I got this dog when he was 4 1/2. Previous owners had 2 other dogs in the house. He was use to the couch the bedroom and more I'm sure. I have disciplined him and he is not aloud upstairs into the bedrooms. My situation is this... he is very calm and gentle with me and has never shown any kind of aggression what so ever towards me. However, sometimes when people come over to the house he becomes aggressive. He plays rough and is dominant with the other dogs ! He recently got into a fight with a much smaller dog and I believe it was over a toy (ball). I am concerned about this behaviour and I am looking for advise. I will be getting him neutered very soon. Thx!!

Hi Yannick

I assume you mean four and a half months?  What do you mean by aggression - real aggression in a pup so young would be worrying and unusual.  Dobermann pups do play rough - they just do not seem to realise their size and strength. 

Neutering stops procreation and cancers of the removed bits - it is not guaranteed to change anything else

Well... he barks and growls at people he is seeing for the first time. I think that the socialization phase has been missed somewhat. I'm getting him neutered for the reason that you just said, but I am hoping also it will diminish the competitiveness between male dogs. He's a bit unpredictable at the moment.  I am giving him obedience classes and he his responding well. I welcome any other advise that you may have Kerioak ! Thx.

Hi Yannick

I tend not to give advise regarding aggression unless I am faced with the dog as one person's description of aggression can be another's play or fear.  What does your obedience instructor say about him - can they go out for a walk with you to see what happens?

He's good... a bit nervous, but good. Buses, cars, children alot of distraction. I will keep an eye on him and keep surrounding him with lots of parks and outdoors distractions.

I'm not saying don't get him castrated, but, if fear is mixed up with the aggression (if indeed it is aggression) get advice before doing it. Reason being that, testosterone give a dog  confidence in social situations.... sometimes a fear aggressive dog is best left intact (but so much depends on the cause of the aggression, whether it is now learned as a behaviour, etc).

Lindsay
x

Thanks!!! I have received advice but I will keep reading up on it. I wasn't aware about the testosterone. I had a female Dob and I'm just a little concerned  at the moment seeing the difference in temperament. Male Dobs seem to be much more assertive and protective. I knew that when I got him... well I guess I wasn't quite prepared.

Hi Yannick

Not all make Dobes are more protective, it depends on the individuals.

What is his breeding (pedigree name and parents - probably best to p.m. me) ?