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Over socialization

2243 Views 30 Replies 11 Participants Last post by  sizzledog, 
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Hello. Long story short: we moved to a big house with over 50 windows and openings. My family consists of 2 babies (3&4 years old)my wife (working), a lady who helps for the house (and lives with us) and me (working hard :) away from home 7am to 6pm).

So we bought a female Doberman for company and protection/alert. To tell you the truth, I had many male dogs in the past but without the babies and always living in the yard and never inside the house and as near socialized as this one.

Now this Doberman is almost 10 months old, sleeps most of the nights in my bedroom (has left the crate) and she is just the sweetest dog in the neighbor: extremely socialized, extremely friendly with all small kids and with our visitors, very friendly with all other dogs even with some cats.

My question is: is it possible that I have over socialized her, so that she will not become a good guard dog? From some signs I would say no, for example we have changed our bell 3 times (!) and from the first day she knew that someone is coming (good sign) and was waiting in the door to greed him and/or play with him (not a good sign).
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I don't know that I'd ever want my dog to attack anyone. I've heard stories of people having break-ins, their dog attacking, and the freaking attacker suing....and winning! At work I had someone tell me their cousin had to have their dog put to sleep because of a similar situation. I think this is ridiculous! But I wouldn't want to risk it with me dog. I have NO idea how likely this is, but it would be a concern for me.

Bridgette barks when someone knocks on the door. She stops when told and I am sure her bark is enough to scare anyone away. I actually had a creepy guy come up to me when I was outside at night and Bridgette gave one bark that sent the man packing!

I think barking is enough...especially when you own a powerful breed :D
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