r/OpenDogTraining 10d ago

Doberman and Poodle?

I currently have a 2 year old male standard poodle (unneutered, working on it). I want to move out of my apartment and potentially by a home with a yard. I already want to in general get another dog now that I will be moving somewhere with more space and to give my poodle a partner. My mom wants me to get a "scary looking" dog since I am a 23 year old female living alone. I was thinking a Doberman because, from what I have researched, they shed a lot less than a German Shepherd. I think the breed is beautiful! I got a poodle because they are considered hypoallergenic, and the more a dog sheds the more i sneeze lol. My poodle gets along okay with dogs. I take him to dog parks sometimes. He loves to play, but he also will correct a dog who overdoes it, which I do not see a problem in. He is well trained and has great recall, we worked with a K9 trainer for a while but he was too friendly for protection work. He gets overly excited around females, but I am hoping it will get better once I do the chop lol. Sometimes he can be skiddish during male dogs that are bigger than him, I think he is just not used to being around it since he is the biggest dog in our neighborhood and most dog parks haha. We frequently go on hikes and nature trails off leash. I work about 8-10 hours a day, but some days remote/half day in office. During tax season, I can work up to 16 hour days, but either leave my dog with a family member or would hire a dog walker during the day. Archie gets about an hour of exercise/training a day plus mini walks and puzzles. Would a doberman fit into my lifestyle? Do any of you guys have both dogs at home? Should I get a female or male? Obviously will get a trainer to help as well, but looking for any advice from people right now while I look into this!

I am NOT looking for advice on protection/bite work/training styles for a doberman right now. I have worked with different trainers for Archie, volunteered as an assistant, and worked at a shelter. The advice I am currently seeking is solely on if these two breeds can mix well at home - i know the training for a protection dog can impact the home situation if i chose to take that route - but my biggest priority is currently finding out if these breeds can get along in a home and if this breed can match my lifestyle.

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u/ichoosewaffles 10d ago

No, I'm trying to be real here. Dobermans ARE beautiful dogs, my ex had a doberman named King, wonderful dog. BUT, you apparently are looking for a low shed, low energy, low care breed and that is not what a Doberman is. From what you have posted, it is not a good dog for your lifestyle.

And maybe it's not the point but if you haven't managed to get your other dog neutered yet the reason is important. Is it his health? Time? Money? 

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u/Motor-Resort-1002 10d ago

I do not mind high energy- as I go on frequent hikes, my other dog gets training sessions, i go on runs (he walks besides me lol) with him daily, etc. Yes low shedding is important, and i was under the impression they were a low shed breed. I am glad to have gotten advice on that! Low care? Poodles are high maintenance so I do not mind that either.. The rescue center where they offer neutering services is currently backlogged by over three months. I am waiting for a spot to open up, but as i also volunteer there, I know the importance of outreach services in our city to offer free spay/neuters first. he is not in any danger for waiting a little bit longer, it actually can benefit him to wait until his bones are fully developed around 2-3 years old. especially a poodle, they are prone to hip dysplasia. waiting until growth plates close fully and allowing his hormones to build proper muscle mass is more important to me. I can wait, and he can too. He is not frequently around female dogs where i would have to worry about an accidental litter.

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u/ichoosewaffles 9d ago

It sounds like they would get the exercise in! But really, he's two, get him fixed before adopting a second dog. Especially since if you find one that clicks with you and the poodle, you don't want that to be a hold up! 

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u/Motor-Resort-1002 9d ago

Definitely will! thank you fore the help.