Questions about the breed

[JustTheDevil]

So, long story short I think I want a doberman, but I want to be sure.
I like their spunk, I like their loyalty.

1. I believe they would be a good fit for me because of the velcro nature, also their protective tendencies. I have security issues involving a stalker, I just need to be alerted if something is amis, I don't expect the dog to attack for me.

However, I have some questions.

1. How well would they handle assistance training?
Explanation: I need an ESA, but I am planning on training the dog to assist me throughout the day doing simple tasks.(don't worry, I have no intentions of telling people (s)he's a a service dog or pretending (s)he's one, so don't chew me out.)
Example tasks include: fetching my phone if I'm in a situation where I can't get it, assisting if I'm having a anxiety/panic attack, MAYBE training to use deep pressure to ground me, but definitely staying close by my side,etc.

Note: I am going to consult a professional trainer that has experience with dobermans if I decide that this is the correct breed for me, while I have trained several dogs I've never trained a doberman before and I don't want to screw anything up.

2. How do they do with cross training?
Explanation: My plans were to give the dog some more work if he seems far too bored and such. I was considering scent work, what are your ideas?

I'm not sure, I've been doing research and haven't been turning up many results that are relevant.
One other concern I have is the dangerous breed title. How extensively does this effect perception of this breed?
My brother who lives close by has a dog, and there are a lot of cats in our neighborhood, will the dog be aggressive towards the animals nearby?

Any advice if helpful, I just request you not chew me out. Be honest, but not to the point I'm crying.

 

[Gelcoater]

From Southern California.
Good for you doing some research before moving forward.
I’ll try to keep my answers short as I have a tendency to create short novels, lol.
To answer #1.
Chosen correctly I’m sure a Doberman could fit the needs of a ESA. They are very eager to learn and to please. This is a breed that NEEDS to have a job.

To address the stalker situation a bit.
My two can hear a squirrel three blocks away cut a fart. It’s likely no one is even getting to your front door without detection, barking, and a keen desire to persuade intruders to go away.

That leads us to question #2
Cross training.
Absolutely no problem.
Consider Shutzhund/IPO training for a clue here.
Represents 3 distinct training parameters.
Obedience
Tracking/Scent work
Bite sports.
I’ve known dogs that do agility but also kick ass in IPO.
Did I mention they are eager to learn

Dangerous breed title...
Yes, that’s a thing.
Some home owners insurance will not cover you with a Dobe. More research needed there in your end.
You’ll find one of about 3 types of people out there.
Some people perceive them as dangerous and scary.

Some people just have never been around one and are curious about the breed.

Other people will approach you and your dog just asking to say hi as their uncle/neighbor/grandpa etc had one when they were a kid and have so many great memories. Sometimes you’ll Get someone approaching trying to hold back tears, as their own Dobe recently passed and at the site of one can hardly contain their pain of loss. (I’ve been that guy )

I’m sure other members will be along to expand on some of your ideas and questions, there are some very experienced owners/trainers here from all over “Earth” where you are from

 

[Oh Little Oji]

Welcome!

The Doberman might be right for you.

Almost any specimen of the breed that you would get would be a top-notch watchdog (which I define as being very alert and sounding the alarm when they detect someone in their territory). You say you don't need the dog to actually engage the bad guy. That fits too, because not all Dobermans will.

Yes, they always want to be with you!

Cross training? Should be no problem. This breed is very capable of learning many things.

They should do fine as an ESA. You will just need to be a firm, consistent leader so they will behave in public! In your home, they'll be your best bud as long as you provide them somewhere near the amount of exercise and stimulation that they demand. Be prepared for them to pester you for walks or other activity!

On that note, be prepared for whining!

But yes, I've had my Dobes do stuff for me around the home – pick up items I've dropped, carry bags of groceries for me, etc.

The breed appears on many insurance companies' list of dogs that they charge you more money for, or will deny you for.

The public perception of the breed, if you're asking about that, is one where a lot of people do feel leery about them. Many, though, are clued in to how sweet they are. The number one comment I've gotten over the years is "They are actually just so sweet, aren't they?"

 

[NamVetJoe]

Let me play devils, advocate, for a moment. This statement gives me cause to pause “I think I want a doberman, but I want to be sure.” IMO you just KNOW if you want a Doberman” and then see if its a good fit

 

[Ddski5]

They are most definitely velcro and loyal.

I constantly tell folks that my 3.5 year old is a pure watch dog. He is always alert, looking and watching everything/everywhere. Doesn’t matter what is going on, that’s what he does. I believe that’s what he feels is his job.

