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Q:

What are the pros and cons of owning a Doberman and the breed in general?

Hi everyone,

I've been considering getting a Doberman as a pet, but I'm not entirely sure about the breed. I'm hoping to get some insights from experienced Doberman owners or anyone who may know a thing or two about the breed.

From what I've researched so far, Dobermans are known for being loyal and protective, which is great as I live alone and often work late nights. However, I've heard that they can be quite high maintenance in terms of exercise and mental stimulation. As a working professional, I'm not sure if I'll be able to dedicate enough time to take care of them properly.

I'm also aware that Dobermans have a reputation for being aggressive or difficult to handle, but I'm not sure how true this is. I don't have any experience with large dogs, so I'm a bit apprehensive about getting a breed known for being assertive.

Overall, I'd love to hear from anyone who has any experience with Dobermans or large dogs in general. What are the pros and cons of owning a Doberman, and what should I be aware of before making a decision? Any tips or advice would be greatly appreciated!

Thank you.

All Replies

robb.bruen

Hi there!

As a Doberman owner, I'd love to share my experience with you. First off, I have to say that owning a Doberman has been an incredibly rewarding experience. They are incredibly loyal, intelligent, and protective, and make great companions for anyone who values those traits in a dog.

However, Dobermans do come with their own set of challenges. They are a high-energy breed that requires a lot of daily exercise and mental stimulation. If you're someone who can't dedicate at least an hour or two each day to playing, running, or training your dog, then a Doberman may not be the best fit for you.

Additionally, as you mentioned, Dobermans are known for their assertiveness and can be prone to territorial behavior. It's crucial as an owner to socialize your dog early on and to provide plenty of positive reinforcement training to help them learn good behaviors and manners.

One thing that I love about Dobermans is their protective nature - I often feel safer knowing that my dog is always watching out for me. However, this can also lead to over-protectiveness, and it's essential to help your dog understand boundaries and what behavior is acceptable.

In short, owning a Doberman can be a hugely rewarding experience, but it's essential to be prepared for the challenges that come with the breed. As long as you are willing to dedicate the time and effort to train and care for your dog, a Doberman can make an excellent addition to your family.

irwin.connelly

Hello everyone,

I owned a Doberman for a couple of years, and the experience was quite intense for me. While I do agree with most of the positive things mentioned about Dobermans, I encountered a couple of cons as well.

One major issue I had was that my dog seemed to suffer from separation anxiety. They would get very agitated when I left for work or ran errands, and it was hard to leave them on their own without causing a ruckus. I tried everything that was suggested to me, but nothing seemed to work, which made them a bit more trouble than I anticipated.

Another issue I had was their interaction with other dogs. My Doberman was quite aggressive towards other dogs, which made going for walks or visiting dog parks a nightmare. It forced me to be extra cautious whenever we were in such environments.

That being said, there were still some high points. Dobermans are naturally protective of their owners, which I found to be quite comforting. They will always be on high alert, and they never missed anything that was happening around them.

Another highlight was the loyalty trait that they all seem to have in common. My dog would always want to be near me, and they would always try to make sure that I was safe.

In conclusion, I think Dobermans would make great pets for some people, but they might not be everyone's cup of tea. They are loyal, protective, and intelligent, but they also require a lot of attention and extensive socialization when growing up. If you can provide them with what they need, they can become the best companions you could ask for.

kautzer.lelia

Hey there,

I'm glad to share my experience with Doberman ownership. I've owned my Doberman for over five years, and while it's been rewarding, it's also had its challenges.

One benefit of owning a Doberman is their loyalty and their need to be close to their owners. They are gentle and protective creatures that make great companions and excellent family pets. They also seem to have the instincts to know when their owners are in potential danger and act accordingly.

One of the challenges I have faced as a Doberman owner is that they can be quite energetic and need frequent engagement to remain happy and healthy. If you're not prepared to invest a fair amount of time and energy, you might end up with an unsatisfied and even problematic pup who tends to be destructive in the absence of their owner.

