Doberman Puppies and Young Kids

Buckaru

We have recently purchased a Doberman pup and i have a son of 22 months. IS there any tips for training the Doberman with the child that will help them grow together, I have had many dogs before but as this is my first child i don't want to make any mistakes. I am thrilled to have a dog for my son and a new family pet but a few do's and don'ts would be very helpful.

Cat Melodeon

I'm not a Doberman owner but my neighbour got a pup last year and I have to say, although I was a bit dubious at first, he is the most affectionate and slightly gormless dog I have ever come across. They do child-minding and there have never been any issues - the dog has been used to kids since he was 8 weeks old.

Things I would recommend (that they did and that we generally do):

Lots of supervised play is good - teach your child how to stroke the dog and don't tolerate any pinching or teasing. Kids do this as a matter of course - don't allow it. Equally, don't allow the pup to get into the habit of nipping.

Keep the child and the dog in separate rooms when you are not paying attention to them. Young children can be really mean and dogs don't know any better than to snap.

Get the dog neutered once he reaches the appropriate age.

Invest in some good obedience training - they are big energetic dogs and if not taught early and well, aggression can result. This is true for most dogs, but particularly for the restricted breeds, and Dobermans respond very well to training.

Muzzle the dog when your child has friends over. Just for their parents' peace of mind. Be aware that you'll have to muzzle and leash the dog when you're out in public too and that you'll have to ensure that the dog is always controlled by someone over 16. Teach you child about this so that he'll understand when he's older.

Good luck with it, enjoy the new arrivals. Every child should have a dog!

TooManyDogs

I agree with the above poster.

I would add never let the dog think your son is his baby, it's one of the biggest mistakes people can make. People let their dog 'mind' the baby and think it's great that the dogs thinks the baby is his but then when the baby is a toddler the dog corrects 'his' baby when he thinks the baby is mis-behaving or getting into danger. And dogs correct by snapping or nipping, which equals disaster.

My dogs are fully aware that if anyone needs to correct/nip/bite the baby I'll do it myself They know I'm the bosslady, the baby is mine and they all come under her. But like the previous poster said I never leave them in a room alone together so they never have to deal with a situation of having to correct the baby.

Totally agree that every child needs a dog.... but in my case my baby got 6!!!!

Buckaru

thanks a mil the comments really help and set your mind at ease a bit. The basics i think all parents know about dogs and kids alone together but always good to be reassured that there are many people out there with puppy's living happily with the whole family. I am going to enjoy watching the two of them grow as friends as every child deserves a best friend in a pet.

andreac

Cat Melodeon wrote: »

I'm not a Doberman owner but my neighbour got a pup last year and I have to say, although I was a bit dubious at first, he is the most affectionate and slightly gormless dog I have ever come across. They do child-minding and there have never been any issues - the dog has been used to kids since he was 8 weeks old.

Things I would recommend (that they did and that we generally do):

Lots of supervised play is good - teach your child how to stroke the dog and don't tolerate any pinching or teasing. Kids do this as a matter of course - don't allow it. Equally, don't allow the pup to get into the habit of nipping.

Keep the child and the dog in separate rooms when you are not paying attention to them. Young children can be really mean and dogs don't know any better than to snap.

Get the dog neutered once he reaches the appropriate age.

Invest in some good obedience training - they are big energetic dogs and if not taught early and well, aggression can result. This is true for most dogs, but particularly for the restricted breeds, and Dobermans respond very well to training.

Muzzle the dog when your child has friends over. Just for their parents' peace of mind. Be aware that you'll have to muzzle and leash the dog when you're out in public too and that you'll have to ensure that the dog is always controlled by someone over 16. Teach you child about this so that he'll understand when he's older.

Good luck with it, enjoy the new arrivals. Every child should have a dog!

Sorry i dont agree with the highlighted bit at all. Any dog can because aggressive and why should it differ for the dogs on that list?

The dogs on the list are no different from any other breed when it comes to aggression, so please be very careful how you word things and unless you have proof that this is true, please refrain from posting such information.

