Doberman Image. A Good Or A Bad Thing?

[DocReverto]

To me personally I want bad ass dogs with a bad ass temperaments. I float that around like its going out of style. I don't want a popular breed. If people are afraid of them I let them be afraid of them. It really that simple in my eyes. BSL sucks and all, but the general viewpoint on that stance has gone down, especially since the cdc came out with their comments in breed bans. I don't fear BSL. I fear AR, because they are winning, and because there is not a damn thing anyone does that affects them.

 

[FredC]

Even as i kid i admired the breed for two reasons..
I had two uncles who owned dobies when i was a kid one on each side of the family.. But they both loved me like one of their own. My childhood was ugly and these dogs did something no human could do, make me feel safe.. for many years they were the only example of the term loyalty i ever knew.. It was a scary for everyone there but i recall one of them (Crystal) being very protective of me and broke off her chain to protect me from one of my step dads abusive tirades.. The other i forget his name was a gentle giant (70's Doberman) and would let my skinny 75 lbs butt walk him anywhere.. I felt so powerful with that dog even as a child.. I reveled in their ability to protect solely based on a look.. yet i felt safer with them then my own mother.. If it wasnt for those dogs i dont think i would have grew up with the ability to love.. I owe them my life in so many ways..

 

[Dobs4ever]

I felt so powerful with that dog even as a child.. I reveled in their ability to protect solely based on a look.. yet i felt safer with them then my own mother..

Von - What a beautiful story of a boy and his dogs. Dogs played a big part in me surviving childhood also. They are the only ones you can count on to always be loyal to a fault and to always be there when friends and family betray you. You can tell a dog anything and they are still your best friend. We must wake up and fight the AR whackos, HSUS, PETA, and our government who are all working to destroy this bond that transcends right into heaven.

 

[GennyB]

Yeah but don't we all secretly admire the Hollydobe?

Hmm, I don't know if it is admiring a Hollywood dobe for me. I don't want my dogs to be thought of as some kind of viscous man eater. More like a dog that commands respect.
Let's see if I can make this make sense. Keep in mind this is my opinion...
I think because the doberman was bred to protect their human, there is a much stronger bond. I like the fact that people are not sure about what is going to happen, but they see the control I have of them and can respect it. Make sense?

 

[Brendon]

I just got my Bruce ears done. But before people would come up to me and ask oh that's a cute dog what is he? I would say a Doberman. Their face would change and they would say oh and take a step back. It's quite funny....and yes I love to show off my Bruce

 

[JanS]

Love Bruce's ID tag! What a cute guy!

 

[Gelcoater]

I just got my Bruce ears done. But before people would come up to me and ask oh that's a cute dog what is he? I would say a Doberman. Their face would change and they would say oh and take a step back. It's quite funny....and yes I love to show off my Bruce View attachment 32813

I have a friend with a pitbull that experiences the same thing.
He used to take his young son and hid dog to the park to play.His boy would be running or digging and the dog would be right there with him.Some lady walks up and her son starts playing to.She comments on how cute the dog is and how wonderful he plays with the kids.
She asks what kind of dog is he?

"An American Pitbull Terrior" Dave replies.

That woman's face went something like this Pitbull..
Then goes on a rant."How could you bring a viscous dangerous dog like that to a park with children?"

Dave had to remind her there were no children there when he arrived,that she approached him,and 2 minutes ago he was cute and loving to kids,now even as he acts the same as he was 2 minutes ago he's now a vicious?and dangerous dog ?

 

[Brendon]

Thanks! I wanted something no one else had!!!

Love Bruce's ID tag! What a cute guy!

 

[beckers]

I don't believe in allowing people to see Kunnar as a aggressive dog because he isn't. I know if someone was coming into my house he would use that loud voice to warn them but I also don't want them to think he is "one of those dogs" because people decide do be stupid about the breed. I would prefer to allow people to pet him and see his sweet demeanor. I am the type of of lady that will have no issue defending myself if it is required. I decided to get a doberman because I had always wanted one and don't believe any dog is aggressive unless that is how they are raised to be. I truly believe if the doberman owners all come together and continue to show the public that they aren't a mean/aggressive breed but a soft and loving breed of dogs it would help the image. I get a bit concerned when people say I want people to believe my dog is aggressive. I have heard it on this posting and also when I owned my Pit bull other owners decided they wanted that image. I am all for protection but not at the cost of the public worrying about dobermans and fight to get them banned. Military bases have already started to ban the bully breeds, doberman and any other dog they deem aggressive. I would hope everyone would be out there telling the good things about the breed. I also think we should explain how they aren't for everyone but we need to be the ambassadors of this breed!

