Dobermans

[Baggers]

Had Bull Terriers, English Staffies and now own a beautiful family loving large male American Staffy. Wouldn't have another breed - absolutely love the bully breeds but I understand the power they have, and the amount of damage they can inflict in a very short amount of time.

Only my current one did i ever have any sort of concern with. He showed me as a pup signs of dog aggression and dominance which I quickly knew needed to be attended to. I called the breeder and I was advised to take him to a specialised dog training company called 'Alpha Dog Training'. They took him full time to their premises for extensive training for 4 weeks - wasn't cheap but considering I had youngish children at the time, it was the best money i could have spent. He returned a stable calm loving and obedient dog and is now 5 years old and is exactly the same. We were educated by professionals on what to look for and how to deal with situations. They key is constant training so the animal is very clear on his position as last in the household. 

Having the animal understand he is last in the peeking order is vital with any powerful breed. Any large breed requires time, attention, strict training and ALWAYS constant attention where near young kids and/or any person or animal outside their pack. I don't care whether its a Doberman, German Shepherd, Rottie, whatever - none are worth taking a risk with a small child or infant and any responsible owner knows this.

My dog scares the crap out of anyone that doesn't know him (and even some that do) - however he is a wonderful companion, protector and friend of my direct family including my children who adore him BUT we are very responsible owners and always use caution even when we are 99.9% sure he can be trusted.

Lots of things in life are dangerous in the wrong hands - Powerful breeds are no different. If you don't want to professionally train if needed, not allow the animal to spend any time with infants or very young children (if not part of his pack), as well as strict supervision of the dog with young children even if in his pack....then get an alarm system and forget any of the powerful or large breeds.

Exactamondo. Good stuff, Shawny. Our Dobes and the Ridgey always knew they were last in the pecking order, this was established from the get-go. And if you let up for a while they'll test you, and it really is just so the hierarchy is clear. Dogs love clear boundaries.

My nephew has an American Staffy, thoroughly trained and just a brilliant dog. He's got a 3yo and newborn and the critter is totally trustworthy... but that is only due to that proper and thorough training - imperative for large breeds and the only responsible thing to do.