lengthy deprivation of attention. A couple minutes later, we went outside to resume playing. Dog took hold of toy ball. I wanted to take the ball, and said the word for dog to release it so I could take this ball. Doggy released grip on ball and I took it. I then gave praise to dog for this. None of this was cruel.

@MultiChillidog

Ай бұрын

in the beginning learning stage of a command, such as asking the dog to drop a ball, have a second ball, and as you say "drop", offer the second ball. most often the dog will drop the ball he/se has, and take the other ball. it is a good way of them quickly understanding the drop or even leave it command, without any sort of punisher

Love your videos brother! We are thinking of getting a Doberman for our family and have seen all of your videos. So very helpful. We just moved from NYC to Portugal and are deciding where to buy one as we don't want to put a puppy on a plane from the states. If you have any suggestions that would be amazing... 🙏🏼🐾

@DobermanPlanet

Ай бұрын

Seeing all of our videos is certainly an accomplishment! Thank you so much for being a dedicated viewer! You can send us a message through Instagram or Facebook and we can send you some helpful resources to finding a breeder.

Excellent video, these things are tools! They be used well or in a bad way.

@DobermanPlanet

Ай бұрын

Thank you so much for the support! I couldn't agree more!

I do use a halti with my dogs. One that goes over the head and nose. My boy who is 8 half years old, he weighs 33.9 kilos and my girl who is 3 years old this months and weighs 42 kilos. So definitely need the halti with her being very strong. I’m a older person so need the halti. I don’t walk them together as I’m responsible.

@DobermanPlanet

Ай бұрын

We've got to know our own limits!

Punishing during training is so obviously counterproductive. Positivity, praise, play are much better training methods. Something funny ~ I had my 4.5 month Dobie at a farmers market this past weekend, where pets are allowed as long as they are on a leash, picked up after. Someone came up to me told me that my dog was a vicious breed. I told her that if she really believed that, she would be standing 6 feet from me instead of 1 foot from me. She said nothing, walked away.

Every trainer I went to said use a prong collar. That's how I knew they weren't the trainer for us. I use a rope harness. Works just fine on an 80 pound uncut male. You don't need a prong collar.

Every single book I've ever read about breeds in general and dobermans specifically, says don't hit them. Books from the 1960's up to present day. Every. Single. One. "Anyone who hits this breed is asking for trouble." Is a common phrase.

Softlines makes one of those leashes with the harness that goes over the nose. I bought one yesterday. Is it pathetic that Im super excited for it to arrive?

Honestly I would say that this gentle leader is worse than a prong collar. I do actually use a prong collar (by Herm Sprenger) and I would recommend it to everyone.

I am on my fourth dobe, all females, until now with my first male, and training was very easy for most things. But Thor is different. He is a rescue dobe, and was abused quite a bit, and was very skittish about raised voices and hands, but now, after 1.5 years, he has mellowed out quite well, and does not react to raised voices or hands, and training is usually very easy, except training him to speak. He refuses to bark on command, and I was able to teach two of my girls to speak and whisper on command! Thor will not, although he will bark at people walking by the house, or when we are in the car, he will bark at some people on the side of the road, and he doesn't learn to stop barking on command either! He is also very emotional when I leave him alone. I have never had a dog act so attached to me and needing to snuggle so much. I have been thinking about another dobe to be his companion.

I recently found a dobie/Dobie mix on the side of the road with horrible mange. I've been carefully feeding and treating him for a few weeks now. He went from super skittish to an absolute cuddle bug. Shortly after I got him, he tried to go under my porch so I ran at him to catch him and he just dropped and started yelping. I felt so bad. I feel like he ran away or was discarded as the runt. Now he is twice the weight, super sweet, and just the perfect baby

I’m a show dog handler, I show and own Dobermans. You should only use a hermsprenger 2.25mm prong collar. It should be fitted on top of the neck like you said. HS prongs are perfect bc they are not sharp or flat, just rounded so it won’t hurt the dog. And I don’t agree with shock collars only e collars. E collars can vibrate instead of shock

I am very petite and prong collar is my favorite collar for a walk, however, I barely pull it because Shiro and Amber are very good, just for emergency reaction:) Thinking of training Dobbies like teenagers, you want to lead and guide them is the best effective hihihi

People should be trained with a prong collar first. Our trainer trained us first and then our dog. We just use the pressure of one finger to correct. Any more than that is wrong. We only use it when we are in a busy public place where other people or dogs are unpredictable.

