Hey to all! We just got a 1 year old doberman who was neglected from his previous home. The breeder got him back and after careful consideration and evaluation, we found the dog to be great for us. We brought him home last night and he was fantastic! We took him to the beach all day today to socialize him and he was a dream. We got home in the early afternoon, and then the problems began;
He went at me with his teeth bared after I was petting him (never an issue before). I grabbed his jowl so fast and made it clear that this was unacceptable behaviour. I didin't think much of it since I figured he was testing and he was a suck afterwards. Problem was that he did it again another time just a few hours later when I was inspecting his feet (never a problem before - I tested him on it at the breeders place to make sure he was okay with everything we would have to do with him - food, nail trimming, grooming etc)

He has barked and growled at me twice now when he was in his crate down for a nap and he has gone at the cat out of the blue, who he was fine with yesterday and this morning, and bit the cat twice. Fortunately for the cat, all the dog got was some hair. We both knew this dog was going to be a handlful with obedience training but we tested and tried his temperment numerous times (as did the breeder) before we decided to take him since he displayed NO signs of aggression whatsoever. However, we;re now thinking it is because he was in a kennel and not a home that he was fine.

My husband is now not comfortable with the dog and honestly, neither am I. If the dog just tested once, that is one thing, but doing it again worries me. We have family and friends and children to consider. He is a great dog outside but inside a home, something just isn't right. His previous owners (because we don't know for sure what was done to him) must have started something to get this behaviour. We have no problem dealing with obedience and such but I REFUSE to deal with ANY sort of aggressie behaviour, no matter how minor.

I need some advice as I really love this dog, but we just can't take the risk. I feel really terrible having to take him back especially since the breeder felt we were best for him out of many who were trying to get him. I don't want to let the breeder down but it seems it is inevitable.

Any support or ideas would be very helpful. I just don't want to make a mistake as he is a great dog everywhere we thought we;d have problems with him, but where he has displayed no problems before, he now is.

Thanks in advance.

Please don't feel bad for considering taking this dog back. You have only had him for one day, and this is a big thing to take on. The dog does not know you as its owner, as it has not had sufficient time. I would advise you to do what your heart tells you to; you've got to think of others as well - particularly those that live with you, including the cat. I wouldn't think bad of you for returning the dog to the breeder; in fact I myself probably would. It would be different if this was your dog that you had had for a while, but he's not. Whatever you decide to do, good luck.

Your new dog may be expressing both fear and territorial aggression. He is in a new environment and may not be sure of himself. He doesn't know whether he is safe and where his territory actually begins and ends. Dogs often display fear aggression when taken to a boarding facility. They're ok outside of their kennel, but they may be very aggressive on their way in the kennel. This is because they've laid out a small safe zone inside the kennel and are protecting their territory.

I commend you for trying to learn more about why your dog is aggressive. My research shows that there are at least seven reasons why a dog may be aggressive. How we approach or react around a dog may trigger certain forms of aggressiveness.

Before you give up on your new family member, evaluate what might be going on in his head...from his perspective. Here's a short summary on dog aggression to get you thinking...

http://www.all-about-small-breed-dog...ggression.html

My thinking is that the dog may be too aggressive for you. I have serious issues with that, especially around children and the elderly. You have to think of family and friends first and the poor cat that was there first, also.
I wouldn't worry about letting the breeder down...Sometimes you just have to go with your gut instinct. Good luck!
Roxie Rae

is it aggression - or fear and insecurity?

The dog has had ZERO stability and may show behavior patterns that are somebody elses fault - and your oppertunity to really make a connection and earn the dogs respect and trust. Takes a little time - and some initial acceptance but gentle direction.
Start with gentle affirming voice - petting and praising. If you get a growl, a firm no - cease petting and praising - continue with the no till the growlin ceases. It may or may not be a good idea to back up or away - I won't back up so long as I see any sign of dominance - fear, yes - just a little. Think how you might feel if you wewre fearful and insecure - you might wana bite before you get bit - so to speak - let the dog know, you won't bite - so long as you don't get bit. I rather suspect this is a short term problem and more of an adjustment issue.

Dobies do much better with some serious time working on obidence, and it's fun to include some fun diversion time; - - mine always love tennis balls and frisbies. and "get the kitty" - (Kitty's fine and takes care of himself)

I've had 4 rescue Dobies - over 30 odd years - an admirable breed - but they are watch dogs - growling and snapping are meant for strangers. At the moment - your a stranger.

You have a good dog, give it some time and stability, you will sleep well and your family will be protected from suprises.