Comments on: Can a Doberman Live with a German Shepherd?

By: John Walter

John Walter — Wed, 11 Mar 2020 05:45:42 +0000

Hi Lalo! Yeah, that is called “littermate syndrome” and can happen between two dogs who are the same age and not necessarily from the same litter. I think getting two puppies of the same age CAN work, but it’s more difficult than having a small age gap (2 year age gap at a minimum is best). Also, if they are of the opposite sex you’ll have fewer problems as well since same-sex aggression is an issue in the Doberman breed in both males and females. I won’t make a blanket statement that what you’re suggesting won’t work, it’ll just take a significant amount of work and that first year of puppy stages is hard enough as it is. Just make sure you are certain you’re willing to put in the extra effort! Both are great breeds! Good luck to you!

By: John Walter

John Walter — Tue, 10 Mar 2020 19:20:57 +0000

In reply to Susan Romeo. Hi Susan! If you put your effort into training your pup when they're young, I don't see any reason at all you can't own either a German Shepherd or a Doberman. If the owner has to use strength to overpower their dog, I feel like something has gone awry as far as training goes and that definitely shouldn't be the norm. You sound like a responsible owner to me, I'm sure you'll do great with either!

By: Susan Romeo

Susan Romeo — Sat, 25 Jan 2020 01:03:04 +0000

This was very helpful as I am deciding if a dobe or gsd is the right puppy ! I have owned a bullmastiff , puli and various chi’s that I rescue .
I live alone with a rabbit and guinea pigs and two old chi’s and would like to add the new pup within the year . I am semi retired so time is not an issue and have a fenced in yard . I also will attend obedience classes and do agility .
I am older and quite short but work out and ride horses regularly. Most people are telling me I am too old for either of these large breeds (66) but I would like your opinion .
Ps I enjoy your videos

By: Lalo Destra

Lalo Destra — Mon, 11 Nov 2019 19:47:23 +0000

Thank you for this John. I want to ask you about the potential negatives of raising two puppies at the same time. Many articles have surfaced that suggest that raising them together can create a bond between them that negates your role in the relationship. That is of course apart from the distraction when it comes to training. Assuming each can be trained separately, do you still believe it is a good idea to get two puppies (GSD & Dobermann) at the same time? We have a large house and a very large garden, in fact its constituted as grounds, and the area is quite far away from the local town so we’ve been looking for dogs that are companions and guardians at the same time.

Another question would be about your recommendation that each is a different sex. We have already found a GSD (male) that we are picking up next week, however we have also found a Dobermann bitch but were advised against it. Any thoughts would be welcome.

Thank you for your time.

Lalo