Can't make him stop playing!

[dobman]

My doberman boy has only one really annoying habit, he will NOT stop playing.

He likes to try and pull your pants down, play with your shoe laces. things like that.

He just randomly gets a wild hair in him and will come and try and make you play with him while you're sitting on the couch.

It seems to be an attention thing, because he only does it when we're out. We've tried ignoring him, turning around so he knows we don't want him to play, yelling...everything.

Anyone else have a similar situation or any tips that worked on their doberman pup?

I thought about maybe squirting him with water, but he would love that and it would probably just encourage him. He's such a mess.

thanks for your help :)

[BlastFromthePast]

Is your doberman a puppy? Puppies of all breeds seem to have that "can't stop playing" problem! I think they're just so full of energy they can't help it. Honestly I don't think there's much you can do right now....just let him grow out of it.

[Rich S]

He pulls your pants down? That's too funny. If he is just a puppy, you must weather the storm my friend. Our dog Magnum just turned a year, and is slowly leaving the "lets always play and never stop" stage.

I find, as hard as it might be, saying no in a deep mean voice. That gets Magnum to stop. Make sure he knows your the boss, not him.

[BlastFromthePast]

Rich, you talk to Magnum in a DEEP MEAN VOICE? And he still gets you beer?

[FancyFace]

Oh puppies and playing! Those two things always go together. They think anything and everything is a good time. I once had three puppies at the same time (two poodles and a cocker spaniel). Boy oh boy! You should have seen them. Nothing was off limits. It took a while for them to get settled down.

[liowkc]

I guess it is just the puppy stage. A matured doberman is rather aloof but devoted to the owner :)

[roses]

Dont worry dobman! It will take some time for your pet to strike a correct rapport with you. Dogs are naughty when they are young, your dog will stop doing this when he grows. Try to tell him about your like and dislikes through actions.

[Asad]

I wish I had such type of Doberman!!! I would play with him always!!
Our Doberman is too lazy, but.. he will play when we want and he does
not want to play on his own.. lolzz.. :D

[Kenny R]

I say when he is playing, go with the flow. Take him outside and let all the energy out. Taking him for a walk is a good way to keep his mind off pulling your pants down. LOL!

[sally]

Playing with your dog is the fun part of dog companionship, so enjoy it!
Your dog will enjoy it and it is a great form of aerobic exercise.
Never play "catch the dog" sorts of games. This can lead to a dog who is hard to retrieve when you need to go somewhere.

[tomc]

Try kneeling next to your dog, facing his side. Lean over at the waist - pressing your whole body over the dog for full contact.
Keep the treat handy in a pocket so you don't have to get up to go get it.
After calming your dog down, be sure not to re-excite them with loud sounds and lots of activity - at least not for a while.
When a grown dog gets uncharacteristically rambunctious, it is usually an indicator that he just has too much pent up energy. Burn it out by running him around for 10 or so minutes. This might not be a good idea if you have a particularly high energy dog, like an Irish Setter.
To end 'play time' for an overexcited dog, simply stand and turn your back to the dog, fold your arms and ignore the dog completely. Turn if necessary to keep your back to the dog if the dog keeps trying to get your attention. This will usually work very quickly and will be understood by the dog after as few as 3-4 seperate episodes.