Can A Dobermann Be Part Of A Growing Family?

Sensible Advice For People With Large Dogs and Children

Do not allow the child, however small, to tease the dog either physically or verbally. A shrieking child who also leaps incessantly beside a nervous puppy may drive him to snap out in fear, as quickly at the child who grabs its ears or sits on it. If a child is persistent, remove him or her and do not even once allow him or her to continue this tormenting behaviour.

Do not allow small children to pick up or carry a puppy - like babies they are afraid of falling and they are not toys. Puppies will often squirm and fight to free themselves, and if they fall they may break a leg. Veterinary bills are not cheap and it's wise to insure your new addition for vet and 3rd party public liability. If panicked a pup may even bite. Remember, in this case, it is not the puppy's fault but yours, for allowing the situation to progress to the point where the puppy can no longer cope with it. Encourage the child to get down on the puppy's level [the floor] for fun and games. They can play all they like without either one getting hurt and the pup is free to move away when he or she has had enough. A child may not realise the fact that they have inadvertently cornered the pup and set in motion a series of instinctive behaviour mechanisms.

Dogs And Children - Dobermann Dogs Can Make Great Family Pets

Do not expect a pup to absorb endless punishment in the form of constant noise or teasing. It will learn to defend itself unless there is some place to go such as a crate, bed, corner or run where the dog can go when it does not want to be disturbed. Make certain that everyone understands that the puppy is not to be disturbed once it has sought sanctuary, and make sure it is not. The pup will return in its own time.

Do not leave your dog unattended in the garden or house with small children, no matter how trustworthy you may think your dog is. Although dobies enjoy children more so than many breeds, they are not a miracle dog and must be treated the same as any other large dog when around children. A dog may not mean to hurt a child yet it usually seems to turn out the other way.

Do not buy a dog until you have a fence for it outside where he can be safe from:

  • Kicks [accidental or otherwise]
  • Teasing by small children
  • Dog thieves
  • Stray dogs
  • Mishaps on the road

Dogs that are tired become defensive, bored and irritably aggressive. A fence is convenient, durable and safe.

Advice For Families With Dogs And Children - Doberman Dogs Can Make Great Family Pets

Enlist in the help of your child when training the dog. It should increase their sense of self importance, their concern and knowledge of animal behaviour. For example, if the puppy wakes up, take it outside right away so there are no mistakes in the house.

Do insist that neighbourhood children who come to play abide by the same rules that you expect of your own. We don't hit the puppy with sticks. Throw the stick for him instead. Look how happy he is now! I think he likes you. If Kevin delivers a sly kick instead, stop him.

Do teach the dog to sit before he is given food or a treat, and to wait for an ok to take it. The dobermann pup will grow quicker than your toddler. If the sit-stay becomes automatic, you will find him or her sitting before a baby with food, hoping but never touching. Parents of visiting children are less than understanding when your enthusiastic pup grabs for a biscuit and their child goes tumbling. Many fears of dogs are traced back to just such an incident.

Children will not only remember that it was a large dog but a dobermann. Never, ever allow a child to take the pup's food or bone as this could create a problem later when the pup has grown to adulthood.

Do give your Dobermann simple obedience training so that it will be spared a random scolding and confusion - DOWN and SIT are pleasant commands to a pup if they are rewarded with a brushing or a tummy rub by the younger members of the family.

Don't expect the dog to be patient with your child unless you have taught him to be, he will learn not to defend himself, if he realises that you consistently rescue him before he gets hurt. Of course you must teach the small child to be patient with the dog. Don't reinforce his fears if he inadvertently takes a tumble by telling him what a big, mean, naughty dog that is. Be matter of fact, pick him up, praise his bravery and say 'There now, help me teach Taz to be more gentle'. Help the child learn to cope with the situation, reinforce his confidence with small things that he can handle and be there to handle a situation that proves to be more than he can control.

Advice For A Family With Dogs And Children - Doberman Dogs Can Make Great Family Pets

Do not expose an innocent passer-by to your dog's protective tendencies. Do not leave your dobermann and your small child outside a store and expect them to take care of each other. Some well intentioned stranger may be bitten. Even though your dog may do exactly what you wish him to do under different circumstances, he will be the one put down while you face an expensive lawsuit. Never assume that the public understands dog behaviour. The fool who puts his hands inside your car or the boy who pokes at the dog through the fence, obviously do not, but you may end up paying the bills.

Do increase your child’s sense of responsibility and pride of achievement by letting him help as much as possible. Do not expect the child to know what to do. Guide and encourage - 'Here is Taz's dish, Billy, tell him to come. That's it now tell him to sit' [you help Taz sit]. The dog is just learning that he must also obey Billy too. Good now you put the dish down. Tell him ok. There see how nicely he obeyed you! Billy will leave with the distinct impression that he is the worlds smartest dog trainer and that his dog is the smartest dog on the block!

Dobermann Welfare Association
dogs@dobermannwelfare.org.uk
Registered Office: 28 Abingdon Close, Hillingdon, Middlesex UB10 0BU
Registered in England No: 04043120