The Official "Dogs of the DMF" Thread

[Triple J]

Of my three dogs he is certainly the most intimidating looking, but he is the best with people. Danes don't really make good guard dogs

While I agree that some breeds are better than others for guard dogs, I think people underestimate the protective nature of their dogs.

My Dane is super sweet (as is my Lab/Pit mix); however, when we're on walks she is extremely attentive and does not take her eyes off of suspicious people, or other animals. I have no doubt that my big, goofy, friendly Dane would bring it if needed. She also scares the crap out of people when they knock on our front door (which has a window)...nothing quite like having a big dog bark at you while looking you in the eye or even down on you (she puts her front feet on the door).  Even friends that know her say it is intimidating.

I wouldn't pick a Dane to protect a piece of property (i.e. warehouse), but for the house and family I think they are more than adequate (as are most decent sized dogs).

[SacDuc]

While I agree that some breeds are better than others for guard dogs, I think people underestimate the protective nature of their dogs.

My Dane is super sweet (as is my Lab/Pit mix); however, when we're on walks she is extremely attentive and does not take her eyes off of suspicious people, or other animals. I have no doubt that my big, goofy, friendly Dane would bring it if needed. She also scares the crap out of people when they knock on our front door (which has a window)...nothing quite like having a big dog bark at you while looking you in the eye or even down on you (she puts her front feet on the door).  Even friends that know her say it is intimidating.

I wouldn't pick a Dane to protect a piece of property (i.e. warehouse), but for the house and family I think they are more than adequate (as are most decent sized dogs).

My wife has great story about her Belgium Shepherd/Dane mix. She was not home and a real estate agent decided it would be a great idea to show his clients the third floor. Walking past huge bones, ginormous collars, over-sized water bowls and several signs that said Beware of Dog he walked up the stairs and opened the door. He was met by a 135lb dog. The dog clamped on to his right arm at the bicep just hard enough to get control over the guy but not hard enough to do damage. The dog then walked the guy down two flights of stairs and to the front door. Once the guy figured out he was supposed to open the front door the dog walked him out to the front gate. When the guy opened the front gate the dog released his arm and let him and the clients pass. The dog stood at the front gate until they got in their cars and left (and likely a lot longer).

The guy had a couple of shallow puncture wounds and a ruined shirt. I believe my wife bought the guy a new shirt for his trouble. 

sac

[Triple J]

That's great! 

[Popeye the Sailor]

My wife has great story about her Belgium Shepherd/Dane mix. She was not home and a real estate agent decided it would be a great idea to show his clients the third floor. Walking past huge bones, ginormous collars, over-sized water bowls and several signs that said Beware of Dog he walked up the stairs and opened the door. He was met by a 135lb dog. The dog clamped on to his right arm at the bicep just hard enough to get control over the guy but not hard enough to do damage. The dog then walked the guy down two flights of stairs and to the front door. Once the guy figured out he was supposed to open the front door the dog walked him out to the front gate. When the guy opened the front gate the dog released his arm and let him and the clients pass. The dog stood at the front gate until they got in their cars and left (and likely a lot longer).

The guy had a couple of shallow puncture wounds and a ruined shirt. I believe my wife bought the guy a new shirt for his trouble. 

sac

I'd imaigne he'd need new pants, too 

[somegirl]

Great pictures SacDuc!

It looks more and more likely that I am not going to be able to bring Darmah with me when I move.     It seems that Dobes have been placed on the restricted breed list for the DC metro area and not many places are willing to let you have one.  One apartment complex that I was talking to originally told me that they would let me have her there, but then changed their mind a few days later. 

What do you think about telling them she is a mix instead of a Dobe?  You might be able to get away with it with her cute floppy ears.

Do you have a "pet resume" for her?

I hope you're able to work something out.

[cyrus buelton]

There is no contradiction there. The same ignorance that makes people want to ban Dobes is the same ignorance that makes them leave the dog park. The cool part is that when he shows up people leave and that means less dogs around and more space for his pups.

sac

Exactly.


I essentially get free roam of this nice park with just my dog and I.

[lethe]

Exactly.


