Questions for Doberman owners, from a possible future Doberman owner?

Question

I’m going to be getting a second dog in middle or late summer, and I’m considering a Doberman. I’ve already read up on them quite a bit, and they sound like the kind of dog I’m looking for, but there’s nothing quite like hearing things first-hand from owners of the breed.

1. Do Dobermans tend to get along with other pet dogs in your home? Even small ones? I have a Dachshund.
2. Are they loving? This is very important to me. I want a dog who enjoys being with its family, and who would be happy to sleep on my bed. I know some breeds don’t necessarily like that sort of thing.
3. Are they generally well-behaved (if raised and trained properly)? I don’t expect any dog to be an angel, but can Dobermans sometimes be a little hard to handle?
4. What is something that bothers you about the breed?
5. What are some things that you especially like about the breed?

Please include any other information you think I should know! Anything at all would be appreciated. Thanks so much!

Chetco, can you go into a bit more detail about getting a dog of the opposite sex? I was really hoping to get another female. I’ve always had female dogs, and I feel more comfortable with them. Will they not get along?

Answer 1

YAY! good for you! Alot of people dont research animals before they get them, and then dont know what they are getting into.
I have been raised with dobermans all my life, i think in total My father had about 25, and when he met my mother, he cut it down to 12 ( but never given any away, they just got old =[ ). And then i was born, so we had them until i turned 11. and when they all passed away i was very depressed bc they were like my best friends, and it wasn't until last September ( 5 years later,it was a while to get over it) when i adopted The doberman i have now, Hammer, when he was 11 months old.

1-yes. I have a flying squirrel, and another dog. In fact, My family works in the circus, So were around animals all the time, Exotic and Domestic. Its all on how you train them.

2- THEY ARE VERY VERY LOVING AND PROTECTIVE! sometimes its even hard to do anything like homework, or sitting and watching t.v they want to be RIGHT THERE, in your face. They are very intelligent and know when your ignoring them. but as you would do with any dog, throw him a Kong and you be good till he gets the food out of it!

3-100000000% well-behaved. My father police trained ours, even though he never sold them, and they were trained to anything and everything imaginable! and they loved it! they love to please, so when they do something good, thats why its very necessary to award them and tell them that they are good, when they do something.

4-The only thing that bothers me is the fact that people judge them as mean, vicous, untrainable, animals and have many untrue "facts" that they have extemly small brains, which is fiction bc they are proven to be the smartest breed of dog.

5-What i like about the breed is they match my personality, just the way i am. I alway known as the person with the huge dobermans,they arevery humorus, and also Bc they are very very head strong and test all necessary waters and boundries (figurtivly, and phisically), lol like me, thats why you have to be the stronger person, and tell them who is who. Also becareful, because the first month even though it may be hard, you have to be strict, but never ever hurt them, and tell them what they can and cant do. thats very important. And then after awhile they know, and then you can allow yourself to be a bit more leaniant, but they will always know that even though your being leaniant, you can switch right back over. thats VERY VERY important, they need to know that your the one who is in charge. For example, someone they dont know comes to the door, and they are barking mad, and they need to know that when you put your finger to your nose, and say "HUSH!" and "OKAY!" they better stop, bc exessive barking can lead to biting, Especially to a stranger who means no harm , or child .

Also you must know that they are powerful dogs. They can do much much harm. Thats why they get such bad media, so you must, if your having trouble with traning, get Obediance, Or even E-mail me. please, I love helping people, i can even show you how to train a need-to-be-fixed probelm on the internet. I know lots , and lots about dobes. I can write a book. So please, for any questions go ahead. I dont mind!

Answer 2

Excellent breed of dogs!!! My favorite. I currently have three Dobermans and a rescued mutt that all live in the home. I have one male and two females and the mutt is about a 25lb. female. All of them get along just fine. The mutt was the last to come here and I was a little leery, but I stayed at home for the first 48hrs. to be on the safe side and the three Dobies accepted her and loves her dearly. The only problem I did have in the past is when I had two males at the same time and they did fight. Never again will I have two males together. I do agree that the same breeds together would definitely depend on their personality. Are they loving, Oh yes, very much so!!! Very affectionate and devoted. Every Dobie I have ever had wants to sleep in the bed. The closer to you they are the happier they are. They are classified as the velcro dog!! They are like your shadow no matter where you are or what you are doing. A Doberman can be head strong, but they love to learn and are very intelligent. Just take your time, be stern, patient and loving and you'll not only love this dog, I'll bet you'll want another one. They are like Lay's potato chips, you can't have just one!!!! lol. The ONLY thing that bothers be about this breed is their life span isn't long enough. I like their intelligence, their beauty, they are fearless and protective, very affectionate and their grooming is very little.

Answer 3

OK, you are very smart to ask questions. Now it is time to start talking to breeders and kennels. Do they mostly sell AKC puppies? or Working line Puppies?

I personally like the working line dogs as from the mom and dads history a breeder will be able to tell you if you are getting a pet quality dog / a harder dog / a dog with good temperament that can live in the house with the family.

Just getting an AKC registered dog from any old kennel is not really some of the the best choices. Getting an AKC registered Dobe from a kennel that sells the working line Dobeis... they can guide you to a dog that will have the qualities you are looking for in a dog.

here are a couple of sites to check out and get you started and you can find some kennels so you can contact the proper people

http://www.awdf.net
http://www.uniteddobermanclub.com/

These people will know the temperament of the dogs they sell.

