Doberman owners, come in!

moonfaerie

We're looking into getting a Doberman, and I'm looking for some other experiences from Doberman owners. Is your dog prone to accidents even once potty-trained, are they good with your kids, how do they react to company that you welcome into your home, etc.

NalasMomma618

I have a doberman/greyhound mix, Pongo is awesome. He exhibits many more doberman-like traits than greyhound, in my opinion. It took us a while to potty train him, but I think that was b/c he is our first puppy and we needed practice in being consistent. He's 2 now, and I can't remember the last time he had an accident, even when he is about to have explosive diarrhea he will wake me up in the middle of the night before he'll go in the house.

I think the breed gets a bad rep because of their loyalty, they tend to be very protective of their owner. I never trained Pongo to heel, he does is naturally, I can't say that all dobes do, but he prefers to stand next to me and leans on me. 

He is very vocal, be prepared for a dog that will "talk" to you when he wants to play, go out, or wants you to hurry up and bring him his dinner. Also they need LOTS of exercise, and mental stimulation. They're incredibly smart, and learn quickly, he learned all of his commands very quickly. 

Pongo is fantastic with kids, he loves them, unfortunately they're not always so fond of all his affection. He is always the first to greet new guests, albeit sometimes too enthusiastically, but never aggressively. 

 I would highly recommend lots of socialization and training from the start, as I would with any dog but especially one that will end up being as smart and as powerful as a doberman.  Obviously, I LOVE the breed and think very highly of them. Good luck, I hope you find an awesome breeder and the perfect addition to your family.

Meery82

I've never had one, but my aunt and uncle had two when I was a kid. They were great dogs and played well with my brother and I. We saw them infrequently enough for them to be leery of us, but were always friendly and playful. I think they're great dogs!

Unknown

I have a rescued Doberman shepherd mix, that we fostered for two months before finalizing her adoption. I keep in touch with some of her siblings owners and they all say they are the best dogs! She is very smart but has lots of energy! She picked up going outside pretty quickly but still has accidents here and there. She is very calm around company, but loves everyone! She is a little skittish with kids, especially when they are running around and screaming, but she is getting better with it. She is only eight months so it is a work in progress. Crate training was a breeze with her. Within a week she was running into her crate when it was time for treats. She is very socialized and gets along with all types and sizes of dogs, goes to the dog park daily, and daycare in the weekends. And yes, she does talk quite a bit! She is more protective than my mastiff mix, and will bark if she hears or sees something not right (which i like). Please, if you consider a Doberman, look into rescues. There are several reputable rescues that pull them off of death row or take in owner surrenders because they can no longer care for them. Mine and her whole litter were surrenders as puppies, all 11 of them. Good luck! 

Erin1911

We own a purebred Doberman who just turned 7. We got her when she was just puppy from a breeder. We went this route as we had small nieces at the time and were nervous about rescuing a breed that has a stigma such as Dobermans. We potty trained her and it couldn't have been easier. Just like any dog, the key is keeping them on a regular potty schedule. She is very easy to keep up with, is a fantastic family pet, and once I welcome you into the house she loves everyone. She does bark ever time the doorbell rings though. They are very protective in nature and they will be your shadow/always by your side! I couldn't be happier with this breed and will always be a Dober-mommy! Good luck.