Doberman pinshers are athletic, agile dogs that make
excellent family pets. But Doberman Pincher ownership
should not be enter into lightly. It is a misconception
that Doberman pinchers are mean by nature, most Doberman
pinshers are affectionate and even tempered dogs.
Because of the aggressive reputation of the Doberman
pinsher, some breeders have bred the trait on purpose
instead of breeding for an even, working temperament.
Doberman pinchers bred for aggression are many times
more likely to focus their aggression on their handler
that deter crime or defend their owner without being
trained to. Avoid breeders breeding Doberman pincher
puppies specifically for protection work. Breeding a
Doberman pincher with the end goal being aggression
is dangerous, and breeders uninformed enough to do so
are likely to also be uninformed about genetic screening
and the hip problems common to Doberman pinshers. Buying
from an irresponsible breeder can leave you with a Doberman
pincher unable to walk or with hundreds of dollars in
medical bills.
Instead, seek a Doberman pincher breeder breeding puppies
as all around pets and working dogs. Ask the breeder
if the dogs they breed hold titles in conformation,
obedience, or agility, or are working dogs. Ideally,
you should find a breeder who’s dogs have excelled
in each of these areas, proving they fit the breed "standard"
and have healthy hips (conformation), are even tempered
and demonstrate trainability (agility an obedience)
and are mentally sound (working dogs).
If you choose to use your Doberman pincher for protection
work, the best way is to foster the dog’s natural
protection instinct from puppy hood rather than trying
to bully out an aggressive side. A dog provoked to aggression
can and will bite anyone at anytime, but a Doberman
pincher that has bonded with you and your family will
naturally know to assess a situation and respond appropriately.
An alternative is to teach the Doberman pincher intimidation
rather than aggression. That involves rewarding the
dog whenever it growls in play (never out of aggression)
and associating a cue word so eventually you can cue
your dog to growl when needed.
Should you choose to officially do protection training
or schutzhund with your Doberman pincher, be sure to
find a reputable trainer. Call an area vet, police k-9
unit, or kennel club and ask for a recommendation to
a responsible protection training or club where you
can train your Doberman pincher as a working dog without
risking yourself or others. Dobermans may be traditional
colored or come in "blue" or "red"
