Dobermans are fantastic watchdogs. They have a natural instinct to bark at strangers to alert us of possible danger. New Doberman owners need to realize that this is their job and what they were bred for originally. They want to protect you, but they also need to feel that you can protect them.
Unfortunately, sometimes Dobermans bark excessively or act aggressively. And the cause of the problem might not be clear to owners. Before we place blame on the dog, consider whether you might be the problem. Does your dog trust you to keep him safe? Are you the leader your dog needs? When dogs don’t have the leadership, guidance, or a bond with their owner, they may become anxious and fearful, which can lead to serious problems (like Doberman attacks).
This video shows why it’s so important to have a good bond with our dogs. We’ll see the situation from the dog’s point of view, and how owners should respond.
“Dogs want to feel safe or in control. But they only give up control once they feel safe.”
If you have problematic behavior with your Doberman please watch this video. It’s a great video on understanding the dog’s mind and what they need from their owner.
Dogs want caring leadership from you.
Be that leader.
Do you think you’re a good leader to your dog?
Keep reading:
my Doberman died and at the age of 10 due to kidney failure I wish he was here I really miss him
I was hoping to put your Kong Stuffing handout in binders that we provide for new puppy owners (I am a veterinarian in the Chicago area). If you could contact me I would appreciate it!
Karen Burgess DVM
Hi there,
Please give me your honest thoughts. I am a 68 year old woman in a large apartment with one 3-year-old Goldendoodle; perfectly off-leash trained. He is a good good boy; confident, loves everyone and only barks (rarely) when he hears a stranger in the building in the outer hallway. he always wants me to look, which I do. he will sometimes bark when taken out in the evening and there are strangers outside; but he never approaches…he looks to me to handle the situation. That said, I have long wanted a Dobie, and have placed a deposit on a well-bred pup to be born in the fall of this year. I am retired from work now, and can give much more attention to puppy issues. At about 1 year, or a little younger, I would plan to send him to my same trainer. My doodle dog still gets a couple of weeks training per month, and occasionally a day-care day to play with other dogs in a monitored situation. My Emil learned only 5 things; sit, down, here, place and free. He is confident, happy and just enormously exuberant and full of life. My question is, is a Doberman OK for me? I have a very diminished family and my life is more about my dog tne anything else. Thank you for your advice. PS. I really don’t mind forfeiting a deposit if you think this might not be a good match for me. I do realize it might be best (for other people) to maintain a Doberman on-leash. That’s OK too.
Pardon me for butting in. Dobies are very active and you never want to let them get bored. You said you have limited family and are 68. With the upmost respect may I ask if Emil has been going to a trainer for years and goes for 2 weeks each month and only knows 5-6 commands ? Then please do not let him near your Dobie. Secondly you said you have a large apt. with an outer hallway? Is this in the city? Dobies need running room. They need a big fenced in backyard. Just casual walks and a dog park would lead to boredom and these dogs can become destructive and temperamental when bored. Also they are susceptible to separation anxiety and need to not be alone for any amount of time basically they will even insist on going to the restroom with you. Velcro dogs is what we call them. They do well in active environments. If I may also and please forgive me as there is no disrespect meant here but these dogs are very connected with their owners and when they have to change owners or be rehome they feel the pain just as we do when separated permanently with a loved one , so at 68? That’s committing 13-14 maybe more if your lucky to have that long, is a full time , like raising a toddler again committment and so that has to ba taken in consideration. Also if you have never owned a doberman and your not experienced with a dominant dog like this, then please don’t get one. It can result in a really bad situation. They demand Alpha by nature and if you not even able to do maintenance training after three years with your doodle dog then I am pretty sure that doberman will be pretty much telling you and emil how the roost will be run. Sorry if this was harsh but I just dont think that you have thought this thru past “always wanting a dobie” Do you even know if you e put down a deposit on a Dobermann or a Doberman Pincher. If it’s the Euro I would be bold enough to tell you ,no. Do not even attempt to manage a European dobermann.
Some , even reputable breeders don’t educate about the difference to new owners. They assume your aware there is a major difference. Also please think of your Emil. He will lose his run of the flophouse. If the dobie even accepts him when he hits adult . He will take alpha away as soon as he comes of age and that change on emil’s standing could be emotionally harsh for the doodle to handle. The term/breed? “doodle” is growing on me. Please excuse my being blunt but I hope this prevents any disappointment after it’s too late and at the very least helped somehow.
Excellent points!
Hi Vicki, I am 60 and got my European doberman two years ago as a 8 week old pup. Way more work than I expected, she is in guard protection all the time. I have four large dogs including her and she dominates all of them..so I would say, if your are up to your whole entire life style changing I would not get a Euro, if you still want a doberman, look at some American breeds..my American breed were much more docile, but I always lived on a farm so they had lots of running time too.
Had a boxermsn half boxer half Dobie beautiful brindle female muscular as a Male every 1 asked what kind of dog is he great dog , very protective yet affectionate my mom and dad really loved her so did I, she once fought a pack of coyotes and they took off had enough 9o pounds of muscle and fast