I essentially get free roam of this nice park with just my dog and I.

At least until this guy shows up....

[SacDuc]

[Popeye the Sailor]

At least until this guy shows up....

CCEMN1? 

[duccarlos]

Isn't the whole idea of a dog park tobtake your dog so that they can hang out with other dogs? If you want to spend time with your dog alone, take it to an empty field and go nuts. I hate people that take their dogs to the park and hide out in the corner. They even get upset when other dogs come over to play. Ridiculous.

[DRKWNG]

Great pictures SacDuc!



What do you think about telling them she is a mix instead of a Dobe?  You might be able to get away with it with her cute floppy ears.

Do you have a "pet resume" for her?

I hope you're able to work something out.

Well, my vet has already told me that he will write up a new medical history for her stating that she is a German Pinscher, which is a different breed all together.  I mentioned this to quite a few places and not surprisingly no one had ever heard of this breed.  And with the fact that no one had heard of it, they said that it would not be a problem as long as she was not a Doberman (thus proving the stupidity of most people).  Ironic thing is, the GP is actually an older breed that is almost identical to a Doberman, but with a slightly smaller build.  Luckily, Darmah is a bit small for an adult Dobe.

But I am still left with the concern of having her in a much smaller apartment all day while I am at work.  It is one thing in this big house that I have now, but in a place half this size?  She raises bloody hell for at least five minutes each time I leave the house and I have a feeling that any potential neighbors would be mightily impressed.  I'll need to try and find a corner unit with no upstairs neighbor...

[Randimus Maximus]

I'm sure it will work out for you, DRKWNG.

[cyrus buelton]

Isn't the whole idea of a dog park tobtake your dog so that they can hang out with other dogs? If you want to spend time with your dog alone, take it to an empty field and go nuts. I hate people that take their dogs to the park and hide out in the corner. They even get upset when other dogs come over to play. Ridiculous.

I am not that picky, Rican.

I really don't like 6 dogs hovering and slobbering all over my dog. That kind of bothers me.

I also don't mind Greta running around, but if there is ever an "altercation" in the pack, which is common, I get blamed for it or my dog raises the most bloody hell with that bark and growl of hers.

I don't like open fields, without a fence. Not my style.

I am working on off leash training with greta and having an empty park is ideal for me.


Forgot to mention that where I live has a leash law.

[duccarlos]

Dog parks are not by any means an ideal place for any sort of training unless what you're trying to do is train her with as many distractions as humanly possible. Any dog park will have the "concerned owners". I see them all the time. These are the same people that are ignorant as to how dogs play and interact. Lexi barks and growls to get dogs to chase her. You have the added problem of being high strung. If people see you freaking out about everything, they will also be freaked out. I sit with the regulars and basically chat away while the dog plays in whatever fashion she sees fit. If I see a "concerned owner" I explain to them that she's playing and not really being aggressive (see the wagging tail) or simply tell the dog to stop whatever she's doing. Take all this with a grain of salt since my situation might be completely different from yours, but you might want to pop a valium next time you go to the park and see if that calms some of your nerves. You might find it more pleasurable for everyone.

[cyrus buelton]

Dog parks are not by any means an ideal place for any sort of training unless what you're trying to do is train her with as many distractions as humanly possible. Any dog park will have the "concerned owners". I see them all the time. These are the same people that are ignorant as to how dogs play and interact. Lexi barks and growls to get dogs to chase her. You have the added problem of being high strung. If people see you freaking out about everything, they will also be freaked out. I sit with the regulars and basically chat away while the dog plays in whatever fashion she sees fit. If I see a "concerned owner" I explain to them that she's playing and not really being aggressive (see the wagging tail) or simply tell the dog to stop whatever she's doing. Take all this with a grain of salt since my situation might be completely different from yours, but you might want to pop a valium next time you go to the park and see if that calms some of your nerves. You might find it more pleasurable for everyone.

I like the distraction of a few other dogs as Greta tends to get distracted, so training like this is ideal for her so she is used to other things happening around us.

I always explain the growling from Greta as that is how she play barks, but again......I am not believed because of her breed.

That is when I get upset or attacked by a lab.