Quote (Exotickitten731 @ Jul 6 2011 02:18pm)
1) Love the dog like you would love your own kid or nephew or niece or bro or sis.
2) Play with the dog daily, there are some things you can teach a dog w/o having to train them.
3) Feed them on a regular basis or just have a nice big bowl ready for them for whenever they're hungry
4) Roughhouse a little to just play around, but make sure its ruffin up and not deliberately being mean, the dog will know when you are deliberately doing it, dont get frustrated if the dog doesn't learn from this but it will learn something.
5) be sure to have a color and do regular vet visits like once a month should do it.
6) Buy some toys for the dog, chewing toys help sharpen and calm the dog down.
7) let the dog sleep with you if he/she is feelin scared or just wants some loving.\
hope the tips help = ]
Everything that is bolded is a no-no.
NEVER leave food out for a dog. Make them lay down with their food in front of them (without getting it) until YOU tell them to get their food. This will make sure you don't have aggression issues when feeding.
Once a month to the vet? WAYYYYYY too much.. They only really need a once a year check-up and shots (or when they're just pups once a month for their first sets of shots and rabies)
Don't buy toys. Bones/rawhide is good for their teeth not plastic crap. And never buy the toys that squeak because that encourages aggression (the sound is like a dying animal to a dog).
NEVER EVER EVER EVER let your dog sleep with you. If they are scared you need to work with them to OVERCOME the fear, not just let them cuddle up with you.
[EDIT]On topic, yes more than likely your dobie will protect you and your family. Natural instincts to protect.
This post was edited by Psychosis on Jul 17 2011 03:12pm