If they’re not “properly trained”, they tend to express their high energy in goofy ways, like jumping on people or unpleasant ways such as chewing furniture and socks.
Most novice owners who have no idea what they’re doing wind up up okay, anyway, because the dogs are smart enough to adjust for our stupidity.
To the first part of your question, they are exactly like that.
The Dobe who patiently allows his little mistress to paint his nails and put Elsa costumes on him will also put a serious hurt on anyone who tries to harm her.
Could you ask for a better babysitter for *your* precious child?
When I was a kid, only my Dobes kept the pedo uncle away from me, while my parents did nothing.
The first one was not “properly trained” but he intuited my needs.
They excel at that, which is one of the top reasons I adore them.
Case in point, I trained Odin to be a support dog for my physical balance issues.
Seven, I have not.
*But*, one day, after having taken her to all the ‘toy stores’, I took her into a dog-friendly used book store with me.
She patiently sat and yawned while I spent an hour hanging sideways, reading the titles on the shelves.
But then, when I tried to straighten myself vertical again, my traitorous nerves sent me plummeting toward the floor.
Imagine my shock when my fall was broken, as she leaped to my side and shoved herself against me, giving me a grab-hold to keep myself upright.
She did exactly what Odin was *taught* to do, and I had *nothing to do with it*.
She somehow *knew* what she had to do.
How, I have no idea.
But that is part of the wonder that is a Dobe.
And mine are not especially unique in that respect.
They *all* act like that, to some degree.
If I had to guess, I would say that the Beauceron herding dog influence has something to do with it.
42 U.S. dog bite-related fatalities occurred in 2014. Despite being regulated in Military Housing areas and over 700 U.S. cities, pit bulls contributed to 64% (27) of these deaths. Pit bulls make up about 6% of the total U.S. dog population.
Together, pit bulls (27) and rottweilers (4), the second most lethal dog breed, accounted for 74% of the total recorded deaths in 2014. This same combination also accounted for 74% of all fatal attacks during the 10-year period of 2005 to 2014.
http://www.dogsbite.org/dog-bite-statistics-study-dog-attacks-and-maimings-merritt-clifton.php
Clever Girl.
“We still need this one to feed us until the day dobrrmans unite around the world. I’ll rescue her, this time.” —Seven
When Dobermans do take over the world, we’ll be doomed. Doomed. :-)
Either she observed Odhinn in action, or he’s giving her some pointers.
“Oh, and if you REALLY want to blow Boss Lady’s mind, do X, Y and Z. If she feeds you steak, we split it. Got it, Seven?”