I think you can train them to do whatever you want them to do. Just have to be persistent and consistent and not waiver from your mission.

I take mine everywhere I go and he definitely gets the dangerous dog looks and verbiage. But to be honest, I am completely fine with that. Keeps the uneducated jackholes away. The folks that know Dobermans calmly and confidently approach wanting to talk.

Goodluck
Welcome from Louisiana

 

[jazzies mum]

While my girl is a Dobe mix she has so many of the common traits that I do forget the mix part! My situation is that I live alone in an isolated area that has an itinerant tourist population of mostly men. After hubs passed I chose a dog to be just the sort of guardian you wish for and Jazzie has been absolutely perfect for this! Nothing moves without her letting me know and if it is serious and not just some wildlife you can tell by the type of bark that it needs to be investigated! At the same time she is not aggressive and not a bite risk out in public. Most people view her with admiration and those that are wary just move around us.

I would say that anything you would like to teach a Dobe is doable, but some excel at different things. It will depend a little on your particular Dobe.

One thing I must say is that raising and training a Dobe is a whole different experience than any other type of dog I have owned! They are super intelligent but along with that can come an independence that will mean you have to find what motivates your dog to want to please you. Wanting to please you may not be wired into them as it is with many other breeds. They will need to respect you first and foremost as their pack leader, a firm but fair pack leader. Keeping their physical exercise up is important and of equal importance, if not more, is to keep their brain occupied. A bored Dobe is always looking for entertainment and probably not the entertainment you would choose. Teaching your dog to leave other animals in your area alone can be a bit difficult with their usually high prey drive, but it can be done. I think your idea of finding a trainer with Doberman experience is an excellent one!

I am biased and can say that now my girl is an adult she is the most loyal, affectionate and fun companion imaginable and all the work of raising and training has well and truly paid off. She lives with no fences, but stays within her home perimeter, travels thousands of kilometres and stays in all sorts of different situations from bush camping to motel rooms, handles being around many people and dogs, been in kennels on occasion with no dramas, flown the length of Australia with overnight stops and different handlers and been overnight on a roll on roll off ferry on a rough crossing. Passed all test with flying colours!

 

[GennyB]

From my experience, having a dog that performs tasks for you on some level is a LOT of work. If the pup you choose is going to be working for you in public there several things to think about first.
I'll just tell you a little about my experience with a service dog and you can decide. My girl Rumor is my service dog. She is a 4 year old doberman that is a wonderful help to me. I have some mobility issues because I suffer from SPMS. I am still on my feet for now so Rue helps to brace me. My legs are pretty much numb from about the knees down. I stagger so she help on the straight and narrow. Actually there are several everyday tasks that she helps with so overall she has been an amazing asset to me.
Now for the down side. Service dogs or any type of assistance dogs are completely misunderstood by the general public. You will find yourself explaining or defending your dog constantly. That's fine when you have time or are feeling up to it. Little kids want to rush up and pet your dogs. Having to say no offends most parents and they will tell just how rude they think you are. Some people are just offended because you have a dog at your side. It's really surprising how many people just don't like dogs. They will openly complain about having to eat dog hair and think you shouldn't be able to bring that dog in a restaurant. Then there are the people that are just afraid of the big bad doberman and will tell you off for bringing an aggressive dog out in public. Like I said, a LOT of work and it can get tiresome. So much so that I leave her home if I just want to enjoy a quite dinner or run an errand with out disruptions.

 

[JustTheDevil]

Hey, I want to thank all of you for your replies. I've been super busy the past few days helping several couples move at the same time. I just got a chance to check for replies.
You taking the time to answer this thread means a lot to me.

 

[JustTheDevil]

From my experience, having a dog that performs tasks for you on some level is a LOT of work. If the pup you choose is going to be working for you in public there several things to think about first.
I'll just tell you a little about my experience with a service dog and you can decide. My girl Rumor is my service dog. She is a 4 year old doberman that is a wonderful help to me. I have some mobility issues because I suffer from SPMS. I am still on my feet for now so Rue helps to brace me. My legs are pretty much numb from about the knees down. I stagger so she help on the straight and narrow. Actually there are several everyday tasks that she helps with so overall she has been an amazing asset to me.
Now for the down side. Service dogs or any type of assistance dogs are completely misunderstood by the general public. You will find yourself explaining or defending your dog constantly. That's fine when you have time or are feeling up to it. Little kids want to rush up and pet your dogs. Having to say no offends most parents and they will tell just how rude they think you are. Some people are just offended because you have a dog at your side. It's really surprising how many people just don't like dogs. They will openly complain about having to eat dog hair and think you shouldn't be able to bring that dog in a restaurant. Then there are the people that are just afraid of the big bad doberman and will tell you off for bringing an aggressive dog out in public. Like I said, a LOT of work and it can get tiresome. So much so that I leave her home if I just want to enjoy a quite dinner or run an errand with out disruptions.

