7 Doberman Leash Pulling Tips for Calmer Walks

Subscribe to get our blog posts sent to your email:

Have you ever felt like your arm was about to be yanked out of its socket while walking your Doberman? I certainly did. As a professional dog trainer with over 12 years of experience and a dedicated Doberman owner, I’ve been exactly where you are. What transformed my daily walks from a dreaded tug-of-war into peaceful strolls was something I’d once sworn I’d never use: a prong collar.

Introduction

I tried everything with my first Doberman, Apollo. Head halters, training sessions with local professionals, even early neutering in hopes it would calm his reactivity. Nothing worked. Local trainers either wouldn’t work with us or used ineffective methods that left us both frustrated. Then came the day I walked into a pet store, desperate for solutions, and left with what I’d previously considered a “torture device” – a prong collar.

That decision changed everything. Even with the collar improperly fitted and my complete inexperience using it, the difference was immediate and dramatic. Apollo, who used to redirect his frustration onto my leg whenever he saw another dog, started responding to gentle corrections. This experience launched my journey into becoming not just a better Doberman owner, but eventually a professional trainer specializing in working breeds.

But before I share these seven game-changing tips for using a prong collar effectively, let’s address the elephant in the room: Yes, prong collars look intimidating. However, they’re not about punishment or pain – they’re about clear communication in a language your Doberman naturally understands. When used correctly, they provide precise feedback that can prevent pulling, reduce reactivity, and help create the calm, confident walking companion you’ve always wanted.

Understanding Why Your Doberman Pulls

Let’s be honest – Dobermans are powerhouses. These athletic, muscular dogs were bred for both protection and companionship, which means they combine incredible physical strength with an intense drive to engage with their environment. This combination makes leash training particularly challenging, but also absolutely essential.

Think about it: a fully grown Doberman can easily weigh 65-100 pounds of pure muscle. When that much power decides to lunge after a squirrel or drag you toward another dog, it’s not just annoying – it’s dangerous. I’ve seen shoulder injuries, wrist sprains, and even broken bones resulting from untrained dogs pulling on leash. This isn’t just about comfort; it’s about safety for both you and your dog.

Before we dive into specific training techniques, let’s clear up some common misconceptions about prong collars. Here’s what I’ve learned through working with countless dogs and their owners: prong collars are often misunderstood as harsh training tools, but they’re actually designed to distribute pressure evenly around your dog’s neck, mimicking the natural corrective behavior mother dogs use with their puppies. They’re not about inflicting pain – they’re about providing clear, consistent communication in a way that makes sense to your dog.

From my personal experience with Apollo, and later with my service dog Willow, I’ve seen how a properly used prong collar can help transform anxious and reactive dogs into confident walking and working companions. The key is understanding that it’s not a quick fix or a magic solution – it’s a communication tool that, when used correctly, helps establish clear boundaries and expectations for your Doberman.

Related:

How a Prong Collar Transformed My Doberman Training Journey

7 Essential Tips for Using a Prong Collar with Your Doberman

Tip #1: Choose Quality Equipment and Learn Proper Assembly

When it comes to prong collars, quality matters. I exclusively recommend Herm Sprenger prong collars, particularly one with a buckle. Here’s why: while traditional prong collars require you to squeeze and separate links to put them on – which can be tricky and sometimes frustrating – the buckle design makes it as simple as clicking a regular collar.

Check out the Herm Sprenger Buckle Prong Collar I recommend (Affiliate Link)
Use code TURNERANDPOOCHTRAINING at checkout to save 10%!

Think of it like the difference between lace-up shoes and slip-ons – both get the job done, but one is significantly more convenient. The buckle design is especially helpful when you’re dealing with an excited Doberman who’s ready for their walk!

Beyond convenience, investing in a quality collar ensures:

• Smooth prong edges that won’t irritate your dog’s neck
• Durable construction that won’t break during crucial moments
• Consistent sizing between links for even pressure distribution

Tip #2: Master the Proper Fit

Getting the right fit is crucial for both effectiveness and safety. Despite common advice to keep the collar “high and tight” near the ears, this isn’t always the best position. Why? The higher up on the neck, the more sensitive the area becomes.