@DobermanPlanet

Ай бұрын

Yeah I agree, there's definitely a right way and wrong way to use a prong collar for sure.

My two year old female doberman has developed food/toy aggression towards other dogs to the point where she will lunge at the other dog. Has anyone had experience in correcting this behiavor?

I have a male rescue done, super sweet and very smart, but he will not walk on anything but the prong collar. Tried harness and he literally froze refused to walk. He pulled a little when i first got him but now he walks with a loose leash most of the time. I guess he was just used to the prong collar.

Getting a dobie in 4 weeks bing watching all the vids I can!

John, are you advocating for "positive only" training. Sounds like it. Does not work with dogs or children! A prong collar is not cruel. Again, I think your lack of experience is showing. Your info on the doberman diversity project is great! Also, if you ignore most any breed of dog, behavior problems will ensue. Not particular to the Doberman breed.

@DobermanPlanet

Ай бұрын

Sorry to hear about the misinterpretation that I was discussing positive only training. That's proven not to he the most effective with Dobermans in even Doberman Planet's own studies. This video was about exteme uses of these tools and should not be construed to be interpreted as a condemnation of these tools in all scenarios. Only that I disagree with using them in the specific scenarios discussed. This was a video about extremes. We feature many Dobermans on this channel that are sporting prong an ecollars in our videos and will continue to do so. In my opinion, the tools aren't bad, some people are misguided, but not the tools themselves. Its all in how you use them! I appreciate your comment and helping me to clarify any confusiong surrounding this!

hi bro i am from india.i have 33 month old puppy,he is always bitting.how to stop it.

The abusive training done by some is one of the reasons I wish there was no more breeders out there. Although the high price of a Doberman has limited the breed to people that really want one. When I see the amount of dogs that are tied up outside for most of there life I really hate the fact that there are so many dogs that need a good home. And so many that are put down every year. I have had Dobermans for 40 years. They have a short life and need a loving home not abusive training. My new Doberman puppy is curled up with me as I write this. He is such a cutie and demands to be with me always.

How do you handle when one year old doberman plays aggressive with my six and in half year old collie. My dobermans plays way too rough. It play but rough play.

how to stop puppy biting

Open to suggestions! My titus gets overly excited when he sees another dog. (He goes into high play drive) he has improved greatly over all on leash walks. I have gotten him to a 50% of the time where I can get his focus back on me and whatever we are working at that time. I have tried slip lead, front clip harness, high reward treats (for him it's the "nothing but chicken" ) physical praise (his favorite typically) toy reward, redirection (avoidance) emersion (walking by or siting while other dogs walk by) even signing and making fun sounds, ignoring, quick correction and change of direction are many of the things I have tried over the past 6 months. Treats works the best but are still not fool proof. I have even tried freezing small cubes of his Ollie's foods and using those (didn't work out to well for my reward bag haha) I don't like the idea of prong collar with how sensitive his skin is to wounds. He walks into walls being goofy and gets cuts. He is in his hormonal years and intact so I hope that is his issue. He has no reactions while on card rides atleast.

My Doberman puppy was biting me and our two kids. He was starting to draw blood on me, especially when I tried to alpha pin him, like it just amped him up. If I ignored him when he started biting he’d bark excessively. If I walked away he’d chase and bite my shoes and legs. We got him an ecoller, and I just use the vibration. It gets his attention which makes him stop the biting or barking and then I praise and reward. He’s been such a pleasant puppy since.

I wonder about prong collars. Are they or could they be designed to come in different levels of prong aggression, like Aggressive, Moderate, or Mild?

