Dobermans are not a casual breed to own by a long shot, they require extensive training, attention, and a consistent leader.
So can someone with zero or limited dog experience get one? This article has everything a newbie needs to consider.
Can First-Time Owners Get a Doberman?
The real answer is that it depends on the owner. Let’s explain…
Dobermans are known to be challenging to raise due to their potential stubbornness, attention needs, and high energy levels.
Yet, this doesn’t mean every Doberman is hard to raise for every owner.
The best answer: If the owner has the time, patience, and ability to prioritize their Doberman every day, then regardless of experience, a newbie can raise this breed.
What Makes Dobermans Difficult To Raise?
There are a few reasons why Dobermans may be considered challenging to raise:
1. High energy
Dobermans are a high-energy breed that requires regular exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behavior.
2. Intelligence
Dobermans are known for being intelligent dogs, which can make them challenging to train if they become bored or uninterested.
3. Separation anxiety
Dobermans are known for being loyal and protective of their owners, which can lead to separation anxiety if left alone for long periods of time.
In addition to this, Dobermans are not able to spend a lot of time left alone. Even a few hours can cause negative reactions in some Dobermans. So, new owners must have a daily routine that allows them to be with their Doberman regularly.
This breed is not ideal for those who will be out of the house for several hours per day.
4. Sensitivity
Dobermans can be sensitive to their owner’s moods and may become anxious or aggressive if they sense their owner is upset or stressed.
5. Training and socialization
Like all dogs, Dobermans require proper training and socialization to prevent aggressive or territorial behavior. However, due to their strong prey drive and potential for aggression, it is especially important to provide consistent, firm, and fair training and socialization for Dobermans.
- Overall, while Dobermans can make loving and devoted companions, they do require a significant time commitment from their owners in terms of exercise, training, and socialization.
It is important for potential Doberman owners to thoroughly research the breed and understand the responsibilities of owning a high-energy, intelligent, and protective dog before bringing one into their home.
Related article: How to correctly discipline a Doberman (Important)
The Basics of Raising a Friendly Doberman (For Newbies)
To raise a friendly Doberman, it is crucial to provide them with consistent, firm, and fair training and socialization from a young age.
This can include exposing them to a variety of people, places, and situations in a positive and controlled manner from as young as possible.
Being a firm and consistent leader:
It is also important to establish yourself as the household alpha and provide consistent rules and boundaries for your Doberman to follow.
Dobie Fact: Dobermans LOVE to follow clear rules, so if you show them what’s right and wrong correctly, they will likely abide by them most of the time.
Basic needs must be met:
In addition to training and socialization, it is essential to meet all of your Doberman’s basic needs, including adequate nutrition, exercise, mental stimulation, and regular grooming.
Positive reinforcement:
Providing your Doberman with plenty of positive reinforcement and rewards for good behavior can also help to foster a friendly and well-behaved personality.
Correcting early signs of aggression:
It is also important to be aware of your Doberman’s body language and to intervene if they show signs of aggression or fear, as these behaviors can be reinforced if not addressed properly.
Signs of canine aggression include:
- Barking and growling
- Baring teeth
- Snarling
- Lunging
- Raised heckles
- Stiff body posture
- Unwavering eye contact
Meeting their basic needs:
In addition to the above, meeting basic needs like providing a high-quality diet, sufficient exercise, attention, grooming, and training are all mandatory requirements to achieve a content Doberman.
10 Breeds That Get on Well With Dobermans
Final Thoughts
Ultimately, although Dobermans are not one of the “easier” breeds to raise, we still think it’s more than possible for a first-time dog owner to do a good job.
New owners just need plenty of time, dedication, consistency, and be ready to research extensively when it comes to training, disciplining and correcting behavior.