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Primo · 07-03-2008, 03:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lolonurse

Hi again - I have to interject my opinion here, because it flies in the face of traditional wisdom and sanity, but we live with it, so I know this first-hand. We had, until 2 months ago, 3 males and 1 female Doberman. They played, ate, slept, lived together. The very worst part of it was crabbing over who got which part of the couch or loveseat. Alex died 2 months ago, so now we are down to 2 males and a female.
First of all, neuter your male. He isn't a show dog, so there's no reason not to, and you'll all be happier and more calm. Secondly, walk him a lot, and take him to places like Petco and Petsmart, and any other places where they allow dogs. When you take your obedience classes, do some of your practicing in crowded parks and busy parking lots and places where there's noise and activity, so he's used to stuff happening around him, and learns to pay total attention to you. And if there's a dog park, bring him as soon as he's had his shots, and let him get used to playing with all sorts of dogs. It really helps them not get an attitude. (Just watch his stools - if they get loose after spending time at dog parks, have his stool tested for ghiardia).
Alex never had a problem with other dogs. He loved to play, and he would pick a special friend to romp with, and let the crowd do their own thing - these guys are really sweet, well-adjusted, happy dogs.
So, if you feel you can pull off the Alpha role and make it clear that you are his leader and guru, and never ever cut him any slack if he tries to be a hot shot, he'll learn, and be cool. I can't tell you how many people tell me, authoritatively, that "male Dobermans cannot live together", and then learn that we had 3 of them, and still have 2 and are looking for a third, and have no second thoughts about it at all. We have never had problems with our male dogs coexisting very nicely. Lois

Thank you very much for your response. I've been pulling my hair out for the last few days trying to figure out what to do so this definitely helps. If we 100% decide on a male he will be neutered around 6 months which is when my vet suggested we neuter and I'm assuming when most breeds are spayed or neutered. I guess there are some camps that believe in the early stages of puppy hood. I'm not a subscriber of that camp.

I will 100% establish the alpha role and won't deal with any attitude. I was raised with American Staffordshire terriers and attitude is something they have in bunches if it isn't kept in check. My doberman male or female will be kept in check. I already plan to take him or her to obedience classes and as soon as the vaccines allow dogs parks, parks with kids/adults and other pets, geese, ducks...you name it he/she will be around it. I've had to deal with the negative stigma the Amstaff/Pit Bull carries long enough to know that a well socialized dog is the ONLY option when dealing with the larger more intimidating breeds. The last thing I want is a bad example for the breed, especially one that deals with stereotypes. Doberman, Rottie and Pit Bull to name 3.

Thanks again for the info, I was worried it was a "inevitable" situation. I'm still going to be extra careful and have another month and a half to really figure it out.