Alright I will get off of my soap box

 

[Ingrid H]

I don't believe in allowing people to see Kunnar as a aggressive dog because he isn't. I know if someone was coming into my house he would use that loud voice to warn them but I also don't want them to think he is "one of those dogs" because people decide do be stupid about the breed. I would prefer to allow people to pet him and see his sweet demeanor. I am the type of of lady that will have no issue defending myself if it is required. I decided to get a doberman because I had always wanted one and don't believe any dog is aggressive unless that is how they are raised to be. I truly believe if the doberman owners all come together and continue to show the public that they aren't a mean/aggressive breed but a soft and loving breed of dogs it would help the image. I get a bit concerned when people say I want people to believe my dog is aggressive. I have heard it on this posting and also when I owned my Pit bull other owners decided they wanted that image. I am all for protection but not at the cost of the public worrying about dobermans and fight to get them banned. Military bases have already started to ban the bully breeds, doberman and any other dog they deem aggressive. I would hope everyone would be out there telling the good things about the breed. I also think we should explain how they aren't for everyone but we need to be the ambassadors of this breed!

Alright I will get off of my soap box

I don't think anyone here wants our dogs to be seen as being aggressive, but I don't think most of us mind people believing in the potential for our dogs being protective if need be. Seems to me that owners of most "protective" breeds like Dobermans, GSDs, Malinois, etc. want people to see that our dogs are wonderful obedient and loving dogs.

 

[Gelcoater]

I don't believe in allowing people to see Kunnar as a aggressive dog because he isn't. I know if someone was coming into my house he would use that loud voice to warn them but I also don't want them to...I truly believe if the doberman owners all come together and continue to show the public that they aren't a mean/aggressive breed but a soft and loving breed of dogs it would help the image. I get a bit concerned when people say I want people to believe my dog is aggressive. I have heard it on this posting and also when I owned my Pit bull I would hope everyone would be out there telling the good things about the breed. I also think we should explain how they aren't for everyone but we need to be the ambassadors of this breed!

There might be a little confusion on exactly what aggression is vs image.
You say that "if someone came into the house his big voice to warn them"
Of what?That maybe this dog can and will do more than bark I would guess.

Also "the breed isn't for everyone",again,why?
Because it isn't a golden retriever or a black lab.When push comes to shove most examples of those two breeds will pee themselves trying to escape.A(most) Dobermans will not,but actually face the challenge head on.


ag·gres·sion

(ə-grĕsh′ən)
n.
1. The act of initiating hostilities or invasion.
2. The practice or habit of launching attacks.
3. Hostile or destructive behavior or actions.


I'm thinking in the event someone tries gaining unwanted entrance to my home,the above description defines what my dogs reaction would be quite well actually.They are not soft in situations like this.
A lab,a golden to name just a couple don't have the image of the Doberman,the Mal,GSD,APBT,etc.
Why?

 

[beckers]

I am only giving my opinion and I know what aggression (No need to put the definition of the word) means but people look at this breed as aggressive and mean due to a perception that I personally do not want people to view my dog that way. If you all choose to allow people to believe that it is your choice I am just saying it isn't what I want for my boy. In theory every dog would protect their house. I have had multiple breeds and all of them go into that protection mode when their family is in danger regardless of how cuddly they are. Again this is only my opinion regarding the topic my own personal thought is I would not allow people to continue to say this breed is a danger to humans when they are such wonderful dogs when they are raised correctly. I have seen the discrimination first hand with people seeing Kunnar and not wanting their children around him because "he is evil" mentality. I will always educate and socialize my boy with people to get their good image out there

 

[Dobs4ever]

Actually the reputation comes from the original breeding when some of the dogs bred by Herr Dobermann were very human aggressive and hard to handle then as the started to make the social enough folks could live with them we hit WWII and the American breeds sent their dogs to the war efforts - in the beginning if I remember correctly from the 2008 Centennial in Topeka 90% to start were Dobermans - during that war they earned the name "DEVIL DOGS" and the cemented their reputation by folks who did not understand what else they were - loyal - obedient - protective - alert - energetic -

Gel's definition is actually a very good one - initiating hostilities or invasion - a dog should not show aggression unless there is a threat
Launching attacks - this dog would bite first and ask questions later - that is not a sound temperament
Hostile - or destructive behaviors - This is why we say Dobermans are not for everyone - if not trained and kept mentally challenged they can become destructive - and hostile toward owners they do not respect as a leader.

