2006-12-26 11:24:50 · 15 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Dogs
He's not abused and I have had him since a pup. He's not afraid of people, he just doesn't show much protection. He would rather run for cover instead of stand his ground when he see's things that he's not familar with.
2006-12-26 11:42:00 · update #1
Maybe he's too socialized
2006-12-26 11:45:00 · update #2
He may or he may not. The most important thing to to be extremely gentle with him and slowly desensitize him to things that he is scared of. Enlist the help of a professional POSITIVE reinforcement trainer.
Also, take a look at the way you are around him or his living conditions. If you are the original owner, did you 'spank' him, hit him, rub his nose in poop, choke chain him, shock collar him, yell at him, or any other types of abuse? It may take awhile to reverse the effects those things have had on him. Is his environment unstable or loud? Kids tormenting him, fighting in the house, other dog beating up on him, lack of vet care, being outside all the time, all can contribute to the emotional health of the dog. Again, enlist the help of a trainer to work to fix the things that are wrong or that have been done wrong in the past.
And, have your dog fixed. A dobie with temperament issues SHOULD NOT be bred or left unneutered.
Edit: You've now painted three very different pictures. You can't expect to get good answers if you don't explain your question well. There is a BIG difference between being "scared of everything", running for cover, and just not being protective. Scared of everything means he hides when the doorbell rings, cowers from strangers, freaks out on car rides, hates loud noises, runs from birds, jumps at his own shadow, etc. Being non-protective could mean that he greets strangers instead of being cautious. Running for cover can just be shyness or a personality quirk. Some animals are just like that. Get him fixed, keep him as a family pet, get him professionally trained, and you may be surprised how much more protective of you he becomes.
2006-12-26 11:37:29 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Your dog is not to well socialized.
A well socialized dog is not fearful.
This would be a disqualifing fault in a doberman. They should not be fearful of much. They can be cautious but should not show fearfullness. Like running away and hiding from things.
Neutered or not that would not makje much difference.
I have owned Dobermans for 17 years and one of the more protective ones I had was neutered at 4 months of age. He was also one of the largest dogs I have ever owned.
2006-12-26 13:14:54 · answer #2 · answered by tlctreecare 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
He is BORED and he rips up things because he CAN! Dobes thrive on being with people and when they are bored or don't get enough stimulation, both physical and mental, they can be extremely destructive. Is it cruel to keep him in a crate when you're not home? NO it's not cruel......it's cruel NOT to keep him in his crate.....for his SAFETY, and YOUR SANITY! If you think that the *stuff* in your basement is costing you money, just wait until this dog ends up with an intestinal blockage and costs you $4,000.00 for surgery! (and it is NOT an easy surgery, either) Right now, I wish I lived next door to you, as I would take him off your hands, train him, keep him safe, and make him a very happy camper. If you can't deal with all of a Dobes requirements, either return him to his breeder or surrender him to Dobe Rescue in your area, before you BOTH go crazy.
2016-05-23 09:02:57 · answer #3 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
possibly not. You can neutralize it as much as possible. Take him places like Home Depot, the pet store, let as many people pet him as possible. Consider a cd with noises specifically for helping dogs cope that have sensitive hearing. I have a border collie with generalized fear and he is some better--I just don't let him get away with it. I take him to shows and he starts shaking the minute he gets there. I just tell him "Get over it" and once he gets in the ring he forgets his fears.
2006-12-26 11:30:21 · answer #4 · answered by it's me 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You can put him into training that'll work with him around a few of the main things he's fearful of. Usually, it'll work to subside some, if not most of his fear in that particular thing.
It's probably just his personality.
2006-12-26 11:32:42 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Your dog is probably a big baby. One of my Dobies is like that but I'd put my life on the line that he would really kill someone for me if it came right down to it. Still I love them all equally.
2006-12-26 15:19:46 · answer #6 · answered by Will 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
are you the original owner? sounds like he has been abused by someone and they will never forget that. I have had many dogs all breeds and worked for wild life society's all animals act that way if they have been hurt.
2006-12-26 11:34:09 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Have you ever had to to any obedience training ? All dobes need that . I would suggest you call a trainer and they can help you with this .He WILL NOT out grow this .
2006-12-30 02:19:11 · answer #8 · answered by Robin 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If he's two years old, I doubt it. But I bet he will protect you in a pinch.
2006-12-26 11:29:28 · answer #9 · answered by HVY-MTL-HED 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
He doesn't sound well socialized to me. Take him to obedience classes. Consistent obedience work will help his confidence.
2006-12-28 16:08:13 · answer #10 · answered by Shane 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