|
MYTH:
Dobermans turn on their
owners.
FACT:
When properly bred,
raised, socialized, and trained; Dobermans are loving, loyal, family oriented
dogs who will never think of doing such a thing. The only reason a Doberman
would turn on anyone is due to abusive treatment. This is not something that is
unique to a Doberman. Any animal, humans included, will defend themselves when
threatened.
MYTH:
Dobermans may be good
dogs when they're young, but when they're older their skull stops growing but
their brain doesn't. Then their brain swells against the skull and they attack
people.
FACT:
This is physically
impossible. A Doberman is a canine just like a Golden Retriever. They have the
same bone and nerve structure. When any canine's head stops growing, so does
his brain.
MYTH:
If you want a Doberman to
be protective, you have to make it mean.
FACT:
A Doberman is naturally
protective of his family and home. Nothing needs to be done to enhance that
aspect. If you abuse a Doberman to try to make it mean, the process will
backfire and your dog will only protect himself from you.
MYTH:
If you want a Doberman to
protect you from strangers and intruders you have to keep it away from people
except your family.
FACT:
A Doberman that is not
properly socialized will probably NOT protect you. He will be very scared of
strange things and people. Every Doberman MUST be properly socialized. Taking
your pup to lots of places, such as the pet store, shopping centers, obedience
classes, vet offices, will help him gain confidence in strange surroundings.
You should introduce your pup to as many different people as possible and see
that he responds in a friendly manner. Protective instincts are natural and
will not be affected by introducing your dog to friends or people he meets on
the street. As long as you feel comfortable with a person, by all means,
introduce your Doberman.
© July 1998-2002 by
Jean A. Clark.
Reproduction in part or whole prohibited without express written permission of
original author.
Back to
"About Dobermans" Menu
|
