Comments on: Dobermans Living with Small Dogs: 12 Tips for Success

By: John Walter

John Walter — Fri, 10 Apr 2020 18:25:53 +0000

In reply to Ruth Quezada. One year of age can work fine. Especially if you get a dog of the opposite sex. Make sure one (or both) are fixed or you'll have an issue on your hands in the next year or so! Having two can definitely help with separation anxiety.

By: Ruth Quezada

Ruth Quezada — Sat, 04 Apr 2020 16:33:42 +0000

I have a 5 month old doberman and want to get another doberman puppy when the time is right. I am considering getting the puppy once my current doberman is 2 years old as per your website. Is this a good best? I am considering earlier (maybe at 1 year of age) because of her personality. …..She has very high separation anxiety. What would be your recommendation?

By: John Walter

John Walter — Sun, 20 Oct 2019 22:01:07 +0000

In reply to Ping Greco.

I’m so sorry to hear about the issues you’re having. That’s a lot to get into here in the comments section but I will say that every dog needs different levels of socialization and I believe you definitely should focus on socializing your dog more with other dogs. Bring him to off-leash dog parks for example. There are two issues that are working against you also. One is the strong small-prey drive Dobermans have (especially when it comes to hunting small furry animals) and the other is the protective instincts when on a leash. These are almost always increased when leashed to their owners. The problem you’ll face now is that because of his behaivor it’s tempting to keep him even more sheltered so he doesn’t hurt you or other dogs but that will only make the problem worse as he gets older. Again, I wish I could go into more here but those are the problems you face… take a few steps back and start with increasing socialization again as if he were a pup, start from the beginning. Go to dog parks, family events, new environments etc. Just resist the urge to shelter him more because of this behavior or it’ll only get worse. Good luck and don’t give up! Dig deep!

By: Ping Greco

Ping Greco — Thu, 10 Oct 2019 08:49:58 +0000

Hi John, my husband and I got our first Doberman a year and half ago from a reputable breeder in Serbia. We live in Italy. Like you we are totally in love with this magnificent dog. He was 5 months old when he came to live with us. We selected him at the breeder’s when he was only 3 months old but the distance between the two countries delayed him coming to us. He is now one year and 9 months old. He is generally a well-behaved with a good temperament. He goes to dog day care twice a week to socialize with dogs with all breeds and sizes and he has no problems. When we are in dog runs he is usually good with other dogs. However, there is on big problem. When we walk him on the street, he sees small dogs especially the real small ones like a pinscher, he will lunge towards them aggressively. When I try to restrain him he will turn around and attack me. Not 100% of the times, but often enough. He has bitten me twice, both in the same manner, redirection, as I understand this is called. He has had training and during training with the trainers he is the best behaved dog. He got neutered just two weeks ago. I now go out with him with muzzle on to prevent him biting me. We live in the city and the only exercises he gets is to walk outside and run in parks. We take him out 2-3 times a day, 2 long walks and 1 vigorous run to make sure he lets off steam. Any suggestions for us? I wish we could come to visit you in CA,