Training & Trainers

Our Training Philosophy

At DHDR, we believe that no one method of training is right for every dog and owner. Each Doberman has its own temperament and needs (and more importantly, every owner needs to be trained differently). We believe that reward based training methods should be utilized. However, understanding the root cause of  your Doberman’s behaviors will enable you to resolve the issue and encourage more appropriate behaviors instead. Then, you can have fun with each other, learn each other’s strengths and weaknesses, and create a positive life-long bond.

Dominance and force based approaches are outdated and do not promote a healthy, happy bond. By only focusing solely on fixing “incorrect” behaviors, correct behaviors often go unappreciated, unnoticed, and therefore never learned. A dog that only learns from fear of repercussions will eventually give up trying to do the right thing and will either shut down or fight for what it wants. For a dog to truly learn, you must teach your dog what you want them to do first. Once they learn these behaviors, it is your job to promote and encourage them to choose the best behavior.

Physical and mental exercise are needed to keep this incredibly smart working breed healthy. DHDR highly recommends that all our adopters participate in not only obedience training, but also in dog sports or activities. These things build a trusting, mutually benefiting relationship, that will give strength to your communication skills and foster a foundation for success.

DHDR does not promote the use of prong collars, e-collars, or choke chains on our fosters. If you rely on these tools for your Doberman, we highly recommend consulting a LIMA trainer to first determine if they are necessary, and if so, to ensure you know how to use them for long-term benefit of you and your dog. 

IMPORTANT BEFORE YOU PICK A TRAINER! Before picking a trainer, even among our valued partners, consider these things:

• If you are having a specific problem with your Doberman, consider first having a professional evaluation completed by a trainer that can articulate their method for behavior evaluations without being tied to any type of training. Understanding your dog at its core is the most important thing to do BEFORE you pick a trainer. We highly recommend Sam Kabbel Freeman for these evaluations. This allows you to pick the right trainer.
• Ask the trainer if they align to LIMA principles or the Humane Hierarchy. This means they don’t believe that “one tool fits all” and they use varied methods, always starting with the least aversive method first. They should not start with Prong or eCollars.
• Good terms to look for: CPDT-KA, LIMA, LIFE, Humane Hierarchy, R+, Positive, Force Free, Fear Free
• Terms to avoid:  eCollar Trainer, Off-Leash Trainer, Balanced Trainer, Board & Train Guarantees, Alpha, Physical Corrections, Punishment, Fast

Our “LIMA” Recommended Trainers

Sam Kabbel Freeman – Pet Behavior Solutions – Valley Wide – 480.200.2011
1:1 and group classes. If you need anything beyond basic obedience, we highly recommend getting an evaluation from Sam first. Then, you can train with her or pick another trainer. Great for the basics or complex cases, and in-home training. Sam provides the basis for much of our volunteer training.

Smiles Dog Training – N Phx Only – 602-962-8764 (Text)
Focuses on Reactivity – many trainers refer Reactivity here. 1:1 sessions and group classes. Requires multiple sessions.

Cheeky Dog Obedience – Cave Creek

Mary Price – West Valley – 480-285-9063 (Text or Call)
1:1 sessions, and group classes. Mary also does Agility classes, including intro classes!

Element Dog Training – Valley Wide
1:1 sessions, basic training, great with reactivity/behavior problems. In-person or virtual.

Blue Dog Ranch – Gilbert – 602-860-2503
1:1 sessions up to 25 miles radius, and group classes for young dogs.

Zoom Room – Chandler – 480-420-6166
1:1 sessions, and TONS of group classes. Agility and obedience. Offer 1:1s for reactivity or shy dogs as well.

Phoenix Animal Behavior Center – Phoenix

All Greatful Dogs – Mesa

Kaleidoscope Dog Services – Gilbert & East Valley

Happy K9 Training – Scottsdale + 20 Mile Radius & Virtual – 480-886-6596
1:1 in home sessions for Puppies, Tricks, CGC, Service/Therapy Dogs. Offers all DHDR adopters 3 FREE virtual sessions! (Refers Reactivity out to Smiles, above)

Love my Dog Trainer – East Valley – 480-332-5130
1:1 sessions, plus unique offering of training your dog while you are away, paired with handler sessions. Reactivity, Obedience, Service Training.

Jason Lee Davis – Valley-Wide  623-777-9891
1:1 sessions, group classes. Specializes in rescue dogs, behavior, and reactivity. Is an Arizona Humane Society trainer as well!

Julie Westphal Trekking Dog Trainer – Valley-Wide 217-859-6696
1:1 sessions, specializing in reactivity, noise phobias, basic obedience, therapy pet training, lodge n learn (board & train), and some group classes.

Legend Acres – Surprise
Group Classes.

Desert Dog Obedience – Ahwatukee
Basic Obedience, Sports, and Tricks
480-785-0036

Paws – A – Tive Dog Training –  Scottsdale / Northeast Phoenix
Puppy Classes, Service Training (does not work with reactivity or aggression)
480-785-0036

Sheila Iyengar – Valley Wide – 480-776-4863 (Text or Call)
1:1 sessions. Sheila is another great option for behavior evaluations and special behavior needs in-home. Temporary Update: As of 10/22 Sheila is not training at this time. Her availability may be highly limited.

Handi-Dogs – Tucson

Kim Silver & Building Bonds –  Tucson

Check out our Doberman Sports page to see our recommended Sport Trainers!