Hi everyone,
I have a Doberman who is pretty well-behaved and obedient, but I have noticed that he doesn't bark at strangers. He is usually very alert and attentive, but when someone new comes to our house or walks towards us on a walk, he doesn't make a sound. I find it a bit concerning because I want him to act as a guard dog and alert me if there is any potential danger.
I got him as a puppy and I have always trained him to be socialized and friendly around people as well as other dogs. However, I also want him to be protective and bark if he senses any threat. Is it normal for a Doberman to not bark at strangers or do I need to train him differently? I would love to hear from other Doberman owners or experts who have experience with this breed. Thank you!

Hello all,
I agree with what has been shared on this thread. I've also noticed that my Doberman doesn't bark at strangers. However, he is not intimidated by them and remains alert. When a stranger approaches, he usually observes them silently, and if he deems it necessary, he will approach them hesitantly before greeting them.
One thing that I've consistently observed in Dobermans is their sensitivity to the mood of the environment they inhabit. As such, if they perceive a threatening aura, it's not uncommon for them to bark to alert their owners. But if they sense a calm mood, then they wouldn’t usually feel the need to bark.
That being said, if you want your Doberman to be more vigilant and have a stronger guard dog presence, there are certain training techniques that you can use. For example, you can train your Doberman to bark at the command of a certain word or sound, such as "speak." This training will give a sense of control to the dog owner whilst also honing a Doberman's natural protective instincts.
Overall, I believe that Dobermans are naturally protective and will act accordingly when the need arises. But it's up to the owner to decide whether they want their pet to be vocal and alert to strangers or not.