Dealing with other people's comment toward your "aggressive breed" dog

[Mardalo]

I haven't been on this site long but I figure if anyone knows how I'm feeling right now it would be other Doberman owner.
Today I went for a walk with my little boy, Rico. Rico usually walks on the leash very well and normally on my left side. This evening I wasn't considering a formal walk and our walking pattern was a little different. This landed him near the grass where I think some ants found him. It was dark out so couldnt see much. I just began wiping him down frantically hoping to brush off whatever it was that was making him uncomfortable. He was jumping around a bit when a vehicle pulled around the corner and into a driveway down around me. I took my headphones out of my ears so I could hear if they said hi or ask me if Rico was okay. I'm a friendly neighbor and I didn't want to be rude my not responding. I wish I had left my earphones in. Maybe then I wouldn't have walked home crying. The guy voiced loudly to his family " Get the hell in the house. We don't need anybody getting bit around here." Normally, my feelings and emotions aren't stirred up by someone's arrogant rude remarks, but after I finished helping Rico and continued down with our walk I got so upset I could have exploded. That man doesn't know me or my dog. Rico was being bit up by bugs. Not trying to be vicious or attack someone. I love this dog. In only less than 3 months that I've had Rico I have the love, respect and loyalty towards him as he does for me. This dog is the best friend I never had and for that guy to say something like that about him really cut me.

I guess I just need to vent and hope that someone reads through this long story and give some advice.

 

[Kaiser2016]

Sad to say that this will not be the last time it happens. Everyone loves them as puppies and they're still cute with their posts, but when their ears are up on their own, you will be received differently by the ignorant ones. The best thing you can do is to have a well behaved dog in public. You will also have some wonderfully proud moments of adoration from those that recognize this beautiful breed. Enjoy Rico and forget those horrible people.

 

[phedre]

In my neighborhood everyone loves my puppy but he is only 12 weeks old and in posts. I have little doubt this will change when he grows up. People used to cross to the other side when I walked my Xs GSD and she was perfectly heeling on leash by my side. My pit only caught a break because he had three legs.

When I told my mum what breed of dog I got she said why cant you just get a normal breed... sighhhh. For what its worth your not alone in your experience with other people's ignorance of breeds abd dogs in general.

 

[Oh Little Oji]

First: That dude is clueless. Dobermans are not a breed that is dangerous. You never hear about them involved in any of the maulings out there.

Second: You never know what you're going to hear from random people in this world. There are crazies in our midst and you can't put much weight in what some idiot yells at you.

Personally, I don't mind people thinking my Doberman is something to be feared. Yes, I know we don't need any fuel for the breed-specific legislation or the discrimination in housing and insurance and such; but I want my Dobe to be my bodyguard and I am fine with folks feeling uneasy around him.

I agree that people are appreciative of seeing a Dobe obeying in public. I see and feel the smiles when I do have my boy on a precise heel and hitting a sit when I stop and so forth. I like to put people at ease when I am in in establishment or in a crowded public space by making is obvious that I have a highly-trained dog here. Now, walking down the street – especially at night – or at the front window of my house (which comes in handy!) I don't mind my boy looking like a savage beast of which I don't have control.

For some reason, I don't have anyone making comments to me in public. I guess I give off a look of someone not to be messed with.

 

[Oh Little Oji]

An idea that just struck me: Putting a classic bandana around their neck really softens their look. I love that you have his ears cropped (for several reasons – I won't get into it here) but you can easily soften his look with a bandana and give him that good ol' "aw good boy" look.

In contrast, I have been thinking about getting a spiked leather collar again – maybe 1.5 inches wide. No other breed is better suited to sport that classic killer look than our breed.

 

[Regalis]

I think ignorance follows with just about any large breed. About the only dogs I've ever owned that I literally never had anyone fear was my labs.

The looks and comments I got with my husky were honestly funny. I heard people arguing amongst themselves about what he was in hushed tones that they for some reason thought I couldn't hear. Because he was large for the breed and a color not commonly seen (light red with grays) people just swore he was a wolf. Best part? He was the dog I trusted bar none with humans of ANY size and dogs of any size. He instinctively just knew to be gentle around small humans and dogs. Didn't stop people from fearing him, though.

My pit was probably the worst. Even worse than Kaizer (though being mixed and having flop ears I think contributes here, most people don't realize he's part dobe). It didn't matter how well behaved he was, people would cross the street, usher their kids away from him, etc.

