Toys and Dobermans
Make sure to check out my top toy list on the "A List of My Favorite Dobie Toys" for Dobie approved tough toys!
ALWAYS provide toys for your Doberman. It helps to keep them from inappropriate chewing and releases some of their nervous energy. If you catch a puppy chewing on something they aren’t supposed to chew on, don’t strike them - make a sharp noise (no works), take away what they are chewing on and replace it with something they can chew on. Also have a variety of different textures, something soft, something rubbery, something hard, something flavored... and inspect toys frequently for wear and tear. Then Doberman “proof” your home - pick up everything the puppy should not chew on so they only have access to things that are appropriate. We have a toy box and our Dobies know if we put it in the container it is theirs. They love it and end the end, both you and your Dobie will be happier if there are clear house rules regarding what they can and cannot chew.
When Nickel was small, I would have more than a dozen toys spread out in the living room so he could play and chew on them. It was like having a baby in the house and he never chewed on anything he wasn’t supposed to and never "sneaks" things to chew as an adult. I could put Nickel in a room full of leather shoes and he would never touch them. Remember to not GIVE a puppy an old shoe unless you want him to chew on them. Same for old socks. They will get used to the smell and texture of the material and seek out your GOOD socks if you give them an old one to play with - and socks can be deadly if ingested.
As you start training and working with your Doberman you can start reprimanding him or her (with a sharp sound) when they are doing something inappropriate and they will respond to you without being afraid of you. Always offer positive words and sounds when they do something they should.
***Dobermans can destroy most toys suitable for other breeds.***
DO NOT give rope or stringy toys to your Dobie. Stringy toys can unravel and then become bound around intestines if ingested by your Dobie. Only let a Dobie play with rope toys while closely supervised. If they tug a few strands loose it is time to pitch the toy.
DO NOT give your Dobie rawhide. Dobermans chew so quickly they will soften the rawhide and choke on it when they swallow. Another DANGEROUS toy for Dobermans are tennis balls. They are OK when the Dobie is small, but as soon as the ball can fit the ball in their mouth - TAKE IT AWAY. Tennis ball can kill a Dobermans because they get caught in their throats or bellies.
One of the best toys to give your Doberman is an educational toy. These toys can be manipulated by the dogs so that they release treats when the dog turns or rolls the toy in a certain way or pattern. Educational toys can also keep your dog entertained for hours at a time by providing both stimulation and preventing boredom. I highly recommend the use of educational toys.
The following are great educational toys to consider:
When Nickel was small, I would have more than a dozen toys spread out in the living room so he could play and chew on them. It was like having a baby in the house and he never chewed on anything he wasn’t supposed to and never "sneaks" things to chew as an adult. I could put Nickel in a room full of leather shoes and he would never touch them. Remember to not GIVE a puppy an old shoe unless you want him to chew on them. Same for old socks. They will get used to the smell and texture of the material and seek out your GOOD socks if you give them an old one to play with - and socks can be deadly if ingested.
As you start training and working with your Doberman you can start reprimanding him or her (with a sharp sound) when they are doing something inappropriate and they will respond to you without being afraid of you. Always offer positive words and sounds when they do something they should.
***Dobermans can destroy most toys suitable for other breeds.***
DO NOT give rope or stringy toys to your Dobie. Stringy toys can unravel and then become bound around intestines if ingested by your Dobie. Only let a Dobie play with rope toys while closely supervised. If they tug a few strands loose it is time to pitch the toy.
DO NOT give your Dobie rawhide. Dobermans chew so quickly they will soften the rawhide and choke on it when they swallow. Another DANGEROUS toy for Dobermans are tennis balls. They are OK when the Dobie is small, but as soon as the ball can fit the ball in their mouth - TAKE IT AWAY. Tennis ball can kill a Dobermans because they get caught in their throats or bellies.
One of the best toys to give your Doberman is an educational toy. These toys can be manipulated by the dogs so that they release treats when the dog turns or rolls the toy in a certain way or pattern. Educational toys can also keep your dog entertained for hours at a time by providing both stimulation and preventing boredom. I highly recommend the use of educational toys.
The following are great educational toys to consider:
About $24.00. I love this toy and the tension can be increased or decreased to make it more challenging. Not a chew toy - only use with supervision.
About $12.00. Only use this one when you can supervise - it is not a chew toy.
Kong Wobbler Food and Treat Dispensing Dog Toy
Under $15.00. Note this is not a regular Kong. It is weighted at the bottom. Great for all ages - even adults!
Kibble Nibble
I just bought one of these and it is great for a puppy - not so good for a grown Dobie.
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