One of the questions that Doberman owners often ask me is: “Isn’t it cruel to keep such a large, energetic dog in a crate?” I understand this concern – I had it myself when I got my first Doberman, Dona. However, after years of experience with this extraordinary breed and after seeing the benefits of proper crate training, I can tell you that the truth is quite the opposite.
A crate, when used properly, is not a prison for your Doberman – it’s their personal sanctuary, safe zone, and a place where they can relax when they need a break from the exciting world around them. In this guide, we’ll share everything you need to know about crate training your Doberman – from choosing the right crate, through gradual acclimation, to solving common challenges. Join me on this journey to turn the crate into your Doberman’s favorite spot!
Why is Crate Training Beneficial for a Doberman?
Before diving into the “how,” it’s important to understand the “why.” Dobermans are an intelligent, curious, and energetic breed with strong protective instincts. These wonderful qualities make them exceptional companions, but they can also lead to challenges when they must stay home alone. Here’s why a crate is beneficial:
The safety of your dog
Imagine what your curious Doberman can explore while you’re away: electrical cables, toxic houseplants, small objects that can be swallowed, or access to food that could be harmful. My Dona once managed to find chocolate in a guest’s bag and managed to eat it. The chocolate was a handmade gift from Vienna for friends back home… Such scenarios are a common story among Doberman owners.
A crate eliminates these dangers by providing a safe environment when you’re unable to supervise your pet.
Prevention of destructive behavior
Doberman Pinschers, especially younger ones, can develop destructive behavior for a number of reasons:
- Boredom and excess energy
- Separation anxiety
- Stress due to changes in routine
- A natural tendency to chew on things during growth
One Doberman owner shared, “I thought my Wotan was too good to make a mess. Then one day I came home to find the couch ruined—cushions scattered, stuffing all over the room. That’s when I realized he needs structure while he’s not supervised.”
Help with toilet training
Dogs instinctively avoid soiling their sleeping area. An appropriately sized cage takes advantage of this instinct to aid in house-training puppies or newly adopted adult dogs.
Reducing anxiety
Counterintuitively, a proper cage can actually reduce anxiety in many Dobermans. It provides them with a safe, predictable environment when they feel overwhelmed by stimuli or when they are alone.
Facilitating travel and visits to the vet
A caged Doberman will feel much more comfortable while traveling, staying in a hotel, or waiting at the vet’s office. It is a skill that benefits him throughout his life and is part of the skills of successful socialization.
Choosing the right cage for your Doberman
Before we start the training, we have to choose a suitable cage. For a Doberman, that’s no small task!
Size
For an adult Doberman, a cage measuring approximately 122cm L x 76cm W x 76cm H (48″ x 30″ x 30″) is recommended. The cage should be spacious enough for your dog to:
- Stand upright without touching the top of the cage
- To turn in a full circle
- Lie down in full length.
- Sit upright without touching the top of the cage
Younger puppies need smaller cages or a partition in a large cage, as too much space can lead the puppy to use one area for sleeping and another for defecating.
Cage type
Wire cages : They offer the best ventilation and allow the dog to see its surroundings. Many models come with a partition that can be moved as the puppy grows.
Plastic transport cages : Provides more privacy and may suit dogs that prefer a more enclosed “den” environment. However, they can be less ventilated and it will be harder for your Doberman to see what is going on around him.
Furniture cages : Designed to look like a piece of furniture, they can blend in aesthetically with your home, but are often more expensive and may not be as durable for heavy chewers.
Endurance
Dobermans are strong dogs and certain individuals can become very determined to get out if they feel anxious. It is important to choose a well-made, sturdy cage with secure locks.
“My Doberman Lara initially bent the wires of her first cheap cage every time I left the house,” shares owner Maria. “I invested in a better quality model with thicker wires and that solved the problem. Plus, I taught her that a cage means a good thing, not a prison.”
Additional equipment
A few accessories can make the cage more comfortable:
- Durable, washable cushions or bed (make sure your Doberman likes to chew fabric before leaving the bed unattended, my first Doberman ate every blanket and pillow I put inside)
- Attachable spill-proof water container
- Natural chew toys that are safe for unsupervised use
Creating a positive association with the cage: Step by step
Now we get to the heart of it: how do you teach your Doberman to love his cage? The key is in gradualness and positive associations.