Aside for the specific caveats that apply to breeds with Doberman characteristics I think most of this video applies to dog training in general. I’m not a professional trainer by any means but in my experience positive reinforcement works so much better than anything else, especially with dominant dogs. It’s extremely important for the owner to become a benevolent leader that the dog looks at for guidance and comfort. Especially when your dog is a dog with dominant tendencies. IMHO.

John I have been a fan of DobermanPlanet for a long time and I still will be, but you're wrong on several points. I have a doberman. His pedigree is really nothing special, 50% showline American and 50% hodge-podge backyard bred European pet garbage. Yes, I am under no delusion about my boy's pedigree, as much as I love him. His only bragging point on paper is that he turned out to be genetically healthier than both of his parents. I will tell you that I started out at Petco for his training at just under 4 months old. Flint learned everything the Petco trainer had to teach him 6 weeks and I paid for 12. He was in the adult classes by 6 months and still out-competed a Belgian Malinois twice his age in obedience and impulse control. They were both trained by the same trainer. That time was all fine and dandy, but Flint was still a bull on the leash. Excuse my brutal honesty here, but no amount of cookie/clicker tech bullshit was going to convince him to not pull, to not engage other dogs, nor listen to commands he knew very well when he wasn't in the mood. Under the guidance of a dog trainer that successfully trains many breeds to be functional in public without a leash, I bought the prong collar. Months of pulling was solved in 5 minutes, I kid you not. Once Flint went to the end of that leash, he got a pop on the prong collar as a correction. He did this about five more times, sheer stubbornness. I kept calm and repeated the process. The pulling stopped. I haven't had a problem since and Flint is almost 11 months old now. I have also graduated him to the e-collar for recalls, emergency sits and downs, emergency leave-it's, etc. and we plan to release a video soon of him being entirely off-leash, walking through a busy crowd of people and dogs and he will not leave the heel position. He still has the puppy ADHD, but he responds very fast to commands whether he wants to or not. He isn't stressed out. He isn't fearful. He understands the rules of being out in public and he obeys them nearly perfectly at this point. Could you turn Arlo off-leash and walk him through a crowded public area without the use of treats or toys? If you only ever use positive reinforcement, then there is no way. One distraction, a rabbit or a cat or a bird or whatever a dog thinks is more fun than their owner or their treats, and that dog is gone. A positive only owner has 0 control. Now I'm not saying I never use positive reinforcement, that would be asinine. It has it's place and is wonderful for teaching new behaviors and reinforcing good decision-making from the dog, but it is utterly useless for correcting bad behavior. Also there is a significant difference between "Negative Reinforcement" and "Positive Punishment". They are not the same thing at all. Positive Reinforcement: Giving the dog something they like for performing a desired behavior, like treats or toys. Negative Reinforcement: Introducing a form of pressure, like pulling up on a collar by the leash, until the dog performs the desired behavior, like a sit. Once the dog sits, the pulling up on the collar stops. Positive Punishment: Snapping a prong collar when an undesirable behavior is performed. It introduces something negative and pairs it with an action, to decrease the likelihood of that action. Negative Punishment: Withholding something the dog wants or likes, like a treat or toy or attention, during undesirable behavior. Once the undesirable behavior stops, this is usually followed up by positive reinforcement. Sounds great in theory but honestly has a very limited use in the real world. I haven't trained as many dobermans as you have trained, but for Flint, positive only wasn't enough. He is a very confident, outgoing boy with no fear. Caution yes, but I've never seen him be truly afraid of anything. He is independent and has a mind of his own. Strong dog. I have the Mini-Educator E-Collar, and I understand the point you were trying to make by using the e-collar you had in your video, but that one is hot garbage. It only goes to ten levels? The jumps between level 1 and level 2 must be huge. No wonder it seemed harsh to you. Drop the money on a good e-collar. Mine goes from 1 to 100. Flint doesn't even feel it until we are on 8, sometimes 9. I can tell only because he flicks his ear when I do it, which is called the "working level" and its different for each dog. You start your training on THAT level and no higher until you progress. This is called conditioning, and if you skip this step and just zap the shit out of your dog, then yes, you are now abusing your dog. Get a good e-collar, do the proper conditioning before actually escalating to correcting (this process takes probably two weeks), and get a trainer who knows how to use e-collars to assist you. They are amazing tools! I don't think I magically stumbled upon The King of All Dobermans given his genetics and his pedigree (yes, genetics do matter more than training, though training is important too), which tells me I can't possibly be the only one that knows without a doubt positive reinforcement only training is only successful on the dobermans that are scared shitless of the world around them, AKA, not actually Dobermans. God help you people with actual European working line dobermans that think positive only training is going to lead to a perfect dog with sunshine and rainbows. My "Pretty Pretty Princess" dog was a big enough handful for me and he is supposed to be "mild". If you have actually read this wall of text, good for you, you absolute scholar.

