Doberman - Max

mmloda · 03-29-2006, 03:24 PM

Hello There
About a month ago I aquired a 2 year doberman from a friend.

His name is Max and he seems to be a great dog except for his snapping at times. He doesn't seem to like people who come over to my house and at first he'll be all nice to them and go to them so that they can pet him but than out of the blue, he'll either growl and or snap at them by longeing and bumping them in the face with his snout.

I guess i'm a bit confused because he's never bit anyone but since i've brought him home he's been acting strange, like i described.

Anyway if anyone has any knowledge on the Doberman and how i can maybe stop him from doing that, please let me know.

Thanks,
mmloda

**greenkouki** · 03-29-2006, 05:51 PM

Do you ever watch the Dog whisperer on the National Geographic Channel? I've seen quite a few episodes that deal with similar problems as you are havinng. When he does it/is about to do it do you take any action? It sounds like he is being protective of you.

**TracyJo** · 03-29-2006, 06:29 PM

If there is truth that there's comfort in numbers, take comfort in knowing you're not alone. My 9 month old female who has not been abused, who has not been neglected and who has been socialized does this same thing. She did it just last weekend in fact to someone that she knows.
When people come over, I always put Chi on a leash for safety. My friend came over last Friday (she hasn't been over in a month or so). She sat at the table and Chi went to greet her. Everything was fine UNTIL Jen leaned over Chi. Chi let out a bark and a growl that terrified even me. I quickly pulled her back to me and she recovered quickly, spent the rest of the night sleeping in her bed next to my chair and was fine. My friend was able to walk around the house, sit beside me, walk past Chi with no more incident. In retrospect I have to consider that Jenn leaned over Chi which is a dominant and threatening position for the dog - maybe that is what provoked the reaction.
I have no problem having a dog that simply does not like other people. I have no problem telling guests that she just doesn't like to be petted and to leave her alone. I can't blame her for not liking everyone that I like. On the other hand, I need for her to be safe. This weekend I plan on buying a basket muzzle to help work on this. Hopefully with enough positive interaction, she will become more accepting of people who approach or visit.
If I were you, I would first rule out any physical causes with a vet check. Then I would contact a behaviorist and an obedience instructor. You will get lots of advice and information on the internet and most of it will be really very good but when it comes down to it, none of us know you or your dog and all of the under lying causes. Until you can get in contact with a behaviorist, I would suggest managing the problem the best you can. It's a fine line to walk. If you simply keep him away from people and interaction you run the risk of reinforcing the idea that strangers/visitors are bad and adding to his antisocial attitude. On the other hand, unless you are very careful, you run the risk of injury if you allow him to meet and greet people and reinforcing the wrong actions - thus, adding to the problem.
Please, by all means, make yourself at home here at Dobermantalk and keep us updated! Pics would also be good, we live for pics :-)

**Lexus** · 03-29-2006, 10:36 PM

Excellant post Tracy.

Welcome to Dobermantalk Mmloda

mmloda · 03-30-2006, 10:31 AM

Thank You all for your responses and for welcoming me here, I will get some pictures of Max and Post them on here very soon.
To TracyJo, Thanks for your comment and it makes me feel better that I'm not alonle in this situation, I think I will actually get Max a muzzel right now for when I have company over and I will look into finding a behaviour specialist. Thanks again.

mmloda · 03-30-2006, 10:56 AM

Hey Greenkouki
I have never seen the dog whisperer but i'll look into it and usually I do take action after it happends tho, Max gets a time out but you know that it was scares me becsuse it is usually after the fact and I just don't want him to bite anyone.

**greenkouki** · 03-30-2006, 05:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mmloda

Hey Greenkouki
I have never seen the dog whisperer but i'll look into it and usually I do take action after it happends tho, Max gets a time out but you know that it was scares me becsuse it is usually after the fact and I just don't want him to bite anyone.

It really is a pretty informative show, but alot of the dog/owner situations are almost identical so sometimes it gets a tad frustrating.

**doberkim** · 03-30-2006, 05:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by greenkouki

Do you ever watch the Dog whisperer on the National Geographic Channel? I've seen quite a few episodes that deal with similar problems as you are havinng. When he does it/is about to do it do you take any action? It sounds like he is being protective of you.

and this is why i think the show is BS.

because if someone recommends a person to watch the show and do what cesar does, that person is going to get bit.

**TracyJo** · 03-30-2006, 06:12 PM

Actually, there is a disclaimer at the beginning or the end that says not to try these methods at home. Also, on the dvd that I got, Ceaser goes into great detail how it is always best to contact behaviorists and trainers to get one on one attention and solutions to problems.
I'm sure many people watch the show and think that he is curing these radical problems in 1 30 minute session - but these are the same people that think that Dr. Seaver corrected every problem within his family in a 30 minute episode of Growing Pains - or think that Martin Sheen is the real president and that The West Wing is really how things are done politically.
It's a neat show to watch for entertainment and even education to a certain extent. I think many people who know nothing (or very little) about dogs can walk away from this show with a new understanding of their pets and possible causes to problems. If nothing else, they will hopefully learn that there is a huge difference between dogs and people and that for the most part, treating dogs like people just doesn't work. The show also sends the message that many problems people have with their dogs is the result of poor leadership and training but with proper guidance can be overcome. At least that's what I get out of it...

**MIA** · 03-30-2006, 07:53 PM

My advice would be to start some obedience training right away so you two are working as a team. Secondly I recommended when you have people over as others have said, have your dog on leash, the other thing I would do is put him in a sit and until you give the ok to greet the people he doesn't move. The other thing I find helps is if people pat them under the chin, no direct eye contact and the dog will feel more comfortable. Remember our dogs should be looking to US first for guidance and we have to tell them what we want or they will make their own choices and they aren't always the best ones.... This is what Caesar promotes, controlling ones dog and being the leader. People seem to think that dogs are emotional in the same sense as a human and at the end of the day they aren't as much, they are more black and white. Remember to verbally reward your dog when you get the correct behavior and always reinforce what you ask/want.