However, like Oji, I don't particularly mind that people are hesitant of my dog. After all, that's part of why I'm attracted to breeds commonly used for protection. Though I can't recall ever really getting any overtly rude or mean comments. Mostly just dirty looks. The worst I recall is some idiot shouting "I hope you have a good hold on him" from about 50 feet away. Nevermind that we were on the side of a wiiide trail, with plenty of room to pass and at that point, Kaizer was behaving. Of course, the guys attitude pissed me off and I think that set Kaizer off into a barking and growling frenzy (all while maintaining his sit and stay though lol). I just don't let the stupidity get to me. My family knows better than to even go there (though both my parents are familiar with Dobes and like them, we had one when I was growing up). But my mom learned long ago to stay out of my choice of dog regardless. We got into it after I rescued a bully mix from the side of the freeway. She was terrified this dog was going to eat my kids. Insisted it was different because I hadn't raised him from a pup like my other dogs. I gently reminded her of the adult dobie she brought home when I was 4. After I got to know the dog and do an assessment of his temperament, it was obvious he had been raised with kids. He instantly attached himself to my oldest who was about 2 1/2 at the time. But being a woman who likes to walk at night, I like having my "vicious" dog by my side. It keeps the weirdos away

 

[Mardalo]

Thanks for the stories on all your experiences. It helped me take a look at how I'm going to view life with my doberman. He is currently being trained for obedience and when his adult teeth have full come in I also have a terrific protection dog trainer lined up for him. Maybe at that time people will have a reason to fear him. Given I give Rico the word that is. The thing is Rico is such a sweet loving dog and he's judged for his breed.
I had a cocker spaniel that I adopted from the local Humane Society. When I brought him home I literally feared for my little girl's life. I took the dog to training try to earn his trust but after 6 months I was expecting a new baby and I was tired of getting bit and avoiding every neighbor because the dog would really try to hurt someone. We literally had to walk so low in the house and never go in the hallway if he was walking through it. I took him back where he came from.
What I mean is it's a cocker spaniel and nobody gives it a double glance and wonders if its vicious, but they look at a Doberman and think get in the house before we get mauled to death. Seriously, people need to grow up. I grew up in this neighborhood. I purchased the house my grandmother owned and raised me in. I'm not going anywhere and neither is my Rico. So they better get used to living in fear. If you can't beat the stereotype you might as well look the part... besides those big scary Doberman's in the pictures online are the most beautiful.

 

[JanS]

Some people are clueless and so the old stereotype continues. I get more reactions like that with Albert because he's bigger and black, but we seldom get them with Della since she's red and petite. Just goes to show that it's not the breed they're stereotyping but the appearance.

 

[LifeofRubie]

What I mean is it's a cocker spaniel and nobody gives it a double glance and wonders if its vicious, but they look at a Doberman and think get in the house before we get mauled to death.

How right you are! We took Rubie for a walk when she was about 7 months old at a very popular tourist attraction (Starved Rock) and some people actually started crying in fear of her. Whether they'd have experiences in the past or not, I couldn't tell you, but a puppy who is not paying any attention to you and minding their manners in public? Just insane. I just ignore them and keep walking. Some people want to stop and ask about the breed and I love educating them. Some admire from afar but are too scared to say "Hi." Every time we're out, we get compliments on her behavior, though. I think a well behaved Doberman is the strongest ambassador there is. Keep up with the training, be consistent and diligent. Haters gonna hate.

 

[Oh Little Oji]

Thanks for the stories on all your experiences. It helped me take a look at how I'm going to view life with my doberman. He is currently being trained for obedience and when his adult teeth have full come in I also have a terrific protection dog trainer lined up for him. Maybe at that time people will have a reason to fear him. Given I give Rico the word that is. The thing is Rico is such a sweet loving dog and he's judged for his breed.
I had a cocker spaniel that I adopted from the local Humane Society. When I brought him home I literally feared for my little girl's life. I took the dog to training try to earn his trust but after 6 months I was expecting a new baby and I was tired of getting bit and avoiding every neighbor because the dog would really try to hurt someone. We literally had to walk so low in the house and never go in the hallway if he was walking through it. I took him back where he came from.
What I mean is it's a cocker spaniel and nobody gives it a double glance and wonders if its vicious, but they look at a Doberman and think get in the house before we get mauled to death. Seriously, people need to grow up. I grew up in this neighborhood. I purchased the house my grandmother owned and raised me in. I'm not going anywhere and neither is my Rico. So they better get used to living in fear. If you can't beat the stereotype you might as well look the part... besides those big scary Doberman's in the pictures online are the most beautiful.

We are certainly held to a much much higher standard than owners of smaller or non-distinct breeds.

 

[Kaiser2016]

For some reason, I don't have anyone making comments to me in public. I guess I give off a look of someone not to be messed with.

Isn't it interesting how that works? Seeing this dog walking with a child (think Cutie and the Beast) makes people think "aww what a sweet dog he must be", but with an adult we just jump to conclusions about what the owner must be like. And I wonder, do we ourselves change as result of the interaction and understanding of our Doberman, or did we always have 'it' in us? This branches off into the philosophical and psychological vein, but I pay more attention to "choice of dog" now than I did prior to having my little Dober pony.

 

[LifeofRubie]

Isn't it interesting how that works? Seeing this dog walking with a child (think Cutie and the Beast) makes people think "aww what a sweet dog he must be", but with an adult we just jump to conclusions about what the owner must be like. And I wonder, do we ourselves change as result of the interaction and understanding of our Doberman, or did we always have 'it' in us? This branches off into the philosophical and psychological vein, but I pay more attention to "choice of dog" now than I did prior to having my little Dober pony.

