What I was describing was with strangers. When owned by a Doberman, when living with a Doberman as family....forget it. They're so cotton pickin affectionate, they can become pests. They think they're lap dogs, have to be touching you with some body part when you're hanging out on the couch. They're disgustingly loyal. I have had several different breeds and never have had a more loyal, bonded relationship with any of them as I do with my Doberman. They're just soooooooo "into" their owners. Once that dog is adopted out and gets the stability of an every day home with someone who treats him gently, fairly and teaches him the rules, he'll be so grateful for being rescued. I've heard this time and time again on a Doberman forum....these rescue Dobes usually, unless they have some horrible problem and the person doesn't know how to deal with it....seem to show an inordinate supply of gratitude. So, they can be aloof with strangers but once bonded with their owner, they're inseperable. They can hardly stand to let you go in the bathroom without them. It's what they were bred for.....looking after their master and nothing else....not sheep, not cows. LOL.
I think with you, the once a week just in't enough to create that bond that you get when you live with a dog. It's fantastically generous of you to do what you're doing...don't get me wrong. I mean that he still doesn't have an every day home with someone....and that is the stability he needs. And a good owner who understands how dogs' minds work. Just be careful he doesn't get adopted out to some heavy handed macho moron who might be rough. These dogs are sensative, even though they need consistancy, rules and boundaries. It's how they are taught that matters.
I think with you, the once a week just in't enough to create that bond that you get when you live with a dog. It's fantastically generous of you to do what you're doing...don't get me wrong. I mean that he still doesn't have an every day home with someone....and that is the stability he needs. And a good owner who understands how dogs' minds work. Just be careful he doesn't get adopted out to some heavy handed macho moron who might be rough. These dogs are sensative, even though they need consistancy, rules and boundaries. It's how they are taught that matters.