Doberman Owners?

[WolfRyder]

Hey everyone!

Anyone with Dobermans or having had them in the past that can give me some insights on unique behaviors? We have our first Doberman, a 2 year old rescue. He's doing really well and obedience training is going very well too.

Just want some insights if anyone has any.

[DiggityDogs]

Hey everyone!

Anyone with Dobermans or having had them in the past that can give me some insights on unique behaviors? We have our first Doberman, a 2 year old rescue. He's doing really well and obedience training is going very well too.

Just want some insights if anyone has any.


I've been working with dobermans from the beginning of my career as a trainer- for 12 years. I love them dearly. They SHOULD be very stable, mentally, but with poor breeding you never know. I have only seen 2 in my life that have not been so great, but I've heard they're out there.

Some funny quirks that I've noticed (and love about dobes):
They love to lean on your legs if you're standing, and also love to sit on your feet. They also seem to not be aware of how long their noses really are- often poking you in the eye with a fat, wet nose! My boy is very very social, welcoming everyone with a sniff to the crotch and then a lean on the leg, begging for attention, but is also quick to go into protection mode if he thinks we're in danger. He is the perfect combination of seriousness, playfulness, and brains. I wouldn't trade him for the world!

[WolfRyder]

When do they mature? I mean, grow out of "puppy playfulness"? Ever? He jumps at, then away from the cocker to try to illicite play.

LOL at 2, he still does the puppy bow to try to get our cocker to play with him and even when I'm playing with them (I don't play rough) he'll give me a little nip, like I've seen puppies do to each other. I always stop playing when he does this because sometimes those nips can really hurt and I'm trying to discourage him. But he gets really excited. Almost overly excited, when playing and we have to calm him down.

He's a major leaner LOL and sitting on the feet! Oh! and trying to sit in your lap is the funniest part :)

I did wonder about the sniffing. When new people come in, he sniffs everyone's rear. I don't know whether to laugh or fuss at him, but he doesn't linger, just a quick sniff. (I usually end up giggling)

Oh! I learned a very important lesson the other day. There was quite a bit of snow on the ground and the cocker didn't want to run so I went out in the back yard and stood stooping over, trying to get the cocker to come to me...guess I looked too much like doggy bowing cause next thing I know, I had a 90+ pound doberman leaping off the stairs, huge grin on his face, running full tilt at me. I had just enough time to turn sideways when he wacked me with his body (doberman rear end wack. I'd only read about it). I was laughing so hard, I lost my balance and fell over. Yeah, I deserved it :)

He's a good boy. I don't know what his heritage is and his background is sketchy. But I know he doesn't like yelling or even raised voices.

We have an 8 year old I'm trying to teach not to yell when she wants the dogs to stop doing something. To tell them to sit or give them a command or some such. We're still working on that :)

He's more dog agressive than anything. We've been to classes for about 4 -5 weeks and last time we went it was a new place (same trainer, new location) and 3 new large dogs. He was not a happy camper and I learned a few things about how to hold a large dog so he doesn't drag me down. Seems if his family (3 humans & 1 canine) aren't where he can protect them, he goes a little nuts. Once I got him interested in "doing something" he was okay.

Oh yeah! He doesn't bark a lot...he howls! Especially when we come home. The cocker starts barking and the next thing I hear is this howling, just like a wolf. It's awesome LOL!

[redwhitenblue]

I am the proud owner of two dobermans i have had them since i was a child. I love them to death... when they are two they start to mature fast but i know some 12 year old dobies that are the biggest babies EVER!!!! he wont every grow out of being a puppy he is a doberman they are kids forever... it is like never never land with a doberman sorry my dear... but you are stuck with a KID for hopefull 14-18 years lol... good luck

[wyattabby]

I'm told I learned to walk pulling up on a pregnant dobie..her name was helga..i guess she'd sleep next to my crib everynight as well :D

[redwhitenblue]

I'm told I learned to walk pulling up on a pregnant dobie..her name was helga..i guess she'd sleep next to my crib everynight as well :D
Yes that is how they are. Dobermans are like that and the best dogs you will ever own <<hint hint anyone want mine..>>> check the gallery for pictures of my beasts.

[wyattabby]

Yes that is how they are. Dobermans are like that and the best dogs you will ever own <<hint hint anyone want mine..>>> check the gallery for pictures of my beasts.

beautiful dogs! if you don't mind me asking why are you getting rid of them?