I have read quite alot about dobes.  The exercising seems to vary.  I take him to the park or woods in the morning and then in the evening walk him on the pavement.  One book I read said 20 minutes twice a day.

When I take him in the morning I do let him off the lead, but we walk along by the woods and there is a stream running by.  Parts of the walk are open, and parts are very woody, we are normally walking for about an hour - he loves going out and really enjoys this.  He doesn't venture very far from me but obviously if another dog comes along he has a play and we carry on.  The evening walk is a bit different he is not so excited about walking around the streets on the pavement, this is usually for about 20 minutes.  Eventually I will take him for longer on both walks, is this enough at the moment or too much?

Also I do not allow him up the stairs in my house - is this right? At what age would be okay?

Think an hour is too much, that would be fine when he is about 15 months, think two walks of 20 minutes one free but controled and one on pavements would be about correct for his age slowly increasing until at about 2 years as much as you like to give.

Hi Debbie, you sound as though you are really enjoying your boy, I cmae across an excellent book when I got my male dobe calle The Dobermann Pincher Today by Jimmy Richardson, very worthwhile reading.
Keep enjoying
She

I've read that book !! it was great :)
An hour may be a tad too much , but I know at that age you're caught between the devil  and the deep blue sea -they seem like they can go forever ( and they probably can ) but maybe chop it down just a touch .
Enjoy this stage though - I miss it now its gone

And hour is too long, 20-30mins twice a day, any more and you will be over-exercising your puppy.
Hope it helps
Izzi