@appaloosatexas3254

Ай бұрын

@taramcfadden7076 Very nicely said and I totally agree. I wrote an "essay" comment as well 😀and another one on the terminology in reply to one of John's comments. It just sometimes gets me that people are so focused on "positive only" or "negative only" instead of understanding that both have their place. However, I don't know anyone who still trains with the old "escape - avoidance" approach. I currently own and train a 2 year old male European working line Doberman. I'd say our training is probably 80% to 90% positive just from focusing on engagement from young age and managing the young puppy (keep him out of trouble = less chance to reinforce unwanted behaviors ). As for punishment, even the word "No" is considered a punishment marker (or whatever word someone wants to use) and most often that is all that is needed. At 6 month of age I had to put a prong on as he was pulling like crazy on walks. He self-corrected and the problem was solved. He turned out to be the best Doberman I've ever had, but let's not kid ourselves. It involves a lot of time and commitment (usually 3-4 hours a day), so almost all my free time is spent on the dog😀

GOOD VIDEO ! I believe +ve reinforcement should account for 95% of training, but there is always a need for that 5% negative reinforcement, if a dog is doing something unacceptable. The problem as I see it is some are not willing to put in the effort and hours with the +ve, and inevitably over do the -ve. I have see trainers smack a dog using a newspaper, which doesn't physically hurt or harm a dog, but leaves it knowing it has done wrong. I reckon if overused the dog will soon see this as a game though!

I couldn't agree more. Never treat a Doberman harsh. We had a guy in the club who treated his Doberman harshly, later he was biten by his own dog and he had him killed for that. Poor dog, his owner was just an idiot. About the collar, from my experience, it is very difficult to get the timing right, it can make more harm than anticipated. But I had some recall problems

Keti diet can reduce the early death from cancer in dogs, useful for pet parents. Saw in a research

Domination training can be summed up as Bully training. Ya bully your dog into doing what you want. I would like to see an explanation video on the difference between something like an E-collar vs shock collar, cause its a HUGE difference, and when used correctly, it is a major boon that permits safe off leash action, while still being able to effectively enforce recall in high distraction areas.