I see what you're saying, thanks. How does she(the dog) handle being around people in public?

 

[JustTheDevil]

While my girl is a Dobe mix she has so many of the common traits that I do forget the mix part! My situation is that I live alone in an isolated area that has an itinerant tourist population of mostly men. After hubs passed I chose a dog to be just the sort of guardian you wish for and Jazzie has been absolutely perfect for this! Nothing moves without her letting me know and if it is serious and not just some wildlife you can tell by the type of bark that it needs to be investigated! At the same time she is not aggressive and not a bite risk out in public. Most people view her with admiration and those that are wary just move around us.

I would say that anything you would like to teach a Dobe is doable, but some excel at different things. It will depend a little on your particular Dobe.

One thing I must say is that raising and training a Dobe is a whole different experience than any other type of dog I have owned! They are super intelligent but along with that can come an independence that will mean you have to find what motivates your dog to want to please you. Wanting to please you may not be wired into them as it is with many other breeds. They will need to respect you first and foremost as their pack leader, a firm but fair pack leader. Keeping their physical exercise up is important and of equal importance, if not more, is to keep their brain occupied. A bored Dobe is always looking for entertainment and probably not the entertainment you would choose. Teaching your dog to leave other animals in your area alone can be a bit difficult with their usually high prey drive, but it can be done. I think your idea of finding a trainer with Doberman experience is an excellent one!

I am biased and can say that now my girl is an adult she is the most loyal, affectionate and fun companion imaginable and all the work of raising and training has well and truly paid off. She lives with no fences, but stays within her home perimeter, travels thousands of kilometres and stays in all sorts of different situations from bush camping to motel rooms, handles being around many people and dogs, been in kennels on occasion with no dramas, flown the length of Australia with overnight stops and different handlers and been overnight on a roll on roll off ferry on a rough crossing. Passed all test with flying colours!

Thanks for your comment. Do you have any advice for earning and keeping their respect as the leader?

 

[JustTheDevil]

They are most definitely velcro and loyal.

I constantly tell folks that my 3.5 year old is a pure watch dog. He is always alert, looking and watching everything/everywhere. Doesn’t matter what is going on, that’s what he does. I believe that’s what he feels is his job.

I think you can train them to do whatever you want them to do. Just have to be persistent and consistent and not waiver from your mission.

I take mine everywhere I go and he definitely gets the dangerous dog looks and verbiage. But to be honest, I am completely fine with that. Keeps the uneducated jackholes away. The folks that know Dobermans calmly and confidently approach wanting to talk.

Goodluck
Welcome from Louisiana

Thanks for the luck and the comment . Has you dog ever offered any issues with animals? Is so, how did you handle it?

 

[JustTheDevil]

Let me play devils, advocate, for a moment. This statement gives me cause to pause “I think I want a doberman, but I want to be sure.” IMO you just KNOW if you want a Doberman” and then see if its a good fit

I understand why the statement causes you to pause, but I want to be sure I'm making the right decision regarding me and the dog.

 

[JustTheDevil]

Welcome!

The Doberman might be right for you.

Almost any specimen of the breed that you would get would be a top-notch watchdog (which I define as being very alert and sounding the alarm when they detect someone in their territory). You say you don't need the dog to actually engage the bad guy. That fits too, because not all Dobermans will.

Yes, they always want to be with you!

Cross training? Should be no problem. This breed is very capable of learning many things.

They should do fine as an ESA. You will just need to be a firm, consistent leader so they will behave in public! In your home, they'll be your best bud as long as you provide them somewhere near the amount of exercise and stimulation that they demand. Be prepared for them to pester you for walks or other activity!

On that note, be prepared for whining!

But yes, I've had my Dobes do stuff for me around the home – pick up items I've dropped, carry bags of groceries for me, etc.

The breed appears on many insurance companies' list of dogs that they charge you more money for, or will deny you for.

The public perception of the breed, if you're asking about that, is one where a lot of people do feel leery about them. Many, though, are clued in to how sweet they are. The number one comment I've gotten over the years is "They are actually just so sweet, aren't they?"

