Doberman Pinscher Forum:
Thinking about getting a Dober

Hello there. I'm in the market for a new dog and a Dobermann is one of the breeds that I have shortlisted. I've had dogs before and am confident that I can handle the training aspects of owning a Dobermann and would also have no problem giving the dog a daily walk. My only concern is that as I'm single and work 9-5, I'll be leaving the dog alone for 8-10 hours every week day. So my question to you guys is whether or not you think this is fair, obviously there are a great many dogs that are home alone during the week, and some handle this better than others. Is a Dobermann likely to suffer from separation anxiety and become bored and destructive? Thanks in advance Bobby Pires

I am new to the breed as well, but not new in dogs what I have learned in dealing with training and just living with my Doberman female is that they are extreamly smart. These and all dogs are pack animals, they will never get used to being alone for that lenth of time. I have a German Shepherd pet that suffered from seperation disorders and became loud and distructive. We all have to work and most of us are away from home for long lenths of time. If the dog is given a lot of excersise "and working breeds need it" than my suggestion is that you get another dog as a companion or hire some one like a school kid to take the dog for a long walk or to the park to break up the leanth of time spent alone.

I don't think you will be dissappointed. I read a lot about them before getting my Sagan in October. They are smart, responsive, easy to train, and just a proud beautiful animal. Even though crating sounds like a horrible thing to do to a dog, they really get used to it quickly if you introduce it in a positive way. He goes in it even when he doesn't have to. We do come home at lunchtime to let him out for about a 1/2 hour before returning towork. And it only took him 2 days to get used to sleeping in the crate at night. They are very affectionate dogs and he/she will want to be with you, so lots of attention is a must. Get the book Dog Training for Dummies and look into clicker training. Good luck!

OK, I have to interject here. Dobermans are a great choice for a pet, a loving companion, but to leave them alone for that period of time on a regular basis is going to be a stretch for that dog, and most any other breads for that matter. Large breed dogs really need the attention and work and I fear that you may become quite disappointed in your choice when you find out how much work they truly are. Every dog is a dog, but not all dogs are Dobermans. They are truly an exceptionally smart animal, very intuitive. Left to their devices cooped up in crate could lead to a very unhappy experience. My advice is to look for a different breed of dog. A small breed that doesn't require all the attention in the world. A dog that is easily trained and accepting of crate life. Dobermans are not crate animals. Sure they're live in it, and sleep there, but usually most of us who own them remove the door if we use them in the home. Layla sleeps on her own couch and she patrols the house while we are out. I have the luxury of staying home with her for the most part, and I have two little girls 5 and 2 that she steadfastly looks after. So, please consider all the options before cooping up a large breed dog like a Doberman. They are protectors and guardians of their master and his house and family. Maybe you could get an adult that is trained so you don't have to crate him or her? Just my thoughts.