Doberman Pinschers are a classic dog. They’re strong, agile, lithe, quick, stealthy, and keen. Their history and breeding is an interesting tale and one that begs the question, are Doberman’s good guard dogs?
The answer is an emphatic and resounding YES! Their genes lend themselves to protection and guard duties. They’re so effective at this job; their use in security has international acclaim and applications.
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Are Dobermans Good Guard Dogs?
Dobermans are excellent guard dogs with a penchant for vehement, fierce protection. They’re powerful and aware with speed, a keen sense of hearing and smell, along with an ability to stealth, unlike any other dog. At the same time, they’re exceptional family pets. Contrary to popular belief, they are great with children and make lovable companions.
What Makes Dobermans Good Guard Dogs?
Their genetic makeup is stellar, as is noticeable in their attitudes and bodies. They’re robust but also very lithe, which gives them an edge in protection and security. Their physical design and behaviors lend themselves toward stamina and strength.
Louis Doberman
Dobermans came into being from the intentional design and sheer will of their original breeder, Louis Doberman, a local dog catcher. He selected a variety of dogs for interbreeding that resulted in what we know to be the Doberman Pinscher.
Doberman wanted a strong and stealthy dog to help with his work and combined quite a few dogs. So, we don’t know which specific breeds make up a Doberman; we can only speculate. They have similar attributes as Rottweilers, German Pinschers, and Black-and-Tan Terriers. But they could also comprise Great Danes, German Shorthaired Pointers, Schnauzers, Manchester Terriers, Greyhounds, and Weimaraners.
Dobermans Are Amazing
These amazing dogs are among the top five for intelligence and are known for their ease in training. Their athleticism and energy mean Dobermans take pride in offering protection for their “pack.” Any unwelcome visitor would be mistaken to mess with one. They have a bite that ranges between 245 and 328 PSI.
Although not the strongest bite when compared to other breeds, like Kangals, it still packs a damaging blow. That means their bark definitely matches their bite and woe to the one unfortunate enough to cross their path.
Doberman Applications
This is why the military and police often employ these dogs. They were integral during the Battle of Guam in WWII against the Japanese. They have aggressive, assertive temperaments with a clear dislike for anyone they think is an intruder or enemy. They’re also very adaptable, which makes them great service dogs and ideal for search-and-rescue missions.
Are Female Or Male Dobermans Better Guard Dogs?
Both male and female Dobermans make excellent guard dogs. Generally speaking, males are going to be a better all-around guard dog, but it depends on your intentions. Each gender has fantastic security attributes.
Females
Females tend to bond with only one person and will protect with their lives, if necessary. They are quick to distrust and are aggressive toward strangers. Because they mature as young as two years old, they’re ready for guardianship earlier than males. They have a smooth, sleek appearance with an air of elegance.
They’re more acute, nimble, and agile than their male counterparts too. Having a smaller stature means they’ll be more aggressive. This is because when they’re born into a litter, they learn to defend themselves against domination from male pups early.
Males
Male Dobermans are slow to mature. You have to wait until they’re about four years old to train them. They’re also more playful and goofy, with some inclined to accept strangers in public. But they will defend their home territory against intruders and other animals, guarding the entire house and family.
They are, on average, two inches taller and 15 pounds heavier than females. This gives them a larger, bulkier build, making them very powerful and intimidating. Males are also more independent and territorial. They’ll mark urinal boundaries out of instinct, a desirable behavior for property protection.
Females Versus Males
Some people get a female pup when their baby turns about four years old, so that child will always have protection through high school. Yet other caretakers get one of each to glean all the benefits of both sexes with the added potential for breeding. Females are the most dangerous to underestimate, but males have more force, power, and a stronger bite.
Dogs Are Individuals
So, the two main dissimilarities between females and males are their size and age of maturity. But remember, all dogs are individuals, and these are very loose guidelines. A female is more than capable of protecting an entire family, and males can be a perfect guardian for one person. So, it’s going to depend more on the dog’s training, upbringing, and socialization rather than their gender.
The best way to train your Doberman is with a training school at an appropriate age. Without proper training, the dog will not perform to the best of its ability. But, before they’re ready, begin your own training with simple, functional commands good for any dog to know like sit, heel, stay and etc. When they’re ready for training, pick a school with an accredited and recommended program.
IPO Training
IPO Training is specific to guard work. It focuses on protection abilities, obedience, and tracking. There are IPO training facilities all over the world with hands-on learning and testing to ensure the dog is capable and willing to protect you.
This kind of training can expose you to experienced handlers and provide bonding for you and your Doberman. But, this can be very expensive, even for the most money-sound person, and can be something of an investment.
General Training
Although some general training schools can incorporate a little protection training, not all dedicate themselves to it. Regardless, it can be very helpful for your dog in developing agility, obedience, and other capabilities. One of these is boosting confidence, which is the most important thing in protection detail. Some general training your dog can get are:
Agility – boosts your dog’s ability to work with you in many different circumstances; they learn to read and trust your instructions. This is great for bonding and confidence-building with things like obstacle running, jumping, and climbing.
Obedience – the dog performs a certain, specific set of exercises which undergoes scoring by a judge; yet another great bonding opportunity that makes the dog easier to manage.
Scent – your dog will learn to find specific scents within a particular search vicinity, honing and developing the dog’s natural ability for the smell.
A Note About Training
Depending on your budget and how much time you have, you could get your Doberman all the different kinds of training. If you have to wait to build up the funds for IPO training, you can get the dog one of the other kinds to start.
