Dobermans are often labeled as aggressive dogs when they come face to face with strangers, but this is usually a form of distancing. Generally, Dobermans are not aggressive towards their owners, but they can be mildly aggressive towards other dogs and very aggressive towards strangers. They can tolerate physical punishment from their owners to a certain extent, but they may retaliate if they feel the punishment is too extreme. Contrary to popular belief, Dobermans are not as aggressive as some people think.
They may become agitated or irritable in certain situations, but most of the time they are not aggressive. In fact, Dobermans are known for their loyalty to their owners and their immediate family. Male Dobermans tend to be more tolerant than female Dobermans, making them better family pets. Dobermans like to interact with people for whom they feel affection or affinity.
Despite the stereotype of aggression, the AKC breed standard states that these canines should not show any signs of cruelty. If you punish your Doberman puppy for acting aggressively, it is likely that he will become more aggressive over time. Unfortunately, many older Doberman puppies and young adults end up in shelters and rescue centers because people cannot care for them properly. For more information on the Doberman Pinscher, see Everything Your Family Needs to Know About the Doberman Breed.
Dobermans are often stereotyped as an aggressive dog breed along with their fellow German shepherds and Rottweilers. They are known to show aggressive tendencies towards other dogs and strangers, although they are kind and very loyal to their owners. To prevent aggression in your Doberman, you must be willing to spend time training and socializing him. The Doberman club realized that the breed had earned a reputation for aggressiveness and decided to eliminate these aggressive tendencies.
The Doberman is second only to the Border Collie, the Poodle, the German Shepherd, the Golden Retriever and the Shetland Sheepdog in terms of intelligence. Like many other breeds, Dobermans can be initially reserved with people they don't know. If you're not sure how your Doberman will react in a situation, it is best to avoid him until you have a better idea of his behavior.If you socialize your Doberman at an early age, he will become more tolerant of people, animals, and situations.