About the author: Michele Welton has over 40 years of experience as a Dog Trainer, Dog Breed Consultant, and founder of three Dog Training Centers. While this may happen, that doesn’t mean these dogs don’t love everyone else in the family. Despite their adaptive nature, I would not recommend these dogs for homes with multiple infants, toddlers or babies. The Doberman Shepherd is a hybrid breed where the Doberman Pinscher is crossed with the German Shepherd. However, there are things to consider when bringing home these massive muscular dogs. Dobermans are naturally protective and may attack your children's friends if they perceive that the child is in danger, even if he really isn't. Temperament and behavior are also shaped by raising and training. To get a good idea of how Dobermans actually are around children, we asked real parents that own a Doberman. All of our Dobermans have been hand picked from the best of the best bloodlines and litters to be undergo high obedience training and then Doberman protection training. Here’s why. They just need a little time to get to know the members of the family first. Called Doberman Pinscher in some countries and just plain Dobermann (with two n's) in others, this athletic dog needs brisk walking every day and all-out running as often as possible. Nmyunit says Yes: “While there’s always risk, the Dobe’s I’ve owned are very docile with children. The Doberman and the Rottweiler are both large working breeds of German origin who make excellent guard dogs.. All of which, may be a little difficult with many small infants around. The protective instinct of a Doberman pinscher is highly developed, which makes the Doberman one of the … They can do harm just by defending themselves from a perceived threat. TheSmartCanine.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. It’s not because they won’t get along, but because it’ll be difficult meeting the needs of a Doberman. Because Dobermans have reputations for being tough, protective guard dogs, many people worry if they’re safe to leave near their children. If your family is one that is always going on walks or bike rides, hiking, or just running around playing outdoor games, then this would be a great dog for you to get. Auserhasnoname says No: “She’s our wild child, ridiculous intelligent, but so hard to train because she’s stubborn. But because they are such adaptable creatures they make lovely family pets. The family CANNOT be held hostage by an improperly raised and trained Doberman who thinks he is the ALPHA and is running “the show.” Poor behavior, lack of discipline and even dangerous displays of aggression toward family members and other acceptable people is the consequence of mismanagement of the Doberman in some manner. It’s worth noting that Dobermans will sometimes pick out one member of the pack to foster and develop an exceptionally strong bond with. All rights reserved. Their size can pose problems around smaller dogs, children, and the elderly, but with proper socialization and supervision, Dobies make great family dogs. They’ll belly crawl around babies, run full speed everywhere until they see a baby and then they walk on eggshells.”, 2. Of course I would never leave a baby, or child alone with any dog, but especially not him.”, 7. Reptilefood says Yes: “The only people she has NO aggression to are children. She just patiently waited while one of us got her bone back.”, 8. Because of how fragile infants are, Dobermans can unintentionally cause injuries. He can be strong willed and needs a firm and consistent hand when training. If properly socialized and trained, Doberman Pinschers are great with kids. I would never recommend letting an infant or toddler play with a Doberman unless you’re very close by. A good Doberman is fine with their family's children. What’s worse, it could lead to aggression. Some excel in advanced obedience competition, while others are hardheaded and will test to find their place in the pecking order. More traits and characteristics of the Doberman Pinscher. But most importantly, you’ll need to shower your Dobe with love and affection. Dog training videos. In 2007 a Doberman Pinscher named Khan was rescued from an animal shelter. Uemcgill says Yes: “He loves his kids, regularly puts himself between them and perceived threats. It’s important to establish steady, consistent leadership with your dog so that he knows not to confront every person or animal he meets.Doberman Pinschers enjoy being a member of the family. He was very curious about the baby but was scared when he cried. In fact, you just might find your Dobie will outlast your kids and tire them out. Calm, consistent leadership is a must, and obedience