Socializing a 16-Week-Old Doberman (with Zeta)

[@DobeMom]

We started socializing our Dobie as soon as we took her home. So it started at 8 weeks of age. I know she was very young however the 8 to 16 week window is sooooo important for socializing this breed that I just couldn’t risk losing the opportunity. She began with a trip to the groomers to get her toenails clipped immediately progressing to random people holding her and petting her. Then she progressed to introducing her to many forms of stimulation like training classes, walking in the rain even at night, elevator rides etc. She is 3 1/2 years old now and is a real people lover. I giggle watching people’s reactions when she walks by them and licks their hand/s. After meeting her I love hearing people say that “those dogs” aren’t at all vicious. Makes me proud. Love her so much.

[@cruithin4773]

We take our Dobie everywhere with us. Getting them socialised is one of the most important things you can do. We alway get complements on how well behaved she is. And I believe that’s due to getting her out with as many different people, sounds and situations as possible right from the start and of course good positive based training.

[@DobermanPlanet]

Hearing other's comment on how well behaved your dog is is definitely a testimony to your consistent training and socialization! It's well worth the effort - so glad you're seeing the "fruits of your labor" pay off!

[@Chepo1500]

@@DobermanPlanet how her ears stand so quick ? Mine is 4 months hasn’t stand good .. still taping

[@suzannethepatriot8049]

I can finally get my Doberman Planet fix again!!! Yeah!!! Love busy Doberman days when my dog just poops out as soon as he gets into the car.

[@DobermanPlanet]

Glad you've been keeping tabs on us, Suzanne! Great to hear from you again, too! Busy Doberman days are fun days for sure!

[@fetchmour]

i have a 15week old male and we are doing really good he comes to work every day with me and loves walking

[@zeropointenergy1574]

Great couple would make great parents - could really socialize Zeta with children.

[@DobermanPlanet]

No doubt!

[@CerberusDobermans]

They made some good points. Going to Home Depot, Lowes & utilizing a cart. Is a great way to socialize young pups. Frequent car rides, are also beneficial. It’s also extremely important to put your pup in a uncomfortable/stressful situation. So they can learn how to cope & solve problems. Confidence building is also really important. You can use things like a balance board, cones, milk jugs full of rocks, agility poles, etc.

[@JLU-wm8ir]

SHE IS BEAUTIFUL!

[@majajaspaert8661]

Hooo so happy for you 2! Greets from belgium from Maja and Finn the doberman! Thanks John ! 😊❤🐾🐾

[@DobermanPlanet]

Hello, Maja and Finn! Great to hear from you again! Greetings from the US!

[@Flashpoint2]

I know that most breeds have traits that make them unique and special. That said, a well socialized Doberman is out of this world special. You can’t really understand how special they are until you bring one into your life.

[@DobermanPlanet]

Yes! They're doing a great job socializing Zeta. We're excited to follow her as she grows!

[@shayduncan6208]

@@DobermanPlanet Is it necessary to "socialize " a doberman who is solely for security purposes? My family already has a dog, but we'd like to get a doberman puppy so that he/she can grow and get accustomed to the dog that we already own. Would that be enough "socialization " for the dog?

[@andreiiordachescu2999]

showing real life people going through critical doberman milestones, and you offering your expert commentary at the end, is a brilliant idea! kudos on a very creative way to keep this channel going, with exciting new content. likewise to the people and dogs who collaborate. ;)

[@Hu6uinho]

I have had dobermanns since 30 years ago, patience theyhave the best breed dog, i never provide a price when a train my dogs and they obey very well.

[@DobermanPlanet]

You sound like an experienced Doberman owner, Hugo! Thirty years is a long time to get to know the breed. Having patience and being consistent with training is spot on!

[@lhmcd5538]

I’ve found in socialising any dog it helps if you talk in a high voice. Even later in life when meeting a new dog I also always in a high voice tell both dogs that they are good dogs. Has saved much tension for all. I had a rescue Doberman and this worked for him. He would fear bite and this helped calm everyone down.

