Meeting New Dobe Owners

[Big Dogs]

I just came back from the races in Florida and while I was there I came across a Dobe that peeked my curiosity. He was on the end of a lead with a prong collar and seemed mild mannered with the exception of a small terrier type dog who kept jumping on his back which he took exception to. When I asked the owner who was holding his lead if he had him for long he told me that he was a rescue and that they had him for about a year. I asked him if he noticed that his dog was becoming more aggressive in his response to they other dog each time he was being jumped on and he said no but he was going to take him back to there camper. His wife then approached me and asked me how I new there dog was becoming annoyed and I gave here a brief description of what I saw and what I do for a living. Which I think at first she was skeptical but her friend that was with here listened to what I had to say and had a Dobe in the past and agreed with what my responses were to here questions. I asked her why they had a prong collar on him and her response was that he was to strong I asked her if they had any other problems with him and she said he would teak his bed up in his crate. So I asked how long they work with him every day and she said about an hour or two. I suggested getting a trainer and visiting this forum. This really brought home the Idea for me that all dobe owners need to help inform people about our breed!

[nupe]

....And THAT is why you are the "Big DOG"!!!
:D

[von Cosack Dobermann]

The percentage of Dobermann owners that should NOT have one has been growing steadily for many years now. Theres actually fewer dogs out there now a days but the rescues and shelters don't lie. Then theirs the dogs that remain in households spending 8 hours a day in a crate then another 7 to 8 in there at night!!!! Thats not exactly a great home, is it??? Or the once in a run with no bonding to their owners, a horrible life for any dog. Never saw a yard stolen have you??? I personal wish the character and temperament had remained the way it was in the 50's & 60's and before then too. Then there'd be far less people interested because those dogs demanded training and unless the owner was a very experinced owner the interest in the breed would have never reached the hights it did in the 70's. BD you just do the best you could to give some solid advise and hope the people HEAR you!! Von

[JstLovesErnie]

I agree VonCosack - there are fewer people that should own dogs, much less the protection working breeds. I own a lovely Doberman - I also own a Fila. If something should keep you awake at night - it's the people that buy own a Fila with no understanding of the breeds requirements.

[raja]

I agree VonCosack - there are fewer people that should own dogs, much less the protection working breeds. I own a lovely Doberman - I also own a Fila. If something should keep you awake at night - it's the people that buy own a Fila with no understanding of the breeds requirements.

OK, call me stupid but what is a Fila?

[JstLovesErnie]

Not stupid - a VERY good question! They are.....
Fila Brasileiro - rare breed from Brazil. BIG. Natural protection dogs. It is in their breed standard to not care for strangers. Basically - they bite. Oh they warn, big time warn - but if you don't live in the home, you are a stranger and you're bit... child, adult - doesn't matter. Socializing is an absolute must with this breed. I own one. They LOVE their people and will do anything to please you. They have temperaments ranging from Lab to Spleen eater....(I tried to post a picture but not permitted for some reason)

Bodacious has the perfect temperament. If introduced properly and it takes about 1/2 hour for him to decide if he likes you - he's fine. Never forgets and will be your friend for life from that point on...
I will never be without one - ever.

Within 15 minutes of meeting his baby sitter, Bo was her friend for life. Oh - it doesn't help that the breed is myopic either - which is why his face is so close to hers. We went on a trip and needed someone here to take care of the dogs....Bodacious weighs 176 pounds.
While I love my Doberman - the Doberman is dominant, he's not aggressive, while Bo is not dominant - he is aggressive. Bo is the biggest baby with the other dogs, our newest puppy takes food out of his mouth... Bo will growl like he is going to tear her head off - and she doesn't care. Ernie on the other hand - kicks butt with the dogs. Is stand offish with people, but I trust him more with strangers if they should walk up outside than I do with Bo. Ernie will step back - Bo runs for them.

[raja]

Just looked up the dog on the internet . This is what I found "It does not hide its dislike towards strangers, but these dogs are not disqualified from the show ring for showing aggression to the judges. Such aversion is instinctive in Filas, so much so that the Brazilian breed standard advises judges not to touch the dog." Looks like everything you said is correct! Nice looking dog though!

[JstLovesErnie]

Thanks - I absolutely love Bo... They are a cross mainly between a Mastiff and a Bloodhound - extraordinary dogs - when you get one that is well balanced. You socialize them not to make them friendly - but to teach them what is "normal" behavior and to ignore normal...if that makes sense?
I have trained a LOT of dogs and they are very smart - extremely willing to please and will lay their lives down for their owners. They take a soft but firm owner.
It's true - at a show the Judge does not lay hands on them - and they must pass a TT... Temperament is a very important part of their Standard.