My Doberman and I: A Challenge Called Aggression
As the proud owner of a Doberman named Ben, who can usually be as charming as a gentleman, I have to speak candidly about a challenge we face: Ben’s aggression towards other dogs. An issue that causes us some problems and leaves us wondering how to deal with such a loving but often overprotective four-legged friend.
Ben, our proud Doberman, is basically a good-hearted guy. He has a twinkle in his eye and a personality that most people love. But when it comes to other dogs, he sometimes becomes a fury. At the sight of a fellow dog, his ears stand up, the hair on the back of his neck stands on end and a deep growl escapes his throat. A spectacle that sometimes makes even me, the self-confident owner, break out in a cold sweat.
The first few times I dismissed it as normal territorial behavior. After all, Dobermans are known for protecting their family. But when Ben’s aggression towards other dogs became the norm, I was faced with a dilemma. The daily walk became a gauntlet and the thought of a leisurely day at the dog park a nightmare.
To my relief, I found comfort and advice in the company of other dog owners who had similar problems. Sharing experiences helped me to understand that I wasn’t the only one and that there were ways to deal with Ben’s behavior. One of the most important pieces of advice was to seek professional help in the form of dog training.
I decided to seek out an experienced dog trainer who specialized in behavioral problems. Together with Ben, we attended training sessions that were specifically tailored to his needs. The trainer helped me to understand the causes of Ben’s aggression and showed us how to react to it.
Another important step was to slowly introduce Ben to the company of other dogs. The trainer helped us to create positive encounters and improve Ben’s social behavior. This was no easy task and required patience and perseverance. But the progress was noticeable and I saw how Ben slowly reduced his aggression.
Consistently applying the techniques we had learned in everyday life also played an important role. We adapted our walks, avoided overstimulation and gave Ben clear signals about how he should behave around other dogs. Clear communication and setting clear boundaries helped us to rebuild trust between us and Ben.
Today I can proudly say that Ben is no longer a raging volcano when he meets other dogs. The progress was not visible overnight, but the time and effort invested have paid off. My Doberman is now more relaxed and open to the company of other dogs, and walks have become a pleasant routine.
My experience with an aggressive Doberman has taught me that even the most difficult behavioral problems can be managed with the right approach. The support of professionals, patience and love for my four-legged friend were crucial to our success. So if you are struggling with a similar problem, I encourage you not to give up and seek professional help. Your dog and the experiences you share are worth it!