Even having a prong collar on makes people think Rubie is dangerous. If a prong is on a lab, though, it's just because he's 'strong.'

 

[Doberman Gang]

Mag-log In o Mag-sign Up para Tingnan

 

[Kaiser2016]

at a very popular tourist attraction (Starved Rock) and some people actually started crying in fear of her.

They were thinking about the Resident Evil zombie dogs I know because when my hb told me he wanted a Doberman, I immediately thought of that. To properly freak myself out, I googled it and yep, there they were That whole conversation was very poor on expectation management!

On another note, I never realized you were THE Life of Rubie from Instagram! Pretty cool that you're here too. I spent months following the antics of Dobes on Instagram (where I follow about a hundred dogs...and my sister haha) and Pinterest, which is fantastic for high quality Dobe images. That said, you can't beat the quality of information on this forum!

 

[Kaiser2016]

Even having a prong collar on makes people think Rubie is dangerous. If a prong is on a lab, though, it's just because he's 'strong.'

Oh the prong just takes things to another level. Ppl will also think we are mean owners for using them.

 

[Regalis]

Isn't it interesting how that works? Seeing this dog walking with a child (think Cutie and the Beast) makes people think "aww what a sweet dog he must be", but with an adult we just jump to conclusions about what the owner must be like. And I wonder, do we ourselves change as result of the interaction and understanding of our Doberman, or did we always have 'it' in us? This branches off into the philosophical and psychological vein, but I pay more attention to "choice of dog" now than I did prior to having my little Dober pony.

I think a lot of us already had it in us. I'm not joking when I say if it wasn't for hubs, I'd have never had any part of owning a lab. I'm naturally drawn to powerful working breeds. Partly because my favorite dog from my youth was a dobie and partially because they just suit me. I've been told I have a very "unapproachable" demeanor (I don't get it lol I'm tiny and look like I'm 12, but yet, people just dont typically come up and bother me, even when I'm alone). But then some definitely do grow into it, especially after having the honor to actually meet and be around a good dobie.

Even having a prong collar on makes people think Rubie is dangerous. If a prong is on a lab, though, it's just because he's 'strong.'

This mentality always cracks me up. I've met plenty of batshit crazy labs. My mom owns one. But no one would ever fear her, because she's just a petite yellow lab. That petite yellow lab kills all animals smaller than her, is not good with strangers and was not trusted around my kids as babies (now that they are bigger, she's ok). She isn't even particularly good with the dog she was raised with.

 

[Kaiser2016]

In contrast, I have been thinking about getting a spiked leather collar again – maybe 1.5 inches wide. No other breed is better suited to sport that classic killer look than our breed.

How intriguing. Spiked leather huh. This makes me feel and . Would love to see what you end up getting.

 

[LifeofRubie]

On another note, I never realized you were THE Life of Rubie from Instagram! Pretty cool that you're here too. I spent months following the antics of Dobes on Instagram (where I follow about a hundred dogs...and my sister haha) and Pinterest, which is fantastic for high quality Dobe images. That said, you can't beat the quality of information on this forum!

I will let Rubie know she has fans

I love following nothing but dog accounts on Insta. No Politics. No Religion. No constant public shaming of other people to build your self up. Just a sh*t ton of DOGS!

 

[Tropicalbri's]

People's attitudes toward dobermans is proof they believe only what they are told and you know bad events travel faster than any good events.
These are people that are easily swayed by other's opinions, unable to research and speak for themselves. They go along with the crowd. Their thought process is one where if their peers said it, it must be true, so they adopt that thought as their own. I avoid these people at all costs!!
It has been my experience that most individuals owned by dobermans are rather unique, independent, spirited with strong personalities and have absolute passion for the breed. They handle confrontation swiftly and precisely without need of input from their Doberman, unless it gets nasty, then they are prepared with backup.
Our breed is alert, intelligent and loyal. This is all portrayed in one glance at them and that is what gives most people pause.
Continue working with your dobe as there is nothing more intimidating, breathtaking, or amazing than watching a Doberman that is well trained and aloof to strangers.
I have had someone tell me that they thought my male was too much dog for me. I had to chuckle at that, thinking they needed to see me walking both my pups down the street totally under control and sitting everytime I stopped without using the sit command.
I wonder how well that guy's kids recall is?
Don't let people like this hurt your feelings, they are bullies and do not deserve your acknowledgement until such time they educate themselves on the breed and can make accurate observations.

 

[XerxesYoga]

My aunts live in Germany for around 30 years now and everytime is why u got a doberman get insurance blah blah I hang the skype!
Audrey is so sweet so far only barked at 3 person and they were weird. Very weird. She barks in rare occasions. When she sees specially ladies she lies in her back to get the belly pet. This morning it was a 3 year old in dog park she was licking her her hair even didn't jump once. Well I was watching her like a tiger with dad managing the baby.
Some people are ignorant. No matter what.