Conduct of other family members living w/ Dobe?

tranquility · 07-02-2008, 06:37 AM

I know that I have to maintain a strong, confident mentality to preserve my status as 'alpha male' in the household in order to retain control of the Dobe. However, how should my wife conduct herself when we get a Dobe? Do I have to conduct myself differently w/ my wife in front of the Dobe?

I know that I will be able to manage the dog but I'm just a wee bit concerned about better-half since she is a bit 'afraid' of the dog. She's always telling me that she's not liking the idea of getting up in the middle of the night to use the bathroom and having this huge black dog blocking the way and staring lol. On a more serious note, last thing I want is the dog to 'challenge' or growl (or worse) at my wife in status. Not sure if I'm conveying myself clearly here.

bluizk · 07-02-2008, 06:46 AM

**ellenm** · 07-02-2008, 06:48 AM

Why would the dog growl at a family member? I would never assume that the dog and your wife would not get along.

You don't have to really work like crazy to be an alpha over the dog...calm assertive control and training from both of you will make the dog a loving companion. The dog is not in boot camp from day #1!!

JavasMom · 07-02-2008, 07:02 AM

Dobes are family dogs and love whoever feeds them, so she has nothing to worry about. In no time at all, she will be 'complaining' that your Dobe won't allow her to go to the bathroom alone because he'll be following her everywhere! Having her participate in training will help her overcome any concerns.

BTW - My hubby had a few concerns about my wanting to get a Dobe - that is until we went to an outdoor dog show in PA and he saw a red 18-mo male curled up on his owner's lap like a kitten. He was so impressed with how well-mannered and sweet-tempered the dogs were that we started looking for a breeder that day.

tranquility · 07-02-2008, 07:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bluizk

Well, one suggestion is that perhaps the two of you can socialize yourselves around others that have Dobermans, whether with a reputable breeder, or someone you know that has a Dobe, and starting with a puppy always helps too. I wouldn't think to EXPECT any agression, growling or having to have a "heavy hand" at all! Dobermans are highly intelligent and learn quickly. They also have a great sense of humor, are extremely cute, and very loving, and like to snuggle and hang out with you. You just need to give the proper training, social skills, etc., etc. I am not sure what your immediate plans are, i.e., getting an adult, a rescue, or going through a breeder, but getting hands on socialization is always a great thing to do ~sounds like it would be -especially for your wife. You don't want to "fear" your new family member. Just think of it like this: If you had a new human child in your home-would you be afraid of it? Certainly not. Expecting him/her to trust and respect you also requires you trust amd respect him/her. I think being around Dobes and taking the time and effort to feel more comfortable around the "big black dog' would help both of you! You must be very excited to realize the new Dobe member of your family! Congrats!
BLUIZK

I will definitely want to get a black male puppy from an excellent local breeder once I return to Ontario, but, alas, that is years from now. Thanks for your well wishes in any event.

dusuwho · 07-02-2008, 07:27 AM

Tranquility,

I had similar concerns. After 8 weeks of ownership I know I was being over cautious. He's just a pup, you know? There's no fear of when he get's big he's going to eat my wife and then me. (I'm joking but you know what I mean). When max was 9 weeks old he was really insistant on biting us, and then growling at us for telling him 'no' and biting us again etc etc etc. (surprisingly stressfull at the time). All we could think of is the big dog he's going to be and the biting. Worrying if we had a real future issue or not..... so silly looking back now. Now we're used to him and we trust him as he trusts us. There's never going to be fear.

The only worry now is getting him to walk nicely before he gets too strong.

tranquility · 07-02-2008, 07:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dusuwho

Tranquility,

I had similar concerns. After 8 weeks of ownership I know I was being over cautious. He's just a pup, you know? There's no fear of when he get's big he's going to eat my wife and then me. (I'm joking but you know what I mean). When max was 9 weeks old he was really insistant on biting us, and then growling at us for telling him 'no' and biting us again etc etc etc. (surprisingly stressfull at the time). All we could think of is the big dog he's going to be and the biting. Worrying if we had a real future issue or not..... so silly looking back now. Now we're used to him and we trust him as he trusts us. There's never going to be fear.

The only worry now is getting him to walk nicely before he gets too strong.

LOL, thanks for your words of reassurance.

Btw, like your new av.

dusuwho · 07-02-2008, 07:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tranquility

LOL, thanks for your words of reassurance.

Btw, like your new av.

Thanks. the time had come to stop spreading political messages. The new 1 is much more cute. 'No more eating Bush's head Max, sleepy time now, there's a good boy'. lol

dusuwho · 07-02-2008, 10:31 AM

Oh Tranquility I forgot to tell you. My wife, Emily is scared of dogs. She will never trust any dog apart from her 'Max the Doberman.' She was severely attacked when very small and bitten again since, twice, on other occasions by a labrador and something else. Oddly and quite mysteriously she wanted a doberman. This is her BIG dog. Her protector. Her friend. Tell your wife that I think a Dobe will see that she is ok before anything else.

Cheers,

tranquility · 07-02-2008, 10:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dusuwho

Oh Tranquility I forgot to tell you. My wife, Emily is scared of dogs. She will never trust any dog apart from her 'Max the Doberman.' She was severely attacked when very small and bitten again since, twice, on other occasions by a labrador and something else. Oddly and quite mysteriously she wanted a doberman. This is her BIG dog. Her protector. Her friend. Tell your wife that I think a Dobe will see that she is ok before anything else.

Cheers,

Wow, sorry to hear about that but glad she is ok with Max.