Hello!
I have been looking into getting a Doberman puppy for quite a while, and have done my homework in researching the breed. In that research, I've seen many accounts of same sex aggression in Dobermans (regardless of being altered) at around 1-2 years of age and that it can come on rather suddenly. So I have a couple of questions (and maybe some misunderstandings) that hopefully can be cleared up by the Dobermantalk community! (I also understand that the aggression is case by case, and that not every Dobie shows this trait.)
1. Same sex aggression can be in both male and female Dobermans, correct? However, is it less common in females? From what I've read, it seems like the instances of aggression in a Doberman has been with males.
2. Is the aggression towards intact or neutered males? Or does it not matter?
3. Does the level of interaction with other dogs during puppyhood and as a young adult lessen or increase the aggressive trait?
4. Could the trait be managed/trained out of an individual by not tolerating the behavior? (I've read that this is generally a "no." But I would be interested if anyone has tried!)
This is really my only concern with getting a Doberman. It's not that I couldn't handle it (or work around it), it would just be sad if I couldn't bring my dog to family events where other dogs will be or go to public events where dogs are allowed.
The breeder I have contacted says he "generally" has not had any problems with his dogs. He said that he would avoid putting two males into situations where they would want to fight over something, but that he has had two males in the same room and they would be fine. But I'm unsure if he's just telling me what I want to hear, or if he's being genuine. Could the aggression just be based upon genetics? Some have it, and some don't?
Thanks for your help!
I have been looking into getting a Doberman puppy for quite a while, and have done my homework in researching the breed. In that research, I've seen many accounts of same sex aggression in Dobermans (regardless of being altered) at around 1-2 years of age and that it can come on rather suddenly. So I have a couple of questions (and maybe some misunderstandings) that hopefully can be cleared up by the Dobermantalk community! (I also understand that the aggression is case by case, and that not every Dobie shows this trait.)
1. Same sex aggression can be in both male and female Dobermans, correct? However, is it less common in females? From what I've read, it seems like the instances of aggression in a Doberman has been with males.
2. Is the aggression towards intact or neutered males? Or does it not matter?
3. Does the level of interaction with other dogs during puppyhood and as a young adult lessen or increase the aggressive trait?
4. Could the trait be managed/trained out of an individual by not tolerating the behavior? (I've read that this is generally a "no." But I would be interested if anyone has tried!)
This is really my only concern with getting a Doberman. It's not that I couldn't handle it (or work around it), it would just be sad if I couldn't bring my dog to family events where other dogs will be or go to public events where dogs are allowed.
The breeder I have contacted says he "generally" has not had any problems with his dogs. He said that he would avoid putting two males into situations where they would want to fight over something, but that he has had two males in the same room and they would be fine. But I'm unsure if he's just telling me what I want to hear, or if he's being genuine. Could the aggression just be based upon genetics? Some have it, and some don't?
Thanks for your help!