[@DobermanPlanet]

Great idea! Dobermans definitely read our cues, verbal and non-verbal. They are quick to pick up on an excited voice versus a stern "talking to".

[@alphadog2133]

So happy for you guys. Zeta is in good hands. Best of luck.

[@DobermanPlanet]

She sure is! Michael and Jackie are great parents.

[@susanosman3643]

What a gorgeous ,well behaved Dobie. Looking forward to getting my "Bucket list RED Dobie""

[@thegemstone_]

I do love Doberman

[@DobermanPlanet]

They're the best, right?! ;)

[@thegemstone_]

Absolutely

[@trevorbis2272]

Zeta is the best, very friendly once she get to know you and definitely life of the party!

[@emmie65]

Thank you for sharing yours and Zeta’s journey! We have a 4 month old Dobie girl as well and it’s really encouraging to know we’re not the only one struggling with potty training and her nervousness ❤️

[@DobermanPlanet]

So glad you're enjoying Zeta's journey, Emmie! It's exciting to see their videos each time, for sure. Michael and Jackie's relatable-ness is wonderful and refreshing, isn't it?!

[@angiekereakes6551]

Cutie!

[@DobermanPlanet]

Zeta is a cutie, isn't she?!

[@sstevens6274]

Wow this guy lost weight. 😳 I was slightly concerned and was like omg does he ha e a medical condition??

[@danielbaron895]

Thank you for new video sir

[@DobermanPlanet]

You're welcome! Happy to have a great host couple that can share their life with everyone!

[@maxzorin9425]

I get all nostalgic watching this...get lots of vids because the puppy days go fast...

[@DobermanPlanet]

That's so true, Max! Thanks for keeping up with these updates. Time does go by way too fast!

[@DobermanMom70]

I’m socializing my Dobie as much as possible too. Good job! Dobes are so much fun….I love my Zeena to pieces!!!❤️ I’m so grateful for a doggie door…. So much easier with potty training!

[@Ninnave]

She’s so beautifull 😍

[@MARTINLOCZ]

So I was able to potty train my American dobbie in 7 days with the hightech automatic door... best investment Ive made so far for my dobbie.... he has free access from my room to a gated cement area in our backyard to do his business and play... it also keeps his nails filed down 🙂🙂🙂

[@williamconlon4183]

Great Vid, lots of info and recommendations. Thanks

[@DobermanPlanet]

Thanks so much, William! We're glad you are enjoying these videos!

[@PuneetHeer23]

Awesome pup development!

[@DobermanPlanet]

So glad you are enjoying these videos, Puneet!

[@adamsmotoadventures]

Our Dobie just turned 4.5 months. He's the opposite of her. He loves people and other animals

[@ib1ray]

For the potty training, I got some bells that hang on the door and I plan on training my pup to ring them when he has to go out.

[@Bobthefrog20]

Breaks your heart seen a doberman on a harness.

[@sharontalaga5924]

Great video Zeta is doing great. Thanks John. How is Arlo

[@baderhaddad5728]

ZETA IS BEAUTIFUL DOBIE.

[@glorialinville7672]

I saw a lot of your training that I used with my Ziva. We lost her last month at the age of 12 +. One thing I always did but have never seen in any training video was she was always in her seatbelt.

[@jennyalpaca7544]

Definitely socialize them when they’re young! My Doberman is now 9mths and though I carried him in a tote before his vaccines and did plenty of socialization (not to mention binge studied Doberman planet!) I still wish I had done MORE! He got a bit reactive on leash as he grew up but he’s great at dog parks which we take him weekly! So I feel the reactivity might just be him trying to be protective? Or vocal! (He yodels😅) but he recently graduated Puppy Level 2 classes from Petco! And so happy he wants to continue higher education and starting his Canine good citizen class this Sunday! 🥰 *also the potty training I had little problem with him as a puppy but maybe it was the constant hovering and when I let go we began having lots of accidents! Lol so definitely potty train later than u think! My dobie took a longer while than average (even where he couldn’t push open the door, but now I hear him do the SWAT opening and I know he’s going potty! He even rolls up his pad! Lol he’s a clean freak!)

