marisacarmel
New Member
Aww. We have those fancy bike lanes now too! Ruebens is darn tasty. Sad I’m missing their annual baby goat event!
Doberman Shepherd mixes
- Thread starter marisacarmel
- Start date
Aww. We have those fancy bike lanes now too! Ruebens is darn tasty. Sad I’m missing their annual baby goat event!
IslandDobeMix
New Member
Hi - new here. I’m the unexpected Doberman mom to our sweet Birdie. We rescued her (sight unseen) about 6 weeks ago from Texas and were told she was a coonhound. As hound dog people, we pretty quickly realized she was not a coonhound and decided to do a dna test. Surprise! Birdie is a beautiful Doberman mix (41%). She also has cattle dog, German shepherd, chow chow (she has a black and pink tongue), pit, and Great Dane in her ancestry.
I’ll confess - had we seen her actual profile before meeting her, we may have passed up the opportunity to welcome her to our family. I’m so glad that’s not how things unfolded because we’re absolutely in love with the silly, smart, snuggly, sweet girl.
Now that we know she’s predominantly Doberman, a breed we’re not familiar with, I’ve come here to learn how we can give Birdie the happiest and safest home possible.
She’s fairly timid, particularly around men, and came to use with some nipping tendencies - herding like soft bites when she’s excited. We’re working on correcting that behavior without upsetting her sensitive nature (consistent and firm no, misdirection with toys, ignoring her) We’d welcome any suggestions!
I’ll confess - had we seen her actual profile before meeting her, we may have passed up the opportunity to welcome her to our family. I’m so glad that’s not how things unfolded because we’re absolutely in love with the silly, smart, snuggly, sweet girl.
Now that we know she’s predominantly Doberman, a breed we’re not familiar with, I’ve come here to learn how we can give Birdie the happiest and safest home possible.
She’s fairly timid, particularly around men, and came to use with some nipping tendencies - herding like soft bites when she’s excited. We’re working on correcting that behavior without upsetting her sensitive nature (consistent and firm no, misdirection with toys, ignoring her) We’d welcome any suggestions!
Welcome!
Wow, in the last couple days we have gained two new members from Seattle who have Dobe/GSD mixes!
Your dog is so cute!
I have to ask, if you don't mind: I'm curious which island your screen name refers to. We moved from Seattle a few years ago. I say "Seattle," but we lived on an island very near there. Not to get things off-topic, but it would be too cool if you live where we used to!
marisacarmel
New Member
Aww she is SO sweet. I can see it! Glad she found her way to you guys
My little guy is also super snuggly and nippy at times. I am trying to mostly use positive reinforcement but there’s been a few moments where I’ve had to remind him who the alpha is! He has responded pretty well to being backed up/backed into a corner. That doesn’t require any yelling or real negative connotations. Just a “hey back off” which they seem to understand and respect. 
No problem tonight though, I’m babysitting my friend’s German Shepherd/Belgian Malinois! These two are keeping themselves busy wrestling!
Sweet girl!
It’s just teething and puppy play. You are doing what’s necessary to curb this behaviour. Keep consistent and you need to set boundaries with her to show her what behavior is ok and what isn’t.
Keep her busy with appropriate physical exercise (for her age) mental stimulation and obedience. A tired puppy is a good puppy.
IslandDobeMix
New Member
Thank you all for the welcome and the advice! Birdie's energy and intellect is a new adventure for us and we certainly have a lot to learn and prepare for. It's so great to hear your stories and advice...and to see all of the ADORABLE pictures of your fur babies.
We are on Vashon Island. I grew up here but only moved back about a year ago after a couple decades in the city. We lived in Ballard before this so I'm familiar with (and missing) all the fun breweries discussed earlier!
We are on Vashon Island. I grew up here but only moved back about a year ago after a couple decades in the city. We lived in Ballard before this so I'm familiar with (and missing) all the fun breweries discussed earlier!
Ah cool. We have a couple friends on Vashon. My wife, daughter and I were on Bainbridge.
Well, Birdie is a cutie and we sure have a lot of information and friendliness here.
jazzies mum
Hot Topics Subscriber
Welcome @IslandDobeMix from Australia! Yes, you can tell there is a lot of Dobe in Birdie, and she's a little beauty. Just firm and consistent is the key and finding the right method for your own dog as they all differ in their reactions. Sounds like you are all on the right track anyway! 
