Hello,

I read online that dobermans are protective dogs and are good family pets. I was watching youtube videos, and this dog looked a bit frightening. It was growling and acting rambunctious. It was running around, and jumping up at the owner. It was also 'baring its teeth'. It was opening its mouth and moving its head around. On occasion it would do this and close its mouth / snap at the owner. I wasn't afraid of my last dog, who was protective and a great dog, but outside of him I'm afraid of dogs. However, he died and I want a dog in the future. Would a doberman be good for me? Or would it sense my fear of its 'play' and attack?

No stupid comments, and thanks for help!

Do not, under any circumstance, get a dog you're afraid of. If you're afraid of the dog, you won't be able to train it properly, and then its guard instincts and bred behavioral traits could become problematic - even dangerous.

This isn't to say that Dobermans aren't a wonderful breed and that they don't make amazing family pets. But no breed is right for every family or owner, and a Doberman demands a personality to match it. If you aren't 100% sure you have that personality, try another breed.

No, do not get a dog - especially a bully or guard breed - that you aren't able to control. You can't control what you're afraid of, because the dog - which will eventually get to the point where he is approximately as strong as you - will indeed be able to sense that she can dominate you. That behavior you were seeing was almost certainly not intended to be aggressive, but that it frightened you is a big red flag.

I 100% agree with lemikam, but I also wanted to add that that video you watched was not a playful doberman. The behavior you're describing is unnatural, aggressive behavior that stems from bad, irresponsible owners. Dobermans, with correct training, are extremely sweet and intelligent dogs, capable of playing safely with toddlers but also defending you and your home if there was ever a need to. pets question and answers,www.5d2d.com

These videos show a true dobbie :) http://www.youtube.com/user/cwdressen

A doberman would not be a great dog for beginners, they are vary protective, good family dogs but strong willed and stubborn, and powerful.
that dog on youtube is apparently not a good dog, do not base the breed off of that.
with breeds like these you have to be the calm, assertive pack leader. I don't think this breed would be the best for you.

If i were you, i would get a labrador.

Dobermans are great dog's but not for everyone. If your a "timid" dog owner, then no, a Dobe will not be good for you. They are loving and kind dogs who CAN be accepting of strangers and people, but they need a firm leader. If I were you I would stay away from any Dobermans, Rottweilers, or "bully breeds" (american pit bull terriers, am. staffs, bull terriers, american bullys, etc.) not because they are bad dogs, but they are stubborn and strong headed. pets question and answers,www.5d2d.com

For you I would suggest a Labrador or a Beagle (or similar breeds). These dogs tend to be better for a more "timid" owner and you can find many sweet Lab mixes and Beagle mixes in animal shelters. (:

If you want a protective dog they would be good dogs. The problem with them being to aggressive is their nature, but also they need to be trained to do the right thing right away so it doesn't become habit. Also you should get over the fear of dogs they can defiantly sense any kind of emotion so try to get more used to dogs maybe try getting a dog that's not as aggressive as a doberman and then work your way up if you know what I mean. Australian Shepperd's are protective dogs, but they are very great family dogs and live a long time.

Australian Shepperd & Fox Hound mix dog owner

i have a doberman. She is the nicest thing you'll ever meet. I also have a chihuahua....he will attack you on sight. A dog can be trained any way you want it to and all you have to do is put in the effort. If you get a doberman start training early and maintain your dominance as leader of the pack. If youre afraid then dont get one. Simple as that. But you shouldnt base your judgment on what you see as a vicious doberman. Dobies make excellent family dogs and are very intelligent. If you put the effort into a dog you can obtain an excellent pet, regardless of breed.