Dobermans are very intelligent animals.
This intelligence combined with their natural instincts can lead to aggressive behavior if they are not properly trained.
Training your Doberman puppy from the time he first arrives in your home is essential to having a well behaved dog.
A trained dog is calm and controlled in any situation.
There are many reasons why a dog becomes aggressive.
Dobermans are natural guard dogs.
They tend to show aggression toward strangers and other dogs.
They also may become aggressive when fearful, in pain or when eating.
The best way to deal with aggression is before the aggression begins.
The following tips will be of help in raising a less aggressive dog.
Early Training Begin to train your Doberman the minute you bring him home.
This is one of the best ways to prevent your Doberman from becoming aggressive.
Take command early.
Showing your dog that you are the leader of the pack is a good first step.
This is known as alpha dog training.
While useful with any breed, it is essential in training larger dogs.
Obedience training is also helpful in establishing your role as leader of your pack.
Neutering A male Doberman who is not neutered has a tendency to be extremely aggressive with other dogs.
Neutering your Doberman will help reduce and even eliminate this aggressive behavior.
It may help prevent some medical problems as your puppy reaches adulthood.
Socialization One of the best ways to help stem aggression in your Doberman is to socialize him early.
Each family member should hold and pet your new puppy.
Get him used to different people while he is young and eager for attention.
Taking him to new places and introducing him to new people will help to build his confidence in dealing with new situations.
The end result is that he will be less anxious or fearful.
The more comfortable and confident your Doberman is, the less likely he will be to react unpredictably when faced with the unfamiliar.
Reward Calm Behavior If you want your Doberman to be calm, reward him for calm behavior.
This is the best way to get the message across that this is the behavior you expect.
When your Doberman accepts the leash or a new situation calmly, make sure he knows that you are pleased with the way he is behaving.
Dobermans, like other dogs, want to please.
Knowing they are doing the right thing will encourage them to respond in a like manner more often to get your approval.
Pain Aggression If your dog has been well trained and has shown every indication of being calm and non aggressive but suddenly, for no apparent reason, begins growling or snapping when people come near there may be a medical problem that needs professional attention.
Have your vet thoroughly examine him to see if there is a problem that is causing him pain.
If there is, get it treated immediately.
Usually, when the pain ends, the aggression will stop.
Teaching your dog firmly but lovingly from the first day forward will help to prevent aggressive tendencies.