I have been watching your videos for years, John. This is the first one I have to disagree with the majority of the content. The study you refer to, or similar studies, are generally used by the "force-free" or "positive only" community. They usually point this out and use terms like “scientifically proven” but are not able to prove themselves that their methods work. Most dogs will not be successfully trained with these methods in all aspects of life (for example under high levels of distraction). Interestingly, there are other studies out there that show the exact opposite (for example in one study the stress levels with e-collar use were much lower than the ones for withholding a reward). They sure are not mentioning them. Generally, I believe ALL tools in dog training can be used the right or wrong way. Even a head halter / halti can do damage to a dog. Or for example a harness is the worst tool you can use when you want a dog to stop pulling. All it does is to create an opposition reflex and the dog will pull even harder. Flat collars or slip collars (slip leashes) put a lot of pressure on the dog's trachea and can damage it. Contrary, the prong collar does not do that. It tightens and creates a pinch which is released immediately after the dog “yields”. If fitted correctly, it is a very safe tool to use. It has to sit high right behind the ears and for Dobermans small link prong collars seem to work much better. I currently have a 2 year old male European working line Doberman and we are training in IGP sports. For the most part I can just flick a finger on the leash with the prong to get his attention. If needed, for example under a high level of distraction, the corrections have to be strong enough to get the dog's attention. This varies by individual dog and situation. To be effective, the correction has to be given from a loose leash, and immediately after the correction, the leash goes loose again. In some cases, it might look like a jerk on the leash, but if this solves the problem in an instant, I find this much better than a constant “fight” between dog and handler. Much less stress on both as well. Of course, as soon as the dog presents with the wanted behavior, you should positively reinforce it. Many owners forget that part. About the e-collar: yes, you can use it in training as well (especially if you’re training to higher levels). That doesn’t mean to strap the collar on the dog and just shock it whenever it does something wrong. To do it the right way, everyone not familiar with the correct use, should take an online class from a good working dog trainer. There is a lot of preparation before you even start using it. Also, we are talking about low level stimulation (exact levels vary by dog and levels of distraction). For me personally, and many of my fellow working dog trainers, the e-collar is mainly used as a proofing tool after the dogs already went through all other training. Or, in some cases, as a communication tool with the dog. Same as you use leash corrections for communication, you can layer these with the e-collar. After the dog learns, you can use the e-collar without the leash. And yes, e-collar use also gives many dogs much more freedom they would never have without them (on walks, to prevent them from chasing other animals and so on). I definitely agree with you not to use physical punishment like hitting a dog. Withholding attention (for a short period of time) can be a useful tool ( like putting your puppy in a “time-out”), but it shouldn’t be done for an extended period of time. Just wanted to make some pointers, even if it probably is too long of a text already:) As a closing note, I want my dog and myself to be a team. I want to be the center of the world for my dog and for him to think that all the fun things happen with me. I’m not going to achieve this if I dominate or abuse my dog. It needs a positive approach, taking in consideration the needs of the dog. But you also have to be able to communicate with your dog in a clear and fair manner and hold it accountable for unwanted actions if needed.

This is my first Doberman. I think what you are saying makes sense with him. He just wants to be close to me. Sometimes if he doesn't get his way, he will act out. He loves to bark, I hate that, but he seems to be telling me that something or someone is coming. I have tried to teach him many different commands to "zip it" or "baby sleeping!" (my next door neighbors just had a baby) I have tried a hand signal too, but he barks and runs to me as if he is telling me something. I also own a GSD, who gets it! I laugh when people talk about a dobermans intelligentanc. They are no where close to a GSD. BUT.........I love my Dobbie so so so much, even tho he is very "different" from hid big brother. He is a total love bug and wants to clime INSIDE me, he cannot get close enough to me......ever! He is the sweetest dog I have ever owned. So there is a trade off. But, he is such a lover, I don't know what I would do without his very sassy ass! lol

lmaoo the beginning gave Coyote Peterson vibes, im assuming that was intended!

Yes, e-collars are handy in preventing life or death situations. I used the Dogtrol collar set at a 4 to snake proof both of my dogs. Loads of BIG rattlesnakes in south Texas!

On one of your videos teaching on how to correct puppies from biting you show an “alpha roll” where you pinned your puppy if redirection didn’t work. How is that different than the dominance training you mention in this video? Genuinely trying to learn.

Please tell my wife "Deprivation based training" is cruel. HAHA

the world isn't all sunshine and lollipops. Humans need bad experiences to teach us lessons and so do dogs. Just have to use the right combination of positive and negative depending on your dog.

@adrikmma

Ай бұрын

This guy has a heavy liberal mindset

@brianowens1002

Ай бұрын

Agreed. Not John’s finest video.

I've used a radio collar on Jed since he was a baby. It's a Xinese gadget that actually works long term. It has 3 buttons, recall, warning vibration, and the shock. I set it on 9/15. I rarely ever use the shock, just the viber is enuough to warn him, "You're gonna get in trouble!", and the recall is great since he is always free to run in the hills off leash, chasin gophers and rabbits.

