Meet Barney the Doberman.
The story of the Doberman who could not find his forever home.
I went to see Bomma/Bomber today for the first time.
When I went to his kennel he barked at me, I approached sideways to show neutrality, and I sat down on the ground and ignored him. After a few moments he came and sniffed the air around me and laid down inside the kennel.
I waited there, saying nothing, just examining his body for signs of anything. His claws were fairly short. I saw a skin tag. He was slim. His fur looked a little dry. I couldn’t see any scars or grey hairs. I just kept still and watched him while he lay there. He looked at me and I thought his eyes looked a bit lost, sad.
The kennel lady came over and he jumped up at the cage barking excitedly. I watched her put a lead on him and he didn’t mouthe or claw at her.
We walked to the paddock and initially I ignored him. I talked to the kennel owner. He came over and sniffed me and I continued to ignore him. My reasons for this are 1) to keep him calm, 2) to show him my character (independent, decisive), 3) to see what he did being ignored.
After about 10 mins or so of chatting I asked if I could do some training with him.
What you are seeing here is the first time I am handling him. I have to say it very incredibly natural. I was completely relaxed. I just did a few bits and bobs with him. Clearly he has had some prior training.
Things I noticed about Barney the Doberman
Things I noticed:-
-no aggression putting the equipment on.
-Does a ‘down’ freely without being asked (indicates submissive nature).
-Eager to please.
-Food driven
-Automatically ‘downs’ when you tell him to sit (a bit annoying, needs polishing)
-is pushy for food
-handler focus
You will see he jumped on me and I instinctively grabbed him by the collar and pulled him down and said no. I will not have it. Response – jumped again, repeat, no aggression, no mouthing. This was good.
Here’s what they told me.
He is a scavenger, opens cupboards.
Worktop counter surfing.
Dog reactivity/aggression.
Nipped someone on the back of the leg.
Doesn’t like young kids.
Clean in his kennel
Houdini – can open doors
A few lumps on him are not serious however they noticed a new one that day. They said the vet will check it out.
I said I do not want a dog with cancer. I cannot go through more pain again after Buddy. It’s a deal breaker for me.
Has been in 5 homes prior to now.
Last owner returned him because he ran the house barking at everyone walking past, she couldn’t handle it.
I liked being with him. He’s tall, leggy, but slim. I couldn’t see any limping or signs of arhtritis.
He likes to play with toys. He cocks his leg when he wees. He has no ball sack at all, and I mean NONE. I asked when he was neutered. She wasn’t sure but said while he was in kennels, so over 1. I wondered if his balls ever dropped at all, there is no skin there at all, he could pass as a female at first glance.
He stayed close to us for most of the session, he tried to lean into me a few times but I didn’t let him.
I want to go back again with Misty so we can assess him around dogs, so watch this space as I am going back again soon.
So far, it’s not a no, and it’s a maybe.
Thanks for reading about Barney the Doberman if you got this far.
ps he’s cute. https://www.bemoredog.co.uk/contact
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