Is the Doberman Aggressive and Dangerous? That should be a question you ask yourself before a Doberman moves in with you.
After all, the breed has a reputation for being a fighting dog.
Is this reputation justified because the Doberman has a high potential for aggression in its genes? Find out the answers to these and other exciting questions now.
Are Dobermans aggressive or dangerous by nature?
By nature, Dobermans are neither aggressive nor dangerous. True, Dobermans are considered territorial and alert.
However, they are less attested as being dangerously aggressive than as being true cuddly monsters.
What makes a Doberman aggressive and therefore dangerous is improper training or a lack of socialization. Therefore, the dog is not to blame for its behavior, but the owner.
Let’s take a closer look at the nature of the Doberman and the impact that improper training can have.
territorial behavior
Territorial behavior can definitely backfire if it’s improperly trained.
A Doberman has his territory. Anyone who enters this without permission must expect to be treated accordingly. This applies to strange dogs as well as to people.
Once your Doberman has learned that he doesn’t have to attack immediately, territorial behavior is generally not dangerous.
If he has not learned it or if his «aggressive» behavior has been encouraged, the Doberman can become quite dangerous if the owner is not able to control it.
High intelligence
The Doberman is considered to be one of the smartest dog breeds out there. This means that he not only learns very quickly, but also that he questions his owner.
If the Doberman feels superior to its owner, this can become a challenge.
fearlessness
The Doberman is also one of the most fearless dog breeds. This quality is positive when properly directed in the course of upbringing.
When a Doberman is trained to attack anything that moves – no matter the size – then fearlessness is something that can make the Doberman aggressive and dangerous.
Confidence & Energy
Dobermans are said to have a high level of self-confidence and energy.
With a species-appropriate upbringing, these are wonderful character traits, thanks to which you and your Dobermann will have a lot of fun together.
If the Doberman is not exercised and trained in a way that is appropriate to the species, it can happen that its excess energy is directed in the wrong direction and it becomes behavioral.
Are Dobermans More Dangerous Than Other Dog Breeds?
Due to the high vigilance and territorial behavior can a doberman classified as more dangerous than other dog breeds become.
Comparatively harmless dog breeds, on the other hand, include fur noses, which are naturally rather shy and do not show any pronounced territorial behavior.
Among other things, the whippet and the greyhound related to it can be mentioned here.
How can I make sure my Doberman doesn’t become aggressive or dangerous?
You can ensure that your Doberman does not become aggressive or dangerous with one species-appropriate socialization, upbringing and husbandry to ensure.
The three factors are the pillars for a harmonious and peaceful coexistence of humans and dogs.
Appropriate socialization
Species-appropriate socialization also begins with the Doberman in the first few weeks of life. Not only the biological dog mom is responsible.
The siblings and the breeder are also instrumental in socializing the mini Doberman in a species-appropriate manner.
In addition to the first wrestling matches, which determine the hierarchy and territory, contact with other animals and people is an important part of Dobermann socialization.
The socialization of the Doberman is completed by the future owner, i.e. you. This way you can make sure that your Doberman is not aggressive and dangerous.
Appropriate upbringing
If a Doberman moves in with you, he has to accept you as the new alpha animal. Related to this is education, for which certain basic rules apply.
Already knew?
The Doberman is listed as a category 2 dog in the federal state of Brandenburg. This means that he is considered a potentially dangerous dog there.
Species-appropriate attitude
Not only the space that a Doberman has to romp and play as well as the outlet is part of a species-appropriate upbringing.
The utilization – i.e. playing, running and freewheeling and mental demands – are also extremely important so that a Doberman is not aggressive and dangerous.
Originally, the Doberman was bred as a working dog. This means that he needs tasks that challenge him all around.
If this is not the case, then the Doberman, like all other dogs, is easily bored.
This, in turn, can lead to behavioral problems that are aggressive and/or dangerous.
Our tip
Dog sport is a good idea for the Doberman. Among other things, tracking work is suitable, but obedience can also give the Doberman a lot of joy.
Are Doberman Pinschers Safe for Families with Children or Other Pets?
Raised in a species-appropriate manner, the Dobermann can be a dog that is safe for families with children and/or other pets.
However, he is considered a one-man dog, so does not necessarily depend on the presence of more than one person.
But that doesn’t mean he doesn’t feel comfortable in a family with children. It is important that the children know as early as possible how to properly handle the Doberman.
Small children in particular cannot assess what a dog perceives as a threat. This in turn can lead to dangerous incidents.
Likewise, the Doberman Pinscher must be accustomed to (small) children as early as possible, especially to their quick movements and their loudness.
This also applies to other pets such as cats. The sooner a Doberman learns that it is a four-legged roommate, the more harmonious the coexistence will be.
Socialized and trained appropriately, the Doberman is then a watchful and loyal dog that always looks out for his loved ones.
Is a Doberman your roommate? What stories about his nature can you share with us? We are happy to read them in our comments.