Dr Uhde has a great video on why harnesses can actually be better than collars. Can be so difficult to ween a dog off of a prong collar too. If you want to compete with your dog or have a therapy dog, almost all therapy dog groups won't allow prong collars, let alone shock collars on a visit. Any time I see a dog with them on, the first thing I think is, oh, you can't train your dog without the use of pain. If Beckman can do it, am pretty sure these other KZreadrs that seem to make it their go to tool, can do it. It can also be difficult to get a good read off of a dog on a prong collar, especially around other dogs as they seem to be waiting for the pop. As soon as the collar is removed, you can almost see the relief on them. Check out all the dogs that Joel Beckman helps that actually come in with it on. He takes them off almost immediately. At least Beckman is helping people in countries where the tools have been outlawed. Hope that helps.

@robinrutherfordcost4748

Ай бұрын

I also watch Steve Young for horses - pain is the worst motivator. He's awesome and works with horses that could literally kill you without meaning to. Never any anger, never looses his temper. Always effective - hope that helps.

@robinrutherfordcost4748

Ай бұрын

And if Victoria Stilwell, who's only about 110lbs, can walk a 150 lb Mastiff on a harness, think other people can as well. Check out her 4 mastiffs video. Also, Joel Beckman's Rottweiler named Creed video for the foundation video for loose leash walking and reactivity. Hope that helps.

Shock collars only on low if needed I prefer not but I have because of safety reasons.

John, you are not well informed on modern e-collar training techniques. "Shock collar" thnking (using in aversive or punishing manner) is very dated. A quality modern e-collar (typically $150+) along with proper owner education and training can make an e-collar a very effective tool that can enhance training, build trust, and provide owner and Dobie great freedom in off-leash situations. In a positive sense, it gives me the equivalent of a walkie-talkie "push to talk" function that let's me communicate with my Dobie at a distance. (He typically runs on 3% level which I can barely feel on my neck or the tender skin on the inside of my arm.) Proper e-collar training should start with building a positive association with the e-collar sensation. The trainer/owner should find the lowest level a dog will sense, then reward a "look" with a high value treat. For the novice owner, this should be the only 'training' for the first few days as the value of the treat is lowered. I have also used an e-collar at ~10% with a reactive dobie to manage his focus and prevent his going off the rails. In this case, it allows for much safer and more measured management of focus than flat or prong collars. In helping others with reactive dogs, I have typically found that dogs are more fearful of the very strong "vibrate" function than they are of the lower level of stimulus from the e-collar.

@jkguy08

Ай бұрын

Well said man! I use an e collar technology on mine, conditioned at a level 4 out of 100 and our “trust” and relationship is 100%.

@EarthSurfer

Ай бұрын

@@jkguy08 I think we all agree that owners using an e-collar as a punishment device should be wearing e-collars... and not know who has the button...

@jkguy08

Ай бұрын

@@EarthSurfer so true! A tool is just a tool. Don’t blame the hammer for breaking the window. It’s all about the handler and their ability to use it properly. Spend the time and properly condition your dog to any tool so they have the answer to turn any off pressure. A leash is a tool and you can pop it lightly or pop it hard!! Let’s face it you can do more damage with a tight leash, poor timing and a bag of treats while reinforce the wrong behaviour. Education is key!! I normally don’t comment on anything but I don’t want people to be misinformed.

@barbaraholmes9694

Ай бұрын

Yeah.... John you're showing your inexperience with the e-collar. Ate you actually a dog trainer? In fact, as someone who advocates for dogs, you should be calling it an e-collar, not a shock collar. That's the misconception. I have used an e-collar on all 4 of my dobes with no ill effects. Heck, someone can do more damage with a flat collar and a leash. Dobermans are emotionally sensitive, not necessarily physically sensitive. An e-collar used in every day training, not just recall can save excessive leash corrections. E-collar should only be used with an experienced dog trainer. Owners should not do this on their own. A good quality e-collar has multiple levels of conditioning...like a 100...not 1-10. I don't normally comment either....John you provide some good information..but his was way off the mark.

@DobermanPlanet

Ай бұрын

I completely agree that using it as an aversive or punishing manner is dated. Which is what this video discussed in terms of the ecollar. 👍 If you review that portion we discussed only two topics: 1 - Using it to punish or as part of a negative reinforcement only approach to training, and 2- As a safety device. This is not an all-inclusice e-collar video discussing all the various techniques and ways to use them. There are certainly many shades of grey with these tools. Many of them are certainly legitimate methods of use. Some of them are inappropriate, ineffective, or worse. Like with any tool I suppose.

