Hello everyone, I am a mother of a 4-year-old and am looking to adopt a new dog for our family. I have always been intrigued by the Doberman breed and am wondering if they would make a good addition to our family given my child's young age. I have read mixed things online about Dobermans and children, so I wanted to get some opinions from those who may have personal experience owning this breed. Additionally, if you do think Dobermans can be good with young children, what kind of training or socialization do you recommend to ensure a positive relationship between the dog and child? Thank you in advance for your insights!

Hey everyone, I wanted to add my thoughts to this thread as a Doberman owner with a child around the same age as the original poster. I think that Dobermans can make fantastic family pets, but as with any dog breed, there are certain things to keep in mind when raising them around young children.
From my personal experience, I think that it's important to start training and socializing the dog from a young age. Dobermans are intelligent and eager to please, so they respond well to positive reinforcement-based training. It's also important to teach the child how to approach and interact with the dog appropriately.
One thing to keep in mind is that Dobermans have a strong protective instinct, so they may become overly protective of their family and territory. While this can be a desirable trait in a guard dog, it can also lead to aggression if not properly managed. As a Doberman owner, I've made sure to establish clear boundaries with my dog and to teach her appropriate behavior around guests and strangers.
Overall, I think that Dobermans can be great family pets, but it's important to do your research and carefully evaluate your lifestyle and your dog's temperament before making a commitment. With proper training, socialization, and management, Dobermans can make loyal and loving companions for families with young children.