Phase 1: Introducing the cage
Place the cage in an area of the house where the family spends a lot of time, such as the living room. The goal is for the cage to become part of the normal environment, not a place of isolation.
- Make the cage inviting:
- Leave the cage door wide open
- Place a soft mat or blanket inside
- Place a few high value treats inside the cage (small pieces of cooked chicken, cheese or special dog treats)
- You can also use special toys that your Doberman will only get in the cage
- Allow natural curiosity:
- Let your Doberman explore the cage at his own pace
- Do not force or push it in
- Praise any positive interest in the cage
- Feed it near the cage:
- On the first day, place the food dish near the cage
- Gradually move the bowl closer, then inside the cage, starting from the door and gradually deeper
Sandra, a Doberman owner, shares her experience: “My Duke was very suspicious of the cage at first. I started by throwing his favorite toys near the cage, then gradually closer, and finally into the cage itself. Soon he was running right in without hesitation!”
Phase 2: Food in the cage
Once your Doberman looks relaxed around the cage, it’s time for the next step.
- All meals in the cage:
- Place the food dish at the back of the cage
- Leave the door open while he eats
- Gradually close the door during the meal, first only partially, later completely
- Open the door as soon as he finishes his meal
- Extension of time:
- Start leaving the door closed longer and longer after he finishes eating
- Stay in sight at first
- Gradually increase the time he spends in a closed cage
Phase 3: Introducing the command
When your Doberman voluntarily enters the cage for meals and treats, it’s time to introduce the verbal command.
- Choose a simple command such as “cage”, “spot” or “place” 2. Hold the treat near your Doberman’s nose, then transfer it to the cage 3. When he enters, say “good” (or use a clicker) and give him the treat 4. Repeat the exercise several times a day, adding the verbal command 5. Gradually just point to the cage while saying the command
“I used the ‘house’ command for my Doberman, Dana,” explains Tina. “Now, even when she’s excited or stressed, that word calms her down and she goes straight to her cage. It’s like her safe haven during thunderstorms or when we have guests who aren’t comfortable around big dogs.”
Phase 4: Extending of stay
This stage is crucial for training that will allow your Doberman to stay in the cage while you are away.
- Closed door exercises:
- Command the dog into the cage and close the door
- Sit quietly next to the cage for 2-3 minutes, then reward and release the dog
- Gradually increase the time, first a few minutes, then 10, 20, 30 minutes
- Always let your dog out when he is quiet and calm, not when he is whining or barking
- Short absence exercises:
- Send the dog to the cage, give him a durable chew toy
- Leave the room for a short time (start with 1-2 minutes)
- Return before the dog becomes agitated
- Gradually increase the period of absence
- Don’t make a big fuss about coming back or leaving
- Daily exercises:
- Crating the dog when it’s not time to go helps prevent associating the cage only with you leaving
- Practice short periods in the cage during the day when you are at home
- Sometimes give a special treat or a stuffed Kong toy only in the cage
Training duration and realistic expectations
How quickly your Doberman accepts the cage depends on several factors: his temperament, previous experiences and the consistency of your training. Some Dobermans adapt in a few days, others take a few weeks.
“My Max was adapted to the cage in just 5 days,” says Marko. “But my other Doberman Roxy, who was rescued from a bad environment, took almost a month to get really comfortable. Patience is key.”
For most Doberman Pinschers, you can expect something like this timeframe:
- First week : Getting to know the cage, eating inside, short periods with the door closed
- Second week : Extending the stay in the cage to 30-60 minutes, shorter periods when you are away
- Third and fourth week : Gradually increase to several hours in the cage
For puppies, always remember that they cannot control their bladder beyond their age in months plus one hour. For example, a 3-month-old puppy should not be kept in a cage for more than 4 hours. Two and a half to three hours is probably his maximum.
Solving common challenges
Even with the best approach, you may encounter obstacles during training. Here’s how to deal with the most common challenges:
Whining, barking and howling
Dobermans can be very vocal when they are unhappy. The key is not to give in and not let the dog go when he demonstrates this behavior, as this will only reinforce the idea that the noise “works”.
Solutions:
- Ensure all physical needs are met before caging (walk, play, defecate)
- Ignore the vocalizations – the reward follows only for silence
- Consider placing the cage in a less trafficked part of the house at night
- For nighttime whining, the cage may be too far from you – the puppy may feel isolated
- Try a toy that imitates a heartbeat or wrap an old clock in a cloth – the sound can calm the dog
Destructive behavior in the cage
Some Dobermans may try to “escape” from the cage, biting or bending the bars, scratching the floor or destroying the bed.
