Gender:
MaleLocation:
DenmarkOccupation:
TranslatorAge:
43Member Since:
November 28, 2004Answers:
1296Last Update:
April 28, 2014Visitors:
136499Favorite Columnists
lalalaflower
karenR
jenny914
DangerNerd
isis
theymos
Cux
Erinn_the_bamf
Lola
LM
LagunaBabe
more...
Main Categories:
Fitness
Nutrition
Friendship
View All
about
Forum!
advice
Hey, I've recently decided to move off campus into the apartment next door so I don't have to room with my friends anymore. Not that there's anything wrong with them, I just would like a place of my own. I want a good companion and a great guard dog since I am a woman and I will be living alone. I've done my research on Dobermans and found that they are very intelligent so are therefore good to train as well as loyal. What other considerations should I take in before I adopt a doberman? Anyone else owned a doberman? Comments on this particular breed? Let me know of your opinions on the breed, I'd really appreciate it. Thanks. My family has owned 2 dogs before, and we have one now, but it is my mom's dog.
I agree with Razhie, I just wanted to add a few things.
Another thing to consider is the amount of exercise they need. The Doberman is a working dog and, to my knowledge, one that requires a particularly high level of exercise.
Check this out:
http://www.gentledoberman.com/caring-dobermans-needs/exercise
This is particularly important if you live in an apartment. So consider the fact that you will have to exercise this dog rigorously (not just walk it on a leash) for over an hour a day, pretty much every single day. It is quite an undertaking.
Without this exercise, the dog will suffer and so will its personality - including bringing out its aggressive side.
From the bits and pieces I have read over the years in forums and such (I am very much into dogs but I have not had a Doberman) I think the Doberman also requires a particularly firm and experienced owner/trainer. Its a dog that has a dominant streak - though that will also differ depending on whether you get a male or a female dog, which is another important consideration. In any case, improper training can also bring out its aggressive streak.
Finally, the last thing to consider is whether you want your dog to get along easily with other dogs, other people, and/or children. The Doberman does not naturally get along so well with any of them, and will require a lot of socialisation (e.g. with your family's other dogs).
Another breed you might consider is the German Shepherd. It too requires a good deal of exercise, but otherwise I think this breed is the best for most people. It's extremely intelligent and loyal, but with a more steady temperament. Also its more social, particularly with kids, and it can display bravery without resorting to outright ferocity/attack (until it's necessary of course). It will shed more though :)
Anyway, all in all I think the Doberman is a lot to handle. You have dog experience so you may well be up for the task, just please make absolutely sure that you can do it before you get one... there is little worse than when people end up having to give their dogs away, particularly dogs like the Doberman who get so attached to one single person.
(Rating: 5) Thanks, I agree with you..thats why I wanted to make sure I would up for the task. Appreciate it =]