I have been considering getting a Doberman as a pet and a possible protector for my family. I have read that this breed is known for being protective and loyal, but I am not sure if it is necessary to train them to be a guard dog. I am also wondering if their natural instincts to protect would be enough to keep us safe without any formal training. I would appreciate any insights or experiences from Doberman owners who have had similar concerns. Thank you.

As a Doberman owner myself, I can say that although the breed is known for being protective and loyal, it is always better to train them for specific tasks. Dobermans are intelligent and obedient dogs, and they excel at learning new commands and behaviors. With proper training, they can become excellent guard dogs that will protect their owners from any threat.
In my experience, without any training, Dobermans might still display some protective behavior towards their owners and their property. However, without proper training, they may not know how to differentiate between real threats and regular visitors, and this could lead to unnecessary aggression. Additionally, it might be challenging to control an untrained Doberman if they feel threatened, which could put you and your family in danger.
Therefore, my advice is to invest in some professional training for your Doberman. This would not only ensure that they are properly trained to protect you and your family, but it also helps to strengthen the bond between you and your pet. Overall, Dobermans are excellent guard dogs, but they need proper training to fulfill their potential.