I have always wanted a Dobermann for as long as I can Remember. But my mum has has said that they have behavior problems, is that true, and how hard are they to look after?

Hi Izzi

I don't feel they have any more behavioural problems than any other breed - is she thinking of "flank sucking" as this is the most commonly known "behavioural problem" I think in Dobermanns?

They are a wonderful breed of dog but not for the faint hearted.  They are very intelligent but use that intelligence for their own ends rather than their owners if they can get away with it.

Dogs often tend to be a bit male aggressive if allowed to get away with it and bitches don't always get on with other Dobe bitches (having said that I have currently have a male and four bitches ranging in age from 14 weeks to 10 yrs 6 mos).

They must be well socialised and trained and I always advise attending classes for a minumum of two years till they start to settle down a little.

There are quite a few Dobe owners on here with assorted experience(s), some of us have had them for many years and others are on their first one so if you have any specific questions we can probably answer most of them

Hi
I am one of the newbie owners Abby is nine months she is great twice as much work as I imagined but worth it as I waited a very long time to get her. I have her booked into classes until she is two. Good luck if you get one.
I probably wont be much help to you as I am still learning.
Mary

Izzi
I have a dog and a bitch and yes they can be hard work but enjoyable aswell.I dont think you ever stop learning about your chosen breed as i have never heard about the Flank thing that Kerioak mentioned, please tell me more Kerioak?

Ella.x. 

Some of them literally suck their flanks - generally when tired or stressed.  I have never owned one that does this but have seen it in others.

Izzi, I had dobermans for several years. I think they are for the most part wonderful dogs, very intelligent and beautiful. I totally agree that obedience training is an absolute MUST! I lost my female to cancer a few years back, and the male was put down after he tried to attack my husband, who raised him from 7 weeks old. He was fully obedience trained, he stayed inside, I'm not sure what happened, but there was no way we were taking a chance with 2 small children around. He was a beautiful dog, very protective. (Did not like small furry animals though). He was about 7 years old when that happened. We were devastated. I had kept one of the pups from a litter and never had 1 problem with him though! He LOVED small furry animals, I remember one time he very carefully brought me 2 baby rabbits he found in a nest. He was an absolute baby and very sensitive to even the mildest rebuke. So, my advice is, do a lot of research and reading...select your puppy carefully, and follow through with training and proper care and socialization. Any dog can have a behavioral problem, I don't think it is a "breed specific" thing. For example...all pit bull dogs are NOT vicious killers. But some of them tend to be aggressive towards other dogs because that is what has been bred into them.

Thank You to every one that has helped me, it Is much appriciated.
Thanks Alot
Izzi