Doberman in a flat

Hi, I live in a residential complex; there are plenty of green spaces around my flat and it’s all fenced in, so for now, given his young age, it’s more than enough. Hi. OK, that’s good then. I remember people used to be scared of my dog... once I told them he was a Dobermann! One day, I was walking him off-lead in the park really early because I used to go before heading to work, and we came across a bloke on his own who actually scrambled onto a bench when he saw the dog! He was only 4 months old.👌 I wish you all the best with your Dobie, Liza

Hi there, I live in a block of flats. There are plenty of green spaces around my place and it's all fenced in, so for now, given how young they are, it’s enough.

Hi everyone, I got a Dobe when I moved from a flat to a detached house with a garden. Looking back, I realise the only real benefit of the garden was being able to lounge about in it with my dog... I worked close to home and used to head back at lunchtime. He was never left alone in the garden; I took him out (I was living in town in Châtenay-Malabry back then), to the park where I’d let him off the lead even though it wasn't allowed, on bike rides (he’d run alongside me), and to the woods, of course. He got plenty of proper exercise on top of his quick toilet breaks. I also put a lot of effort into taking him to a training club where the trainer specialised in Dobes, because a Doberman is no GSD, let’s be honest. You really want to avoid making mistakes with them. A lovely dog, who only ever destroyed his (large) wicker basket and the oak front door because he’d jump up to open it (I ended up having to fit a metal kick plate). VERY intelligent – I taught him over a hundred words, which might not be a world record, but I definitely ran out of steam before he did. 🤷 The best dog ever (obviously, because he was mine). "A dog owner only loves their own dog; a cat owner loves all cats." Liza

A Dobermann in a flat all day on their own? It’s not just the furniture that’ll disappear, it’ll be the whole flat; they’ll even have the walls down 😈😈 Mind you, there is a solution: every evening I do 3 hours of play and walks and at least 6 miles on the bike, plus a camera to make sure she’s sleeping during the day. Hi, But how are you managing at the moment with having to stay close to home? Liza

Well, since I've got someone popping in three times a day, I'm really counting on that to make sure he doesn't feel lonely. I can't wait to see how it goes, and there's the cat too, so they can be together as well!!!!!!

Hi there, yes, it’s definitely possible. I’ve had three Dobermanns, two of which lived in a flat. You just need to take them out often and let them off the lead so they can have a proper run. I used to take mine out three times a day, and in the morning and evening I’d take them to run in the fields for over an hour... So it’s doable, but you have to get them out so they can burn off some energy; the Dobermann is an athletic dog and really needs to stay active. Mind you, as far as being left alone goes... mine didn't like it at all, all three of them used to cry while I was at work...

Hello everyone, This is the first time I’ve signed up so I can chat with other people!!! I’ve just got a Doberman puppy, and I live in a flat too. At the moment, things are a bit strange because of the lockdown, but we can still go for walks around the estate; I’ve got plenty of space. When I head back to work, he’ll have to be left on his own. I’m thinking of starting to leave him for a few minutes each day so he gets used to it, and I’ve hired a young woman who’ll come and take him out 2 or 3 times a day while he’s a pup, and then once or twice a day once he’s an adult. It’s certainly an added expense, but that’s the commitment you make when you choose a Doberman. Later on, we’ll get him into the habit of going for long walks. I’m lucky enough to have a greenway right next to me, which will be great for walks during the week at least. So, having a Doberman in a flat is definitely possible, provided you've thought about doing everything necessary for their well-being.

Hi there, I’m on my third Dobermann now. They are indeed an active breed, but that’s not really the main issue—it’s more their exuberant personality! They’re like a whirlwind, always on the go, and a Dobermann doesn't really mature until they’re about 3 years old. So, you have to expect three years of having a 70cm-tall goofball weighing about 6 stone (around 90lbs) who will still act like a (giant) puppy at times. Another thing is that their athletic side needs a daily outlet. Having a garden is like having an extra room; it’s a massive advantage for house-training, plus you can play there without risking the flat-screen TV, lol! It’s definitely no substitute for proper walks, but it makes daily life much easier. Living in a flat is still an option IF you provide enough daily physical exercise for a dog that loves a high-speed sprint (Dobies really are "wind-drinkers") and the great outdoors. You’ll need plenty of motivation to get out in all weathers; on top of quick toilet breaks, you’ll need to plan at least one long walk—if not several—so they can decompress after waiting for you all day. You also need to think about their temperament. They’re a breed with real character—friendly enough, but not overly so with strangers. High-quality socialisation is vital to avoid having a dog that’s either skittish or threatening. It's the same with other dogs; you’ll need to find some walking buddies. This breed requires a lot of time and involvement, otherwise you risk them becoming reactive or even outright aggressive towards others. As for being left alone... it’s a learning process. It's progressive and isn't complicated in itself if you know how to handle it. A puppy will almost certainly get into mischief; they’ll explore their environment, which involves a lot of chewing, among other things. You’ll need to hide away any electrical cables and valuables, and initially keep the puppy in a room that’s easy to clean and where you don't mind a bit of "redecorating". And when it comes to training, I hope you have plenty of patience and finesse! Ah, they’re beautiful dogs but such doofuses; they obey out of respect and trust. They need subtlety, patience, and an almost saint-like calm to turn them into a pleasant companion. You’ll definitely lose your cool at times, stamp your feet (which, by the way, gives you zero credibility), and regret ever laying eyes on the breed. But with time and patience, you’ll end up with a dog of gold—reliable and friendly...

Evening, Right, I’m in two minds because I don’t know Dobermanns as a breed very well, but I’ve always thought they were quite athletic and needed a massive amount of daily exercise... Living in a flat is one thing, but the part I’m sceptical about is the fact that you work. What kind of hours do you have and what sort of walks are you planning for him? Because you’ve got to factor in those 8 hours at work. Then you get home, and whether you’re tired or not, and regardless of whether it’s snowing, windy or raining, you HAVE to take the dog out – and I mean properly take him out. As @Satamine says, it’s a long, long session of walking and playing, not just a 30-minute wee break before heading back to the sofa... It’s hard work. I’m speaking from experience because I started out with Ulthia (a Staffy) in a flat, and despite work, it was at least two hours of walks a day on top of the 8-hour shift – it’s a killer. I’m in a house now but I still have the same walking routine. So, the flat isn’t an issue in itself, provided you’re putting in the work.