Can German Shepherds and Dobermans Live Together?

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Can German Shepherds and Dobermans Live Together?

As a working dog person, I get the question – Can German Shepherds and Dobermans Live Together? There are a handful of dog breeds we never advise people to have in their homes because of the way they tend to relate with other dogs and pets. You already know that some dogs do not do well with other dogs and even other animals in the house. They are very territorial and have a high prey drive. So, it is normal to want to know if a German Shepherd can live with a Doberman. 

Your experience is also a key factor yo need to consider. Some dog breeds are just not for first time dog owners.

In this article, we are going to explore all there is to know about German Shepherds living with Dobermans. You will find out if you can keep this to dog breeds or want to keep them in your home. 

Can German Shepherds and Dobermans Live Together?

Yes. A German shepherd can live with a Doberman. Both dog breeds can live together, however they need the right training, proper socialization, and a good structure to be able to do so. Furthermore, there are a lot of things to consider before having a German Shepherd in the same house as the Doberman. 

Going further we are going to discuss how you can get your German shepherd to live with a Doberman, issues that you would face when you keep both breeds in your home, signs that they are getting along, and exercises you can perform its both of them to keep them happy and active

How to Make a German Shepherd Live with a Doberman?

Opposite-Sex Pairing: Opting for an opposite-sex pairing, such as a male German Shepherd and a female Doberman, can increase the chances of a successful coexistence. Same-sex pairings, particularly two males, may be more prone to aggression and territorial disputes.

Thoughtful Selection: Take great care in selecting the dogs. Look for individuals with compatible temperaments, preferably ones that have been raised in a social environment. This can help lay the foundation for a positive relationship between the two breeds.

Early Socialization and Training: Start socializing both breeds from a young age. Gradually introduce them to one another in controlled environments, using positive reinforcement techniques to reward calm and friendly behavior. This will help them develop a bond and learn to coexist peacefully.

Address Resource Guarding and Dominance: Keep a close eye on any signs of resource guarding or dominance issues early on. Address these behaviors promptly through training and positive reinforcement techniques. By establishing a fair and structured environment, you can mitigate potential conflicts.

Supervision and Separate Spaces: It’s important to supervise interactions between your German Shepherd and Doberman, especially around high-value items like bones or toys. Create separate feeding and resting areas for each dog to prevent any potential conflicts over resources. This allows them to have their own safe spaces.

What are some of the issues with German Shepherds and Dobermans Living Together?

If you want a German shepherd to live with a Doberman, there are some issues that you should know about. The following are some of the issues with having a German shepherd and a Doberman in the same house: 

Fur 

You are going to have to deal with a lot of fur. Both German shepherds and Dobermans have a consumable amount of fur. They shed almost at the same time while not forgetting that these dogs tend to shed their fur all year round. 

So, having two dogs that shed all year round would mean that you would have to deal with a lot of hair lying around your home. 

Doberman’s Emotions 

Both German shepherds and Dobermans have an affectionate trait. However, Dobermans seem to be more in tune with their emotions than a German shepherd. Understanding that both dogs will demand your attention and affection but your Doberman will need it more is important.  

Another thing to note on this point is that you would have to show both dogs the amount of affection they need without reserving too little for one. 

Resource Guarding 

Your dogs are going to be very possessive of their toys. Dobermans and German Shepherds are very active dogs, energetic and playful. When you get them toys they are likely going to fight over which toys they think are the best. You will typically hear them growling if the other wants to use a toy they believe should be theirs alone. 

Same-Sex Aggression 

If you must have a German shepherd and a Doberman in your home, one of the things we advise is to not have the same sex of both breeds. Boot dogs have a desire to show their territorial dominance and when you have males of the same breed they are going to want it show their dominance. 

Exercises to Keep Your German Shepherd and Doberman Active

To keep both a German Shepherd and a Doberman active, a variety of exercises are recommended:

  • Daily walks of at least 1-2 hours are essential for both breeds to maintain physical and mental health. Walks should be split into two sessions and include varied terrain to engage their muscles and minds.
  • Running and sprinting are excellent exercises to get their hearts pumping and build stamina. Jogging and hiking are also great options but should be gradually conditioned, especially for puppies, to avoid joint issues.
  • Interactive games like fetch, tug-of-war, and chase with a flirt pole or lure engage their prey drive, provide mental stimulation, and burn energy. Puzzle toys and obedience training also help tire them out mentally.
  • Swimming is a gentle, low-impact exercise that both breeds can enjoy, especially in warmer months. Obstacle courses and agility training are also fun ways to challenge them physically and mentally.

What are the Signs Your German Shepherd and Doberman are Getting Along?

These are some of the signs that your German Shepherd and Doberman are beginning to like the idea of living together:

  1. The dogs play together without any fights or conflicts, especially over high-value items like bones or toys. 
  2. They are able to be left unsupervised without any aggressive behaviors or attempts to dominate each other. 
  3. There are no signs of resource guarding, such as growling or snapping when the dogs are near each other’s food, toys, or resting areas. 
  4. The dogs exhibit relaxed body language and positive interactions, like taking naps together or engaging in playful chasing. 
  5. There are no same-sex aggression issues, especially if the dogs are of opposite genders. Same-sex pairings, particularly two males, are more prone to conflicts. 
  6. The dogs respond well to training and obedience commands, demonstrating a willingness to cooperate and please their owners. This indicates healthy pack dynamics 

Conclusion 

As a way of conclusion, it is important to note that one of the reasons why we advise against same-sex adoption is because in German shepherd would want to be the leader of the house and the Doberman might be willing to follow his leadership. 

But if you have a male Doberman and a German shepherd you are going to have issues getting both of them to agree on who is going to lead. Hence, stick with having a female Doberman and a male German Shepherd or vice versa. 

Onyekachi Omenuko
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