Hey everyone, I'm considering getting a Doberman as a family pet but I want to make sure I am aware of any potential behavioral issues that come along with this breed. I've done a bit of research and some sources say they can be very protective and even aggressive towards strangers, while others say they are very loyal and obedient. Does anyone here have personal experience with owning a Doberman and can provide any insight on their behavior? I want to ensure I make an informed decision before bringing a new dog into my home. Thank you in advance for any advice or tips!
Hello there! I have owned a Doberman Pinscher for seven years now and can attest to the fact that they are a wonderful breed with a few behavioral traits to watch out for. From my personal experience, they are incredibly loyal, loving, and intelligent dogs that love to please their owners. Dobermans require a lot of attention and affection, which can lead to separation anxiety when left alone for extended periods of time. In my case, my dog sometimes shows his displeasure by howling or barking until I return.
As I have come to find, Dobermans are also quite protective of their owners and have a strong guarding instinct that can sometimes be misconstrued as aggression if they are not socialized well. I socialized my dog from the start to get him used to other people, dogs, and situations he may encounter in life, so strangers are not a big problem for us.
Another important point to bear in mind is that Dobermans are energetic dogs that require plenty of exercise and training. I have found with my dog that long runs and walks work best to keep him satisfied and ensure he is mentally stimulated. In short, while there may be some training and behavioral issues to contend with, Dobermans make for great, loyal companions who are quick learners and love to be with their owners around the clock.