The puppy just can't get enough attention

[Harlin Diablo]

hello,

my name is Jon, and I have a 14 week old red Dobie named Harlin Diablo.. This little guy has brought a wonderful joy into my life.. So far we have a wonderful bond. I got him a little early though. I picked him up when he was 5 1/2 weeks old. He is crate trained and does not really whine or go crazy when he is in his crate. He listens quite well so far, the only problem is he talks like crazy (outside of the crate). I will sit down or do something that doesn't involve him and he gets extremely jealous. Is this normal doberman behavior? I tell him to hush and to sit and stay and low and behold he listens and acts like a good boy..turn my back for one second to do something else and he starts barking at me and will not stop until i interact with him. Also, I have not ever seen a dog that has no interest in toys. He will play with them for a second if i am with him, but will not play with one if I am not in the room playing with the toy as well.

I'm just a little confused???

Is this something that he may grow out of? My family has raised German shepherds for years, I have no problem being an alpha and making him know his place and I think he knows. He just cant stand not having my attention.

Any advice would be helpful:cool:

[Dobs4ever]

Welcome to the hub and congrats on your new boy. 5 1/2 weeks is REALLy young to take away from litter mates. there are some critical things that they can only learn from each other. I recommend when he barks and barks at you that you ignore. Only reward or play if he is quiet and you ask him to play. For right now that is about all I would do. He is a baby that had to grow up too fast.

[Big Dogs]

I agree with dobes4ever he is really, really young. The time he would have had with his litter mates that he is missing out on is when he starts to gain independents and starts to gain confidence you are his main focus now because you are the closest thing to a litter mate he has. The barking at you is to get your attention and to get you to do something he wants you to do. I noticed you said your family raised German Shepherds one thing I would say is Dobermans react differently than German Shepherds not worst or better just differently so use some caution when training they just respond differently.

[Dobs4ever]

Excellent Big Dogs - they are not for drilling. They get bored easily and right now the puppy is bored. He does not have anyone to play fight with and build his prowess as well as learn other doggie social skills. It will be very important to get the puppy around other puppies so he learns to play with them and not be afraid. Not big dogs that might frighten him but small dogs he can play with. If you have not started obedience now is the time. Make it fun fun fun. Tux is 11 weeks and he comes running when ever I even move. He doesn't want to miss anyting. He is ready to work but I always quit way before he is ready to quit. 5 to 10 minute sessions right now. They don't have a huge attention span so you want to be sure you end the session before he does.

Getting his mind occupied with postive things will help. Give that baby a big hug from all of us.

[Harlin Diablo]

Thank you all for your insight. I failed to mention that he gets to play with three of his litter mates at least twice a week if not more. They all get along great and always have a blast. Harlin loves people and even cats. He is doing great with the socialization process. My only concern was the constant following and talking an a disinterest with toys. I will try the ignoring method, it's a little hard when he is the cutest thing you ever seen. I have to say I have never seen a smarter animal. His learning curve is brilliant..at times..

The coolest thing I have seen him do..and this started at 9 weeks... I can tell him to sit and stay, put food in his bowl 10' away from him tell him to stay and release him to eat his after about 10 seconds. Now I don't even have to ask..Love this breed, awesome and gorgeous animal..tough though.

[Dobs4ever]

Wonderful that he gets to play with his litter mates. That is the best therapy and needed socialization. He is obviously a puppy loaded up on pack drive. Not necessaryily a bad thing. You can work playing and building drives. Some puppy's have to learn that you like to play. Pick a really nice toy and only let him have it when he plays with you. This will make it special to him. He only gets to play with it with you.

[Sue J]

Welcome to DH and congrats on your new pup. Sounds like he's already showing you the dobe intelligence. Good luck with him!

[Big Dogs]

He sounds like a great puppy and I'm glad he gets to play with his litter mates and it's great that you are working with him just remember his attention span isn't real long yet. Does he play with anybody else besides you? One thing to watch for if it is just you and him most of the time is co-dependency he is young at this point for that but it can become a problem latter on. Enjoy him everyday as it sounds as if you have now become addicted to the breed just like the rest of us. Lord help us!

[Dobs4ever]

Big dogs - you are RIGHT ON!!! I too do not like a co-dependent dog and their owners make them that way. They only let the dog work with them. I take mine out and hand them off to other people and ask them to take them for a few minutes and play with them. This is great socialization and it teaches the puppy he will survive without you.

I honestly think that some people are so insecure that they crave that phobic behavior because it makes them feel loved when the dog actually gets sick if they are not right there.

Mine could care less - Honey you got the treat - you got the dog!!! Plus when my conformation handler takes one of them in the ring I want to sit right smack dab up at ring side and watch. I am paying the bill - I don't want to have to hide in another building so my dog will show.