Cat Melodeon

andreac wrote: »

Sorry i dont agree with the highlighted bit at all. Any dog can because aggressive and why should it differ for the dogs on that list?

The dogs on the list are no different from any other breed when it comes to aggression, so please be very careful how you word things and unless you have proof that this is true, please refrain from posting such information.

It is true for the most part in that aggression in big dogs is more potentially damaging than aggression in smaller dogs, in terms of the speed and extent to which injuries could occur to a small child. Restricted breeds are some of the bigger/heavier dogs out there and so qualify for my statement. As I said, all dogs have potential to hurt small children. I am in no way demonising certain breeds and believe I worded my post carefully enough thank you. If you have further advice for the OP, fire ahead, no need to derail the thread. You can pm me with further corrections and lectures if you wish.

andreac

Cat Melodeon wrote: »

It is true for the most part in that aggression in big dogs is more potentially damaging than aggression in smaller dogs, in terms of the speed and extent to which injuries could occur to a small child. Restricted breeds are some of the bigger/heavier dogs out there and so qualify for my statement. As I said, all dogs have potential to hurt small children. I am in no way demonising certain breeds and believe I worded my post carefully enough thank you. If you have further advice for the OP, fire ahead, no need to derail the thread. You can pm me with further corrections and lectures if you wish.

Sorry, but you didnt say that. You said they are more likely to be aggressive because of their breed, not to do with strength or size as you have just mentioned now.
There are loads of other breeds much bigger and stronger than the breeds on the list which could cause more damage than restricted breeds so you absolutely cannot target those breeds on the list and single them out.

I own 2 of these dogs, rottweilers so i know exactly what i am talking about.

I would never single out a dog because of its breed and this is why these ridiculous lists are made up because of ill informed people who have no clue about dogs and believe all the hysteria about certain breeds of dogs.:rolleyes:

Back to the OP, all dogs needs training and socialisation is a big thing. I would make sure your dog goes to classes as soon as its old enough. The younger you start it the better.

Cat Melodeon

Cat Melodeon wrote: »

.

Invest in some good obedience training - they are big energetic dogs and if not taught early and well, aggression can result. This is true for most dogs, but particularly for the restricted breeds, and Dobermans respond very well to training.

Please read again.
I am saying that the restricted breeds in particular are big and energetic, not that they are particularly aggressive. Your hypersensitivity is clouding your reading ability and you are making an issue out of something that isn't there. I am not going to retract it, nor do I feel the need to reword it. I have explained and clarified more than enough. As I said, please pm me if you really feel the need to derail the thread further.

andreac

No you arent saying that, i suggest you read what you posted.

they are big energetic dogs and if not taught early and well, aggression can result. This is true for most dogs, but particularly for the restricted breeds,

You said if they are not trained and taught, aggression can result, and in particular for restricted breeds.
I can read, and i have done, you are the one saying that the breeds on the list in particular can become aggressive if they are not trained, but that goes for any dog, not more for restricted breeds as you have stated.

seamus

Discussion on restricted breeds is over. It's been had time and again. andreac, he has made the offer to PM him if you wish to debate. Take him up on it if you wish to do so.

daenerysstormborn3

My advice on any dog with any child would be do not leave them unsupervised for even a minute. I know this may seem extreme and I'm sure there are cases of dogs being oh so gentle with kids etc but a baby/toddler/child will not understand that if you poke the dog in the eye 5 times it might snap or bite you. Be very very careful.

And like other posters have said be very careful not to let the dog think your child is his/her pup. This could result in aggressive possessive behaviour.

Buckaru

Thanks everyone, its been bit hard last few days the pup seems to be scaring the life out of my son even though the pups just being friendly, is there any good ways to let him know that he isnt a threat but his new pet. Sad to say that if my son doesnt take to the pup in the next few weeks i might have to sell her and i would be heartbroken as she is a beautiful natured dog. Any ideas???

andreac

Hold on, your child is a baby, not even 2, how do expect a child so young to understand and take to a dog at his age

Give the dog a chance to settle in plus give your child a chance to get used to the dog. This takes time, patience and training which happens over months, not days or weeks.

