Hi Dino,
Well where do you start?
Firstly I think I should say that in my experience, the
Dobermann can be a headstrong dog, but that doesnt mean they cant be
trained. I have owned 3 in the past, and my present dog is no
different than the other ones were in regard to training. You say
that you used a choke (check) chain, but this method is completely
innefective unless the chain is positioned properly. Always walk
your dog on your left hand side, ensuring that the chain is worn so
that the end to which you connect your lead is towards the left of
the dog. This means when the lead is pulled it will tighten the
chain. Always position the chain at the back of the ears, (and hold
the end of the choke chain in your left hand, taking up any slack),
and NOT at the base of the neck/top of the shoulders. When you want
him to heal, say "HEAL" and then give a slight pull on the chain.
Now don`t expect him to heal every time after this, you will have to
be patient and continue this method, but in time you should just
have to say heal and not pull on the lead.
Dobermanns are a territorial dog, which means that they will
walk at a certain distance in front of you. Try this where you can.
Walk with the dog off the lead, and then turn in the other direction
and walk. See how quickly he runs past you and keeps roughly the
same distance in front of you again!!
As you say, the dog is food orientated, so try walking the dog
BEFORE feeding him, and bring some titbits with you to reward him
when he does as he is told. Some Dobermanns are "dog aggressive" but
so are many other breeds. This is more a social issue, and is
something that can be sorted with the right interaction with other
dogs. Thankfully I have never had this problem.
If I can be of any further assistance, please let me know.
Philip