[@steveannan4367]

Just got my first male with my Two year old,very interesting but loving it

[@DobermanPlanet]

That's great to hear, Steve! Congratulations on your new Doberman!

[@janineanderson8197]

My dobie puppy is super with humans and dogs. Potty trained and knows all her commands 😂😂😂😂

[@samael6903]

How long did it take to get her to that point? I just got my puppy, I’m in week 2 of training her and it’s haaarrrrrrd lol

[@DobermanPlanet]

That's great, Janine! Doberman puppies are so smart and pick up on things so quickly!

[@oldirondemolitionderbyvideos]

We LOVE hearing about Zeta, she's adorable and SO full of energy! This was a great update and definitely the kinds of videos we want to see more of as we also hope to have a new puppy soon and maybe we'll bring her to our local Kimballs here in NH :)

[@DobermanPlanet]

So glad to hear you're enjoying these videos of Zeta! Whenever you get your new Dobie, let us know how the Kimballs trip goes!

[@johnolsen394]

Love the updates. Great video

[@DobermanPlanet]

Thanks so much! We are excited to see more of what Michael, Jackie, and Zeta are doing in the future!

[@mariagutierrez4721]

Bueatiful Zeta I Love Her ❤️

[@rudywatkins1312]

Fun dog - fun couple. I'd like to know what & how you handle leaving her while you work. That's one of my biggest concerns about getting a puppy. Love the RED interior in your car.🥰 Not a fan of the harness.

[@adambrown4451]

They’re gonna cry, my dobie is 4 months now, he cried a lot at first but it never lasted more than 5 minutes. Now he’ll whine for five minutes than go to sleep. No accidents inside for at least three weeks now.

[@adambrown4451]

Make sure to offer great exercise before leaving for extended periods!

[@michaelscott1414]

Hey Rudy, thanks for watching! I work from home most of the time, but when I go into the office, like Adam said, I always make sure to get her some early morning exercise - she LOVES fetch. If I'm gone all day, I'll prep her lunch and ask a family member to come by and give it to her. She has fenced in outdoor/indoor access on our back deck, but she almost always chooses to stay outside because she loves decks/porches/watching over things haha. Setting boundaries when we are home seems to really help her know what she can and can't do while we're not home. So far, the only things she's destroyed was a magazine and piece of mail that we left too close to the edge of the counter.. but that's on us!

[@sophiawitman9931]

What’s wrong with the harness? Puppies have sensitive necks and if they pull, they could hurt themselves. Even adult dogs can be harmed by all different types of collars. So while puppies are still young, and socialization is prioritized over advanced obedience, a harness is a perfectly good choice.

[@rudywatkins1312]

@Sophia Witman I'm no expert but, if you watch any of the "expert" dog trainers, I don't think any of them us a harness. Watch on here, John doesn't use them or recommend them. Watch youtube puppy training in general - don't think you will see any harness. I think you will find the puppy figures out what you want out of him through a collar much quicker.

[@jl6757]

I had a Doberman and he was scared of other dogs until about two, loved people though. I have a 7 month year old Redbone Coonhound and he has way more confidence as a puppy. I think it's a Doberman thing to be a bit skittish young.

[@WalterGalindo]

No choke collar, puppy doing whatever TF it wants, no control

[@susancuriel9395]

It’s very important.. mine goes everywhere with me.. I made sure he met 100 people/dogs a month..

[@rekdaknight]

I live by that icecream place in Lancaster and got a doberman puppy the same time as them from a breeder 3 hours away in upstate NY I might have her sister.

[@starlakelsey2782]

Is Zeta's sire BamBam? She looks so much like Merlin. Ran into someone from NC and their dobe had same sire as our dobe. Would love to hear about the lineage. Thanks I'm in SC and breeder is from Georgia. There is another breeder that has used BamBam. Merlin and Zeta look so much alike in their faces. Also Merlin has an incredible soft coat compared to my past dobes.

[@dakotacaho190]

John is looking pretty thin in these recent videos. Hope everything is okay, health wise! 🙏🏼

[@erickwhitaker4263]

I said the same thing.

