First, you do your best to select a breeder who you think cares about the breed. You pick a breeder who health tests, who lets you see the puppies, who lets you see the sire and dam, and who provides you with a pedigree.
Next, when you bring that puppy home, keep her in your house, welcome her on your furniture, and give her toys to stimulate her little mind.
Give her some rules. If you play tug (and please do play tug), make sure "drop it" is in your puppy's vocabulary. If you must, teach it in German (aus) to sound extra tough.
Really vary the toys, so that neither of you get bored with the prospect of spending another moment with the same piece of battered rubber.
Make sure to get out in the world and get plenty of exercise!
Be sure to read training books, because your dog is your responsibility. That's financially, and legally. Your dog's actions are your liability.
Also remember, the dog you raise is the dog you live with. Your dogs wants to trust you, wants to know you'll make good decisions, and wants you to have her back.
Don't disappoint her. Drop this "mean" stuff and just try to raise a good, balanced dog. If you train and socialize your Doberman, she'll know rise to the occasion if necessary. But don't set out to put your dog in bad situations. You won't like the result.
Great post Jen! I love baby Elka, what a cutie pie!!
ReplyDeleteThanks! She was hard to resist, and I just wanted to squish her face all the time (I told myself I was getting her used to be handled...)
ReplyDeleteAwesome post. :)
ReplyDeleteYep, being protective is different from being mean. And you put together just the right recipe for a good relationship.
ReplyDelete@Pup Fan Thank you for reading it! It can be a frustrating topic.
ReplyDelete@Pamela I did think I was being very clever as I put it together. A good relationship is the one of the most important things, I think.
Why would anybody want a mean Doberman? Just their looks would be enough to deter someone from doing wrong, I would think. But people have dogs for many different reasons. Some I can't understand. It would be great if all pups of any breed were brought up how you described.
ReplyDeleteI really wish I knew why somebody would want a "mean" dog. I'd much prefer a loved and wel-trained dog, if I had something I felt need to be "aggressively" guarded. Or, y'know, a security system and a gun.
ReplyDeleteI did leave out training classes, because I didn't go to any. But I should have mentioned training in general. But other than that? Yes, I wish dogs were raised better!
I love your blog. Elka is gorgeous.
ReplyDeleteKat
The fact that anyone tried to find out how to make a doberman mean, is an obvious indication that they don't need any dog. these types of people are why the most lovable dogs who want to please us, have a bad stereotype...
ReplyDeletePretty much my thoughts. It's one reason why I have two such dastardly posts as these. Dobermans need smart and responsible owners who will love them, not people who think they need a "tough dog" and that's all they want.
DeleteDropping by from reading your feature blog post on PBU. Nice post! I hope those who want to know how to make a dog mean never have the opportunity to have a dog or any animal for that matter.
ReplyDeleteThanks for reading! I really wish that people hwo want mean dogs don't up with any dogs at all.
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