I've never had a dog before, and I want a doberman pinscher from a real breeder, not a pet store. I didn't just wake up this morning and decide I wanted a doberman. I've done plenty of homework. I want a dog that will be loving with my parents and nieces, and when I have children, to love them as a part of the family. I've read several dog training books, and even Cesar Milan's be the pack leader. I also found classes at the YMCA that offer puppy training and socialization for 8 weeks, followed by advanced dog training for 7 weeks. I also will be taking my puppy to my sister-in-law's daycare and let him play with the children (under supervision of course) just to get him socialized. I have an average size house and a small yard, but I enjoy running and will take my dog with me when he's old enough. Do you think a Doberman will be a good first time dog for me?
Dog Training vs Horse Training
Recommended Answer:A well breed Dobermann is *not* the breed for the weak willed or novice handler, as they very much have a mind of their own & need to be able to respect their handler/pack.
Dobes are an incredibly loyal, faithful and devoted dog, valued for their physical and mental ability. The Dobermann needs mental stimulation as much as physical exercise. They thrive on being worked and mentally stimulated, and *will not* be satisfied being house-bound 23 hours a day with *one hours run around the park*.
Dobes love to work, they need mental as well as physical exercise, so if you want a breed to walk around the park for an hour after work, a Dobe isn't the breed for you.
When they are fully grown, Dobes require a minimum of 1½ hours hard walking/ free running each day.
Dobes are a very sensitive breed, and being over harsh or shouting too loudly will never be forgiven. However, you do need to let your Dobe know his or her place in the pack, and that is at the bottom of it!
As with all dogs, a combination of love and discipline is important, and there is a very fine line between being too hard and too soft. Hard handling can make for a shy, cautious animal which is as much of a danger as an over-confident dog. It is finding the right balance that determines how successful you would be in owning this breed.
I would not reccomend a Dobermann for a novice dog owner. That said, if you decide to proceed, as a first time Dobe owner, it would be perhaps wiser to have a b*tch. You would enjoy all the characteristics of the breed, without so much of the territorial, aggressive behaviour that is associated with adolescent male Dobermanns.
Basic Obedience Training - Secret of Having a Well-Behaved Dog - Training Tips For Different Dogs
- go for it!
you sound like you've done your homework and are ready for the responsibility of caring for, exercising and training a dog.
obedience classes are a lot of fun but be commited, but it sounds like u will be.
make sure your puppy gets all his shots before you bring him to the day care centre though.
have fun!
- You sound like a perfecyt dog owner you defintly are ready but make sure you dont feed him to much or it result in bloat!
- to tell you the truth i think any dog will be good for you because you have your research all done and i think you should get your dog today
- Find a reputable breeder and discuss it with them, arrange to visit with them and ask if you can spend time with their dogs to make sure you are 100% about having a pup from one them. Any reputable breeder would make time for someone who shows that much interest in their dogs.
- You seem to have done much thinking about getting a doberman. Have you read that they bond quite strongly with one person? Since you are young, you are looking at a future with a spouse and children. Dobermans aren't the type of dog to welcome competition for the attention that at the present you will give the dog, but later you will give to a spouse and children. If you get one now, I'm afraid that you will have to re-home it later, so I would recommend that you consider another breed. By the way, not many parents of children attending daycare are going to appreciate you bringing your doberman there for socialization. Maybe when it is weeks old, but when it gets a little bigger you will begin getting "looks" from everyone that you go around. Many people are afraid of this breed and you will find out just how prejudiced people can be against certain breeds. I should know, I have a Rottweiler and deal with prejudice everytime we leave the house. She is a wonderful dog, but of course they are just going by her looks, not her personality.
- Absolutely! You sound like you have really done your research and Dobermans are amazing dogs. I grew up in a family that always had Dobermans, we had no issues at all with this breed. Ours were well socialized from puppyhood and grew up to be well adjusted, loving dogs. The nice thing about this breed is that they are incredibly smart and learn quickly during training. The key is to train them properly, and you sound like you are definitely prepared and on the right track with that! Just make sure to pick out a good, reputable breeder - one that has good, solid history with the breed and no issues with genetic defects are obvious key things to look for. Good luck!!
- Susan B, where do you get the idea that they bond with only 1 person? Do you have any experience with a Dobe? Anyway, to the poster, you sound like you are on the right track. Do your research for a good breeder, who preferably shows her dogs. Therefore you will be able to get a pup whose parents have also been genetically health tested and one that has a nice show crop, if you live in the US. They are a Velcro dog that loves to be with people. (not just one person) I use to show and breed Dobes, and have owned 8, both male and female, over the last 25 years. We got our first Dobe when our sons were 3&6 years old. (They are now 28 & 31) We never had a problem with our Dobes bonding with anyone, kids of all ages, grandpa & grandma, neighbors, and other pets. It sounds like you are doing your homework. Good job, and I hope you find the companion of your dreams.
- I have never owned a dog before and I began my research about a year ago. I decided the Doberman was perfect for my life and I am also a huge Milan fan. I live in Canada and I had a breeder tell me that there is a difference in "wiring" between a working and non-working line of Doberman. Make sure you ask your breeder about his dogs temperments and what they are best 'wired' to do. My breeder and the book Brains & Beauty by Joanna Walker will tell you there is a difference between European and American bloodlines. For a companion pet I have been told it is the American bloodline that would be best for me.
- they are good dogs.
- extremely aggressive and not able to be trusted. I would go with a lab. they love everyone and love to go jogging. they sound great for you. do some more research. good luck