But by breeding and nature (meaning the genes within the gene pool) we have ignored some of their more charming loving characteristics - clowns - velcro - loving - loyal protectors.

So to want people to perceive them as bad is never a good thing as people will take that to the top and suddenly they will hit every BSL list out there just like the wonderful pit bulls. They should understand that the dogs were bred to be protective so you can just turn them loose with strangers without an introduction and training - so they have good manners and good judgement. Good judgement is something I wish more breeders and trainers talked about - A dog should not perceive all people as a threat. They should have the judgement to watch first and act accordingly - I simple word from the handler should tell the dog this is OK so the dog relaxes and is social.

PEOPLE are the problem - PEOPLE get dogs into trouble by not building a strong bond of trust and respect - they ARE NOT human and will not respond as a human. When we miss this little fact people get bit. Raising your voice to them is the same as raising your hand to them. It says you are not in control.

 

[Judith]

PEOPLE get dogs into trouble by not building a strong bond of trust and respect

I whole heartedly agree with you D4E, I have noticed a lot of new posts recently by new Dobe owners obviously have never done their research into raising a Doberman, expecting them to be toilet trained at ten weeks and smacking them or throwing them into a crate or outside, wondering why a five month old puppy is not barking and protecting them, sometimes I just cannot believe what I am reading and feel so frustrated I cannot answer them, you just know most of these poor puppies are going to end up in shelters, BYB are the problem giving no education, selling to the first person with the money and no back up, I agree this breed is not for everyone that's what I love about them they keep you on your toes as we say over here, you need to be strong minded and be able to read them, you have to be one step ahead of them when I walk my two I never take my eyes off them, I love that I can walk with them on my own anywhere and never fear for my safety, I love how they know when to protect and at what level without me telling them, I love the look I get from people when they see little old me [5'2"] with two big Doberman's that listen to my every word and are well behaved, Susan is right PEOPLE do get dogs into trouble by not building a strong bond of trust and respect

 

[Dobs4ever]

I whole heartedly agree with you D4E, I have noticed a lot of new posts recently by new Dobe owners obviously have never done their research into raising a Doberman, expecting them to be toilet trained at ten weeks and smacking them or throwing them into a crate or outside, wondering why a five month old puppy is not barking and protecting them, sometimes I just cannot believe what I am reading and feel so frustrated I cannot answer them, you just know most of these poor puppies are going to end up in shelters, BYB are the problem giving no education, selling to the first person with the money and no back up

I have felt the same Judith - it was very hard to read where people thinking yelling or hitting is a good method. Then because good breeders screen their puppy families we get hammered for being snobs. Honestly it seems we can't win. But if we give up then the dogs can never win against such an onslaught of negative press. People who compete with their dogs know these things and understand these things through working with a lot of dogs and challenges.

Good responsible owners produce good responsible dogs!!! In the end without solid positive training and building a bond of trust and respect, the dogs will be dogs and do what dogs do naturally. THEY ARE NOT PEOPLE - and do reason as people so people techniques do not work with them most of the time.

 

[Gelcoater]

I whole heartedly agree with you D4E, I have noticed a lot of new posts recently by new Dobe owners obviously have never done their research into raising a Doberman, expecting them to be toilet trained at ten weeks and smacking them or throwing them into a crate or outside, wondering why a five month old puppy is not barking and protecting them, sometimes I just cannot believe what I am reading and feel so frustrated I cannot answer them, you just know most of these poor puppies are going to end up in shelters, BYB are the problem giving no education, selling to the first person with the money and no back up, I agree this breed is not for everyone that's what I love about them they keep you on your toes as we say over here, you need to be strong minded and be able to read them, you have to be one step ahead of them when I walk my two I never take my eyes off them, I love that I can walk with them on my own anywhere and never fear for my safety, I love how they know when to protect and at what level without me telling them, I love the look I get from people when they see little old me [5'2"] with two big Doberman's that listen to my every word and are well behaved, Susan is right PEOPLE do get dogs into trouble by not building a strong bond of trust and respect

I have felt the same Judith - it was very hard to read where people thinking yelling or hitting is a good method. Then because good breeders screen their puppy families we get hammered for being snobs. Honestly it seems we can't win. But if we give up then the dogs can never win against such an onslaught of negative press. People who compete with their dogs know these things and understand these things through working with a lot of dogs and challenges.

