Of all the dog breeds, why a Dobermann? Why was that the dog you chose to share your life? Really think – what went into your choice?
Did you grow up with the breed – have a friend with one – think they looked great in films or on TV?
Was the thought of power and security they might offer what made up your mind – how it would feel to have that at your fingertips if, heaven forbid, you ever needed it?
Maybe you heard how smart and loyal they are.
Be honest and really look at your why, deep down, why you CHOSE a Dobermann…
Did I Sign Up For This?
And now? You are maybe discovering how very smart they are. The energy that is needed to stay one step ahead of that intelligence. From puppyhood, into a long adolescence and a too short adulthood; the Dobermann will be the dog that will challenge you like no other dog you have had or could have chosen.
They will find opportunities for mischief, be compared to pterodactyls in their bitey stage, be jumpy, demanding, hilarious, and frustrating. They will counter-surf, steal shoes and dump trash bins when their bodies get large enough to give them access to places they haven’t yet been taught to stay out of.
Before you realize, they will be large and strong and can quickly become nightmares when their needs aren’t being properly addressed, are left alone for too many hours, are mishandled or handled inconsistently.
You may be finding that you aren’t welcome at puppy classes or daycares because Dobermanns have big feelings about their worlds and can be very disruptive when they are over-aroused.
People may hold you to a higher standard because they will see the size and the breed and judge any behaviour they deem unacceptable as “dangerous” or “out of control” and boldly suggest your dog has no business being in public. Even though they are still puppies, at 9 months and ¾ of their adult weight we may even find ourselves expecting them to be able to heel consistently and not drag us off our feet. You may even have had your puppy rushed by adult dogs with little sympathy from their owners when you explain that you are trying to provide good experiences for your puppy and could they please control their dog.
Think back to your “why’s”
Whatever drew you to them and caused you to bring them into your home, even if it has turned out to be more than you thought it would be it is hardly fair to cry foul and give up, shut them away, rehome or turn to punishing methods to deal with the very characteristics that make this breed what it is. Bred specifically for loyalty, intelligence, power, determination and the ability to protect, it should be expected that they were not designed to be easily trained. They will not thrive being isolated for hours a day or being faced with unrealistic expectations of abilities when we have not spent the time to build a relationship with them and meet their needs.
If you are questioning your why’s, take a deep breath, reach out for support that will help you build your knowledge of what your dog needs, help build your dog handling skills and help you form a relationship with the amazing dog that is your Dobermann.
Training with Kindness, Knowledge and Understanding