2RescuedDobies

My mother-in-law was the same way. Scared to death of any and all dogs until she met Pitas. It was the Dobie lean and head in lap that won her over.

RedFawnRising

I guess I have a hard time understanding why someone would want a dog if they truly believed they had to act a certain way, maintain an "alpha" front and constantly win a struggle with the dog?

Dobes are a joy, who do well with sensitive guidance and consistent, kind, fair treatment.

__________________
It takes more than a baby and a box to make a normal monkey.—Harry F. Harlow

tranquility

Well, that's the whole point of me being on this forum, isn't it? ...to learn more about this breed and to confirm whether I am a good fit. I never said I that I wouldn't be able to properly own a Dobe in the future and in fact am very confident that I could be a great owner. I mean, I think I'm having a great start compared to many former 1st-time Dobe owners because I'm accessing the best source of Dobe info in this forum and planning *years* in advance before I even seriously consider having one in my life: I know that I will only get one from a reputable breeder within my vicinity; I will have a large fenced-in dwelling; what to feed and health concerns; how to train myself and the dog; how to exercise; I am financially-secure and totally dedicated to the dog; etc. How many 1st-time owners have researched or prepared for all these (and many more) issues? (Please refer to my sig )

No one becomes Dobe-knowledgeable straight from birth. Obviously virtually everyone on DT is more experienced by virtue of having a Dobe and I am grateful for all their advice and kind words; most ppl have been great here, willing to share their vast knowledge and experience, trials and tribulations. They have also been very patient.

...and that is why I appreciated your 2nd paragraph vs your 1st.

__________________
Striving to become the most educated future 'yellow eyebrow dog' (aka Doberman) owner.

faber

There are no stupid questions, only stupid awnsers.....your dedication to research so far in advance is EXTREMELY admirable.

RedFawnRising

"I never said I that I wouldn't be able to properly own a Dobe in the future and in fact am very confident that I could be a great owner."

Erm, neither did I.

Not sure why that triggered a "resume reading" from you, but best luck.

__________________
It takes more than a baby and a box to make a normal monkey.—Harry F. Harlow

faber

i think the wording of your statement came off as a derogatory remark as opposed to a helful anwser to his question...at least i took it that way...my apoligizes if not.

RedFawnRising

It was a true wondering. Not meant to be derogatory.

Why in the world would you be looking forward (just a general you, not a specific to anyone) to a struggle with a dog that is supposed to be your loyal pet?

I mean, in my younger days, I used to love to ride the horse nobody else was crazy enough to get on, so maybe it is sort of a draw in that sense--a challenge, if you will.

But, I have just seen a pattern of posts that say things like maintaining the alpha stance, etc, etc and it just seems like making more work out of something than it really is. Maybe it's semantics, dunno.

I just think research and plans need to include finding ways to make things fun and enjoyable. Geez, puppies are enough work already, dontcha think?

__________________
It takes more than a baby and a box to make a normal monkey.—Harry F. Harlow

faber

gotcha...and i appoligize...tho i meant what i said the statement was open dependent on yours....again, my apoligizes.

RedFawnRising

No need to apologize, hard to read tone over the 'net.

__________________
It takes more than a baby and a box to make a normal monkey.—Harry F. Harlow

lyngr

RedFawn.. terms like "alpha" and "pack leader" get thrown around an awful lot since the rise of Ceasar Milan, don't they? I think it really confuses people.

__________________
.







I'll take this piece of you and hope for all eternity..