My friend has a doberman who gave birth to 4 puppies, I'm going to get one of them but I'm a bit worried since the mother has a terrible temper. She already bit quite a few people, actually friends not strangers who visited my friend. I'm worried because I have a 5 year old and a four month old (kids not dogs). What do you think? Oh, the father is a mutt.
2007-02-25 21:23:32 · 14 answers · asked by queen bee 1 in Pets ➔ Dogs
Maybe, but remember there's a dad in there too. And puppies can have more than one dad per litter. Tis true!
2007-02-25 21:27:22 · answer #1 · answered by starrynight1 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I would be wary as you really don't know if the dog is biting due to poor socialization and lack of proper training, (which is the most likely scenario), or if there is actually something wrong with the dog, like it's brain in a chemical way. If it were just you I would say take a chance, with 2 little ones at home I would advise against it.
If you are not opposed to a slightly older mixed breed, even a year old would be a great age, your best bet may be to contact a rescue in your area. Rescue dogs are fostered in people's homes so they may be able to find you a dog, even a Dobie-mix, that they know is good with kids. It would most likely also already be house-broken.
I think you have every reason to be worried about this dog in wondering if there could be a genetic problem with her temperment, the safety of both your kids has to be your number one priority above and beyond getting a free dog from a friend, if in fact that is the arrangement.
2007-02-26 06:23:57 · answer #2 · answered by Scruffy Dog 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
As it will be raise with the kids i wouldnt worry about it. And to sarah c, some of the sweetest, most friendly dogs i know are dobe crosses. A bad temperment can be trained out of a pup if it is well socialised with people and dogs. Was the mother bought up around friendly people and socialised. Was the mother always nasty or is it just while she has the pups? Remember that the father is also part and he may have a beautiful temperment that the pup may get. Just make sure that the new addition is well trained and exposed to as many new situations as possible and keep an eye on it as it gets older. If he/she does get nasty, get proffessional help. Your vet will be able to recommend someone.
2007-02-26 06:24:12 · answer #3 · answered by Big red 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I was told by an animal behaviourist friend that a dogs nature is 50% nature and 50% nurture.
Of the 50% nature half obviously comes from the mum,and if she is viscous then this is not good.
Is dad a nice tempered dog?
Also half of the pups nature will depend on how it is raised and this is the important bit.You can train a pup with 2 nasty parents to be a good dog,it will simply be harder work than the pup of 2 nice dogs.
Also is it the mums fault or has your friend not trained her properly?If she has bitten people in the last few weeks it's more understandable as she is entitled to be protective of her pups.
2007-02-26 17:33:51 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
My Heinz-57 inherited a lot from his Dad, so your puppy will be a mix. A lot of temperment will depend on how the dog is brought up. Socialise it well, and take it to puppy-classes as soon as reasonable. In fact, consider talking with your local dog trainer to get their views on the subject even before you take the puppy.
Whatever you do, never never never leave the children alone with the puppy/dog. When I was 7 I had a friend whose 10-week puppy was only playing but it bit her earlobe off. The puppy wasn't being mean - it just didn't realise.
2007-02-26 05:30:47 · answer #5 · answered by nikki 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
It's definately possible the pups will inherit her temperment,either genetically or pick it up from watching the moms behavoir so I personally wouldn't risk it with young children in the house. Seriously.
Dobies are beautiful dogs but they are also *very* energetic (hyper) and require a large commitment of time and energy to raise so even if the puppy doesn't pick up the moms aggression, are you really sure you want to have to deal with that much work?
Your best bet would be to pass on these pups and maybe look into an older,already trained dog that's known to be good with kids. Rescues that foster dogs can provide you with information on the dogs temperment and it will usually be already trained and housebroken by the foster family.
Or if you're dead set on a Dobie puppy (and I wouldn't blame you..;) ,find a reputable breeder,meet the puppies parents to get a feel of their temperment and find one that way. Check out any Dobie clubs in your area for advise on who to go to,etc...
2007-02-26 05:41:45 · answer #6 · answered by wildyarrow 2 · 3⤊ 1⤋
One of the answers given regularly on this site to "What should I consider when buying a puppy?' is "Look at the parents.'
O.K. You've looked at the parents (or one of them at least) and you don't like the mother's temperament.
So you tell your friend you've changed your mind.
Do not sign up for a dog that you will be looking to keep for maybe 10-12 years unless you are entirely happy with the puppy.
There are plenty of Doberrnans out there whose temperament will on the face of it be much sounder.
I seriously wouldn't touch any of this litter with or without the consideration of the young children you have in the home
2007-02-26 06:24:11 · answer #7 · answered by bearbrain 5 · 4⤊ 0⤋
this is the age old question of is it nature or nurture, It is difficult to say what is the truth, your puppy may have some of the mothers traits, but it's how youbring them up as well, not that i'm saying your friend has done anything wrong with her dog.
I have a puppy from one of my girls, she has some of her mother in her but, she also has alot of her auntie as we own them both, they are a better example, both bitp-ches from the same litter but totaly different characters. one calm and likes her own space and the other is a happy bouncy loves absolutly eveyone type of dog. I know this hasn't answered your question but I hope it helps
2007-02-26 05:42:30 · answer #8 · answered by tikidog1981 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
OK, lets put it another way. Genes affect behaviour. If that weren't the case then dogs wouldn't be bred for specific tasks. Genes affect behaviour in ways we haven't even begun to understand.
Temperament is genetic, behaviour is learned (training) but you cannot put in what isn't there to begin with, you can only work with what you have.
Start with poor genes and you make your job as pet owner more difficult.
You've shown doubts about the mothers temperament and behaviour.
A pup from this litter is not going to be the best bet for a family with small kids. If I were you I'd take my hard earned cash elsewhere and look for a litter that has a better tempered mother.
You can just tell your mate that the pups aren't what you're looking for, you don't have to take one, your responsibility is to get the best pup for your family not help out your mate.
2007-02-26 05:33:08 · answer #9 · answered by sarah c 7 · 1⤊ 3⤋
A dog is like a human and passes genes on to their babies! I had a Jack Russel and her mum was viscous and they had to keep her in a separate room 2 everyone else but all her pups were fine and aren't like her. But when they go to different homes they will be treated differently and so it shouldn't really affect them what their mum is like.
2007-02-26 11:23:29 · answer #10 · answered by alexandra 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