training must be upbeat and persuasive rather than sharp. Volchitsa_2018 says Yes: “My boy (5) is really gentle with children, he gives them very soft kisses if he does, and treads lightly around them.”, 3. All it takes is for an energetic Doberman (and trust me, they are very active dogs) to accidentally bump into them or whack their face with the tail. The Doberman Shepherd is an intelligent, very energetic, bold and confident dog. I recommend these dog training videos that are based on respect and leadership. Known for being extremely loyal to their owners, each makes a wonderful pet for the right family. Dobermans are some of the most loyal and devoted dogs in the canine kingdom. The hybrid will be a large dog, with an average weight of 90 to 110 pounds. Dobermans have extremely high obedience and working intelligence, so they’ll easily get this down with a few repetitions. See All of Michele's Best-Selling Dog Books, 11 Things You Must Do Right To Keep Your Dog Healthy and Happy, Homemade Dog Food Delivered To Your House, Puppy Training Schedule: What To Teach, and When, Solve Behavior Problems By Teaching Your Dog To Respect You, Is large and strong, yet sleek- and elegant-looking, Thrives on exercise, athletic activities, and challenging things to do, Looks serious and imposing, so makes an effective deterrent even when friendly, Providing enough exercise and activities to keep him satisfied, Aggression, sharpness, or shyness when not socialized enough, Emotional sensitivity to stress and loud voices, Physical sensitivity (tendency to react defensively when startled or mishandled), A multitude of serious health problems that can equate to a short lifespan, Potential legal liabilities (public perception, future breed bans, insurance problems, increased chance of lawsuits), You can avoid some negative traits by choosing an ADULT dog from an, If you want a puppy, you can avoid some negative traits by choosing the, Finally, you can avoid some negative traits by. If not protective and watchful. This site is owned and operated by Jenco Digital LLC. Does Your Doberman Get Along With Children. This is a tricky topic to cover because Dobermans are moderate barkers. Despite popular belief, the Doberman Pinscher is not all-that vicious and aggressive. In recent news, a toddler was suddenly attacked by the family Doberman Pinscher and sustained injury to the face and neck. 1 Family Dobes is dog breed and trainer of doberman protection dogs. Agility classes, for example. I’ve seen a lot of rowdy kids that have absolutely no respect for dogs. These dogs are consistently in the top 20 list for most popular dog breeds in America. Their drive, personality and stamina make for incredible companion and protection dogs. Even well-socialized and trained Dobermans are powerful dogs. I always feel sorry when I meet a smart-as-a-whip Doberman Pinscher whose life consists of walks around the block and being let out into the yard. Because dogs are distinct individuals, it's difficult to ascribe a specific trait common to all members of a breed. Thunderturdy says Yes: “We didn’t raise our doberman around kids but even so… recently our friends toddler learned to walk and came running over to our dog who was chewing on a bone…He then took her bone and walked away. Are Doberman Pinschers good family dogs? Ygdy says Yes: “My dobe was almost a year old when my son was born. Rather, they’re very people and family-oriented dogs in the home. However, parents with very young children should not leave the two unattended, especially during mealtime and playtime. Call 319-530-0230 today if you have any questions for an experienced Doberman breeder. First timers will find it a tad tough to handle this immensely enthusiastic and intelligent cross. When she's not studying or working, she's taking care of her Mini Australian Shepherd - Olympus! Doberman pinschers are considered people-oriented dogs that are affectionate and sweet with people, if socialized and trained properly. In most cases, they will make wonderful playmates for older children. Home > Dog Breed Reviews > Doberman Pinscher, Doberman Pinscher temperament, personality, training, behavior, pros and cons, advice, and information, by Michele Welton, Dog Trainer, Behavioral Consultant, Author of 15 Dog Books. He would run away!”