The key is finding the “sweet spot” where the collar is snug but not tight. When properly fitted, the chain portion (the martingale part) should form a shallow triangle, no more than 1.5 inches at its widest when the leash is slack. This ensures effective communication without over-correction.

[Video Link: Watch my detailed guide on properly fitting a prong collar]

Tip #3: Teach Yielding to Leash Pressure

The foundation of effective prong collar training isn’t about corrections – it’s about teaching your Doberman to understand and respond to gentle leash pressure. Start in a low-distraction environment, allowing your dog to walk ahead on a long line. When they’re focused on something else, create steady pressure. The moment they turn toward you or release the tension, immediately release the pressure. This teaches them that yielding to the collar brings comfort.

Remember: this is initially a “non-verbal” exercise. The less you say, the more your Doberman will focus on understanding the physical communication through the leash.

Tip #4: Learn to Read and Respond to “Loading”

With Dobermans, prevention is better than cure. Watch for early warning signs that your dog is about to react:

• Raised tail
• Ears pricked forward
• The telltale “mohawk” (piloerection) along their back
• Increased muscle tension

Every dog is different. When you “know” your Doberman is getting ready to react, trust your instincts. Any telltale signs will be unique to your dog. Pay attention to their specific patterns – maybe they get very still, start breathing heavily, or their mouth closes tight. Learning your Doberman’s individual warning signs is crucial.

When you spot these signs, use quick, firm “pops” on the leash as a correction. Don’t wait until your Doberman is fully reactive – catching and addressing these early signals helps prevent escalation and makes your corrections more effective.

Tip #5: Rethink Rewards

While many trainers default to food rewards, Dobermans often respond better to praise and affection. One highly effective reward technique is the “auto-sit”: when your dog walks nicely, stop and ask for a sit. Once they comply, reward with calm praise and gentle petting. This builds your relationship while reinforcing good leash manners.

This approach does double duty: it rewards good behavior and helps your Doberman learn to focus on you rather than distractions.

Tip #6: Progress Strategically

Start in quiet areas and gradually increase challenges as your confidence grows. Keep track of your progress – what triggers your dog, what techniques work best, and how they’re improving over time.

This systematic approach helps you:

• Identify patterns in your dog’s behavior
• Track which training methods are most effective
• Stay motivated by documenting progress
• Know when you’re ready to tackle more challenging environments

Link: Download my free Dog Training Planner and Progress Tracker (no email sign up required)

Tip #7: Know When to Look for Help

If you’re not seeing improvement or if your Doberman’s behavior worsens, don’t hesitate to seek professional help. Look specifically for trainers who:

• Have experience with working breeds, especially Dobermans if
• Understand and properly use prong collars
• Can demonstrate successful results with similar cases

Remember: getting help isn’t admitting defeat – it’s being a responsible owner who wants the best for their dog.

Wrapping Up Your Prong Collar Training Journey

Success with a prong collar doesn’t happen overnight, but with these seven tips, you’re well-equipped to start transforming those daily walks with your Doberman. Remember to start with the basics: invest in quality equipment, master the proper fit, and understand how to teach your dog to yield to leash pressure. From there, you can build up to reading your dog’s signals and developing a strong training relationship.

Take it one step at a time. Start with getting comfortable with putting the collar on and taking it off. Once you’ve mastered that, focus on achieving the right fit. Only then move on to the actual training techniques. This methodical approach will help both you and your Doberman build confidence together.

Most importantly, always prioritize safety. A quality Herm Sprenger prong collar, properly fitted and correctly used, can be a game-changing training tool. But like any training equipment, it requires knowledge and patience to use effectively.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

• Download my free Dog Training Planner and Progress Tracker [Link] to document your journey
• Check out my recommended Herm Sprenger Buckle Prong Collar (Use my Affiliate Link and code TURNERANDPOOCHTRAINING to save 10%)
• Watch my detailed video guide on proper prong collar fitting [https://youtu.be/GhHvD2c3Trc]
• Sign up for my free email course on mastering leash manners with your Doberman

Subscribe to get our blog posts sent to your email:

Have you tried using a prong collar with your Doberman? I’d love to hear about your experiences in the comments below. And if you found this helpful, check out my full story in “How a Prong Collar Transformed My Doberman Training Journey“.

Together, we can make those daily walks something you and your Doberman look forward to!