Browse our Complementary Magazine Articles.

Browse our
Complementary
Magazine Articles.

Should Your Doberman Walk in Front of You? Rethinking an Outdated Dog Walking Rule
Behavior and Training Marie-Luise Smith Behavior and Training Marie-Luise Smith

Should Your Doberman Walk in Front of You? Rethinking an Outdated Dog Walking Rule

The old idea that a dog must never walk ahead of you comes from outdated alpha dominance thinking. This article looks at why that belief does not hold up, how constant strict heeling can affect movement and sniffing, and why Doberman guardians should focus on loose-leash control, recall, attention, and walks that support both safety and important natural behavior.

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Training a Doberman Without Treats: Embracing Alternative Forms of Positive Reinforcement
Behavior and Training Marie-Luise Smith Behavior and Training Marie-Luise Smith

Training a Doberman Without Treats: Embracing Alternative Forms of Positive Reinforcement

Treat-Free Training has sparked a heated debate on social media. Treats are common in positive reinforcement, but they are not the only way to train a Doberman. Praise, affection, toys, play, life rewards, clicker training, consistency, and routine can all motivate good behavior while building a stronger relationship with your dog. The goal is not to reject food rewards forever, but to avoid becoming dependent on them when other rewards also matter.

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