Is my Dobe becoming aggressive?

[Ukesox]

From what you’ve described I don’t think your young pup is aggressive but has reacted, once to an accidental scare & second to attempted enforcement by (in her eyes) another pup. They are great copiers & by jumping on the lazyboy she was only doing what she‘d seen humans do.
Something to bear in mind is that however hard you want & try to get everyone involved she will ultimately only have total respect for one, probably you. That doesn’t mean that she won’t listen to others in the family, & obey (up to a point) but they are definitely one person dogs.
A few pointers that will help to avoid possible incidents…respect her space (bed or crate) as her own & if she’s there, asleep or awake, these are her safe places & definitely no petting zones.
Any touching of her head & shoulders should be done from standing at her side, not in front of her & never lean over her when touching her.
Be mindful that at 19 weeks though clever & amazing in many ways she is still very much a baby.

 

[Ravenbird]

@Tizpear how are things going now?

 

[Tizpear]

Aww, thank you for your interest! Sorry for the late reply, but we have been vacationing at the beach for the past week. Jolene too,of course! (She is loving chasing crabs and sunbathing in the early morning sun in the sand!)

Jolene is back to her sweet, loveable, goofy self! No more issues with the kids, but my husband and I are now extremely hyper-vigilant about their interactions. No getting in her bed, no playing with her while she is sleeping. No sneaking up on her or grabbing her from behind. Stay out of her face & only play with her when she comes to them to play. It’s a lot of rules for them to follow & probably takes some of the fun out of owning a pup, but all are very important!

She was doing well with what we thought was a bladder/ kidney infection, but for the last week she has really been leaking a lot of urine. (Which is why I 1st took her to the vet at 14 weeks. I suspected a uti, which she had and they gave her antibiotics.) Then the bladder/ kidney infection and a different round of antibiotics. Now more pee everywhere again!! NOT squatting to pee and having an accident.

She is not fixed and she is a submissive pee-er. I don’t know if her walking and peeing is part of that or if I should take her back to the vet. (For example, she will just be walking across the room and peeing while she walks. Or walking to the door to whine to tell me she has to go out and peeing on the way to the door- then she sits to whine to go out, where she will pee a lot!)

You seem to be a pro! Any advice? Thanks again!

 

[Tizpear]

I’m not a trainer, but have had 4 dobies. First of all, if any of mine are surprised woken up, especially if it’s their tail end, they come unglued. I think it’s more surprise than anything and they all are protective of their back side. Or all of mine have been. Even with just me here, I will always say the dogs name before touching if one is sound asleep. The back side is a vulnerable area of them and if asleep, they will react. Or mine have. I don’t know the science of it, I just know what I’ve experienced with every one of them.

Secondly, she is at the right age to start challenging if she’s on the furniture. They become very territorial of a comfortable place and will challenge you. Exactly what she did to your son. Do not allow her back up on the furniture at all. One growl, one nip is too much in my book. What I have done may well be frowned upon by a formal trainer. But, every single one of my dobies have became too comfortable on the couch And each one tried me at around 5-6 months of age. In my book, off means off and I mean right now and don’t get back up Unless I say so. I have grabbed them by the collar and jerked them quickly off the furniture into the floor and told them “off“. I didn’t give them time to growl or cop an attitude. It worked well for all of them. I do allow mine to lay on the couch, but if I say off, they immediately get up and get off. She’s getting to the age of trying you. Formal training also helps tremendously. My older female was formally trained. My younger female has not been formally trained other than me working with her. They are so smart and like to please. They are also very head strong and will try to take the lead. She’s going to try to boss whoever she thinks she can get away with it. Hats off to your son for doing as he’s been instructed. But, he should be able to walk up and give her an oral command and never have to grab her collar.

I also hand fed mine so they knew who the food came from. You don’t bite the hand that feeds you. Try having your son hand feed her and make her work for her food. Set the bowl out of her reach and he can feed her her bowl full, make her sit and wait on every bite. It may take a little bit of time, but she will understand, she is not to bite the hand that feeds her.