[@beautifullykimberlynicole3098]

I really enjoy watching these videos and going along the journey with Zeta. My Doberman boy is only 4months and I’m learning a lot from this channel.

[@michaelscott1414]

Thanks for following along!

[@TheCCConcrete]

Great video

[@DobermanPlanet]

Thank you! So glad you're enjoying getting to know our host families!

[@phishfrypharms]

4 months and her ears are amazing... Are they already set? how did you do it ?

[@MsCaterific]

💛

[@marilynancira9698]

My Doberman was potty trained in less than a week.

[@kristenburkett4274]

Was it my eyes or just the lighting but was your office half purple and half blue?

[@pathnativejam]

I got my dobey at 6 weeks old, She was held by children and been around other dogs, then I got her and had her around family and our dog as well. All in all its plenty of humans and dogs to get the puppy confidence up. Waiting as long as Zeta, in my opinion is way too late.I had a labradoodle at 6 weeks old and I did the same thing, socialize ASAP! All pups teeth', Have chew toys ready but after awhile,.. Guy has to establish dominance over Zeta and make it known she can't nip at Jackie either! At that late age, in my opinion that's dangerous and CANNOT be tolerated.I rough house and dominate, to let them know I've had enough, I'll bite them back too until I get a whine, that way as they grow, they know I am daddy. Zeta couple kinda seems like, Zeta will become pack leader, or she is already positioning for pack leader.If it were me seeing a 4 month old that was this timid, I would think how much rehab I would have to do to fix her. In my dog loyalty lover opinion, 6-8 weeks old is a must time to begin the journey.I'm starting leash training on a 7 month old pup on Monday. People said it's not possible or too early I say I have seen it done, and some dogs are just flat out special. Curious to see Zeta now and hope she is NOT pack leader still nipping Jackie.

[@NEMountainMama]

I live near there!

[@DobermanPlanet]

That's cool, Narci! Maybe you'll run into them sometime!

[@NeuralMuseBand]

Just got a 9 week old pup....so far the potty training is not an issue...we take him out every two hours and he sleeps over night really well....his biggest faults are nipping....and light marking....the marking is because I have a 13 year male pitbull pointer mix....so I'm guessing since both are male and both aren't fixed they are having a power struggle....but thankfully it's not a common issue...it really only happened in the beginning....but the pups energy level is a bit to high for my older dog....my older dog refuses to bite or redirect the pup...he simply just runs away....he will however let the pup lay with him if the pup has a lower energy....it's been interesting for sure....I got lucky most my dogs were easy...this little guy is pretty exciting and I'm up for the challenge....

[@teresaowens1090]

What is your thoughts of dcm in 60% of our dobie population. Back in 79's & 80's when my parents was breeding & selling dobermans, I don't recall hearing of any of this. This is extremely upsetting news to me.

[@louiecornago6433]

Our Doberman is also almost 16 weeks old. The ears got cropped when she was 8 weeks old. The ears are erect most of the time but sometimes it goes down half way. Should I need to continue posting it or will it eventually be all good? Thanks!

[@silviakapfinger4956]

Great video!👍👍👍💖💖💖

[@DobermanPlanet]

Thank you, Silvia! Your positive feedback is much appreciated!

[@rockrome4790]

My doberman rocky was told a single time not to go pee and poop inside and he legitimately had 1 accident and never did again. Absolute genius. Doberman number 2 Romeo... Different story looool

[@peaceandlove5214]

Why I don't find Doberman in the list of best sniffing breeds?

[@JohnnyBGood11]

Let Zeta get in the car on her own my Doberman was getting into the car and out of the car on his own at 13 weeks when I got him.

[@Defffunnystuff]

Yeah I’ve been letting my puppy do it, she’s a shepherd and I don’t wanna be carrying her in when she’s 80 pounds.

[@Shwitttt]

I'm curious if they're finished posting her ears at only 16 weeks? I feel like that's so soon! My Dobie pup is currently 11 weeks, I feel like I'll keep posting him through the teething stage.