Regarding their behavior, they are unfortunate victims of some negative stereotypes - largely undeserved. They are capable of being gentle giants, but it depends on how they are trained and socialized. It's useful to recognize that a Doberman puppy might grow up to be too dominant or aggressive, primarily when they aren't socialized early on. Also, consistency with training is key, and the use of positive reinforcement is useful in keeping their obedience in check.

In summary, Dobermans can be fantastic pets when adequately trained and socialized right. Their loyalty, protectiveness, and gentle nature make them a pleasure to have around, and they are great guard dogs. However, they demand time, energy, and attention to ensure they get the exercise they need, so owning one requires some level of commitment. All things considered, I think they are worth it!

barney33

Hello there,

I have owned a Doberman for several years now, and I have to say, it's been a mixed experience. Overall, I do think Dobermans are excellent pets, but there are some downsides that come with owning this breed.

One issue that I've found is that they can be quite stubborn and independent-minded. While this can be seen as a positive trait, it can sometimes make them challenging to train, especially if they deem activities as boring or irrelevant to their nature. Patience and consistency are key, but it can also be helpful to use creative and stimulating training methods to keep their interest high.

Another possible issue is their size and sometimes intimidating appearance. Though they can be gentle giants at home, many people are intimidated by their size and strength, which can be an issue in public or around other people and pets. Therefore, socialization is especially important to avoid any unfortunate incidents due to other people's concerns.

On the plus side, Dobermans are incredibly loyal and protective pets. They will bond closely with their family members, and many can be extraordinarily sensitive to their owner's emotions and needs. Their bravery and alertness make them natural guard dogs, and they can be counted on to keep their family and home safe.

In conclusion, owning a Doberman can be a uniquely rewarding experience, but it's essential to be ready for the challenges that come with it. The breed's independence and size demand a fair amount of patience and dedication in training, plus socialization skills, to ensure that they remain happy, healthy, and that your family, their possessions, and other pets are safe.

ocarroll

Hi,

I have owned Dobermans for over a decade now, and I have to say, they are some of the most loyal dogs I have ever kept as pets. They are great around family members once they have built a rapport, and with a little bit of training, they could even become your best friend.

One downside, however, is that they require constant attention and stimulation to keep their energy levels in check. They are natural working dogs that love to run and play, so if you have a busy schedule like me, you will need to make provisions for frequent walks or even engaging dog walkers to help out. It is crucial to ensure that they have enough exercise to avoid damaging your property in your absence.

I also concur with the issue of training them. At times, I have found them quite stubborn and a bit difficult to train, especially when they smell or sense new things around. But, consistency is key when it comes to training, and a reliable and positive reinforcement approach can do wonders.

One fascinating thing about Dobermans is how quick they seem to understand their owners' emotions and behave towards situations when they feel that their owners are under duress. They are, in essence, loyal protectors of their owners, which is why they make such great guard dogs.

In conclusion, owning a Doberman could be an enriching and life-changing experience. However, it requires some level of commitment and understanding of the breed, especially when it comes to training and providing enough exercise, as they can require a bit more attention than other breeds. If trained positively and with affection, Dobermans will make fantastic family pets and reliable protectors.

jaeden.cartwright

Hey there,

I have owned a Doberman for almost two years now, and I have to admit, it hasn't been the easiest dog to own. While they are loyal and kind-hearted creatures, there are a few downsides that I have experienced while owning this breed.

First off, Dobermans are incredibly high energy dogs that require plenty of exercises. If you live in a small apartment and don't spend enough time with your dog, it may lead to boredom and destructive behavior. So, make sure you can provide adequate space and time for exercise before considering this breed.

Additionally, Dobermans are known to have a protective nature which could sometimes lead to aggression, especially when they sense any danger to their family or home. It's essential to socialize your dog with other animals and people to avoid unwanted behaviors, or worse, harm on others.

Apart from those challenges, owning a Doberman does come with a few benefits. They can be excellent protectors and take their duties seriously. Their loyalty is almost unrivaled, and they have a natural instinct for being a loving part of any family.

In summary, Dobermans are great companions that need plenty of attention, love, and socialization to thrive. If you have an active lifestyle with enough space at home for them, and you can dedicate time and energy to train them properly, you will certainly have a rewarding experience with this breed.

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