How to deal with Ignorant loved ones?

Mjwill · 09-23-2008, 07:45 PM

I'm looking to bring a little boy/girl dobe into my house in the next 2-3 months. I live with my dad and mom. MY mom is gunhoe about it, i convinced her that dobes are really nice and sweet dogs.. They just got a bad wrap over the years.
My dad is hell bent on busting my balls over this whole thing. He thinks that it will attack someone who comes over. He understands that they love the " Inner circle" But he is afraid that the oil guy, or a random friend of ours that the dog doesn't know, might come over and the dog will attack and bite them. I told him that the chances of that happeneing are pretty slim, considering im going to properly train this dog so such a event will not ever happen. He still doesn't quite get it..
I know all you Dobe owners have experienced this type of behavior before, how did you all go about it.
Also.. how realistic is it that my Dobe will come up and attack a stranger that comes to my house?

And please, don't say " Move out, respect your dad.. etc. etc" Been there, done that.. it's not relevant to this convo.. Thanks.

**dobermansrule** · 09-23-2008, 07:55 PM

"He thinks that it will attack someone who comes over. He understands that they love the " Inner circle" But he is afraid that the oil guy, or a random friend of ours that the dog doesn't know, might come over and the dog will attack and bite them"

if the dog is raised and kept indoors, around people, trained, and socialized (really socialized), then your dad needs a reset and it sounds like he's never really been around a doberman. IF the dog is left outside, chained up, frustrated, isolated and bored, then he like any dog can become aggressive and psychotic. The doberman especially will pick up vibes and play off people - don't let your dad influence the pup too much - self fulfilling prophesy and all that.

Mjwill · 09-23-2008, 08:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dobermansrule

"He thinks that it will attack someone who comes over. He understands that they love the " Inner circle" But he is afraid that the oil guy, or a random friend of ours that the dog doesn't know, might come over and the dog will attack and bite them"

if the dog is raised and kept indoors, around people, trained, and socialized (really socialized), then your dad needs a reset and it sounds like he's never really been around a doberman. IF the dog is left outside, chained up, frustrated, isolated and bored, then he like any dog can become aggressive and psychotic. The doberman especially will pick up vibes and play off people - don't let your dad influence the pup too much - self fulfilling prophesy and all that.

That is exactly what i set out to do. Social very very much. Bring to dog parks, friends houses, have lots of people come over to see the pup, bring anywhere i can.. loud areas, hikes in the woods.. The pup will be fine.. I think my dad is ready for a reset.. Im just looking for some really good ways to make sure the dog won't want to hurt " Strangers"
Im looking at buying from Deb Romans.. Get a pup coming from the Father of Agador. =)

tjmom · 09-23-2008, 09:04 PM

Would your father consider going to a dog show? Maybe if he got to meet some dobies in person he could see that they are not vicious dogs to strangers.

Dobejazz · 09-23-2008, 09:26 PM

My In Laws were all terrified of my dobe at first - after they got to know her they changed their tune.

I think tjmom has the best idea get your Dad to meet some well socialized dobes

Mjwill · 09-23-2008, 09:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tjmom

Would your father consider going to a dog show? Maybe if he got to meet some dobies in person he could see that they are not vicious dogs to strangers.

I think he'd rather just say " get the damn thing" Then go to a show.. He's a salesman.. a very very very good one at that.. So arguing with him is a uphill battle in the snow with my shoes off kind of battle, haha.

waiting · 09-23-2008, 09:38 PM

Well, it is there home, and maybe it is best to wait till you get out on your own and settled in your life with a home. Then search out a reputable breeder wait, read and learn in the interim.
Dobes are work and all need to be on board, I think.

GunnersMum · 09-23-2008, 09:53 PM

I feel your pain. My father had the same fears with my guy - I remember the first time I had him over, gunner was barking and growling when playing tug with his toys and my dad was like - See, that's aggression in that dog, it'll be mean <ugh>.

He hates the fact that he likes my boy now. lol. It was quite funny to see my "man eater" trotting around my dads legs with his ears taped up and his tongue hanging out. He sure looked like a man eater I tell you. Had the neighbors quaking in their yards...

IMO there really isn't going to be one thing that you will say that will change his outlook on Dobermans. It seems to be a mental block in some people - especially those that watched the movies and believed the hype from the 70's.

The only thing that changed my dads opinion is watching my pup grow, seeing the behaviour and attitude of the dog is what will sway him over to accepting a pup.

**greenkouki** · 09-23-2008, 10:05 PM

My dad was a little uneasy about it when I adopted my first dobe. I did/do have my own home though. He LOVES dobermans now and actually likes me to bring mine when I visit. Is the dog you are looking at a rescue? Maybe you could take him to meet the dog if so. I do agree though, that owning a dobe is a huge commitment so be ready for it.

Mjwill · 09-23-2008, 10:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by greenkouki

My dad was a little uneasy about it when I adopted my first dobe. I did/do have my own home though. He LOVES dobermans now and actually likes me to bring mine when I visit. Is the dog you are looking at a rescue? Maybe you could take him to meet the dog if so. I do agree though, that owning a dobe is a huge commitment so be ready for it.

No i know and im completely ready for it. My mom and I are on board and i have all the support except from him.. But really... If i bring the pup home.. how can someone NOT love a puppy? He won't help train the pup, i don't expect anyone to help except me.. So i guess all i can do is just raise the best dobe that i can and hope he will come around.
Have any of you guys ever had a close call with your dobes? Attacking, or aggressive behavior?