[@DobermanMom70]

Right? I was wondering that too!! I’m still posting and I’ve seen others stop posting before teething! I guess my Zeena’s ears are a bit more stubborn, but my Zeena is only 3.5 months old though…I’ll do the same and continue to post until teething is completely done! If not they’ll flop again.

[@michaelscott1414]

Thanks for your comment! We've had several people comment on this both on KZbin and in person. Having never had a Doberman before, we can only go off of what we've read/heard from others, but it definitely seems that her ears firmed up quicker than the internet led us to believe. We didn't do anything special: The posts were on every day for probably the first month we had her. We'd change them out every 5 days unless they got wet, and we'd leave them out long enough to clean her ears out, let them dry/breathe for a while, and then re-post. Once she was about 12 weeks, we started letting her sleep with them off, and then we gradually decreased the time she had them in until now, when she hardly ever has them in anymore. We plan to play it by ear from here on out (pun definitely intended). If/when the tips start to droop, we repost for a couple days, but for the most part she's done!

[@DobermanMom70]

@@michaelscott1414 that’s awesome !!! Good grief I hope my Zeena’s ears post that fast!! We had a couple setbacks….but back on track!! It’s daunting though, for sure.

[@Shwitttt]

@@michaelscott1414 Thanks so much for the reply! I've generally read it's a good idea to do so through teething due to the calcium deprivation from the new teeth, causing the drooping. Zeta seems to also have more "bell" to her ear so that is also probably a factor in your favor! I hope all goes well and I look forward to more videos featuring her and you guys! :)

[@rachelhowe3670]

is Zeta done with ear posting already at 16 weeks old?!? If so I am so jealous!!

[@michaelscott1414]

She's not completely done just yet, but she seems to be most of the way there! If the tips start to droop, we repost for a couple days, but she's to the point now where they're off for weeks at a time standing up fine. This seems to go against the general consensus online for how long it should take, but I couldn't tell you why 🤷🏻‍♂ I went into a bit more detail on someone else's comment here if you want to check out what we did, but we didn't do anything special!

[@khumbafernando2557]

I consider my Doberman, to be a human companion. He is 5 years old now, he is well mannered and loves to run in the park. His socialization is good with animals but I made a mistake by not teaching him proper leash walking. He pulls me very badly, with his leash on.

[@majajaspaert8661]

Doberman are the best!!

[@majajaspaert8661]

Of you are calm, the doberman also calm

[@Gaius__]

You could try changing direction whenever he pulls. Just turn around or make a 90° course correction, while keeping the leash tight (don't pull like crazy, of course). Do not add a voice command, as the final goal is making him follow naturally, and let you decide speed and direction of the walk. Since he is fully grown and matured already, it might take quite some time and endless repetition, but he should learn, eventually.

[@khumbafernando2557]

@@Gaius__ Yes! you are right.. I always use a voice command, while he is on his leash. Next time, will follow your way. Thank you 👍

[@Gaius__]

@@khumbafernando2557 Good luck, I hope it'll work out. Dobies are smart, they can learn new things at any age ... but I guess you will need a lot of patience.

[@lesliemason6016]

Potty training is VERY EASY WITH EVERYDOG THIS WAY: TAKE THEM OUT EVERY HOUR FOR 24HOURS SET ALARM. 2ND DAY EVERY 4 HOURS. 3RD DAY EVEY 6HOURS TO 8 HOURS. THEN EVERY 8 HOURS AS MUCH AS YOU CAN. TAKE THEM OUT OFTEN AND SAY: GOTTA GO POTTY! SO BY THE 4TH DAY THEY SHOULD BE GETTING EXCITED ABOUT THE WORDS. IVE TRAINED 12 DIFF BREEDS/DOGS FROM ALL AGES AND IT HAS WORKED! ALWAYS LEAVE A POTTY PAD BY THE DOOR YOU TAKE THEM TO IN CASE THEY GET SICK DURING THE NIGHT OR CANT HOLD IT. MY DOBERMAN EVEN HAD HELD HIS POOP ALL DAY BUT WENT ON THE PAD FOR OUR CHIHUAHUAS AT NIGHT. SO HE GOT IT!