But, jerk her butt off that couch telling her off. Then she’s not allowed back on it until you say so. But your son should not have to pull her by the collar. If she growls for any reason or nips, she has to be corrected immediately. if mine growled over a toy, I took it away immediately and said sorry, you’re done with that. Don’t ever correct one by hitting them, even if on the butt.

This is just my 2 cents worth of what I’ve done and what has worked for me. She’s just trying you and will be the best dog ever for you and your family. It’s growing pains and she’s in the toddler stages!!

Thank you!! Yes, I was reading an another site that someone said their Dobe was sweet as pie, until he was disturbed sleeping. He actually bit his owner just for touching him while asleep.

I think you are right..the early teen stage is upon us! This week at the beach, I have been having to retrain her how to walk on a loose leash. I do get it though. This is her 1st vacation and everything is so new and exciting!!! So many more people and smells! She is also making me tell her basic commands twice before she does them. (I swear she rolled her eyes at me once!) I am trying to be very strict with her training, but also trying to remember she is a still a baby.

Formal one on one training with me and the trainer start next week!! She is a great dog with so much potential. I want her to be the best dog she can be!!

 

[Tizpear]

Seems like you already got plenty of good advice! But I've got some more things to add.

Draco snapped at me, my boyfriend, and my sister, at around 4 months old, after being hugged. He loved (and still does) getting hugged by us, my sister went
over to him, hugged him, and he had a growl and snap at her. I went over to him, he did the same thing. I got scared, and thought something wasn't right with him. Turns out, he wasn't feeling well, and had severe diarrhea some hours later. Maybe Jolene's actions are caused by pain, he would do the same as her, snap quickly, but don't make contact.

For the furniture inccident, Draco is allowed on furniture, and our bed, but just because he has a bomb proof "off the furniture" command. If I say get down, it means get DOWN till I allow you to get back on. He learned that really fast, if he didn't get down, then I'd grab his leash, pull him down and make him go to his place, no more being on the couch till next day, and he definitely understood.

Sounds like you are a really good and caring owner, and I understand your worries. Having kids that young around a powerful breed can (and is) scary. But you are taking all the correct steps towards having a good family dog. Be kind but fair to her, my dog thrives on structure and sctrict limits.

Thank you for your insight and kind words!! I think her jumping in the lazy boy and snapping at my son was shocking. BUT, not only was she not feeling well, it was the 1st time I think she realized she could get up there…and then along came my son and I to rain on her parade.

Now that she knows she can get up, I see a lot of “off” training in our future!

 

[Ravenbird]

She was doing well with what we thought was a bladder/ kidney infection, but for the last week she has really been leaking a lot of urine. (Which is why I 1st took her to the vet at 14 weeks. I suspected a uti, which she had and they gave her antibiotics.) Then the bladder/ kidney infection and a different round of antibiotics. Now more pee everywhere again!! NOT squatting to pee and having an accident.

She is not fixed and she is a submissive pee-er. I don’t know if her walking and peeing is part of that or if I should take her back to the vet. (For example, she will just be walking across the room and peeing while she walks. Or walking to the door to whine to tell me she has to go out and peeing on the way to the door- then she sits to whine to go out, where she will pee a lot!)

Ask your vet if this is a consideration:

Ectopic Ureter​

An ectopic ureter is one that opens somewhere other than into the bladder. Ectopic ureters could empty urine into the urethra (the tube used for urination), or in females, the uterus or vagina. This defect is most commonly identified in 3- to 6-month-old dogs, with females affected 8 times more frequently than males.
Other problems can occur along with an ectopic ureter. An enlarged ureter caused by blockage of urine flow may be seen. This condition eventually leads to enlargement of the kidney due to the backup of urine. Abnormally small kidneys or bladder, and urine leakage caused by problems with the urethral sphincter may also be found along with an ectopic ureter.
A common sign of ectopic ureter is continuous dripping of urine. Because urine that remains on skin or other tissues is irritating, this dripping can cause female dogs to develop inflammation of the vagina or vulva. Animals that have one ectopic ureter and one normally-functioning ureter may be able to urinate normally. Not being able to urinate normally is a sign that both ureters are abnormally placed.