Good responsible owners produce good responsible dogs!!! In the end without solid positive training and building a bond of trust and respect, the dogs will be dogs and do what dogs do naturally. THEY ARE NOT PEOPLE - and do reason as people so people techniques do not work with them most of the time.

Well ladies,I can for sure share frustration with some of the things I have read.I want to remind everyone though these owners are asking questions,these questions lead to proper actions to be taken.To error is human,to error and seek help to fix it I can not find fault.To error,and never seek guidance to make it right...just dumb.
So,seeing folks come here,admit they screwed up somehow or are facing something they have no clue to fix...a little encouraging.

 

[Judith]

Gelcoater , oh I know what you mean Gel and I do try to help if I can, but when I read they are smacking a ten week old puppy it's just beyond my comprehension but do keep my mouth shut I do not want to discourage them as I would not be helping the dog I just count to ten twice

 

[dobelover419]

When I was 19 and had Holly & Gideon I often felt looked down on simply because I owned Dobermans, like to strangers I was trying to be " cool " or " different " which wasn't the case, but I did live in a small town I'm sure that had a lot to do with it. I still believe for the most part, people don't have run-ins with Dobermans too often, so when they see them they're quite intrigued . As well I've got asked about the " their Brains outgrowing there skull and they go crazy attacking people " " my sister has a miniature doberman it's so feisty ...." " my buddy used to own a king doberman , man he was huge, way bigger than yours " Far as Temperament is concerned.... I'll just say, these days , even finding a semi-sharp doberman pup is challenging, gone to much in the way of the poodle imo

 

[Asteria]

I would agree with this on your side of the pond however in the USA breeders are already watering down the Doberman and have been since the early eighties.. When that dumb ass sued McDonalds for burning himself with a hot cup of coffee and won a million dollar settlement..

In the US it's no lie a burglar can sue you and win if your dog bites him in the process of a home invasion.

Same can be said about a beware if dog sign.. As far as the courts are concerned a "Beware of The Dog" sign is an admission of knowingly and purposely harboring a viscous dog and land your butt in jail and or levied heavy fines if your dog bites another human being. Having such a sign almost certainly assures a guilty verdict.. This is why bite sports are not a popular dog sport in the US, and club dues are generally crazy expensive.. Simple supply and demand mathematics. No doubt the Doberman would only get softer then ever here after a cd ban

Weeeellll Von. The McDonalds thing was legit. I watched a documentary on it on netflix I think it was. Either way I pulled a random google link. Here is the scoop. Pictures of burns at the five minute mark. http://www.upworthy.com/ever-hear-a...n-herself-at-mcdonalds-then-sued-for-millions

http://mobi.perezhilton.com/2013-12...millions-horrifying-untold-story#.U1oQG-29Kc0


It's pretty horrifying to know the coffee was hot enough to cause extensive deep tissue burns like that and that was not the first complaint filed. There were hundreds. Just none bad enough yet to use big over. Lady needed to cover medical damages, or at least I would be after my hospital bills to be covered. I'm glad she did. Media made a joke of her poor thing. Okay I'm off my soap box

 

[Dobs4ever]

Gel - I did not read where anyone did anything bad or called them names - we addressed the issue and those who really want to learn and grow listen and those who don't really want to learn get all upset and take it personal even though it was not.

- We gave solid advise on how to correct it and the good news is it appears that they care. When people give tips that are not a good technique in any real training situation we simply stated our opinion nothing personal. BECAUSE WE CARE.

my sister has a miniature doberman

There is not such thing as a minature doberman - the Min Pin was a breed 300 years BEFORE the Doberman. They may have some small common ancestry but they are not considered related. Many people think that they are min dobermans and there is no such thing. There is only ONE Doberman.