Are Dobermans Good With Other Dogs? How To Train Them?

Last Updated/Info Checked on October 19, 2023 by Scott

Their power is evident by the mix of hound looks and formidable musculature. Leaving rottweilers aside, are Dobermans good with other dogs considering just that?

Quick Answer: They are naturally aggressive towards other dogs that seem to threaten things or people they love because they are built for the kill, vigilant, highly adaptable to circumstances, and energetic.

However, when trained well, they couldn’t be lovey-dovey as any breed towards other dogs of your house or fraternity. Keep in mind that it’s not the best for first-time owners.

Do Dobermans go well with other dog breeds? Let’s Discuss

I’ve divided this article into two parts; i-e are Dobermans good with other dogs? And how to train Dobermans? Let’s get into the first part.

1. Doberman Is Built For The Kill 

Overall Score: ⅘ 

Maybe saying that is going too far but that’s not me, the breed itself says that.

Pointy ears, slender looks, a long muzzle supported by strong muscles, and hind legs that propel the dog forward with greater force are a few of the features that instill fear in the hearts of its enemy. 

2. Its Vigilance Is Commendable

Vigilance Score: 5/5 

Dobermans are vigilant dogs.

They have a natural tendency to alert you when strangers or strangers dogs are nearby.

The reaction to those is inevitable in a setting where it feels threatened. You may see your dog go berserk the moment it sees your friend’s new chihuahua.

While the latter is a menace packed in a small shell itself, Doberman may not take his presence well. 

However, the moment the two enter your house, everything seems to take place. Your dog is no longer agitated or angry at the other person or dog.

Such is the unpredictability of the dog outside but the coyness inside. 

That should be explained by its adaptability. 

3. Dobermans Are Highly Adaptable 

Adaptability score: ⅘ 

While all isn’t good with the breed in the surroundings of a threat, you could easily trust it when it comes to adaptability.

This is the trait of a dog that enables it to adapt to a certain change.

That change could be coexisting with a new buddy at home or a cat, for that matter, or starting loving a new little human that just arrived. 

You may wonder how a dog could have such a shift in its personality from being a killing machine to a loving bone.

Well, the answer lies in its very genes. 

Dobermans are vigilant because they are a guard breed but at the same time very profoundly fond of their family because that’s what it intrinsically protects. 

4. The Energy Silos Don’t Finish 

Energy Level: 5/5 

A breed’s tendency to not tire away is perfectly explained by this score.

Your Doberman has energy silos that don’t seem to end and you might have witnessed it yourself. 

There’s a downside to that.

The breed needs constant mental and physical stimulation to keep that energy flowing.

Build a dam to it, and you’ll see how the dog rips apart everything you hold dear to yourself. The sofas, vases, house plants, or your new dog/cat, ahem. 

A well-trained one would not do that, but it will certainly show one way or another that it needs a space to run around, jump, frolic like a horse, or just do stuff it deems right. 

And that takes us to its trainability levels. 

5. Dobermans Are Malleable Dogs 

Trainability score: 5/5 

Now that’s where you have an edge to teach your dog affection with other breeds or its own.

Dobermans receive training quite easily.

They are frankly eager to please their owner with all their affection to do what they ask them to do. 

It’s almost as if the dog is your son trying to make you proud by bringing in accolades. These dogs have a yearning to be called “good boys”. 

Therefore, during their puppyhood, you should invest not only your time but also money to get them trained well.

I have trained Doberman puppies before and they have been good boys all sessions long. 

Are Dobermans Aggressive? How Dangerous Can They Be?

How much of a threat do they really pose, and should we be anxious around them especially when we have other pets as well? Are they friendly?

Potential of Danger

Originating in the 1800s, the Doberman breed was meticulously developed for personal protection. Karl Doberman, a German tax collector, undertook a complex breeding project, drawing from various breeds like the German Shepherd, Rottweiler, and Greyhound.