 

[Ravenbird]

I am trying to be very strict with her training, but also trying to remember she is a still a baby.

Formal one on one training with me and the trainer start next week!!

You are on the right track, keep up the great work!

 

[Ddski5]

Been out for a bit…
So sorry for this situation to happen but you have received some phenomenal advise and expertise from above.

I have a full household with three daughters and three cats. My first Doberman was a beast and a handful and I learned many many good lessons from him.

-get the illness resolved.
-Keep the kids involved.
-train train train- they love the structure and discipline. Train train train.
-don’t know if you need to hire a trainer…you are doing a great job, better than the avg owner.
-your children are doing great with participating on many fronts…keep this up!!
-They need to learn how to read the Doberman’s demeanor and and anticipate the action before it happens. Hard to do yes- it takes time and lots of trials.
-not your child’s fault but the old saying “let sleeping dogs lie” is true. Not saying what your Doberman did was right but it was instinctive.
-I think one has to ALWAYS be aware of the Doberman. I don’t think a Doberman is a dog….A Doberman is a Doberman. A special cut, a distinctive breed that requires a bit of respect.

Good luck. You have the DoberTeens coming up with a heat coming too. She will be testy and possibly a bit moody. Stay patient, consistent, persistent and rewarding. You get to about 12-15months and she will be Golden…your hard work is most definitely going to be rewarded with a magnificent family companion that all is in awe of- I promise.

 

[Kswoodssue]

If there are reoccurring UTI’s, sometimes a change out in diet can help. I believe there are also dietary supplements, such as cranberry, that theoretically change the pH of the urine, so that bacteria is less likely to grow. Sometimes you can work at retraining the bladder. Take her out to pee every couple hours for several days and see if it helps. Then slowly lengthen time between going out. She may be having some bladder spasms also.

 

[Cferg]

I just wanted to give another situation to illustrate why I said homes with kids aren’t the best homes for certain dogs. Early in this thread I told you about my dog going for my daughter after being woken up startled.
Well the other day my dog was lying down in the living room. My daughter (who is 11) went to sit down by her, Stassi then got up and moved away. I told my daughter to leave her alone. And that she obviously wants to be left alone right now. 5 minutes later I come back in, and my daughter tries to go sit by her again. Stassi moved again but this time with a little growl. We had the same discussion with my daughter for about the hundredth time.
I know my daughter is the problem. And that adults and some kids would read the dog better. But I still don’t trust my dog around multiple children or unsupervised with kids other than mine in my house. It’s just the way it is and I’ve come to accept it. Even though my dog will willingly go into my kids rooms with their friends over. Even getting short pets by them from time to time.
I just like to share truthful experiences of owning my dog with you guys.

 

[Ravenbird]

I just like to share truthful experiences of owning my dog with you guys.

I appreciate that. It's good to hear the good, bad & ugly - it's important for people to know that a.) they aren't alone with their problems and b.) just general education about the breed.

Do you correct Stassi if she gives her opinion with a growl to a house member?

 

[Cferg]

I appreciate that. It's good to hear the good, bad & ugly - it's important for people to know that a.) they aren't alone with their problems and b.) just general education about the breed.

Do you correct Stassi if she gives her opinion with a growl to a house member?

I just gave her a level 1 verbal correction (ahh ahh) since she did try to avoid first. Now my daughter got the level 3 correction.
I wasn’t that worried. It’s not like Stassi has a problem with my daughter. I just felt the need to share the story. Not all dogs are going to take a bunch of crap be it from a family member or a stranger.

 

[WANTED]

This is a long one….

