When you are researching a certain dog breed, there are a few general things you will want to know: are they shedders? Do they have health issues? How much should you feed them? However, you may also want to know their behavior patterns! This can include things like whether they have a natural wariness of strangers and how they are with other pets. These dogs are considered loving and affectionate animals—if trained properly
The following article will explore the affection levels of Dobermans—a breed that is generally misunderstood as aggressive and dominant.
Do Dobermans Show Affection?
Although Dobermans are often seen as aggressive and standoffish, their behavior depends on the actions and training from their owners. Much like other dog breeds, their behavior can greatly rely on how their owners treat them and how they teach them to react to others.
They will show loyalty and affection towards their owners, and others they are used to. For example, if they are raised in a happy, calm, family environment with young children, it won’t be a situation that results in fear. Fear can lead to aggressive behaviors in dogs.
Do Dobermans Like to Cuddle?
Yes, in short, Dobermans are much like other dogs and do like to cuddle. In fact, they love affection from their owners and will ask for cuddles as much as any other pet. Unknown to many, they are loving and social dogs and will not want to be left alone for too long without human interaction.
Socializing with them regularly will get them used to affection and touch. The more they are used to specific reactions from their owners and others, the more they will understand that it’s not something to respond to negatively or with fear. If you constantly cuddle and show affection to your Doberman, they will seek it out.
Can Dobermans Be Aggressive?
Again, any dog breed will be aggressive if they have uneducated, unaware, or ill-prepared owners. Sometimes people become pet owners in negative or unplanned circumstances, and this is not always indicative of a bad person, but it can greatly impact a dog.
People teaching their dog to be aggressive will inevitably result in an aggressive dog. This includes owners who give them positive reinforcement for aggressive behaviors in social situations like greeting people, other dogs, people coming to the door (i.e., the mailman), and more. Some positive reinforcement can be as simple as not scolding them in these situations, or essentially doing nothing to teach them otherwise.
Conclusion
In conclusion, with the right upbringing, Dobermans certainly enjoy the occasional cuddle and are generally very affectionate dogs. Any dog breed can have certain behaviors like aggression around unfamiliar people or food, but most of these behaviors can be mitigated with good training. A good and knowledgeable pet owner can positively impact the way their dog reacts to social interactions, to your commands as their owner, and to ultimately stay safe. Your pet will mimic your behaviors towards them with you and other people.
Featured Image Credit: gemphoto, Shutterstock