. But some Dobermans may try to protect their own children from other children, even if the kids are simply roughhousing. In fact, they’re often nicknamed “velcro dogs” because they tend to stick by their family’s side all the time. The next time your Doberman starts acting out, you’ll need to be extra aware and attentive to find the source. At first Khan began acting strangely, it seemed as if he was being slightly aggressive … You can also teach your Doberman the “speak” and “quiet” command. About the Doberman Pinscher Dobermans are compactly-built dogs—muscular, fast, and powerful—standing between 24 to 28 inches at the shoulder. This tax collector was on a mission to create a powerful, intimidating dog breed who was loyal, trainable, and protective and that would help keep him safe on his rounds. A dog doesn’t bark for no reason – there’s always a reason. .hide-if-no-js {  =  He is as athletic as his parent breeders, and can also be very loving, well mannered and charming. To really provide the best life for a Doberman Pinscher, I recommend getting him involved in a canine activity where he can use his athletic skills and intelligent mind. But some Dobermans may try to protect their own children from other children , even if the kids are simply roughhousing. Dobbies are goofy and adorable! This breed does not tolerate teasing or mischief. The health and safety of our Doberman puppies is our top priority, so we'll help you make sure a Doberman is the right fit for your family. Doberman Pinschers are a lot of things. They are loyal to their owners and are good with children if raised with them; however, some Dobermans bond only to one person. With that being said, is the Doberman safe for a family? So, are Dobermans good with kids? To do this, you will need to start with the “speak” command. We still recommend parental supervision during play time. Having your Doberman play with your kids can become a win-win situation. Though some Doberman Pinschers are big softies who love everyone, most are reserved with strangers and protective of their family. But, there are ways to train your Doberman to be quiet, especially around your infants. As soon as they stop barking, give them praises. Are Doberman Pinschers Safe as Family Pets? Finally, Dobermans may feel overwhelmed by the noise and quick movement of your small children, which could result in a shy or stressed dog. Dobermans are renowned as being very good watch and guard dogs because they are so easily trained. Otherwise, he'll be lonely, bored and destructive – and less, rather than more, likely to protect you. Discussion in 'Doberman Talk and Discussions' started by Skb, Jan 6, 2021 at 10:49 AM. The Doberman Pinscher is a large working dog breed created by a tax collector known as Louis Dobermann in Germany during the early 19th century. Early and extensive socialization is mandatory to avoid either shyness or sharpness. These dogs are working dogs and have a ton of energy that needs to be “released” every day. When I was really sick years ago, Aiden stayed by me the entire time. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. The Doberman puppies we have for sale have been carefully bred and raised to produce the ultimate family personal protection dog. He is loyal and affectionate to his owner and family and protective when he needs to be. Doberman and Children: The Protective Instinct. Nevertheless, it’s probably not a good idea to let your Doberman babysit your children. But as parents, safety is the number one concern when bringing home such a large dog. Their Dobermans must be safe around their own children as well as other peoples children. These dogs need lots of exercise to be happy and relieve stress. No matter how long the Doberman has been in the home or how confident you are with the training, you just never know how these animals will react to something a child does. Deciding if you want a male or female Doberman is one of the first important steps to getting a … The first step is to find and prevent the motivators for barking. If your family tends to be less active and stay indoors a lot, then thi… It’s because Dobermans are actually great with kids! If you do share your home with a Doberman, you'll find him to be a fairly easy dog to care for. The breed is best suited in a calm household with experienced owners who are interested in participating in some sort of canine activity. Tracey J is a licensed vet tech. Slopmad says Yes: “I’ve owned and raised two male doberman pincers around children and I have never seen a more calm and loving dog. This could be because people are passing by the house, sounds from the TV or even the microwave beeping. Immediately after, you’ll want to give them positive praises and treats. Since the parents of the Doberman Shepherd are strong-headed and very active, this mixed breed is more suitable for experienced dog owners. They are protective and loving when it comes to their inner circle. Just four days later he would save his new owner’s baby girl from a deadly snake attack. doberman Pets and Animals in Washington at