Why do Dobermans stalk their owners?

Hi there! I have a few years of experience owning a Doberman, and I can definitely relate to your situation. My dog used to stalk me all the time as well, and I used to feel pretty creeped out. However, after doing some research and consulting a few veterinary experts, I found out that this behavior is relatively common among Dobermans.

Apparently, Dobermans are a protective breed and often view their owners as their "pack" that they need to keep an eye on. They also tend to have a strong prey drive and may see their owners as potential targets for playtime or hunting. That being said, you should try to distinguish whether your dog is just being protective or if he is displaying aggressive behavior.

If your dog seems to be exhibiting stalking with aggressive intentions, then it's best to seek the advice of a professional dog trainer or behaviorist. In the meantime, you can try to redirect your dog's attention with a toy or a treat whenever you notice the stalking behavior. You can also try to establish yourself as the alpha pack leader by teaching him commands and rewarding him when he follows them. Hope these tips help!

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Hi Everyone! I have owned Dobermans before, and I have to say that stalking behavior isn't unique to just this breed. Some dogs are naturally more alert and curious about their surroundings, and it's not uncommon for pets to follow their owners around.

However, excessive stalking can stem from anxiety; it's essential to consider the bigger picture and evaluate other aspects of their behavior. Could it be that the dog is frightened or nervous about being alone? Reducing their distress could, in turn, alleviate the behavior you're concerned about.

Another thought is that, during the early stages of training or adoption, you must have inadvertently rewarded the behavior without realizing it. Even eye contact or talking to the dog can encourage them to follow you around, which, as time goes on, could turn into more of a stalking behavior.

In summary, spending time with your dog and watching out for their triggers or behaviors that could have encouraged stalking can help. Additionally, rewarding your dog's calm, more independent behavior while still being affectionate is vital. A routine that involves enough exercise and interaction time is also necessary.

Hello there! I want to echo what other users have said about Dobermans being naturally protective and having a strong desire to please their owners. I've also found that teaching your dog to "stay" and "wait" can help you establish boundaries around your home or yard. If they can learn to be patient and trust you to be in control, they may be less likely to follow you around as much.

One other thing I've noticed is that some Dobermans can be so intelligent that they develop anxiety when left alone for extended periods. If you must leave your dog alone for hours at a time, you might consider getting them more mentally stimulating toys or using a slow feeder to make mealtime last longer. This extra activity could help reduce their anxiety and thus curtail stalking behavior toward you.

And as always, remember that every pet is different, and it's crucial to explore all of the factors behind their behavior. Talk to your vet, a professional dog trainer, or behavioral specialist if you're unsure what is causing ongoing behavior issues that worry you. With some understanding and patience, you should be able to strike a balance with your Doberman that satisfies both of you.

Hi everyone! I have owned a Doberman and a few other breeds of dogs, and the stalking behavior phenomenon, I've noticed, is not exclusive to Dobermans. Some dogs are more prone to follow their owners around or have a desire for continuous human interaction.

In my experience, the key thing is patience and consistency. Following a consistent schedule for feeding, walking, playing, and training, and rewarding when following them adds a sense of security for your dog that results in them feeling more content on their own. I also found that engaging your dog in different activities that involve little or no attention from you, like chew toys or snuffle mats, helps them learn to self-soothe or entertain themselves.

That's not to say that Dobermans are prone to being clingier or more demanding than other breeds, but they do require a lot of one-on-one attention or engagement. Consistent exercise and training through games like fetch or flyball or agility can help drain some of their energy, and a well-exercised Doberman is likely to rest when home.

In conclusion, I suggest incorporating predictable routines for your dog while teaching them independence without neglecting bonding and quality interaction. And as always, remember to consult your vet or a certified trainer when dealing with extreme or persistent behavioral issues.

Hey there! I have a Doberman too and have found that my dog also tends to stalk me all the time. However, after some observation, I've realized that my dog tends to stalk me more when he wants something from me, like playtime, treats, or when he wants to be let out to relieve himself.

I have tried to distinguish when he is just being protective and when he is being manipulative, and I think it's important to maintain a balance between keeping them satisfied and not rewarding bad behavior. I have found that setting a routine with meals, playtimes, and walks helps to prevent stalking behavior driven by a need for attention or boredom.

Training and socializing your Doberman can also help prevent this behavior, as this can help enforce the idea that you are the pack leader and establish clear boundaries on what is and isn't allowed. Positive reinforcement works well for Dobermans, so rewarding him when he follows commands, learns new tricks, or displays good behavior can go a long way in curbing the stalking tendencies. Hope this helps!

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