Thanks for the comment, I appreciate your taking the time to answer me.

 

[JustTheDevil]

From Southern California.
Good for you doing some research before moving forward.
I’ll try to keep my answers short as I have a tendency to create short novels, lol.
To answer #1.
Chosen correctly I’m sure a Doberman could fit the needs of a ESA. They are very eager to learn and to please. This is a breed that NEEDS to have a job.

To address the stalker situation a bit.
My two can hear a squirrel three blocks away cut a fart. It’s likely no one is even getting to your front door without detection, barking, and a keen desire to persuade intruders to go away.

That leads us to question #2
Cross training.
Absolutely no problem.
Consider Shutzhund/IPO training for a clue here.
Represents 3 distinct training parameters.
Obedience
Tracking/Scent work
Bite sports.
I’ve known dogs that do agility but also kick ass in IPO.
Did I mention they are eager to learn

Dangerous breed title...
Yes, that’s a thing.
Some home owners insurance will not cover you with a Dobe. More research needed there in your end.
You’ll find one of about 3 types of people out there.
Some people perceive them as dangerous and scary.

Some people just have never been around one and are curious about the breed.

Other people will approach you and your dog just asking to say hi as their uncle/neighbor/grandpa etc had one when they were a kid and have so many great memories. Sometimes you’ll Get someone approaching trying to hold back tears, as their own Dobe recently passed and at the site of one can hardly contain their pain of loss. (I’ve been that guy )

I’m sure other members will be along to expand on some of your ideas and questions, there are some very experienced owners/trainers here from all over “Earth” where you are from

I'm so sorry for your lost.
Although I am pleased to see that it is very possible that a doberman is up to the task.
Thank you so much for your time.

 

[Kaiser2016]

Note: I am going to consult a professional trainer that has experience with dobermans if I decide that this is the correct breed for me, while I have trained several dogs I've never trained a doberman before and I don't want to screw anything up.

.
Great! This is a head strong breed, so a good pack leader won’t let the Doberman call the shots. We use NILIF (search it on this site) to maintain order in the home. We are first time owners, so I understand the desire to not screw anything up.

Sorry to hear about the stalker situation. I can tell you that if there is anyone at the front door, the dog knows and reacts accordingly. He even knows if it is a friend or a stranger. Same thing in the car. He is always in the back (though they love to sneak into the driver’s seat at any opportunity!) and if someone is passing too close to the car, he will let out warning barks. We were parked on the front driveway of our home and I got out of the car, Kaiser and my hb still in the car. A tall teenager wearing a hoodie and a large backpack was coming up the sidewalk so he would need to walk past the car and me on the driveway. What a sight! The dog barked like crazy and the car shook from the force of his pounding paws Incidents like that could seem embarrassing but we just love it! When either of us takes him on a walk, people will cross the street They can certainly detect if you are uneasy with someone and I trust Kaiser’s instincts in this regard.

If you are getting a puppy, know that it takes them until maturity to become that protective. Part of the protectiveness is them learning how you are. I call it mind reading because he must watch and observe us so much that he can often predict my next move...which can be annoying too...owning a Doberman often feels like an intense experience. Very Velcro and they have high exercise needs too. One thing that will be good for you to teach, is to NOT take treats/food from strangers. And when you ‘socialize’ the dog, it’s not to meet people, but to handle being around people. That will help the dog stay focused on you and not be interested in meeting people.

Also, your name caught my attention because it’s what I often call Kaiser “Devil”. The DoberDevils have the mischief and mayhem to warrant such a name! He even responds to it

 

[jazzies mum]

Thanks for your comment. Do you have any advice for earning and keeping their respect as the leader?

Teaching things like waiting for permission to eat and insisting on good manners is a great start to this. With my little devil there was ABSOLUTELY no getting up on furniture right from the start. Ground level all the way when she was a youngster. And you can't laugh when they break the rules even if it is hilarious! Like the couple of times when Jazz got the zoomies and bounced onto the bed where she flipped and bounced like a flea, all the while looking right at me knowing she was being naughty! So hard to keep a straight face and quietly remove her with an "off the bed" command! It is really common sense that you have rules, but you have to be really consistent in demanding that they are met. From experience, it helped when I changed my mental outlook from "dog training" to "outsmarting a cheeky toddler" or "dealing with a teenager"!
Above all, keep calm, stay firm and have a lot of fun times with them!

 

[Ddski5]

Thanks for the luck and the comment . Has you dog ever offered any issues with animals? Is so, how did you handle it?

