My Dobie in 3 y/o, 100 lbs. We tried to socialize him as much as possible but he just hates people. He goes to doggie day care and is OK around the dogs and people there for some reason (he's been going since he's been a baby) but we can't take him for laks b/c if he sees another person or dog he goes crazy and won't listen. He's also ok if someone comes over. He checks them out at first, but then warms up and loves the visitor.
Very high maintenence dog-just a warning if anyone out there is thinking of getting one. Very smart, very loveable but these dogs need alot of love and sttention, and excersise (which he gets)
Any advice?
2007-01-25 05:22:40 · 10 answers · asked by the agent 1 in Pets ➔ Dogs
I have tried the gentle leader, obedience training, and etc. I know he's a working breed, and this is just his personality. Fearless. I cannot take him out to train, believe me, he goes nuts when he sees another dog-but loves his buds at doggie daycare. He's just doin his job. He's not vicious in any way (other than snarling at the nieghbors) but he is the most rewarding, loving little guy. A handsome boy too.
He may not like certain things, but he loves his "blankie" at night. And believe it or not, he is sometimes afraid of the kitties (he has two kitty siblings) We are all a happy family : )
2007-01-25 10:28:06 · update #1
I have a 2yr old Doberman she is a handful too. I honestly think Theirs not really much you can do to change your dog from being to overprotective....Dobermans are known mostly for their ability to guard and protect ...if you want a social ,friendly dog dobermans are not the right breed for you...On the flip side of things...They are the most loving and devoted breed and I'm sure you know what I mean when I say they can talk to you with their eyes...It's that look that makes you love them. Good luck....!
P.S. (treats work great w/ training....try It out...k.)
2007-01-25 05:44:57 · answer #1 · answered by aim7832 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I had a chow chow for 12 years. A very powerful and aloof dog. I now have a 1 year old female rottweiler. Both are "bully breeds" - as is your dobie. Bully breeds are prone to leadership in the event that none exists. They are always ready and willing to step into the front lines.
I know we all think that we are the alpha dog in our homes, but the sad fact is - we aren't. We don't think like dogs or understand them. We equate what we see from them on a human level. When, in doggie language, it means something entirely different.
He is acting aggresively towards other dogs in that circumstance because he feels it's his job. He is not sensing control from you and leadership. One clue to discovering whether your a pack leader or not? As Cesar Milan, the dog whisper puts it - when you walk your dog - is he pulling you? Is he walking in front of you? If so - guess what? You are NOT the alpha dog. In doggie world - a submissive dog walks beside or behind the alpha.
Control isn't madness. Honestly, it's truly about controlling the situation in that - you direct your dog on what to do. If he sense commands in a calm and reassuring voice - he will feel that you are in control. No yelling. No tugging. When he begins to exhibit this behavior - stop walking. Calmly command him to sit. The minute he tenses or attempts to stand and lead again. Calmly command again, making a sharp "shhht" verbal noise and make a "mouth" with you hand and quickly and sharply touch his behind. This mimicks a dog bite in doggie language. This is how the alpha treats those bold enough to act out of line in the wild.
If possible, request the other dog to approach slowly. Command your dog to lie. If you can control the situation properly, you should force your dog to submit to the new dog sniffing his you know where. An introduction in doggie language - a "hello." Once your dog has been forced to submit to the other dog, under your calm and assertive "control" over the situation (meaning you are controlling it by commanding your dog how to react to it), he will fall into the submissive role with that dog.
Won't happen overnight. Check out Cesar Milan on the National Geographic Channel. Visit his site, too.
2007-01-25 13:40:58 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Using a Gentle Leader on walks will help a lot. You'll have control of his head and you won't get into a pulling match with him. Don't push him to make contact with or even get near the other people. Change the association of the presence of people with very good things. This takes time, and you should seek the help of a trainer to be sure you are getting it right. Positive is the way to go - reward the heck outta him when he's doing the right thing!
2007-01-25 15:33:19 · answer #3 · answered by Misa M 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
We have 5 dobermans ranging from ages 12 yrs down to 3 months, and we've never had a problem with them being aggressive or overly protective. So, it's not a "breed" issue.
If he's always been allowed to run to the end of the leash, you've set no boundries. When you walk him, make him walk at a heel position. When someone is approaching, make him sit at a heel position (beside you) and STAY. If he gets up and acts up (which he will until he gets with YOUR program), correct him and put him back into a sit in the heel position.
When you first start this, even if he sits calm for a few seconds, reward him and repeat the STAY command. Once the distraction has passed, reward GOOD behavior ONLY, and continue with your walk with him in a heel position. With him already having "protective" issues, do not allow him to walk at the end of the leash, always BESIDE you.
2007-01-25 13:36:46 · answer #4 · answered by Pam 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
High maintenance? I've never owned a Doberman that was high maintenance. True , they are protective,smart and loveable and they do love attention and love. Maybe you should take the dog to obedience training. I think maybe this dog doesn't consider you as being the boss or leader of the pack. Dobermans are very head strong and it is very nessacary that they are taught they don't run the show. Good luck!!!
2007-01-25 13:37:16 · answer #5 · answered by ® 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes. Watch The Dog Whisperer on the National Geographic channel. Caesar Milan addresses this problem in every show. Or you can visit his web site, The Dog Whisperer.com.
2007-01-25 13:34:51 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You have chosen a dog bred for working as a professional guard dog. I would suggest Schutzhund training to utilize these talents and channel them into something controllable and useful.
2007-01-25 13:43:41 · answer #7 · answered by aaking 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
maybe he feels that you are his and they can't touch you. Or he just might have been abused before you got him. My dogs are the same way just don't wack him it wont do any good. Maybe you should put a mussle on him and walk him around or i wouldn't recomend this but stupidly you could use a shock collar. But please dont shock him. I hope This Helps
2007-01-25 13:52:48 · answer #8 · answered by *Hardy~Girl* 1 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Not all dobies are like that. I had one that was wonderful through and through. I just suggest just not taking him for walks....he is fine otherwise so you have yourself a pretty good dog.
2007-01-25 13:34:26 · answer #9 · answered by KathyS 7 · 0⤊ 3⤋
call ceaser milan
2007-01-25 14:06:53 · answer #10 · answered by Marilyn K 1 · 1⤊ 1⤋