But, if money is a factor, at the very least, get the dog agility training. This is because, out of all the training available, aside from IPO, agility gives your dog the confidence required for protecting you and your family. It is possible to train at home, but without any standardized training, your dog will not live up to its full potential.
Want To Train Your Doberman With Peace Of Mind?
If you haven’t trained your Doberman properly, then this is the perfect time to start. Whatever bad behavior your shepherd has, whether it’s barking at night or other bad behaviors, using the right training program is the key to having an obedient and happy pup.
With Brain Training For Dogs, you’ll save yourself a ton of time and effort. Instead of banging your head against the wall trying to figure out why your dog won’t listen, you’ll follow a path that has been tried, tested, and most importantly, that’s given proven results. Not to mention the fact you’ll be able to fit the course around your schedule, not fit your schedule around a trainer or obedience class.
So instead of worrying about whether they’re going to be well-behaved or not, you’ll only have to worry about how much fun you’ll have with them!
And in most cases, it’s still going to be:
Cheaper than hiring a professional.
Cheaper than replacing everything they might break.
And definitely cheaper than a lawsuit against you, if they decide to bite someone.
Just imagine how great it will feel to finally be able to trust your Doberman completely and never worry whether they’ll be naughty or not. Instead, you’ll have the peace of mind that you have a well-behaved pup, and the boundaries you set for them will always be there, EVEN IF YOU’RE NOT.
And the best part is it also has a 60-day money-back guarantee! So there’s no reason not to give Brain Training For Dogs a try!
So if you’re tired of your dog’s bad behavior or how they react around other people and pooches, then give it a try! You’ll be amazed by the results!
(You can also check out a full review here to learn exactly what the course has to offer!)
What Should You Avoid Doing?
There are several important things you shouldn’t do when caring for Dobermans. You have to be diligent with their training and food habits; this will include involving other household members. Everyone has to participate in the dog’s upbringing.
Food & Treats
As with most dogs, do not feed your Doberman rawhide, chicken or pork bones. Beef bones are okay once and a while, but not all the time. They should be a sparing special treat. Chicken and pork bones can tear, lacerate and destroy their stomachs and intestinal tract. Rawhide can get lodged in their throat can cause them to choke.
Likewise, never feed any dog chocolate, grapes, or onions. Feed them well-designed kibble along with fruits and vegetables like carrots and apples. These are also effective as rewards for training and teaching them tricks.
Walking & Exercise
Dobermans must exercise every day. They’re full of energy and vitality. If enough excess builds up, they will begin to misbehave. If you can’t take the dog out for a walk and exercise, allow your Doberman to run on a treadmill, they love it! Also, you can throw a ball around for the dog to fetch to ensure it gets some exercise.
Don’t allow your dog to walk on other lawns. Not only is this inconsiderate, but it may also present an invisible danger to your dog. You don’t know what kind of pesticides or fertilizers are present, and the poisons can attach to their paws. When they go to clean themselves, they will consume it and can become very sick. If your Doberman walks on one, be sure to wipe their feet with a clean, damp cloth.
Toys & Activities
If you allow your Doberman to play with a tennis ball, make sure you remove that tennis ball once it’s worn down enough to fit inside its mouth. The tennis ball can get stuck in their throat, or they could swallow it, which can result in a traumatic and unavoidable death.
Ensure all toys and play objects won’t have the potential to get stuck in their mouth or throat to ensure safety. This includes flimsy plastic items that can break into pieces.
Other Necessities to Avoid
Do not leave your Doberman outside. They don’t have a coat capable of handling extreme weather conditions. Even if you live in an area with a mild winter, it can shorten the life of your dog. Plus, leaving your Doberman outside will lead to an unhappy life for the dog. They love their owners and want to be in their shadows. You’ll be negating its need for affection and missing out on its special brand of love.
It’s wise to not abuse, mistreat or violently punish your Doberman; there are many reports of them turning on owners. There are very few dogs that are aware of disrespect from humans like Dobermans. If they know they’re loved and respected, they will be great guard dogs who return the sentiments with unconditional love. But if they know they’re experiencing abuse, they will attack their caretakers, which can end in severe injury and even death.
FAQ
Are Dobermans Protective Of Their Owners?
Yes, Dobermans are very protective of their owners. They love this kind of work, and that is how their existence came about. Dobermans take pride in providing guardianship of an owner against strangers and intruders.
Will A Doberman Attack An Intruder?
Yes, a well-trained Doberman will attack an intruder. They are quick, keen, and stealthy. Dobermans have the ability to react well before an unwelcome guest comes around your home or property.
Can An Untrained Doberman Protect You?
An untrained Doberman can protect you because it’s in their nature to do so. But without standardized training, it may be iffy. This is going to be more true for males than females because males tend to be more playful and friendly. So, if an intruder or attacker speaks nice to your untrained male, he might fail in its protective detail.
Can A Doberman Kill A Human?
Yes, Dobermans can kill people; it’s why police and the military use them in their work. Not only do they have a super strong bite, as mentioned earlier, they also have a scissor bite. This means that not only is there massive amounts of pressure, but their teeth are also precise and sharp. They can deliver a lot of damage in a short period of time.
Which Is A Better Guard Dog Doberman Or German Shepherd?
The answer for this is very much going to depend on you, your preferences, your purposes, and doing a bit of research on your own. Both dogs are near equal in their defense and guarding capabilities, so it’s difficult to say in short.