Fellow owners, I need your help again! Jolene is 19 weeks now. UP UNTIL THIS WEEK, she has been the perfect dog. Like, I have been laughing to my husband about all the articles I read before getting a Dobe about them being hard to train, aggressive, etc. Basically thinking they were full of sh*t or people didn’t know how to train a dog. Well, I have been humbled by 2 experiences within 3 days that has shook me to my core. I admit defeat and am asking for advice.

On Sat. night, hubby and I were watching tv on the couch. Jolene’s bed is next to the couch. I must have dozed off and woke up to my 2 yr screaming and my husband screaming at the dog. He said Jolene was sleeping in her bed and Reed must have run by and stepped on her or fell on her. Jolene sat up and immediately bite my son an inch from his eye AND THEN CONTINUED TO SNAP AT HIM 2 more times. (I’m not actually sure if the bite happened on the 1st, 2nd or 3rd snap.) Now, I say bite bc I don’t want to downplay it. She DID NOT break the skin, but did leave teeth indents. It’s not a snap, which to me is more at the air and does’t make contact and a nip (to me) is more playful. There was no growl Maybe I have my terms confused. Anyways, I grabbed my son to see if he was okay and my husband grabbed Jolene by her scruff and used his scariest voice screaming “NO!” repeatedly. She was doing her “I’m terrified yelp” that she did at the vet’s office when he removed her stitches, so I know she understood…something?? She laid down & He told her to stay while we all walked away. Of course, she didn’t move and laid there with her ears back. After my son relaxed and I was sure he was okay and Jolene was calm, about 15 mins. I went over to her. Made her come to me and sit. I then began to pet her. She was doing “I’m sorry” licks like crazy & was incredibly submissive. I then called my son over to ask he wanted to pet her. (I didn’t want him to be afraid of his own dog.) He sheepishly patted her a few times and said “Joween, be good girl.” Little while later we went on a walk together. Jolene stayed clear of my husband until they made up later that night.

I don’t know if this was handled right, but it was all instinct & in the moment. We have rehashed the incident many times. We came around to the fact that Jolene was just so soundly asleep and he either hurt her or scared her and she reacted. Not her fault. Not my son’s either. Just something that happened, a pure accident. However, my husband was freaked out she went after him a total of 3 times. I reminded him that Dobes bite in rapid succession & this is her nature. I’m not excusing it, but I’m not blaming the dog. Also, if she wanted to break his skin, she would have.

So, her bed has been moved to the opposite side of the room, by the tv. Away from the couch, that way kids won’t be running by and chance falling on her or stepping on her. I have been talking with all the kids about when Jolene is on her bed THAT IS HER SPACE. We do NOT sit in her bed with her. Especially to my 5 year old daughter who just wants to love on her. Stay out of her face, if she’s sleeping to call her name to wake her up before touching her, etc. We have been doing this since she was 9.5 weeks old, but maybe got complacent bc she is such an awesome dog. My little ones are NEVER in room with the dog without me from the day we brought her home.

So moving on to last night…husband is out of town and I am getting the kids ready for bed. Out of nowhere, Jolene jumps up into the Lazy Boy. She has never been allowed on the furniture. I was getting my 2 yr old’s diaper ready (2ft away) and told my 11.5 yr old son, who has been my 2nd in command for training her/ feeding her, etc. to tell her to get off. He did and she jumped down. 2 seconds later she jumped back into the chair. I told my son she was testing him and to tell her to get down again. He did and she didn’t move. He went to grab her collar and tell her to get down and she nipped at him and made a sound. Not a snarl, not a bark or a growl, just a “I’m pissed” sound and she nipped him. Got him in the belly. Didn’t break skin, but got his shirt and pinched his belly. Since I was 2 ft away and saw it, I immediatly smacked her butt once said no and made her get in her bed. After I checked my son’s stomach I made her go to her cage for bed for the night.