I dont understand why people would get a dog then just sell it on over something so trivial:(
Pups take time to be trained, same as children, it doesnt happen over night.

You need to organise to go to training classes and get advice from a dog trainer on how best to get your child to interact with the dog.
Has your child been around dogs before? If not this is all new to him and he needs to be gradually introduced to the dog at his own pace.
Maybe make sure the dog isnt allowed to jump on your child, lick etc as your little fella probably doesnt understand whats going on.

Buckaru

thanks i can understand where your coming from, my child is 2 in a month so we were hoping that it would be time for a new addition. I agree that it takes time and training for both the dog and my child to get used to each other. I have looked into training for the dog and have every intention of doing it in the next few weeks. As i work and my partner stays at home with the child and dog i say he is finding it hard to control the two. When i get home i plan on trying to get them used to each other in a way that neither feel threatened. As the dog is only a pup i can understand he will be excited and i hope it doesn't come to her leaving.

andreac

People really need to consider taking a dog very thoroughly before getting one. Did the breeder enquire about your circumstances ebfore selling you the dog?
Is the pup still only 2/3 months old?

You need to set a routine for the dog which will help in a big way. Maybe play with the pup before you go to work to tire it out. Get a crate that the pup can go into during the day and have a rest and its own time away in a safe place away from the child.

All i can say, is if, and it should only be a very last resort and i cant see why you cant keep the dog as this is not a big problem, that you must return this dog to the breeder before even considering anything.

Hopefully the breeder you got the dog from is a responsible one so will have no problem taking it back, actually, most insist on you returning the dog to them.

Buckaru

Unfortunately we got the dog from a very young couple who had to move and couldnt keep her, she is now 12 weeks so there is no returning her . But i will do my best to work with her and train her so that we have a happy ending.

andreac

Buckaru wrote: »

Unfortunately we got the dog from a very young couple who had to move and couldnt keep her, she is now 12 weeks so there is no returning her . But i will do my best to work with her and train her so that we have a happy ending.

Really? So this couple got a pup, then they move so couldnt keep the dog?? I have to say, the reasons i hear for people selling dogs is getting worse.

This is not aimed at you, but the amount of people emigrating etc and selling their dogs is unreal and i dont believe half of it:rolleyes:

Why would they get a pup then give it away 3/4 weeks later, surely they would have known they had to move so why get a dog in the first place??
This kind of stuff really gets to me as i hear these stories everyday. People seem to be able to buy a dog at the drop of a hat and move it on just as quick:(

Buckaru

I completely agree with you and from what i say and heard from them the pup is better off now, they had bought two pups one Dobe and one GSD and sadly both pups who had been together last few weeks had to seperate as they wanted a quick sell for the money.

andreac

Buckaru wrote: »

I completely agree with you and from what i say and heard from them the pup is better off now, they had bought two pups one Dobe and one GSD and sadly both pups who had been together last few weeks had to seperate as they wanted a quick sell for the money.

God thats awful, i really wonder about people sometimes:mad:

cjf

I have a dobie fella who I got a 6 months from a situation similar to yours they had kids, got pup, pup got big (cause its a doberman!!) they didnt want the dog, got rid of the dog and I adopted him at 6 months with little or no training and getting bigger by the day!!

One thing that you will really need to teach your doberman is how to be on his own in the house. It sounds easy but it goes against everything in this dogs nature to be away from his 'people'. If you can work with your doberman so he is happy sitting on the other side of a baby gate while you and your child are on the other side than things will be a whole lot easier for you in the long run. If other kids come over he can sit on the other side of the baby gate and while he will still feel involved and can watch there is no danger of him knocking over a child or scaring a child.

Puppy will also need to learn boundaries (mine has none!) they will want to sit on your lap, legs, face, arms anywhere they can to be close to you and when your pup gets bigger this wont be so comfortable for anyone involved.

It all comes back to the drive that they have to be with their people and you have to put in the training to teach them about the correct way to be with you. Mine will still cry at the bathroom door when im in the shower as he thinks I have a secret escape hatch in the bathroom and Im going to run away! You have to put all this training into practice now while she is small because its a whole different ball game when they are 40 kilos and trying to wrestle you for a kiss. Good luck with her I hope it works out but if not please dont just sell her on if you PM me I can give you some options of rescue organisations who can help you find the best possible home for her.