AmericanListed.com classifieds. An expert researcher and author of 15 books about dogs, she loves helping people choose, train, and care for their dogs. They are typically protective of family and more reserved with strangers. In other words, the Dobermann will thrive in a family setting. More concerning is the number of Dobermans who are so sensitive that they become nervous and hyper-reactive with the loud voices and quick movements that children can't help making. Belinck says Yes: “Now that my boys are toddlers, our dobie is starting to realize that he’s got two new playmates and is mostly enjoying it, at the very least, he has two new faces to give kisses to.”, 6. All of these behaviors is a big NO when it comes to Dobermans. Though they’re big and scary-looking to most people, they’re excellent and loving companions. The Doberman Pinscher was never intended to be just a casual pet. They are one of the bravest bunch and they will defend you come hell or high waters. So if you have children, you need to be extremely careful when evaluating Doberman Pinscher lines. If your Doberman is a family pet, he needs to live indoors with your family. }. It’s mostly our oldest, he’s not a fan of children. Buy and sell thousands of cute puppies looking for good homes, all across the USA. They make awesome family dogs, they love to cuddle and are also very brave and loyal. Frankly, most Doberman Pinschers are "too much dog" for the average household. For the most part, Dobermans are great with energetic young kids. display: none !important; Our Doberman puppies. Some are quiet, while others excessively bark. The body is sleek but substantial, and is covered with a glistening coat of black, blue, red, or fawn, with rust markings. I think that loyalty means they are always by your side. Sometimes it's easier to train your puppy (or adult dog) when you can see the correct training techniques in action. But never, no matter how much you trust the dog, should they ever be left alone with a baby/child. More concerning is the number of Dobermans who are so sensitive that they become nervous and hyper-reactive with the loud voices and quick movements that children can't help making. If you’re concerned about the Doberman’s loud barking, there are things you can try to stop, or at least minimize this. If your family is active and in need of a guard dog, Dobies are unbeatable options. And through proper socialization with the dog and children, they’ll have a great understanding of how fragile they are. Keep in mind, dobermans are velcro dogs. They’re diligent working dogs, effective guard dogs, excellent show dogs, but most importantly, they’re superb family dogs. They pull their ears, tug their tails, ride on their backs and sometimes kick them. Because they’re such loyal dogs, a trained Doberman will be sweet and affectionate with your children, if raised together. Skb Hot Topics Subscriber Lately Skynyrd, my 2 yr old male has been growling at family members again when they go to pet him and he is laying on my bed. Are Dobermans good family dogs? After all, respect is a mutual thing. They product some of the finest guard dogs in the world and the last thing they look for is a mean or aggressive Doberman. Doberman Pinschers -- Image via Wikipedia. Dogs and cats for Sale, Puppies for Sale. While the Doberman Pinscher wouldn’t step into a show ring until 1897, more than three decades earlier the fledgling breed was exhibited at Apolda’s inaugural dog market in 1863. Because they’re such loyal dogs, a trained Doberman will be sweet and affectionate with your children, if raised together. However, letting rowdy and unfamiliar kids play with them is probably not a good idea. Next, you’ll want to use the speak command, followed by the “quiet” command. You’ll need to explain what behaviors are acceptable and what aren’t. Let’s see why. For a dog breed renowned for it’s unwavering loyalty, it’s nice knowing these dogs always have your back. This means daily walks, catch, frisbee and other physical activities. The Doberman Pinscher is one of the best family dogs you can buy. They’re smart enough to understand the kids’ rough play isn’t a “challenge” and often don’t mind the chaotic mess. After all, to be great guard dogs, Dobermans need to be vigilant and at times, wary of strangers too. Doberman Pinschers are incredibly intelligent dogs and can be trained fairly easily. Dobermans are like people, each have their own personalities. Chances are, they will quickly learn that the unfamiliar kids are okay. My current dobe gets rowdy but has never knocked anything/one over.”, 10. A Doberman Pinscher may be right for you. 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