Ragnar sure did/does....ever since he was a pup. There was a little boy down the road who had a little white English Bull dog and he could not control that dog. That dog would pull him all over the place coming at Ragnar yipping and yapping. I had Ragnar on a leash and this made it worse because he felt restrained. I tried to turn it into a training scenario but only made it worse. Ragnar now HATES white yippy dogs. HATES....

Ragnar use to chase our three cats, through continuous cueing and correction, Ragnar now ignores all of them. Now, it’s Freyja’s turn to be corrected continuously.

ANYTHING that runs quickly fires up Ragnars prey drive. The trick of the issue with Ragnar is to always be on alert, one must watch his attention/gaze and be one step ahead of him. I call it, “having your head on a swivel”. I have to catch that stimulus before he sees it, gain his attention- therefore gaining control. As the stimulus comes into his sight, I am ready to talk him down from high jacked up prey drive. Works good if I catch it, if something or someone sneaks up on me- then it can get pretty crazy. For ex. I am at midfield of a soccer game videoing my daughters play for future college stuff. I have surveyed the area many many times and deemed it safe. After couple of minutes, I hear a low growl and Ragnar roars from front of me to behind me. Seems as if some guy thought it was cool to approach us from behind and let his labdoodle meet Ragnar..... from behind us, Really???? I had him on leash and caught him mid lunge. Even though multiple people made the comments of, “what idiot walks up behind a Doberman with a dog?!?!” I was furious and embarrassed that I could not demonstrate full control of Ragnar. I get that Ragnar was protecting his area, his family from a surprise from behind, but still that really worries and concerns me.
These are the specific times that I am reminded that I have a Doberman and not Lassie.

That is an example of a surprise encounter. Otherwise, I often try to desensitize the issue over and over by bringing him close to other dogs but under my control and admission. He has gotten significantly better with this. If I am in control of it, he will not bark, growl or lunge. His breathing may pick up and eyes squint but he is able to be verbally
cued down.

A good place to do this kind of controlled desensitization on your terms is the outside of a doggie park. Most of not all are fenced in right? I would/will walk Ragnar on the “outside” of the dog park fence around the park. As a dog approached, give obedience commands to gain control, have a favorite toy to gain attention, a highly favorable treat...anything to have full fun attention on you while there are dogs running around inside of fence.

 

[GennyB]

I see what you're saying, thanks. How does she(the dog) handle being around people in public?

She's fine in public. Hardly notices people. Her attention is on me.

 

[JustTheDevil]

.
Great! This is a head strong breed, so a good pack leader won’t let the Doberman call the shots. We use NILIF (search it on this site) to maintain order in the home. We are first time owners, so I understand the desire to not screw anything up.

Sorry to hear about the stalker situation. I can tell you that if there is anyone at the front door, the dog knows and reacts accordingly. He even knows if it is a friend or a stranger. Same thing in the car. He is always in the back (though they love to sneak into the driver’s seat at any opportunity!) and if someone is passing too close to the car, he will let out warning barks. We were parked on the front driveway of our home and I got out of the car, Kaiser and my hb still in the car. A tall teenager wearing a hoodie and a large backpack was coming up the sidewalk so he would need to walk past the car and me on the driveway. What a sight! The dog barked like crazy and the car shook from the force of his pounding paws Incidents like that could seem embarrassing but we just love it! When either of us takes him on a walk, people will cross the street They can certainly detect if you are uneasy with someone and I trust Kaiser’s instincts in this regard.

If you are getting a puppy, know that it takes them until maturity to become that protective. Part of the protectiveness is them learning how you are. I call it mind reading because he must watch and observe us so much that he can often predict my next move...which can be annoying too...owning a Doberman often feels like an intense experience. Very Velcro and they have high exercise needs too. One thing that will be good for you to teach, is to NOT take treats/food from strangers. And when you ‘socialize’ the dog, it’s not to meet people, but to handle being around people. That will help the dog stay focused on you and not be interested in meeting people.

Also, your name caught my attention because it’s what I often call Kaiser “Devil”. The DoberDevils have the mischief and mayhem to warrant such a name! He even responds to it

Thanks for the comment. This is all great to know, NILIF will definitely be helpful.
Have you ever gotten complaints about your dog?
Also the name thing is hilarious.
Do you have any advice for me, or things I need to keep in mind?
I appreciate you taking the time to respond.

 

[JustTheDevil]

She's fine in public. Hardly notices people. Her attention is on me.

That's really good to know, thank you so much.