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Hi and some questions

798 views 10 replies 8 participants last post by  robinb 
#1 ·
Hi,

I recently lost one of my golden retrievers and have been in LOVE with dobies since I can remember. I used to show him in obedience and some agility so I do have training experience. However, I am not afraid of dobermans but everyone I talk to about getting one seems to be like are you kidding me?! I don't want people to be afraid of my dog and / or not like him, and even though of course he would be well socialized, I still feel that dobies have an unfair stigma attached. It puts a damper on wanting to own one because I don't get the encouragement. How do you all handle this? Are members of your family like that towards you?? Also, I want to wait to get one until I am in my own house ( I am 24 and just graduated 2 years ago from college but still at home currently). I would like some recommendations on breeders in PA or surrounding - you may PM me...I found one but I want to run it by some of you who know so much more. Thanks so much....oh...and hi! haha.
 
#2 ·
I started a thread about this a while ago because I find I have a lot of problems - not with my lovely dog, but with others' perception of him. The other day he was even accused of killing two chickens - which he hadn't and in the end the owner accepted that, but she said because he was a Dobe she "just assumed" it had to be him... However I will say that my Dobe is also the most rewarding dog I have ever owned in terms of affection, loyalty, intelligence and beauty! You may face some prejudice but I recommend you don't let that put you off.
 
#3 ·
I could care less what others think of my dogs. I know they are beautiful and wonderful ambassadors of their breeds and that's what matters.

One of my clients who is very obviously doberman-wary (to put it mildly) has a new rescue wire haired brussels griffon young adult. She has been gushing to me about what a sweet and wonderful boy he is and how much she just adores him. He does indeed sound like a cutie. That is until I ran into her at Petsmart. I bring Cher with me to Petsmart frequently and I ran into her and her little dog there. I took great pleasure in attempting to hold a conversation with her while her darling 10-ish pound little boy was throwing himself against his leash screaming bloody murder trying to eat almost 80 pound Cher while Cher stood calmly on a loose lead by my side completely ignorning him. She was the only one who could ignore him the way he was carrying on. Then a seriously cute but self-control challenged yellow lab with excessive greeting disorder came around a corner and bodily threw himself enthusiastically into Cher, knocking her towards the thrashing little devil dog. Said devil dog recoiled in screaming horror, the exhuberant lab knocked a bunch of treats off the shelf, smiled and wagged a lot about it, the owner got control, apologized and made a hasty retreat...the whole time Cher just stood there looking at me like "why am I surrounded by complete idiots?". Devil dog recovered from his shock and horror and commenced attack mode, Penny and I gave up trying to have a conversation and said our good-byes.

You just can't fix stupid. Lead by example and let the others figure it out if they are able. If not, it's their loss.
 
#4 ·
When we got out Dobie, we too faced people who would actually cross the street to avoid my beautiful boy. I never had any problems with him being aggressive, biting, etc. with humans or other dogs. Just a big sweetie who loved to lie ON TOP of mama and daddy. I agree with Julie W, lead by example. With proper training and socialization, you will have a wonderful companion like no other. I believe every dog, even the smallest dog, needs training. As for aggression and biting, my boy was actually "attacked", drawing blood, by my sister's 10 pound Daschund. She has to isolate her dog before anyone can enter her home. What a shame...and no one crosses the street when they see her coming but they should. Her dog has bitten, and drawn blood, on at least four people, me included.
 
#5 ·
Hi,

You always buy a dog for yourself, not for your friends, the neighbourhood or else. A dobermann is outside the working area also an excellent family dog, with training and sozialisation you will came a long way.

I still feel that dobies have an unfair stigma attached
Remember this, it's for 90% the owners faulds when they have an agressive and unsocialised dobermann (sorry i am dutch, and learend school english). The dobermann will always have a bad name in all countries, but the owners of this incredible breed knows better.


Greetings,

Claudia
Rana and Nero.
 
#6 ·
In a perfect world everybody would know what awesome dogs we have. I've been lucky to run into very little prejudice, but it does happen. I would never let that hold me back from being priveledged enough to have a doberman in my family. I love when people give my dogs a chance only to realize that they are well trained, well behaved and gentle dogs. Some need my reassurance that my dog won't attack their toddler and some do take time to reach that point but ultimately in time my dogs are always loved in my community. If you are really interested in the breed then I say to go for it and train your dog and be proud to use him/er for educating those less fortunate.
 
#7 ·
Hi and welcome from Washington State!!! I've had dobes since 1973 and over the years have got very little stigma from the dog community. My dogs have always been social and well mannered. Once in a great while when out on a walk or in a public place you see the kid being snatched up so he can't come in contact with the dobe, but that's rare. For over twenty years I worked at the state senate and always took my dobe to work and again very little stigma.

Robin and Rex
 
#9 ·
Where in PA are you? I am in Montgomery county in SE PA, and know a lot of the breeders in this area, and NJ.

I tell people that having a Doberman is a big responsibility - number one is to do the breed no harm.............. we have enough issues with public perception already, so making sure that your Doberman is a good dog is really important. Taking the time for training, exercise, and socializing is key......... as well as finding a good breeder who KNOWS 100% that temperment has to be the first consideration in breeding followed closely by health and conformation.
 
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#10 ·
Thanks for all the info. I agree with you guys that I need to get a dog for me and not anyone else. I am very interested in doing obedience and agility and I think the "dog world" people are a little more educated which is good news... i was more talking abou the public scooping up their kids haha but oh well...I'm very excited to get one and again thanks so much!
 
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