Mjwill

That's pretty much where my dad got his bad info from.. He just thinks that the dog is going to attack a stranger or something.. With all the socialization im going to give this pooch, i highly doubt he will lash out on a stranger that comes over that we are comfortable with.

GunnersMum

Make sure you check the dobes lines. Buy from a reputable breeder, not a BYB who just threw 2 dobes together. Find out what mom and dad are like with people - and as far back in the lines as you can. Do not buy a pup from nervous or aggressive parents. You can pretty much see what a pup will grow to be like if you look at it's parents, you can also see what temperament - genetic wise- they will have.

Train and socialize your new pup as much as possible. I don't know what your future pup will be like nor how you will raise it so I can't say that it will never try to bite someone.

As a first time puppy owner, you're putting quite a bit on your plate with the purchase of a dobe. I don't think I would choose one as my or my kids first pet.

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If you want to make a small fortune breeding dogs, start with a large fortune.

triciakoontz

Sorry to be the sourpuss in this discussion but speaking from a parent's point of view, if your dad does not want the dog around, then why are you even considering it? And yes, Dobermans are a handful to raise - it is NOT a piece of cake and it requires much more of a commitment than many other breeds IMO. You say you will do lots of socializing but do you really have the time? Do you work? If so, who will be taking care of the dog while you work? If the dog will have to be crated while you work, you are taking on a huge job to make sure it gets enough exercise so that it will not be too much for your parents or tear up things in their home/yard. These are just some of the potential issues I see in your situation. I am sorry that your Dad has the negative opinion of the breed, but that is his opinion and it is his house. Maybe he just doesn't want the hassle of having a dog in the house, no matter the breed. Personally, I think it would be hugely disrespectful to just bring home a puppy without resolving all the issues with your Dad.

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Best Regards from Trish & The Zoo
* Bella, Amazing Dobergirl
* Zen, Super Doberpup
* Bailey, Wolf Hybrid, Adopted, Therapy Dog
* LuLu, Yellow-Naped Amazon, Free-Flying
* Montie, Lilac-Crowned Amazon, Free-Flying
* Poppy, Maine Coon Cat, Adopted
* Leo, Sweet Cat, Adopted

"Whatever may come, think that it is a part of the Divine Will, the Cosmic Law. That way, you won't lose your peace."

Like A Boxer

Eh. My parents weren't too thrilled with the idea months and months ago, but I did lots of talking, showed them lots of information. My parents even met a dog I wanted to rescue - but the dog was extremely afraid of men, and had apparently bit a child. We obviously couldn't go that route because we are a multiple dog household, and though no kids frequent here, my parents didn't want to take a chance. They saw how he was with me, both times I went to see him - and from that, they realized how wonderful of a breed Dobermans can be. They were intimidated by him, but they saw how he reacted so differently with me. Even the worker there commented that he was extremely relaxed with me and had never seen the dog show any affection, let alone the tons of kisses that I got! But honestly, if your dad isn't up to it - I'd wait. My parents absolutely love the dogs and my dad trusts me enough to not put anyone in danger. If something, heaven forbid, happens with your dog, I'm fairly certain it would cause a battle with your dad. Do you really want that to happen?

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dobeguy

Let me give you some advice because my situation is very similar to yours. I live with my folks as well and they really didn't want a dog, they were worried the dog would destroy the house, chew and piss on everything. They knew I was going to get a puppy, but they didn't really know when and one day I kinda just showed up at home with the pup. Not the best strategy but as you know, I wanted this dog and nobody was going to tell me otherwise. My mother is really comming around and even walks the dog, my father is okay with it as well. It is very important for your family to support you because it can make an uncomfortable living situation if they don't. Just make sure they are cool with you getting a Dobe, take them to your breeders place and introduce his/her Dobes to your parents, let them be apart of the puppy process.

On a side-note, if you want a really good temperament, make sure you really do your homework and find a good breeder. You can do all the socialization in the world, but even the best training cannot suppress bad genes.

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""Life itself is only a vision. A dream. Nothing exists, save an empty space and you. And you are but a thought."

sebsyd

Just wait until he sees that sweet puppy!! It's just like fatherhood for the first time. He'll be hooked and pretty soon he'll want to train him!

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"He is your friend, your partner, your defender, your Doberman. You are his life, his love, his leader. He will be yours, faithful and true to the last beat of his heart. You owe it to him to be worthy of such devotion."

Mjwill

lol, i know your looking out for me with your advice.. But im not a kid..or a child.. I'm a 23 yr old male whose had plenty of pets and have done much research.. I'm pretty sure i can handle a Dobe. I also use to be a Vet tech so i have some background in animals and how to properly handle them.

Mjwill

I' am very aware of how much work a Dobe is.. That's partially why i want one. I have two Golden receivers in my house currently ( Both old). It's not that my dad doesn't want a puppy in the house.. he is just hesitant towards a Dobe BECAUSE he thinks they are mean dogs.. If it was for a different reason i would back off.. but it's b/c he is being closed minded and stubborn. I work second shift so i will have all morning and up to 2:30 pm to spend time with the dog, then my mom comes home at 3.. So the dog will always be around a warm and loving person. I think if my dad see's the dog his tune will be changed.. I will not go behind his back and get the dog, b/c that solves nothing and ends in resentment. I want to get the dog with his blessing.. It's just hard..
For example.. tonight he got upset b/c he thinks the dog will bite a stranger who comes into the house.. I simply said " Be open minded.. look on websites, check out videos.. Dboes aren't mean." He just has a hard time understanding that they aren't killers.. So i did some research and e-mailed him links for good Dobe sites. I also found a very very very good breeder, She is unfortunately in Canada but her bloodline is very good and has a very good temperament.. In the 15 years she's been breeding she's never had a dog that ever bit a human. So i feel very safe about the dog i want to buy.. B/c why bother buying a cheap dobe that could possibly have a bad temperament.. That will further prove that my dad was right. I want to prove to him that the dogs are nice.. Anyways, i've rambled on enough.. Thanks.

EmilyB

You're lucky they let you still live at home, lol.

It is their house, I'm sorry. I'm a parent and grandparent.

BackInBlack

I am going to be honest with you... Your dad might be right.

If a stranger walked in my house, they would not make it much farther than the front door. Ziris and Rommel have both proved that to me. The person that Ziris cornered was someone she knew. But she also knew that they DONT live in our house.

Your are correct in saying that they are wonderful dogs, can have great social skills, and love to be with their people....but they are DOBERMANS. I would say that they have a naturally higher suspicion level than most breeds.

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