I admit, I’m freaked out. I grew up with labs, raised a half shepherd and also a half pit. I have never seen this. My husband thinks she is perhaps entering into her teenage phase a bit early and trying to assert her dominance/ independence. I understand this. Today, I handfed her 1/2 of her breakfast and my 11 yr old will be handfeeding her lunch and dinner. This is a dog that while out walking, if she picks up a bottle cap she lets my 2 & 5 yr olds remove it from her mouth. She has no food aggression and no resource guarding. She will let anyone take her special “presents” or bones from her mouth. From the day we brought her home, we have played with her feet, ears, gums, etc together her used to touching. The worst she has done is knock down the littles and lick them to death or perhaps nip at their clothing while they were running with her in the yard. As soon as I yell, she stops. Typical puppy behavior. In fact, she has been so good I even told my husband I want a male when she is 3ish. Even her puppy biting hasn’t been bad.

I called and left a message for the best trainer in the area I could find. He trains police dogs. (I think he’s a cop, too.) I didn’t do his basic puppy obedience class bc she knows sit, stay, place, leave it, guard, wait, okay at recall (still reinforcing) and all the buzz words of eat, treat, present, ball, walk, etc. (His puppy class is for dogs up to 20 weeks. After 20 weeks, it becomes a more 1 on 1 advanced level, which is what I was waiting for.)

Is there anything I can do or should be doing? Do I get a prong collar and keep it on her with a leash to “pop” in the house if needed? She walks pretty well, so I haven’t needed one so far. I constantly praise her when being good for no reason. We’ve only done positive rewards training so far. Me smacking her butt once last night was the 1st time she’s ever been hit. I feel bad about that, but that’s just how I reacted.

Am I missing anything? I am just shocked at her behavior. Am I reading too much into it as perhaps “aggressive?” If she was a Lab, I’d probably be like whatever…but she’s a DOBERMAN. (If that makes sense.) Thank you for any insight or advice anyone can offer!!

So sorry that happened to you guys , but hopefully a lesson earned. My first thought is u have a dog that is going to be a protector and already knows that

This is a long one….

Fellow owners, I need your help again! Jolene is 19 weeks now. UP UNTIL THIS WEEK, she has been the perfect dog. Like, I have been laughing to my husband about all the articles I read before getting a Dobe about them being hard to train, aggressive, etc. Basically thinking they were full of sh*t or people didn’t know how to train a dog. Well, I have been humbled by 2 experiences within 3 days that has shook me to my core. I admit defeat and am asking for advice.

On Sat. night, hubby and I were watching tv on the couch. Jolene’s bed is next to the couch. I must have dozed off and woke up to my 2 yr screaming and my husband screaming at the dog. He said Jolene was sleeping in her bed and Reed must have run by and stepped on her or fell on her. Jolene sat up and immediately bite my son an inch from his eye AND THEN CONTINUED TO SNAP AT HIM 2 more times. (I’m not actually sure if the bite happened on the 1st, 2nd or 3rd snap.) Now, I say bite bc I don’t want to downplay it. She DID NOT break the skin, but did leave teeth indents. It’s not a snap, which to me is more at the air and does’t make contact and a nip (to me) is more playful. There was no growl Maybe I have my terms confused. Anyways, I grabbed my son to see if he was okay and my husband grabbed Jolene by her scruff and used his scariest voice screaming “NO!” repeatedly. She was doing her “I’m terrified yelp” that she did at the vet’s office when he removed her stitches, so I know she understood…something?? She laid down & He told her to stay while we all walked away. Of course, she didn’t move and laid there with her ears back. After my son relaxed and I was sure he was okay and Jolene was calm, about 15 mins. I went over to her. Made her come to me and sit. I then began to pet her. She was doing “I’m sorry” licks like crazy & was incredibly submissive. I then called my son over to ask he wanted to pet her. (I didn’t want him to be afraid of his own dog.) He sheepishly patted her a few times and said “Joween, be good girl.” Little while later we went on a walk together. Jolene stayed clear of my husband until they made up later that night.

