I have a few questions concerning what is "normal" temperment in a Dobe pup. I am adopting an 11 week old male pup and during the introductions we carefully introduced my 15 month old male GSD to him. My GSD is a little big at 28.5 in height and 105lbs so I could see where a little guy might get intimidated initially. My GSD was very non-chalant about the whole thing, he walked up to him to get a sniff and the pup squeeled, snarled, and then nipped at his nose. It was like he thought that he was having to defend himself, at no time did my GSD show any aggression, in fact it was like he just walked off to check other things out & whatever. About 15 minutes later he did walk up to the pup to see his squeeky toy, they met noses, and then the GSD very gently took the toy out of the pup's mouth and walked off with it. The pup made no further fuss really, just tilted his little head as if to say "hey! you took my toy!" He looked at the GSD, then me, then my wife. Anyway, my question here is this, I was sort of suprised to see this level of defensive reaction from a young pup. Would anyone have any specific advice as to if this is "normal" for a Doberman pup of that age?

How would you feel if I walked up to you and snatched the beer you just opened out of your hand? <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

Hi Kevin, the reaction you saw was fear (more defense than aggression). Fortunately your GSD reacted perfectly! Your Dobe pup was "allowed" his "moment" without retribution. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" /> I wouldn't call it a normal or abnormal temperament trait of a Dobermann, but a normal trait of any young pup at that age who may not have the proper socializing and confidence building. It sounds like the whole situation was handled correctly and they should work things out in no time. I would highly recommend that you begin socializing your new pup to all dogs! Dobes are notoriously "not the most dog friendly" of breeds! :rolleyes: Get him involved in a puppy class ASAP, where socializing is encouraged. Dog Daycare is also great for practicing his social skills.
Good luck! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />
Tammy

Thanks Tammy,
I will get him out and about as much as possible. The wife and I had already discussed this need to take him out for long walks with Luke so that he can get a better feel for what is threatening, and what is not. Luke is pretty laid back, his nerves are really solid and he is not likely to over react. I am hoping that Jack, the pup, will learn alot from seeing how Luke deals with things. I am going to try to ease Luke's influence with regards to the handling of my 5 year old though. Luke is just a little overboard in his protection of her, but he is still young too so with some work on that he ought to mellow out slightly. They are together anytime that she is not in school, and he is at the point where chasing games with other kids are allowed, as long as "she" is doing the chasing, once it reverses and she is the one "being chased" then he sort of loses reason a bit. He gets pretty upset so I make sure that I have a handle on him, he won't bite, but he will bump the chasing child, which is not too nice if you are a 50 lb child being "bumped" by a brute that is 2 times your wieght. He seems to be learning though, vigilance is good, but getting "involved" in EVERYTHING gets him into trouble. Just a little.