GOOD LUCK

Answer 4

I'll try my best to answer your questions in order.
1. The Dobies I have known have gotten along fine with other dogs in their home, even small ones.
2. They have been very loving with family and other pets alike. The one I know best prefers to sleep in his large crate on his own blankets.
3. The only behavior prob. my Doberman friends have had is taking food off the table if left unattended. Training could prob. have remedied this.
4. Nothing actually bothers me about the breed except the damage they could be capable of if they got angry or out of control. They need firm training and I do think they need space to run and exercise.
5. They are beautiful dogs and I love their playfulness and humor. They are excellent watchdogs.

Answer 5

Seems everyone has just about covered most of your questions.

They are considered VELCRO dogs, and will shadow you constantly. I love my dober-kids!

We do have 3 females that are great together and know where they stand.

The 2 males do not share the same yard period. We have never allowed them in the same yard, not even supervised.

Dobermans LOVE their people and are always ready to do whatever you desire.

The only thing that bothers me about the breed: even as 8-10 wks old puppies they shadow their people constantly, and yes, one will get stepped on before they learn.

The only time a Doberman would be "a little hard to handle" is when it is untrained. They are VERY fast learners, and what nothing more but to please you.

One of our puppies, a male, went to a home that had a 4 yr old female minpin. She rules that roost and he fully respects her.

If you properly train & raise a doberman, you'll never regret it!

Answer 6

I have had dobermans for 18 years and I work as a behavioral trainer for a doberman rescue.
They can get along with other pets but you should never have two dogs of the same sex in the home. Dobermans have a fair amount of same sex aggression and it can be really bad in two females. They can actually fight until one kills the other dog. Our rescue only places dogs of oposite sexes in the same home.
They are loving but possessive. They love to sleep on your bed but can be very pushy and need to know and understand their place in the order of the home.
They are well behaved BUT require LOTS of training. You MUST establish yours self as top dog or you will have no end to the problems they can and will cause. TRAINING is a must and you must be firm and consistant with them. They are like naughty two years olds. They test every person in the home and see who lets them do what. If you are not in charge they will be.
Doebs are great dog but not for every home. Just because people like the way they look the have no clue going in how much exercise and training it takes to have that great dog and many owners fail because they just do not hve the time or desire to do all the work required. Dobes really make you work.
I love their loyality. My male would wlak through fire if I asked him.
It took alot to get him there but I love to spend time training.
If I can answer more or other qeustion feel free to e-mail me.

Answer 7

My Dobermans got along great with my small dogs, but not with the dogs of equal size. I would certainly get a Doberman of opposite sex than the dog you have..
Dobermans can't be left to train themselves, but do require a good training regimen and a LOT of socialization..
Some are VERY loving, and some are more aloof..very individual personalities.
All are easily trained, but require dedication to training.
All of mine were well behaved. They enjoy pleasing their master. they also have a sense of humor, and enjoy showing off.
I most appreciated their loyalty and intelligence..
they have such highly developed sensitivities, to sight and scent, mood and intent, that they seemed nearly super-natural..and fascinating to watch/observe their thought processes..

Never train with any form of pain, or threat of pain..That is the number one reason that they decide that 'might-makes-right'
and will become belligerent when they mature and feel it is time for them to be alpha. They must learn and obey out of loyalty, respect and trust.

Note to answer below: My first Doberman had come from a home that was a toddler day care..She was fine with the children for 4 years, but parents were leery and uneasy...so the owner co-owned with me..not for the kids' safety, but for the parents' issues.
If they are raised around children, they are great, but need close supervision if they have not been with kids...That is part of the reason for the importance of socializing, and more socializing.
Edit:
I raised Dobermans for many years. the only issue I had with them and my other dogs, were female to female aggression..My other females just couldn't be left alone with them..and, as I also had spayed females, the spaying didn't seem to make a difference..My other breeds will fight in a sensible manner, mostly just noise and warnings..However, Dobe's are gung-ho..and don't temper their bites, but really go for where it will do the most harm, and quickly.They don't have the concept of a 'warning nip' as do most other breeds. .I wouldn't risk leaving an adult female Dobe alone with another female of any breed.
However, I only bred Dobermans of the top working and showing lines..and never specifically as 'pet' lineages..so there may be differences in other lineages...I learned the hard way..with big vet bills!..Even with female dogs that were raised together..
You might do better to check here> http://search.petfinder.com/search/search.cgi?action=1&pet.Animal=Dog&pet.Breed=doberman&pet.Age=Young&pet.Size=&pet.Sex=&location=93277&preview=1&scope=0&x=8&y=11
as many of these wonderful Dobermans have been tested with other dogs..just put in your own zip code..

Answer 8

Yes. Dobies get along well with other animals. Yes, they are loving and they probably will sleep on your bed if you teach it too. When trained, they are well behaved just like any other dog and they will not be hard to handle if they are trained properly. The part that bothers me about the dog is that they can suffer pain and you take them to the vet and the vet cannot find out what is going on. This can run you into lots of money. One thing I like about Dobies are that they are usually devoted to their owners. Be especially careful of high shrilly children (like little girls shrills) because this can set them off. High noises tend to set off the natural instinct in aggressive dogs. It is perceived as survival food and they may attack.

Answer 9

I had a dobie and a dachshund at the same time. They were fine together. Of course all of this depends on personalities. You cant just go by breed. My dobie was male and my dachshund was female. I'm not sure but I think that it's easier having a male and female because there wont be the alpha male and alpha female thing going on.

Answer 10

Dobies are great. They are intelligent and can be trained easily. Be consistent with them and give them lots of loving. They are wonderful protectors.