I don’t know if this was handled right, but it was all instinct & in the moment. We have rehashed the incident many times. We came around to the fact that Jolene was just so soundly asleep and he either hurt her or scared her and she reacted. Not her fault. Not my son’s either. Just something that happened, a pure accident. However, my husband was freaked out she went after him a total of 3 times. I reminded him that Dobes bite in rapid succession & this is her nature. I’m not excusing it, but I’m not blaming the dog. Also, if she wanted to break his skin, she would have.

So, her bed has been moved to the opposite side of the room, by the tv. Away from the couch, that way kids won’t be running by and chance falling on her or stepping on her. I have been talking with all the kids about when Jolene is on her bed THAT IS HER SPACE. We do NOT sit in her bed with her. Especially to my 5 year old daughter who just wants to love on her. Stay out of her face, if she’s sleeping to call her name to wake her up before touching her, etc. We have been doing this since she was 9.5 weeks old, but maybe got complacent bc she is such an awesome dog. My little ones are NEVER in room with the dog without me from the day we brought her home.

So moving on to last night…husband is out of town and I am getting the kids ready for bed. Out of nowhere, Jolene jumps up into the Lazy Boy. She has never been allowed on the furniture. I was getting my 2 yr old’s diaper ready (2ft away) and told my 11.5 yr old son, who has been my 2nd in command for training her/ feeding her, etc. to tell her to get off. He did and she jumped down. 2 seconds later she jumped back into the chair. I told my son she was testing him and to tell her to get down again. He did and she didn’t move. He went to grab her collar and tell her to get down and she nipped at him and made a sound. Not a snarl, not a bark or a growl, just a “I’m pissed” sound and she nipped him. Got him in the belly. Didn’t break skin, but got his shirt and pinched his belly. Since I was 2 ft away and saw it, I immediatly smacked her butt once said no and made her get in her bed. After I checked my son’s stomach I made her go to her cage for bed for the night.

I admit, I’m freaked out. I grew up with labs, raised a half shepherd and also a half pit. I have never seen this. My husband thinks she is perhaps entering into her teenage phase a bit early and trying to assert her dominance/ independence. I understand this. Today, I handfed her 1/2 of her breakfast and my 11 yr old will be handfeeding her lunch and dinner. This is a dog that while out walking, if she picks up a bottle cap she lets my 2 & 5 yr olds remove it from her mouth. She has no food aggression and no resource guarding. She will let anyone take her special “presents” or bones from her mouth. From the day we brought her home, we have played with her feet, ears, gums, etc together her used to touching. The worst she has done is knock down the littles and lick them to death or perhaps nip at their clothing while they were running with her in the yard. As soon as I yell, she stops. Typical puppy behavior. In fact, she has been so good I even told my husband I want a male when she is 3ish. Even her puppy biting hasn’t been bad.

I called and left a message for the best trainer in the area I could find. He trains police dogs. (I think he’s a cop, too.) I didn’t do his basic puppy obedience class bc she knows sit, stay, place, leave it, guard, wait, okay at recall (still reinforcing) and all the buzz words of eat, treat, present, ball, walk, etc. (His puppy class is for dogs up to 20 weeks. After 20 weeks, it becomes a more 1 on 1 advanced level, which is what I was waiting for.)

Is there anything I can do or should be doing? Do I get a prong collar and keep it on her with a leash to “pop” in the house if needed? She walks pretty well, so I haven’t needed one so far. I constantly praise her when being good for no reason. We’ve only done positive rewards training so far. Me smacking her butt once last night was the 1st time she’s ever been hit. I feel bad about that, but that’s just how I reacted.

Am I missing anything? I am just shocked at her behavior. Am I reading too much into it as perhaps “aggressive?” If she was a Lab, I’d probably be like whatever…but she’s a DOBERMAN. (If that makes sense.) Thank you for any insight or advice anyone can offer!!

Ur puppy is 19 wks old, a baby and ur 2 yr old scared her while she was sleeping and only reacted. It's a shame what happened but a learning experience for all. Your child has to learn how to treat the dog and be careful when she sleeps, if wants to play call her name first and wake her. I also suggest when friends/neighbors bring their children to your home and are running, rowdy, ect it could be a trigger for Jolene to protect, watch for signs and correct or crate when outsiders are in your house until she knows the rules.