The result was the Doberman, a determined protection dog. They have distinct features, including a lean build, incredible speed, predictable behavior, unwavering loyalty, and a habit of maintaining eye contact, which some might find intimidating.

Their bite, with 305 psi and precise scissor-like teeth, ranks as the fifth strongest in the dog world. While they don’t have a lockjaw grip, their rapid and forceful succession of bites can inflict significant harm. Additionally, some Dobermans weigh over 100 pounds, adding to their imposing presence.

However, the Dobermans’ temperament problems largely depend on their upbringing and training. Modern Dobermans have evolved into family-friendly companions, known for their loyalty and protective instincts.

They willingly put themselves at risk to safeguard their loved ones. Therefore, the level of concern they provoke is closely tied to their upbringing, socialization, and training.

How worried should we be when around Dobermans With Other Dogs? Doberman Temperament With Other Dogs

In essence, not very much. Rather than their breed, the Doberman behavior hinges on their nurturing and environment. Over recent years, Dobermans have transitioned from being assertive protection dogs to beloved family pets while retaining their protective instincts.

Ultimately, their temperament is shaped by the love, care, and socialization they receive during their formative years.

Statistics from a 13-year study on dog bite fatalities reveal that Dobermans do not hold the top spot. Another breed, accounting for over 65 percent of such incidents, claims that rather an unwelcome distinction.

While large dogs like Dobermans may seem potentially threatening, their true nature is primarily influenced by upbringing and training. It’s unwise to solely blame breeds, including the Doberman, for incidents involving dogs.

Instead, we should appreciate the considerable potential these magnificent animals possess when nurtured and trained with conscientious care and responsibility.

More in this video:

How To Train Dobermans to Get Along With Other Dogs? Are They Hard To Train?

This breed is intelligent and receptive to your training techniques if you treat them well. Below, I’ve shared some tips based on my personal experience that will help you train your Doberman the best way.

1. Positive Reinforcement Is A Must 

You may want to combine positive reinforcement with other techniques in case your dog is stubborn. 

Now, stubbornness may or may not be intrinsic to a breed.

Some dogs such as Tibetan Mastiffs may seem like couch potatoes that want to do nothing but lie down.

However, I have had a few bad experiences with couch potatoes who want to do nothing but that.

Getting them to sit, stand, fetch, or behave becomes a whole new challenge. 

So, your Doberman may or may not be stubborn. If it is, you could use shock collars (which are humane if used well after understanding them), treats, and prong collars (again very humane when used well). 

The same goes for its behavior with other dogs. 

2. Introduce Your Dog Early To Others 

How well a dog behaves with other breeds depends on how well it has been introduced to them.

I believe and suggest that owners hold frequent dog parties to make their puppies or adult dogs accustomed to having other breeds around.

First, you have to do that on the leash, only going further with greater freedom later when you all are confident there won’t be any dog apocalypse. 

FAQs

Sharing some common questions and answers about Dobermans’ behavior.

So, Are Dobermans Good With Other Dogs? Final Thoughts

As per DogTime, dog breeds that get along with other dogs include Australian Shepherds, Bloodhounds, Boston Terriers, Barbet, Beagles, Bull Terriers, French Bulldogs, Bichon Frise, Collies, Great Danes, Great Pyrenees, Dutch shepherds, Poodles, Staffies, Pointer, Pug, Rottweiler, English Setters, Blue Heelers, Newfoundland, that are good with other dogs.

On the other hand, the list of dog breeds that are not compatible with other dogs includes:
Akita, American Bulldog, Border Terrier, Bulldog, Chihuahua, Chow Chow, Doberman Pinscher, German Shepherd, Mastiff, Pomeranian, etc.

Dobermans are loyal, and alert, but also fearsome.

They could become unruly when you don’t provide adequate training or mental stimulation.

With 600 lbs of pressure bite power, their bad temper, and a loathness towards strangers posing as threats, they could easily harm another dog.

Therefore, before owning them, make sure you have adequate resources to train them to be good boys.

All of its negative traits change into positive outcomes when you do that because the dogs are also good boys.