Stigma

I am the owner of a 9-month old, AKC Registered Doberman Pinscher named Zoë. She’s very friendly and sociable - she wants to “say hello” to everyone she meets. Unfortunately, I can’t explain to her the unwarranted fear that some people have of Dobermans.

I took her to PetSmart today. She was incredibly well-behaved and did exactly as I asked her to do. I had to stifle a smile each time someone was walking toward us, took a moment to figure out what kind of dog she was….. And then strangely had a sudden impulse to turn down an aisle I’m sure that they had no intention of going down. The only real exception were the kids who were in the store - all of them wanted to pet her, even if their parents were more than a bit apprehensive. Each time a child came walking toward us with their hand out to pet Zoë, I immediately made her sit down, looked at the parent(s) and made reassurances that she was a friendly dog. Without exception, once the children started petting her, the parent followed close behind.

I had finished my shopping at PetSmart, and once I got up to the counter, I asked Zoë to lay down next to me. She immediately did as she was told, and continued to lay still until I told her she could get up, that it was time to go. As I was leaving, I overheard the woman behind me in line say, “Wow, what a well-behaved dog”. I couldn’t help but smile - wondering what her thoughts were of my dog when she first stepped in line behind me. I’m guessing that she was a bit worried.

Zoë came home last week after spending three weeks at an In-Kennel Dog Training facility. Before she left, she was without manners, didn’t listen to what anyone told her - pretty much ran the house. The dog that came home to us is a changed animal. She is incredibly obedient, and yet still has a happy, puppy-like spark to her. I can take her for walks without having to worry about whether or not she’s going to pull my arm out of my socket. She’s wonderful, even if the training was rather expensive. I think it was worth every dollar! In fact, her trainer came to my house today to do an in-home lesson, and even she said how great Zoë is doing.

I can understand (partially) the fear that some people have of a Doberman. They are intimidating animals. Sharp, pointed ears, an intense stare, and a stance that like they would be ready to attack at any moment. I just wish that people would take a moment to find out whether a dog is truly aggressive, or simply one that wants to say hello.