 

[cjpmpd]

Thank you everyone for your responses! Jolene has a vet appointment today at 3pm. I told them she might still a uti (or maybe traveled to a bladder/ kidney) infection and that her mood for the last 3 or so days has changed and she’s biting/ nipping. I will ask for a full blood panel as well…THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THAT TIP! Besides blood and urine culture, is there anything else I should ask for?

Her training up to this point has been me, of course with my family following in line. She does really well. We have 3 indoor cats that like to go outside. We have 19 acres. She can be chasing a cat at full speed and I can yell “sit!” and she will freeze and sit 60-70% of the time. This is with me 50+ feet away. She is super smart. She hasn’t destroyed anything in the house or chewed anything except her toys. I really am hyper-vigilant about her.

I agree she respects me and my husband. I do think she thinks my kids are her litter mates. How could she not? They run and play with her on a different level that I do. HOW DO I GET HER TO UNDERSTAND SHE IS BENEATH THEM IN THE PACK??? They feed her and make her sit and stay for her meals. They hand feed her treats and her daily presents. They practice her commands with her. (It’s rather cute to see my 2 year old make her perform her commands. However when he tells her to “guard,” she just looks at him like Dude, there is no way I will fit under you legs!) All of them can put their hands in her food bowl while she’s eating and she backs away, no problem.

She pretty much slept until 6:30pm last night, which we all know is not right for this breed. After she ate her dinner, she seemed back to her old self again. Something was off with her. I am going to continue with the kids today that they cannot approach her to play. If she comes up to them to snuggle or play, that is okay. Otherwise, she is off limits to them. I’m hoping that it is her uti or just perhaps a growth spurt and that’s all that’s wrong with her.

A cage for her bed in the family room seems to be a good idea as well. Her cage is in my room right now and she never goes in it on her own. (Our bedroom is right off the family room.) Only at night when I tell her to. Perhaps an earlier bedtime, before the kids get ready for bed, as was suggested, is a great idea as well.

Thank you as well to everyone not bashing me for getting a Doberman with young kids. There are reasons we specifically chose this breed, such as living far out in the country, my husband constantly traveling for work, people showing up and looking through our windows at night, and now a creepy male neighbor that is always wandering over. (Seriously…we have 19 acres for a reason. Don’t need a man coming over at weird times unannounced.) We researched for months, spoke with the breeder, and vet before deciding to get a Dobe. Up until a few days ago, I have never questioned my children’s safety, besides being knocked down or biting at their clothes when they run past her. (Not always…only when she is REALLY crazy playing.) She is a good girl & I just need to find out what is going on.

So glad to hear this story as I have my 1st Dobe who is almost 3 (male from a shelter), and had been loving, sweet & viewed my hsb as the Alpha & me as Beta & his "mom." Have had a personal trainer in our home who ruined him on leash training & told me "she had asked & researched his case & was just at a loss" as she'd never seen such a strong-willed dog in her career. Im the "carer, lover, trainer, feeder, etc" but my hsb gets all the respect. He loves me & follows me everywhere & sleeps with me, but he tries to be very dominant over me. We recently found he has an ACL strain/poss tear that is being treated now with anti-inflammatories so we can tell he is in pain at times. He has started snarling & biting me if I startle him or touch him like he thinks I may hurt him. Yet, Im the one he wants to take him out to play ball with. He has started going off to sleep alone on our bed, I believe, so he can stretch out & not be bothered. Took him to a behaviorist for evaluation & was told there is a very good reason for the phrase, "Let sleeping dogs lie." He's beginning to do alot better as we keep him medicated & allow him his space. Good luck to you!

 

[JanS]

So glad to hear this story as I have my 1st Dobe who is almost 3 (male from a shelter), and had been loving, sweet & viewed my hsb as the Alpha & me as Beta & his "mom."

Welcome from Minnesota. You should start an introduction thread so we can properly welcome you.