Doberman pinschers are medium-sized, sturdy dogs with short coats and muscular bodies. Many people fear them because they are trained as guard dogs, personal protection dogs, or military dogs (and perhaps for their looks). However,ย Dobermans also make excellent therapy dogs and family pets. They enjoy people’s company and a Doberman puppy is loyal and affectionate. Like any dog breed, Dobermans do best if treated well and trained well. And in many cases, they can get along with cats.
But before diving into the hows, let’s talk about Doberman dogs and their unique traits.
Doberman dog temperament
From the moment you bring a Doberman Pinscher puppy into your life, they bond with you immediately. The bonding process is made easy by the instinct for companionship that this large breed of dog is born with. Nothing is better on a cold night than a 100-pound Doberman snuggling up against you for warmth. Once an attachment has formed, this dog will follow you everywhere and insist on always being by your side.
Dobermans can be obedient, with proper socialization
According to the American Kennel Club, Dobermans are “affectionate, obedient, and loyal with dog owners and proper socialization.” Raymond Gudas and Betsy Sikora Siino, authors of “Doberman Pinschers,” note that Dobermans enjoy being part of a family, and don’t do well if left alone for long periods.
They thrive on affection and attention as members of a family that includes people of all ages and other dogs as well. Early socialization of Doberman puppies from an early age will accustom them to interacting with children and other pets, like your feline friend. This will ensure proper behavior in public as well.
Doberman dogs need daily exercise
Dobermans are energetic dogs with a lot of energy and stamina. They need plenty of exercise in the form of daily walks and playtime. They will enjoy regular games of fetch or frisbee with children and have the stamina to run alongside a bicycle or skateboard, or to accompany family members on jogs and hikes, though they should be properly leashed and used to positive reinforcement.
Dobermans can be headstrong and stubborn
Doberman dogs should be properly trained. They will learn to obey commands and see their human leaders as the “alpha” members of their pack, or family.
Dobermans naturally guard their property, making them excellent watchdogs. They will also defend members of their “pack” from attack. Socialization and training will temper this defensive behavior so that the dog does not see guests in your home or strangers on the street as threats.
How do you introduce a cat to a Doberman?
Many dog breeds, including Dobermans, can get aggressive toward cats and other small animals. And there’s a lot of difference between making a bond with a puppy (which makes it so much easier) and bringing a cat to your home, where you have a grown Doberman. You should always remember that dogs are naturally hunters and instinctively chase cats from a young age and treat this with respect.
However, through testing a Doberman’s attitude toward felines and through obedience training, careful socialization, and a controlled environment owners may be able to introduce their Dobermans to cats and gradually help form a friendly relationship between them.
Dog training to reduce aggressive behavior toward cats
Before bringing a new cat home, you should train your dog to be around cats. We wouldn’t advise you to do it alone – If you want to introduce a cat to your Doberman dog, the sensible thing to do is to consult a professional dog trainer before starting. A professional dog trainer could take your Doberman dog’s unique traits into consideration and adjust the training plan to fit the exact situation you’re dealing with.
First, thumb rules:
- Dog training should never risk a cat’s life!
- The leash and collar are essentials.
- Offer treats to reward positive behavior.
A typical dog training session might look like this:
- Place a collar and leash on your Doberman. If your dog has never worn a collar and leash before, he must be given time to adjust to them and learn basic commands. Check the collar to make sure that it is tight enough to not slip off your dog’s neck but not so tight as to choke him. You should be able to slip two fingers under the collar.
- Lead your Doberman up to a cat and leave some slack on the leash. If you keep it on a tight leash, it may lunge at the cat. Watch carefully as your Doberman investigates the cat.
- Yank your dog back on its leash if it lunges at the cat and tell it, “No cats,” in an authoritative voice. Then tell it to come and call it by name. Praise your Doberman for obeying you and give him a treat for it.
- Allow the dog to approach the cat again. It may lunge at it, or sniff the cat, which is a natural response. If the cat runs or paws at your Doberman, your dog may respond by chasing it. Again, tug on the leash and tell the Doberman, “No cats.” Then call it by name and tell it to come to you. Feed it a treat for obeying. Continue doing this until your Doberman no longer lunges at the cat.
Doberman Planet’s John Walter demonstrates how he introduces cats to Dobermans in the following video. Additionally, he demonstrates how to supervise them after the introduction.
Introducing a Doberman Dog to a Cat: Tips & Warnings
Some Dobermans cannot be trained to like cats. If your Doberman has an aggressive temperament or does not cooperate with training, it may not be safe around cats. Before bringing a cat home, consult a professional dog trainer. Introducing a cat to a Doberman dog should be done under the trainer’s supervision.
Disclaimer: reading this article does not supersede your responsibilities of doing your own research and due diligence.