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Need help leo is one of the worlds most unprotective dobie

1K views 16 replies 17 participants last post by  KahluaGrl 
#1 ·
So my dobie is 8 months very loving and sweet, maybe to sweet... I always take him to the dog park ever since he was very young to socialize him and I think I did to good if a job he loves strangers and doest bark and in no way acts like a guard or watch dog. Protectiveness is one of my favorite qualities of the breed an a big reason why we got him. I don't want him to be mean but I don't want him that comfortable around strangers so he doesn't play with robbers as they rob our house god forbid. Is he too young still or is there something I can do
 
#5 ·
A Doberman's defense drive does not mature til 2. The more you socialize the better behaved they are but if a real threat should appear then you would know. You can also find a Schutzhund club and have the puppy evaluated by experienced trainers.

Not all Dobermans bark and alert. Does he bark if someone knocks on the door??? They are more protetive in they own home but he is still a puppy.
 
#6 · (Edited)
You cannot over socialize enough...its all good learning.
Being friendly at the park, nursing home or on hospital visits...my girl is the biggest ham...and no barking.

Step on our property and if Amy don't like your vibe...your not getting off the front porch, until I call her off.
- when little, I did much to "wind-her-up" if someone knocked on the front door
(show Dad - what is it Amy - show Dad / good girl - good girl)
Enough &/or OK is her release command.

So while your pup is still young, try to get the barking at strangers, that ring the front door bell...to start with & lots of praise.
Followed by a call off....it all takes time and the balanced instincts, is what your after....as an owner, you can help to make it happen.
 
#8 ·
...So while your pup is still young, try to get the barking at strangers, that ring the front door bell...to start with & lots of praise.
Followed by a call off....it all takes time and the balanced instincts, is what your after....as an owner, you can help to make it happen.
Due respect, but the OP posted things that clearly show they do not even understand protective drives, the purpose of socialization--and how all that is related and comes into play if/when a real threat might appear.

Do you really think it's a great idea for them to "amateur train" an alert and an out, without any professional guidance on the ground there?

OP, please continue to socialize your pup, get enrolled in some good positive classes, and when he's a bit more mature, you can work with a professional to bring out (safely and reasonably) any protective drive he may have built into him.
 
#7 ·
Good advice here ! My first girl was much the same way, overly friendly. I finally did something similar to what Beaumont said above. It took a bit, but she learned and we went on to protection work ! :p

After that no issues, in fact if I looked uneasy in the house, or hear a strange noise, I would say, " clear the house " and she would go room to room looking for "strangers" ( occasionally I would have a friend or relative hiding somewhere) If she found someone, she would do a bark and hold until I escorted them to the door.
 
#9 ·
I don't want him to be mean but I don't want him that comfortable around strangers so he doesn't play with robbers as they rob our house god forbid. Is he too young still or is there something I can do
Ther have been a few threads lately about dogs being severly injured while protecting their home. Personally, if my dogs' barking doesn't make someone think twice about robbing my house, I'd rather the dogs show them where the good stuff is, than get hurt. Stuff is stuff. Okay, some stuff is more important than other stuff, but it's still just stuff. Dogs are family.
 
#11 ·
At 8 months old he's still a baby, curious about the world and open. It's normal and good. He will settle into his own protective instincts... you will probably notice the major shift around 1 1/2. I agree with the other posters, please continue to socialize him to all you can- that way when he is a more aloof adult, he'll be able to address an actual threat vs. something he shouldn't engage. The fact he's not nervous or aggressive shows you've been doing it right- I only wish I had my Dobe since she was a little pup, and could have had the chance to socialize her appropriately! VALUE this time you have!!!!
 
#12 ·
If my eight month old was barking and "acting like a watch dog" at the dog park when I hadn't been actively working with a professional to train him safely in protective work, I'd be upset.
 
#13 ·
but I don't want him that comfortable around strangers so he doesn't play with robbers as they rob our house god forbid. Is he too young still or is there something I can do
Actually you DO want him to be 100% comfortable around strangers. There is nothing to protect you from with an average every day stranger. Sounds like a good boy to me. Dogs should be sensible and only protect when there is true danger. Every day strangers do not represent true danger.
 
#15 ·
I take Prime out in public everywhere with me. He goes to dog events all the time and is tolerant and calm of everyone all around him. However, when certain situations arise he will get on guard. I would not shut Leo out from the world. You want him to be able to perceive threatening people vs non-threatening. Without exposure he could develop fear-based issues.
 
#16 ·
Let him be a puppy! It will come in the future, you don't need to train him to guard he will do it naturally with age.

Rosemary said it better than I could, lots of dogs are hurt and killed in break ins. Don't rely on a dog to protect you, you should be protecting him. If you're worried about your property, get CCTV, alarms ect
 
#17 ·
Kahlua is friendly with everyone, always wanting any kind of pets or attention she could get. That's just fine with me. She barks at people that knock on the door, but once I let them in she goes around looking for pets and treats.

She did bark and growl at a group of men that were very suspicious, creepy and looked like they were up to no good (keep in mind I'm a female in my 20s walking alone just after sunset). I guess I looked like a good target to them, they were saying stuff in Spanish that I really didn't understand most of, what I did catch wasn't good. Her barking and growling was more than enough to scare them off.

So she does protect, when she has to. I'd rather have her just look intimidating, I wouldn't want her getting hurt.
 
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