Prong collar is not cruel in fact, if used in a proper way, by the way.

@DobermanPlanet

Ай бұрын

Yup! I agree!

Out of the list of things that are mentioned in this video depraving and physically punishing your dog is cruel. Labeling tools as cruel is incorrect. Especially, when you are dealing with a working line type of dog. I do respect that Doberman Planet putting out great educational videos but in this case, the information given is false. Dobermans are not Pekingese. Dobermans are great dogs, very loving dogs but in reality they are a liability. There is a reason why there are breed restrictions around the world for Dobermans and it's simply because people cannot handle them. There is a need for these dogs to be corrected, they will test you, and the will over power you. If you are a Doberman owner, you know people will stigmatize you for just walking your dog around. Imagine playing fetch with your dog and they run off to chase a squirrel, rabbit, coyote? No amount of treats is going to stop your Doberman chasing a squirrel into traffic, into a kid and/or a person. As much as we love our Dobermans, they are still animals not little human kids. A fork is a tool and can be used to stab people, should we stop using forks, should we banned them? My Doberman is the happiest dog I've ever had. I've used prong collars and e collars on him. He is so socialized that he thinks that every dog is friendly and wants to play. But that's not the case. What kind of life would you be offering a Doberman if they cannot run at their top speed and explore? Strapped on a leash for the rest of their life is cruel. You need a way to recall your dog in any situation and an E collar is the only way to do it. Prong collars are great way to steer your dog away from things, reinforce not to jump on to people. My girlfriend who weights the same as my Doberman would not be able to walk him if it weren't for a prong collar, imagine your kids. I like to compare Doberman to a toddler, needs attention and affection all the time. But he is an absolute unit: 100 pounds, tall, all muscle, climb fences and trees, out run any dog at the park, eat twice as much as I do. Just because your sensitive human skin and feelings can't handle a stem signal or a prong collar doesn't mean your Doberman wont. If you are an advocate for Dobermans please educate yourself to the fullest. If you don't want to use e collar or prong collars on your Doberman consider getting a golden doodle instead.

Had to shock your self … for science haha nice start

@DobermanPlanet

Ай бұрын

Hahaha thank you! Glad you liked that!

I did have a female dobie that just wasn't happy with me because she really wanted a male owner. She was well trained and learned fast but wasn't totally in tune or happy. I found an older couple who had dobie's many times before. I rehomed her with them and she's completely happy now. Some dogs just prefer a certain sex as an owner or in their lives.

@DobermanPlanet

Ай бұрын

Interesting! Really appreciate you sharing your experience!

You are either a good trainer/owner or you are not. Anyone who trains only with possitive approach, or only Alpha/Dominance is doomed to ruin the dog. Go to a village, watch how dogs communicate. The way they communicate is gonna be priceless how you evolve as trainniner/owner.

@DobermanPlanet

Ай бұрын

Completely agree! 👍 Thanks so much for the comment! Appreciate it!

we use the petsmart fence...it has given our doberman tons of freedom and they can roam the yard without supervison

@DobermanPlanet

Ай бұрын

Glad you found something that works so well for you!

While I often agree with your videos, you are wrong about what positive and negative reinforcement are - positive is adding things and negative is removing things. Shock collars, like praise and treats, are both forms of positive reinforcement. Removing a dog from a situation or reducing stimulus like turning around or leaving when your dog is jumping on you is negative reinforcement. It's not about the negative or positive perception of the training method. I hope this helps clear up the misconception !

I hate the thumbnail of this video!

This whole video applies to ALL dogs regardless of breeding. Every breed spacific video tells us the SAME attributes!! It was difficult for me to have skin contact with the ecoller on my double coated GSD, had to shave her. I also itroduced the sensation at perception level with roast chicken treats. She thought it was a fly, as I did when I'd put it on. Always have taught basic commands prior to this, then layer ecollar to that command. I'm just an owner trainer. My dog is Working Bred GSD.