[@anitathomas5969]

I wish my doberman was like that. She is exactly the opposite she wants to constantly jump on everybody and I don't know what to do to get her to stop jumping

[@JohnnyBGood11]

Put your knee up, after he gets knocked down a few times he will stop jumping on people, I started my Doberman training at 14 weeks with a shock collar after training he did not jump on people, and he will acknowledge strangers then after that wants nothing to do with them.

[@DobermanPlanet]

So sorry to hear that you're struggling with that, Anita. Dobermans are smart, so no matter what her age, you can still teach her not to jump. This video will help: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rJzalqOmjLl9q8k

[@primosongco707]

That’s a cute Doberman Pincher. Is she a European Doberman Pincher?

[@Fyodor...]

Hello, Can you travel in any country without any problem with a doberman?

[@silviakapfinger5060]

Great!🐾💕👍

[@baderhaddad5728]

I love dobies, I have one rust color, luke, looking for a female Dobie for my luke.

[@harlemmystery9653]

How is Arlo doing???

[@belindaguzman450]

My boy was very well socialized even took him to the park with my son all the time my son would play in the playground and my dobie would sit and watch him all the little kids would pet him. Then at a certain age he started to not like kids and would not let any male come close to us if my son plays with other kids he gets jealous also he’s 2 years old now

[@landonjacobs2901]

beautiful dobbie! Is zeta an American or European Doberman?

[@samael6903]

Definitely A Euro

[@michaelscott1414]

Samael is correct - she's full European

[@vgfjr505]

What’s the socialization window for a Dobe? Which weeks?

[@michaelscott1414]

Generally between 4-16 weeks of age. John has a whole video on it here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/f6OlZIGwpLiLoa8

[@So_is_Kayla]

Hi

[@nuroguz4992]

Hii i love your content and I've been watching you for years now ! But I've deleted YT for a while now and i just got back on it , you've changed SO much and lost so much weight.. are you okay ? Is there anything we can fo to help ? Love you stay safe 🙏🏼

[@bucknaykid5821]

Much like a 2 year old child every Doberman puppy knows one word better than all the others......NOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!

[@DobermanPlanet]

Haha! For sure! They can get themselves into so much trouble in an instant!

[@raili3932]

During potty training you might have taken her outside too much perhaps? Taking them out too much can have the opposite effect from what you want

[@shinybang1341]

Why?? Thats gonna make her too friendly

[@AflaTango]

The dog in the car should be attached with a harness. Of course, never by the collar.

[@pedroduarte8393]

Why the hell does he take the doby inside and outside of the car?? That should be a build of confidence for her stop caring her

[@evischlee5578]

I have see u let ur Baby Dobermann jump the Stairs. That's not good for the Puppy. All my Dobermann i have Beginn with 5 Month, I have care the Bones of them

[@mohan2053]

I wont to dog

[@egolfandenmatten5813]

I can't understand, how and why people still today transport a dog or a puppy ensecured in a car? In case of a car accident, even on the rear seat bench the dog will be thrown over the front seats into the window or all bones are broken, etc. . For me it's just irresponsible, because nowadays there are good and safe transport cages for dogs in the car.. They have enough money to buy a luxury car, but apparently not enough for a dog transport cage. Probably the same people have never had to get a crushed, injured, or dead dog out of a car.

[@opiemom66]

I'm a die hard Doberman fan. I've owned 2 red males over the years. my first was a 2yo rescue who died unexpectedly at age 10 of an undiagnosed heart issue 20 years ago. my second red male had epilepsy and died at age 9 about 8 years ago. my second boy "Baron" was so sweet and socialized. and great with kids, cats and other dogs. just a dream dog personality wise but with seizures so violent once a month. So hard to watch and care for starting at age 4. I'm thinking of getting another Doberman. I've been missing the breed. I'm considering a black Female. what is your opinion on the frequency of Spay Incontinence in females? also, are they typically good with many cats in the house? I love your videos and they are giving me the confidence to have another Doberman. The years of caring for my Baron and seizures left me very sad and believing I couldn't do this again. Thanks!