BEHAVIOR PROBLEMS
The Doberman is a highly intelligent
breed. He is, by virtue of his
physical prowess and mental excellence,
one of the most formidable of all
the working guard breeds. He is a
finely tuned protection "weapon",
capable of doing considerable harm
and damage to his foes. Because
of his temperament and physical
superiority, the Doberman must be "managed" properly from puppyhood.
This means kindly and patiently and respectfully nurtured along---issuing appropriate discipline when
necessary to make the
point or correct undesirable behavior.
Because many people don't research and study the Doberman breed and the
characteristics of his temperament,
problems with behavior can occur.
Be aware that **THE DOBERMAN IS NOT FOR EVERY PERSON OR FAMILY**.
This is just the reality of the breed. It is a demanding breed and
requires constant attention and guidance from the family. With the mobile
society we live in, where often two people are working and out of the home
for long periods of time everyday, the possibility that the Doberman will
not be nurtured properly is a distinct possibility. This sets the scenario
for trouble to follow.
The first year is ABSOLUTELY CRITICAL to the proper development of correct
behavior patterns and the establishment of the *ORDER* that must be present
in the family---which is the *people* call all the shots---the Doberman must
comply and follow their lead. The family CANNOT be held hostage by an
improperly raised and trained Doberman who thinks he is the ALPHA and is
running "the show." Poor behavior, lack of discipline and even dangerous
displays of aggression toward family members and other acceptable people is
the consequence of mismanagement of the Doberman in some manner.
Of course, there are exceptions, where the Doberman has a physical cause for
behavior problems. But typically BEHAVIOR PROBLEMS follow improper
training attempts or inappropriate or too severe discipline---or lack of
bonding to the family because the Doberman is locked away and has not
integrated itself within the family---and also the total lack of available
time to spend with this Doberman that demands quality efforts to train.
BEFORE you purchase a Doberman---do your *HOMEWORK.* Study the
breed---read everything available on Dobermans. Study and read about
training methods and how Dobermans are different than the great majority of
breeds. TALK to reputable breeders---go to AKC Dog Shows and establish
contacts, so you can spend some time around Dobermans to observe and see how
they act and react. Observe Obedience classes and how they're taught.
Get all the details worked out on how you are going to handle a Doberman
puppy coming into your home, including the proper usage of a portable wire
crate/kennel to use in the training process. Do all of this BEFORE you go
look for a puppy.
If you have very small children---babies, toddlers and young school age
children---getting a tiny Doberman puppy is NOT GOOD!!! BABIES AND
DOBERMAN PUPPY BABIES ARE NOT A GOOD MIX!!! Doberman puppies are
high energy, bundles of **SHARP TOENAILS AND NEEDLE TEETH**!! Young
children can be absolutely terrified by nipping puppies and the puppy can be
absolutely terrified by running, screaming children that cause their mom's
and dad's to harshly discipline the puppy for normal puppy behavior. This
sets the scene for a very bad experience for both toddler/child as well as
the young Doberman puppy and is frequently the start of major BEHAVIOR
PROBLEMS that will follow.
The puppy gets locked up more because the kids are afraid and pretty soon
the puppy is in the basement or garage or even worse---outside---and the
puppy grows up with no family socialization--no house time--fear of children
and possibly adults. MAJOR PROBLEMS start and are magnified once the
puppy becomes an adult and the critical "imprinting" period of
puppyhood is passed.
Many older puppies (6 months to 12 months) and young adolescent adults end
up in Shelters, Humane Societies and Rescues across the Country because
people cannot handle their Doberman. Or their Doberman is aggressive---or
they are using the wrong training methods and they are afraid of their
Doberman. Any number of scenario's can cause behavior problems
in the Doberman.
Make sure you seek the advice and counsel of a Professional Behaviorist, a
Professional Trainer who has experience with Dobermans, and seek advice
from experienced breeders who can point you in the right direction for help.
Dobermans are formidable guard dogs that have the potential to do harm. Do
not wait to seek Counsel to correct offensive/dangerous behavior.
Who's in charge here?
Nothing in live is free
submitted by
Theresa Mullen
DPCA Public Education Committee
