Dobermans?

[Corona]

Hello there,
What sort of companions do dobermans make? Any personal experience of temperments, trainability etc? Any info greatly appreciated. Thanks

 

[Sprout]

They are very loving and loyal to their "family", but their natural guarding instinct is impressive when someone new comes in.
They are quite a dominant breed, so need very early socialisation with dogs and people, and firm training from the start too.
They dont seem to need as much exercise as some breeds, but are real heat seekers, always lying by the fire, in the sun, or demanding a dog rug when the central heating packs up!

 

[HerbiesHuman]

Hi,

we (well mum as i no longer live at home) have a nearly 2yro bitch and she is the most laid back dopey dog ever. her temperment is amazing littluns came clamper all over her. loves everyone and anyone and all dogs. when i used to take her up the yard at night/dusk she defiently kept an eye on me.

and she is soo trainable its infuriating as i did obedience and agility with the lurcher who took weeks to perfect new things but the dobbie second attempt and she's got it yet mum isnt interested so doesnt take her to classes.

shes just a pleasure to have around.

 

[chevs]

Hi

I had 2 dobes a bitch and a dog. Both quite different in personality. I absolutely adored them. They were fantastic guard dogs and like previously mentioned are heat seekers.

The bitch was far more protective than the dog and very suspicious of strangers but once she knew you she was a friend for life. The male was friendly with strangers and very outgoing.

Ours needed a lot of exercise and were running machines.

They were great to train but could be stubborn. Mine had a very strong chase instinct.

They were so affectionate and were like giant lap dogs. I would definately have another one. They need a lot of early socialing. Mine used to come everywhere with me.

My friend has one and he is an absolute horror. I've known him for the past 9 years and he will still charge up to me barking and snarling. I dont trust him at all, and he has biten a couple of people.

Speak to reputable breeders, visit their homes and spend time with the dogs. You need to make sure the parents are nice.

Hope this helps.

 

[CAYLA]

Agree with chevs, I have trained a few lately(one being a nightmare) and we get a fair few through our rescue, they are hard to tire and can take some immense exercise, they need early socialisation, and as youngsters can be very very very stubborn

until they reach maturity, they can back track on a learned response as soon as picking it up

They are gracious and faithful animals, but have as suggested a strong guarding instinct and a natural suspicion of strangers

, and the whinging they are naturally gifted with, is highly annoying

I must say, high on my list of a breed I would never willingly own

I will stick to rotts

If you have the time, dedication and patience, and lots of time for exercise, then great, if not, go for an easier breed.
Hvae a read up on the breed to, this may help.

Also agree the bitches I have come across have been alot more scatty and highly strung than the males.

 

[whitewood]

I endorse the comments as above.

I currently have a litter, three chocolate and tan bitches left and they do have an awful lot of energy, but very lovable.

Shay, the mum I have had as a pup and is a superb guard although I know she wouldn't hurt a fly - she lives with my others dogs and cats and horses and chickens, but she is the boss and will play, sometimes too roughly in opinion with the little ones. Although they don't seem to mind.

I find her very trainable although she does have her 'naughty moments' but then again she is a dog. As long as they know that you are alpha and give them plenty of exercise and mind stimulation, she are excellent. Her favourtie spot is on the armchiar and she insisted on having her pups on the sofa . Eventually moved her into the pen, but then did not move for three days, but never objected to me handling her pups which I thought she might knowing what they are bred for.

I love them, but would not have more than one at any time.

If you want a chocolate and tan girl, pm me for pictures.

 

[ladyt25]

I have to say i am (in the future) considering a Doberman as a potential pet/guard dog for myself so this post has been quite interesting. I was given the impression by some people they were a little, well, er dim!

The reason I was thinking of a Doberman was several reasons - guard dog (as was initially applying for planning to build on our field with no real neighbours) but with a little less formidable power as said Rottie (although i do like them aswell) and also cos they are short coated and I thought this would be better moulting wise as I have asthma and a shorter coated dog is preferable.

From this post then I take it they need plenty of exercise (not a problem), are in fact not dim but do need good discipline and training (as all dogs really)? I def still fancy one!

 

[Jericho]

I rescued a older Dobie when I was younger. He was the most fantastic dog - loyal, loving, fun, sensible. His worst trait was the whinging though, he was a terrible wimp, hated being in the car as just got so excited and hated being cold.

He used to run by the side of me when I cycled to the stables and come out on hacks and the only time I ever saw agression from him is once when a friend of mine playfully pushed me to the floor in a mock fight and Duke promptly jumped on him, the other was when a dog attacked my horse. Neither time did Duke bite, he just used his strength to to move them away.

Young children would fall all over him, I took him everywhere and anywhere and he played amazingly gently with our elderly westie. He did get lots of exercise with me but when I wasnt around my parents took him for short walks and he didnt seem bothered by lack of exercise

I have to say he had obviously had had a very good training even though he did end up being a rescue (basically had been left in a flat with lots of other dogs and cats, poor thing) and that training contributed to him being the best dog I have ever known. Would highly recommend them as a breed (having talked to other Dobie owners extensively!) and would be first choice for me again.

 

[Corona]

Thankyou for all the replies, very interesting and helpful! ditto LadyT, I have been considering a dobie as a companion/guard for myself, and obviously would do a lot more research into them before I decided, but all sounds good! Would most certainly invest in some excellent training, as this seems paramount (which it should be for every breed but hey ho!). Whitewood I would have one of your chocolate and tan girls tomorrow, but im not quite ready yet! x