TooManyDogs

As regards your child being afraid of the pup could you put in a baby gate downstairs? So your child can see the pup but the pup can't jump all over him? It might be that your son could watch the pup and see him playing and being hyper, they could even touch each other through the gate but it gives your son the distance he needs to feel safe about the new addition. Then when the pup has worn herself out you could bring your son in to see her at a closer distance. If your pup can see your son through the baby gate then he shouldn't be such a novelty if he does come into see her when she's tired out.

Buckaru

Thanks for the advice it is great to get feedback on these things as i want to do my best to get them used to each other, i received a call from my partner saying that he brought the pup and my son for a walk and that it went really we they both had a great time and seemed to bond a little so i am delighted.:):):):):)

LucyBliss

Buckaru wrote: »

Thanks for the advice it is great to get feedback on these things as i want to do my best to get them used to each other, i received a call from my partner saying that he brought the pup and my son for a walk and that it went really we they both had a great time and seemed to bond a little so i am delighted.:):):):):)

A walk is a great idea. It's really amazing how a dog and person can gel so quickly on walks and the regular walks will help the pup and your son get better in sync. It's also going to tire them both out at the same time, which always helps!
I know that some people can get very irked when you dare suggest that having a dog can be similar to raising a child but sometimes when you look at the boundless energy and penchant for mischief that a pup and a small child can have, there's really not much between them! And your partner has one of each at home with him. I hope you're all able to get a routine going that benefits everyone because it will really be so great for your son to have a dog around him as he grows up.

McNulty32

I can confirm that Im the guy that has taken this doggie under my wing:D

The dog is a dream, I have really fell in love with her, she's really pretty, affectionate, loyal, energetic, playful and well mannered.

Situation was, pair of kids had number of dogs, all the 'dangerous kind' and were being kicked out of their house, so needed the dogs sold asap
Ive always had thing for Dobermans and the price was a steal(not my mian motivation for having the dog), pure bred, parents show winning dogs, I have the papers
So I felt I was doing them and the dog a favour taking it

Ive always kept dogs, grew up with different kinds but with the missus having the baby, I knew Id have no time for a pooch, and have waited till I thought my son was old enough for a dog to join the family. and I thought the time was now.

The dog is fantastic, shes near house trained, knows basic commands already, very gentle and friendly.
Although being the breed she is and a pup, she doesnt llike being on her own, so wont sit in a room too long on her own without screaming the house down, wont go out the backgarden without a fight, so is constantly sitting at my side cuddling in, which I like and have no problem with.

When she goes for a walk she is very well behaved, no pulling, but when comes across other people or dogs goes bannanas, you can really see then how they get their rep, Im going to work on this big time.

Problems not the dog, its my son, he is mature enough for his age, and is a very hardy tough child.
But is absolutely terrified of the dog, which is strange since he has been around dogs, like the ones in my parents when he stays there, so I didnt think think their be an issue

But this pup he is absolutely petrified of, he will stay in the one room hiding so the dog cant see him, the dog will will run up and lick him and be real affectionate to him, but I think my son see's this as him threatening him or attacking him and runs away, and jumps out his skin anytime the dog moves
He is not himself lately since the dog moved in

Im going to work hard to get him to adjust to the dog being there, because the dog loves him and only wants to play with him and look after him.
Can really she where the protective bond comes into it, when I take the dog out for a walk with my son walking or in his pram, the Doggy wont let anyone even look at my son.

Ill do my best, but at end of the day, son comes first,

But things are getting better, my son can walk into kitchen were dog does be and the dog doesnt get excited, which puts my son at ease,
And the dog is starting to realise that fast movemente scare my son, when really it shoudl other way round

Its like Im training my son and not the dog lol

Things are on the up, we'll get there eventually

She is a beutiful dog and Ive bonded with her big time, so she wont be going anywhere

Buckaru

Glad to see your coping at home hun see yah later:)