@DobermanPlanet

Ай бұрын

Much of it certainly can for sure. But there are additional considerations due to the human focused nature of the Dobermans, how they specifically react to certain types training from our surveys, their specific level of intelligence from breed studies etc. These things impact how you train them as well!

@patmunro3531

Ай бұрын

@@DobermanPlanet So they "scientifically" trained dobes to compare with other breeds? Shepherds, Border Collies, Great Danes, etc. Where can I find these? Love to read them

@patmunro3531

Ай бұрын

@@DobermanPlanet So, I can read your breed studies? Where are they please.

@DobermanPlanet

Ай бұрын

​@@patmunro3531 ​ Sure! The difference between breeds and their learning, processing, and behavior has been studied for a very long time and is well established (here's a very respected study that supports that finding: www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1558787814000343?via%3Dihub)! Also, one study at the University of Edinburgh showed that certain genetic factors (which were linked to specific breeds) influenced behavior, making it crucial to consider breed when developing a training strategy (you can read about the study here www.ed.ac.uk/roslin/news-events/latest-news/archive/2019/dog-study-links-genetics-to-behavioural-traits). In fact, we can get even MORE granular than that, believe it or not! Even just sub-varieties of Dobermans have shown to have differing behaviors, development, and tendencies from each other! It's truly amazing when you start looking into it! That's why I read this stuff for hours a day because it always fascinates me! Here are some studies we did here at Doberman Planet that highlight some differences between American and European thought processes/behaviors (www.dobermanplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/American-and-European-Doberman-Research-Study-Results.pdf) and Male vs. Female thought processes/behaviors (www.dobermanplanet.com/male-vs-female-study-2024). Those are all still Dobermans too, just different varieties! It's amazing when you start looking around how large of an influence genetics can have and certainly a prudent training approach should take these into account, just as that second study cited above reaffirmed. Enjoy! Reading studies on Dobermans is what I do most days! Haha.

@patmunro3531

Ай бұрын

@@DobermanPlanet Great. Thank you. I have Working Bred/raised GSD. She is NOT a pet. Rejected by the Police because they want BIG imressive males. However, mentally I think she's way above them in IQ, and even bravery. But, then again, as a woman I am on HER page!!!

I know you. You're on the TV with your wife, the blonde lady that fixes houses I know you

If you can’t train a Dobie then you probably shouldn’t have a dog - it’s not the dogs fault he (or she) is smarter than you….Cheers!!’

@DobermanPlanet

Ай бұрын

Yes, they are very smart - just takes time and commitment!

@driftergarage4898

Ай бұрын

Regardless, cruelty and pain have no place in pet training and are counterproductive and usually the result of frustration by the poorly equipped trainer…one of the best things about working with my Dobie is how much I’ve learned from him. 😉👍

Cruel tools for cruel people that should never have a dog, cats or kids

@christinanoname5773

Ай бұрын

Oh for fucks sake, used properly an E collar and a prong are absolutely fine. This video is weird and most trainers will wholeheartedly disagree. He pimps Ollie yet they add peas which Dobermans may have issues with. It’s all about the Benjamin’s. None of these devices are cruel, you’re just ignorant calling them cruel.

You clearly don’t understand training principles/concepts. Have you ever actually done anything beyond “shake a paw”? Nice shirt, though! #stayinyourlane

Author is not a Trainer. Calling e-collars cruel and „shock“ , you ruin so many dog lifes as influencer.

If you need a goddamn shock collar for any dog, you don't belong to have a dog

@ladyhawk5245

Ай бұрын

It all depends on the dog. I used to think like that too until a greyhound husky came into my life. She needed a shock collar just for her own safety. She just had to learn to focus on commands not just her DNA. She had so much energy she didn't know what to do with it. She had to do laps around the barn before she'd calm down enough to eat. This guy is good. Pay attention.

@cathysmith5834

Ай бұрын

Was the only way to stop mine from chasing cars for his safety. Tried many other methods but none worked, only the shock collar only Needed to use once

Dominance training only works if the dog chooses to accept you as the Alpha...this is done through love, not beating the dog into resentment 🎉