Doberman

Doberman Pinschers

Probably the most misunderstood of all pet canines, this magnificent breed will certainly make a great addition to any family with an autistic or Aspergers individual. There is absolutely no lacking in any respect as compared to any other breed provided simple early steps are observed from inception on receiving the Doberman as a puppy.

It is recommended that one acquires them early and so begin a gradual regimen of gentle, stable, calm training that emphasizes not being overly protective of its owners. They are certainly not naturally aggressive as has been portrayed by Hollywood and television.

The willingness to romp, play, and most of all their main feature all but non existent in sensational films is that they are actually more ‘comfortable’ in and around their family – right in the midst of the action. They do not take well to being cooped up chained to a kennel or being left alone all day in a house. These are actually very social pets whom love their family and owner and would do anything for them.

Again as with all canines and cats, they ‘bond’ strongly to the owner and in this case perhaps an autistic spectrum individual. Every body nuance, every motion, every kind encouraging touch is going to be a blessing to the dog especially when it is done with consistent verbal or hand commands in training for as a certainty, Doberman Pinschers take very well to training. If one wants a perfectly predictable, accompanying pet that wants to play, pant and react in friendly romp with a child, all it takes is for the owners to simply give basically that same input which invites it from the pet.

An autistic child will quickly come to understand that this is a special, intelligent, active pet that asks to be interacted with, to be helped, guided, fed, walked, watered and fun-wrestled with. In answering these, no child can know that he/she is actually building ones own bridges in stretching abilities to communicate and relate. The urge to interact with such a captivating and dynamic creature such as a Doberman is simply overwhelming.

Dobermans will pick-up and absorb any and all signals the child will provide as they do not understand any ‘lack’ in language or facial features the way we do. When and if the latter were to occur eventually for the dog such as a smile from the child, it will be a treat that the Doberman would just relish.

They are one of histories great success stories in being bred purely as a protective guard dog. Originally of heavier build, the popular trim, lighter physique one sees uniformly today and certainly at shows is a modern breeding preference. Deep chested, muscled like an athlete they are beautifully and rustically colored in a dense, shiny short-haired coat. Black and tan is the most common and they can also be found in red, red and tan, gray and fawn- the latter two being rare.
Dobermans stand about 61 cm at the shoulders and weigh between 34 and 36 kg when adults. Their tails are usually docked at birth and the ears cropped at around 7 to 9 weeks. This prevents certain afflictions of the ears and gives the distinctive sharply erect stance of the ears that is also seen in the Great Dane.

These dogs are bred today with a stable temperament and no prospective owners should have any qualms about purchasing one as a loving and vibrant companion for any of the autistic spectrum. The child will be blessed inherently, for this great breed will draw out all latent growth in re-active engaged behavior that only pets whom they love can bring out.

And as a little side benefit? … no one would dream of harming your child when accompanied by his/her Doberman – even though the unsuspecting public would have no idea that the beautiful lithe animal is as docile as a daisy for it will have been trained prudently that way.