Owning A Dobermann – The Truth
If after consideration, you have decided to buy a Dobermann for your home or workplace, you may still be asking yourself if it’s a good idea or not. For starters would you like a puppy or adult dog, and should your Dobermann be male or female? Here are some pros and cons of owning a Dobermann dog.
Is owning a Dobermann a good idea?
Dobermans can be great companions whether living at home or in the office. They are an extremely focused breed of dog and if your companion gets enough exercise, they will be relaxed and a pleasure to be around.
Dobermanns are built for action, and that’s one of the reasons we always see them as guard dogs. A Dobermann keeper should take their dog out for a run for at least 1 hour a day minimum. This is a great opportunity for you to jog together; this will keep your Dobermann happy and healthy along with yourself.
Unfortunately, Dobermanns have a negative reputation for being scary guard dogs behind a security fence and that shouldn’t always be the reason to get one. Sadly, many people only get Dobermans for this frighting image.
Choosing a pet solely on appearance is a terrible thing to do for any dog. Just like humans, there is a lot more on the inside than the outside. Obviously, Dobermanns were originally bred to be watchdogs; although training your Dobermann to keep an eye on colleagues or bosses in the workplace sounds like a great idea; there’s more to this dog breed in this modern world than just that.
The Dobermann’s perseverance and independent characteristics make this breed unique to other breeds of dog. Dobermanns can be dominant and are known to outsmart some people. Dobermanns need a strong master, this type of dog will not suit everybody
Male or Female Dobermann?
Both male and female Dobermanns behave similarly and can both be well-trained and obedient members of the workforce.
Male dogs can be more dominant than their female counterpart; especially over other dogs; especially males… Occasionally humans as well. Dogs need to understand from the start that the human owner is the leader. This requires persistence and relationship-building from day 1. It’s important to ensure your Doberman obeys colleagues and all members of the family. Sometimes neutering your Doberman with help with some alfa male issues.
Female puppies become fertile (on-heat) between eight and twelve months of age. This continues for most of the dog’s life, twice a year. During fertile periods Dobermans will start to find a male to mate with. To calm this behavior down, you can seek advice from your Vet, and they may suggest spading.
Should I start with a Puppy or Adult Dog?
It’s great having a puppy in the house or at work and it usually makes you super popular with everybody around. But having a puppy comes with extra responsibility and self-accountability; not just about keeping your puppy busy while at work but also how the dog turns out as an adult; ultimately, the rearing owner of the dog is hugely responsible for the grown-up dog’s character.
Training a dog can be a mammoth task and takes up a lot of time. The first year of a dog’s life is filled with learning – more than any other time. Behavioral foundations need to be set up such as potty training, obedience, and behavior. For best results, a lot of time needs to be dedicated and devoted.
Puppies can leave a trail of destruction in their path. This will sometime cost new wallpaper, shoes, socks… And possibly furniture and flooring. With the correct education, this vandalism will soon vanish.
Before homing a new dog it’s important to check if a dog is allowed in your home under your tenancy agreement if you rent.
It’s up to you to judge whether a puppy or an adult dog is a good match for your lifestyle. The advantage of a puppy is that you can train your dog in your own way or on your own terms. Every dog is unique. but, training will influence your dog’s behavior for years to come.
Training
Puppies require time and energy; not everyone has. A great benefit of training your dog as a puppy is that eventually, the puppy will be a dog that suits your way of living.
If you are put off by the accountability and the time it takes to train a puppy into an adult; choosing an adult dog is an option.
Although an adult dog will still require input from you, the core foundations have already been developed, as well as habits, traits, and characteristics. You will have to work out if your adult dog and yourself will be able to adapt and live with each other.
Integrating an adult dog into a household can be hard, and harder if there is already an existing dog. Introducing a new dog needs to be done with care. A natural hierarchy needs to be established.
Rehoming a rescue dog is another option. These dogs are usually older and won’t be easily trained. If you are lucky, they won’t need any training. Some dogs get rehomes due to bereavement or family breakdown. It’s great if you are able to give a dog a second chance in life.
Having more than one Dobermann
Having more than two dogs can be great fun for humans as well as dogs, if the dynamic is right everyone enjoys each other’s company. It’s best to only have one puppy at a given time as training and creating a bond is precious and full attention is needed. Two puppies mean that attention is divided and puppies may play off each other and not focus on the owner.
Having an age difference is a good idea as the young puppy can have an older dog as a role model. A well-trained dog can help with the socialization of the puppy. Younger dogs like to imitate elders and learn from their experiences.
Dividing equal attention between dogs is important so one doesn’t feel unworthy or left out.
Can I keep two male Dobermanns?
Male Dobermanns are too dominant to live together. After a few years, they may start attacking each other which will sadly mean one will have to be kept separated or rehomed.
Dobermanns and Cats
Nearly all dogs can get along with cats. Dobermanns are no different. But, dogs and cats need to be introduced in the correct manner and time. For starters, the cat will need a safe place to escape to in case anything bad happens; preferably high up. The cat would also need a safe place to sleep and eat away from the Dobermann.
Should your dog try to chase the cat, aim to prevent this immediately?
A cat’s body language is different from a dog’s. When a dog lies on its back it’s being submissive. When a cat does it, it’s got use of its claws. Growling is a similarity between both cats and dogs.
For more information on mixing cats and dogs, check out this article: Do Cats And Dogs Get Along? Tips On Settling In
So, Is Owning a Dobermann A Good Idea?
Owning a Doberman depends on many factors such as current and future lifestyle, commitment, and accountability. Living with a Dobermann is not for everyone and nor is bringing up a well-behaved Dobermann from a reared puppy. But it’s possible with time, training and dedication.