Solutions:
- Make sure you are using a cage that is strong enough for your dog’s strength
- Increase physical activity before caging (a tired Doberman is a good Doberman!)
- Go back to shorter periods in the cage and progress more slowly
- Provide suitable chew toys to keep the dog occupied
- Consider whether separation anxiety requires professional help
Sarah shares her experience: “My Doberman Baron bent the wires of his first cage and even broke the hooks. I realized he needed a lot more exercise than I thought. After 45 minutes of intensive ball play in the morning, he became a completely different dog in the cage – relaxed and calm.”
Toilet training accidents
If your Doberman regularly has cage accidents, consider the following:
Solutions:
- The cage may be too big for the puppy (add a partition)
- You may be leaving your dog in the cage too long for his age
- Maybe you haven’t established a regular schedule for walks and bowel movements
- Rule out medical problems by visiting the vet
- Clean the cage thoroughly with an enzyme cleaner that eliminates odors
Sudden rejection of the cage
Sometimes, a dog that previously accepted the cage well may suddenly show resistance.
Possible causes and solutions:
- Negative cage experience (too long stay, unpleasant event)
- Pain or discomfort (check for health problems)
- Cage size too small for a developing dog (time for a larger model)
- Changing the location of the cage (return it to a known place)
- Change routine (introduce changes gradually)
Specific tips for Dobermans
As a breed, Dobermans have certain characteristics that can affect their cage acceptance:
Energy and need for exercise
Dobermans are a high-energy breed that requires significant physical and mental stimulation. Without adequate exercise, the Doberman will have a hard time accepting the confines of the cage.
Tips:
- Ensure a minimum of 60-90 minutes of intense exercise per day
- Combine physical activity with mental stimulation
- Plan vigorous activity before extended periods in the cage
- Include obedience training as part of your daily routine
Tendency to separation anxiety
Dobermans are extremely attached to their families and may suffer from separation anxiety more than some other breeds.
Tips:
- Train short splits from an early age
- Don’t make a big fuss about comings and goings
- Consider another pet for companionship
- Consult a behaviorist if you suspect severe separation anxiety
Intelligence and the need for mental stimulation
Dobermans are among the most intelligent dog breeds, which means they need mental stimulation to stay balanced.
Tips:
- Provide interactive toys and puzzles in the cage
- Kong toys filled with frozen food can hold attention for a long time
- Change the toys regularly to prevent boredom
- Include skill training sessions throughout the day
Cage throughout life
Many owners wonder if they should continue to use a crate after the dog is fully grown and house trained. The answer depends on the individual dog and household situation, but here are some considerations:
Benefits of using a cage for life
- Safety : Some Dobermans never outgrow their curiosity or tendency to chew
- Routine and stability : Many dogs appreciate the consistency that their “personal space” provides.
- Management in special situations : During renovations, visits, travel or recovery from surgery, a cage can be invaluable
- Sanctuary : For many dogs, the cage remains a place to rest from stress or overstimulation
A more flexible approach over time
As your Doberman matures and shows reliability, you can:
- Leave the cage open when you are home, allowing the dog to use it as desired
- Gradually test shorter periods of freedom while you are away
- Use the cage only for certain situations
- Switch to alternative methods of containment, such as banning dogs or confining them to certain rooms
Conclusion: More than just training
Doberman crate training is more than just teaching your dog to accept a confined space – it’s about creating a safe haven, routine and structure that will benefit both you and your dog throughout his life.
Remember:
- The cage should never be used as punishment
- For Dobermans, extremely social dogs, a cage should not be used for long-term isolation
- Every dog is an individual – some will take to the cage faster than others
- Patience and consistency are key to successful training
Personally, the cage transformed my relationship with my first Doberman from stressful to harmonious. The cage gave him security and me peace of mind. Once she learned that it was her special place, I could see her gain an extra boost of confidence, knowing she had her own private corner in our busy con proctor deli household with small children, other large and small dogs, two parrots and two cats (yes, you read that right).
If you’re a Doberman owner struggling with cage training, don’t give up! With the right approach, patience and understanding of your dog’s specific needs, the crate can become your Doberman’s favorite place – a place where he can retreat, relax and feel safe, even in the middle of the busiest day.
Best of luck with your training
Orao Doberman