Hi, I looked through the other discussion topics but none accurately summarize my dobie's issue so figured I start a new question. 10 months old, had him since he was 8 weeks. I decided to list "issues" because I didn't want to ramble:
1. totally different dog "out" than at home. At home he loves to bite, play, chase the four wheeler, bark, etc. When we go anywhere he is completely reserved, even timid. He doesn't shake or show signs of being nervous but just "well-behaved" as many people say. I'm not complaining about his obedience but how can I pull him out of his shell so to speak. We started Schutzhund training and he doesn't get excited or even interested with the group away from home but acts like he's ready to go at home.
2. When we play tug-o-war and let him win he looks like "How did I do that?" As a puppy my 6 year old Bichon female usually won.
3. He will not let you role him on his back, even as a puppy, he likes to lay on us, even laying on our neck when we are all on the floor, and leans on me alot, but shakes when my husband corrects him or sometimes even when he says "here".
4. Does bark at stuff outside
5. My husband is the Alpha dog in the house. LOL
My question is what do I do to help him gain confidence, I am ASSUMING that's his issue, or am I wrong? I want a protective dog and would like to start competing in Schutzhund but dont know if Samson's the right dog? Thanks

I grew up with my grandfather always having at least one dobe as the yard guard at his tree nursery. That and boarding some different ones. Helped friends with their dobes for a year. So this is personal (albeit limited ) experience.

1. the dobes I have known, raised or met were like this. Sort of a dobe characteristic to me. They are good with their family group....everyone else is unimportant. It isn't fear it is disinterest.

2. Bitches are like that? Part of his personality. Not necessarily a lack...I have very confident dogs that don't enjoy or get much from Tug. My entirely confident Rhodesian Ridgeback being one of them. My one, very guardy, bullmastiff wouldn't tug to save his life. His whoosy sister loved it.

3. Why are you rolling him? Forcing him to alpha roll is NOT productive and possibly damaging your relationship.
Leaning....all the dobes I knew loved to be touching you. I wouldn't read more into it.

4. Okay not sure of what this points to for you.

5. Okay ditto

If it were me I would go to a club meeting and see what others thought of your dog. Ask some folks you respect that have personally met him. Ask his breeder.

Your pup is a puppy still....so I wouldn't want a lot of show and protectiveness from him or he would likely be more than you want later. Also, at 10 months he is possibly in a fear stage when loads of new things are gonna be spooky to him.

Thanks, I kind of figured it was really his nature, just "whatever" because he doesn't look scared or nervous. Are there ways I can encourage his protectiveness of me or encourage him to be more protective of the house? And do I count Schutzhund out if he is so disinterested? Great information, Thanks