Question: I would like a doberman. how good are they with people, pets and children?

(Posted by: Matt Moyer on 2010-03-09 16:29:06)

Be honest.

Posted by: Natalie on 2010-03-09, 16:30:55

Ill just say tht dobermans arent the friendliest dogs....

Posted by: CanineTruth on 2010-03-09, 16:33:28

Dobermans where bred as guarding dogs - protection dogs. Many well bred (and many poorly bred) animals still have that guarding instinct. They need serious, extensive socialization from day one. They also have a prey drive, so it would need tons of work around the cat as well. Great with kids in the family if provided proper socialization and supervision. In all honesty i do not consider this breed to be good for novice or first time dog owners. They need firm, but fair handling by an OWNER (not a "mommy " or "daddy " or some such rot). They can be dominant. They require a good hour of brisk controlled exercise per day, and near constant mental stimulation (something to do.) Might want to look into a breed that's a little less dog, if you know what i mean. canine-truth.webs.com/ choosingadog.htm

Posted by: TK on 2010-03-09, 16:33:44

The ones I've known have been big babies. My family had one when I was a child and he was very tolerant of us.

Posted by: Tasha on 2010-03-09, 16:36:19

Dobermans are good dogs but they do need responsible owners. I wouldn't recommend them for first-time dog owners. People need experience for these dogs and NEED to know how to set rules for this dog.

Posted by: Julie D. on 2010-03-09, 16:42:27

IMO (but I am biased) once you've had a well bred Dobe, you will always want a Dobe. I'll be honest. We purchased our first Dobe when our sons were 3 and 6 years old. (They are now 29 and 32) Our family was *hooked* from the get go, although a Dobe is NOT for everyone. They are very smart and trained easily, but can be very destructive when both physically and mentally bored. I'm sure you already know that NO dog should be left alone with a child. Over the years, along with Dobes, (we've had 8) we have had cats, other dogs, chickens, ducks, guinea pigs, rabbits, birds, chinchillas, turtles, etc. (I know, sounds like a zoo) We have never had a problem as we trained our dogs properly and they knew their boundary's. If you decide on a Dobe, please Google the DPCA and look for a breeder referral list in your area. Dobes DO have many health issues, but reputable breeders do genetic health testing to try to produce the healthiest and soundest dogs that they can. Whatever you do, PLEASE stay away from the breeders of Albino's and also be aware that blues and fawns can have coat problems. Study the breed so you know what to look for in a good breeder and all about their possible health issues.

Posted by: noboutdogs on 2010-03-09, 16:43:25

To be honest, that is one of my favorite dogs in the world. I am most attracted to the dogs that have bad reps. I have a german shep mix/ doberman we think and a chinese shar pei mix. They are one of the most well behaved dogs in my opion. they are very inteligente, smart, and very well with kids if raised. I really reccomend adopting a puppy because they can be unpredictiable, but, if not, go look around a very good quality breeders, Please ADOPT THOUGHT!#!@!@ look at petfinder.com they will help you i garuentee. Back to Dobermans, they are very high energy and need to be excersied at least 1 hour everyday. They can be agressive (humans, dogs ect.) if not raised properly so i recomend training from puppy stage!@!@ Please these are wonderful dogs and i do hope you adopt be responsible with your doberman though!

Posted by: Ritchellei on 2010-03-09, 17:00:56

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Posted by: ₪ Memphis Belle ~ Crufts 2010 ₪ on 2010-03-09, 17:43:00

Dobermann ~ general overview of its character. A well bred Dobermann {NOT from a puppy farm or back yard breeder} would be sound in the head, have a rock solid, bold & alert temperament & strong nerves. As breed created to work as a personal protection dog, it's highly intelligent & has an innate ability to keep its owner on their toes, high energy, does need its mind engaged with some type of work, as a dog left to mentally fester would go out of its skull with boredom & as an adult needs a minimum of 1.5 hours exercise every day. A Dobermann is naturally inclined to be dominant & needs a strong minded, assertive, fair owner who will ensure the dog is very clear in its head that they are in charge of every aspect of the dogs life, be clear it ranks below the humans & the owner, not the dog runs the household. From day one the dog should be give boundaries of acceptabel behavior which are consistenlty enforced by EVERYONE in the family & motivational obedience training to teach the puppy commands. A Dobermann will see through a weak minded or inconsistent owner, they will loose control to the dog, who will then ignore command, do what it wants, when it wants & makes it owner's life miserable. A Dobermann typically forms a particularly strong bond with one human in the family, but still bonds with the remaining member of its pack, will want to be with its human pack for as much time as it can manage, but will adapt to its owner's work schedule, is very pack focused & aloof with strangers. Older children can be taught how to help train the dog so it will obey their commands & how to interact safely with it & all children should be supervised with any dog to prevent accidents to the dog or child. I have friends successfully raising Dobermanns & children, & have children visit my home without a problem. It is possible to raise a Dobermann with other pets in the house, but if there is a male dog already in residence a b*tch would be the best option to prevent male/ male aggression. Finally a Dobermann typically is an effective watch dog & visual deterrent, but is NOT naturally protective. A Dobermann should be clear in its mind that it's the job of the pack leader to protect the dog from threats outside the pack & not the other way around. Fine to bark to alert it's owner when someone comes on the property, but it must be trained to know the owner, not the dog decides who comes in the house. Honestly? While there may be some novice of first time dog owners with the right character to handle what is a challenging breed to own, it is not something I would ever recommend as breed/ owner mismatch is the primary reason why dogs are owner-surrendered.

Posted by: Horse Lover on 2010-03-09, 18:08:10

My brother has a Doberman and she is an 80 pound lap dog. She is exceptional around all their other animals(horses, donkeys, cats, dogs, goats and even rabbits). She does not bark or chase them. She is great with other people and children too.