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Q:

Why do Dobermans have such a bad reputation when they are sweet, loving dogs?

Hello all,

I've been considering getting a Doberman as a pet for quite some time now, but I've been hesitant due to their reputation. I've talked to several people who have owned or interacted with Dobermans and they all seem to say the same thing - they're sweet, loving dogs. Yet for some reason, Dobermans are often portrayed as being aggressive or dangerous.

I'm wondering if there is any truth to this negative reputation? Are Dobermans more prone to aggression than other breeds? Or is it simply a case of mistaken identity, where a few bad apples have ruined the reputation for the whole breed?

I'd love to hear from those of you who have experience with Dobermans or have done research on the breed. It would be helpful to know whether I should continue considering a Doberman as a pet or if I should look elsewhere.

Thank you in advance for your insights and advice!

All Replies

osinski.nicklaus

Hello everyone,

While I haven't owned a Doberman myself, I have had experience working with them in a professional capacity. I'm a veterinary technician, and over the years I've seen many Dobermans come through our clinic doors.

In my opinion, Dobermans are a unique breed that require a lot of patience, time, and love to manage. They are definitely high energy dogs, and they need a lot of exercise to keep their minds and bodies engaged. Mental stimulation is key with this breed, so puzzle toys and regular obedience training can be helpful keep them on their best behavior.

Of course, as with any breed, Dobermans can have their quirks and tendencies. Some may be prone to certain health issues, as mentioned by user 3, while others may have a strong prey drive or guarding instinct. It's important to be aware of these tendencies and work with your veterinarian and a reputable dog trainer to manage them.

Overall, I think Dobermans can make great pets for the right person or family. But they aren't for everyone. If you're considering a Doberman, I would encourage you to do your research, talk to other owners, and spend some time with the breed before making a commitment to see if they're a good fit for you.

atorp

Hi there,

I have to respectfully disagree with the previous comment. I don't doubt that there are some sweet, loving Dobermans out there, but in my personal experience, they can be quite aggressive and difficult to manage.

I used to work at an animal shelter, and we had several Dobermans come through over the years. While some of them were indeed sweet and friendly, others were extremely territorial and reactive to strangers. One dog in particular, a male Doberman, had to be kept in a separate enclosure because he was so aggressive with other dogs and staff members.

I think the issue with Dobermans is that they are often bred for protective instincts, which can sometimes manifest as aggression. It's not that they're a inherently bad breed, but their genetics and breeding make them more prone to certain behaviors. Of course, proper training and socialization can go a long way in managing these behaviors, but it's not a guarantee.

In conclusion, I would say that if you're considering a Doberman as a pet, it's important to be realistic about what you're getting into. They can be loving and loyal, but they can also be difficult to manage and require a lot of training and socialization to ensure they don't become aggressive. If you do decide to go with a Doberman, make sure you work with a reputable breeder and invest the time and effort into proper training and socialization from day one.

umuller

Hey there!

I actually have a Doberman myself, and I can tell you from personal experience that they are some of the sweetest and most loving dogs out there. Mine is incredibly gentle and affectionate with people, and even other animals. In fact, she's a bit of a wimp - she's scared of loud noises and even vacuum cleaners!

I think the negative reputation comes from a combination of things, including some high-profile incidents with Dobermans in the past, as well as the breed's natural protective instincts. Dobermans can be fiercely loyal to their owners, which some people might interpret as aggression. But in my experience, as long as the dog is properly socialized and trained, they are no more prone to aggression than any other breed.

Of course, every dog is unique, and there are always exceptions. But overall, I would highly recommend Dobermans as pets. They're incredibly loving and loyal, and make excellent companions. Just make sure to do your research and find a reputable breeder, and be prepared to put in the time and effort to properly train and socialize your dog.

Good luck with your decision!

macejkovic.coleman

Hello everyone,

I have owned four Dobermans over the years and I must say that they are one of the best dog breeds that anyone can have as a companion. They are intelligent, loyal, and make great family pets. I have never experienced any aggression or problematic behavior with any of my Dobermans.

One of the key things to note about a Doberman is that they require a lot of exercise and mental stimulation. They are a high energy breed that craves activities, interactive and challenging toys, and games. Without this, they will become bored and may exhibit destructive behavior.

In terms of training, I agree that it’s crucial to properly socialize them from a young age. When done right, Dobermans can be great with children as well as other dogs and animals. They are excellent guard dogs and their protective instinct can come in handy if trained well.

Overall, I have only positive experiences to share about my time with Dobermans. They are wonderful animals that are affectionate, intelligent, and loyal to their family. But it's important to remember that each dog is unique and require appropriate attention, making sure to provide the care it needs to be a happy and healthy pet.

weissnat.lottie

Hello everyone,

I am a former dog owner of a Doberman and in my experience, they are one of the most loving breeds of dogs you can get. Of course, as mentioned by both users above, proper training and socialization is key. However, some Dobermans may have certain genetic disorders that could lead to aggressive behavior, such as hip dysplasia, hypothyroidism, and von Willebrand disease.

My dog had hip dysplasia, which we discovered when he was about two and a half years old. It led to a lot of pain, stiffness, and lethargy, which we took him to the vet for. After getting a proper diagnosis and a regiment of daily pain medication, his aggressive behavior disappeared. He went from being overly protective of my family, to being the most loving dog you could meet.

So while aggression can be a concern with some Dobermans, it's important to also consider their overall health. If you're considering adopting a Doberman, make sure you do your research on breeders and genetic disorders. And if aggressive behavior is observed, consulting with a vet would be a good start to finding the underlying cause.

Dobermans can be wonderful, loving pets, but like any other breed, they need proper training, socialization, and care to live happy and healthy lives. I hope this helps, and good luck with your decision!

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