Biting Dog. Help.

[Karen]

You absolutely need to get some obedience training with this dog. Schedule a class as soon as possible. Right now she thinks she is in charge, and is protecting you, and the house, but she will be far less anxious and therefore less barky, once you get some training with her, and learn how to teach her "the rules."

Dobermans are naturally protective, but they are also VERY intelligent and will respond to GOOD, properly done training. Don't try to do this yourself, get you and she enrolled in a good class somewhere, as soon as possible.

Meanwhile, if there are going to be strange people over, take her for a long walk/run to tire her out ahead of time, and then keep her on a leash ad with YOU at all times.

[Printer]

Hey, Someone suggested something called Doberman Rescue.

Has anyone had any experience with anything like this? Or know anything about it?
How do they usually treat the dogs?

[Karen]

Doberman Rescue would be a great resource. If you need to rehome her, they would probably take her, but if you just need training, they can likely refer you to a good experienced person in your area.

http://www.dogsaver.org/doberman/ has a list of states that you can click for someone near you. "Doberman rescue" is not one specific organization, but it is a group of people across the country who have special expertise and love for this breed.

[Printer]

Thank you loads Karen!
A nice lady from a Doberman Rescue place called us back, She'll be picking up the dog tomorrow.
You were very helpful.

[Karen]

Okay! Glad I could help. Be sure to tell her about Pet Talk, and to keep us updated!

Dobermans can be fabulous dogs for the right people, but a full-grown Dobe is not easy for a newbie to take on!

[Giselle]

At least the dog will find another home...

Personally, I can tell you right off the bat that I never ever ever let anybody unfamiliar step over my dogs. At our office, some people bring their dogs and they will lay on the ground. I will never step over their dogs without asking. Stepping over a sleeping/laying dog is extremely threatening. I'm sorry your grandfather got bitten, but it sounds like there was severe and constant miscommunication between dog and humans.

Obviously, I love Dobermans with a fierce passion, but at least this girl will find another home where there is clearer communication and leadership.