Dobermans are people-orientated dogs that are known for following their owners around. But do they like to cuddle with their owners and with other people? If so, why would they want to cuddle and are there any strategies to get this breed to want to cuddle more? With these questions in mind, I decided to spend some time researching the average temperament of this breed and propensity to hug. I will be sharing what I was able to find here today.

So, do Dobermans like to cuddle? Dobermans are affectionate dogs and love to cuddle. Depending on the dog and how they are brought up, some may only be loving and affectionate towards one person. However, with training, socialization and sufficient time, more reserved Dobermans are likely to become more open with getting cuddles from everyone they know.

Cuddling comes natural to many breeds of dogs; its is an instinctual behavior that has kept them warm and safe for thousands of years. However not all dogs like to cuddle up with their owners or with humans.

Thankfully the doberman is not one of them. They are more than willing to snuggle up and it serves many purposes and benefits for their general mood and well-being.

Let us now take a closer look at the breed and how they respond to this kind of intimacy.

Are Dobermans Affectionate?

Dobermans are extremely affectionate and love to be around their people. They do much better going on adventures with their family than they do staying home alone. They are a loyal, trustworthy breed who are playful and enjoy family time together.

Dobermans are great around children when brought up with them, and overall, are a friendly breed who becomes quite attached to their owner.

Initially bred to be a companion dog, as well as a guard dog for a tax collector, they have become a popular and great dog kept by many families around the world.

Many people who don’t own a Doberman, or who at least don’t have contact with one, may find it hard to believe that this breed is so affectionate and have such a desire to cuddle.

There are numerous reports from owners of how open their dobermans are to cuddling. Some are snuggly most of the time, whereas others are more open to it when tired. Either way, the general consensus is that this breed loves this form of attention.

Of course, there are always exceptions to the rule.

Without proper socialization and training, a Doberman can be less affectionate. However, this vital socialization and training is for all breeds and not just Dobermans.

Sometimes is just in their nature to be less cuddly. Some dogs are more reserved and its just not in their personality to want to get close to a human in this way.

A dogs wishes must be respected, and a cuddle should never be forced. But generally, this is something that they do want to do. We will look at exactly why this is the case below.

Why Do Dobermans Want To Cuddle?

Dogs and people are very similar in some ways. We need to have human contact and connection to be truly happy. Dogs are pack animals, need to be part of a family, and don’t do good on their own, just like people.

Dobermans can become depressed if they do not have love and affection from humans in their life. And science has proven that cuddling with your dog is healthy for both of you.

One of the things cuddling with you does is it increases oxytocin, the love hormone, in the blood system. So, it makes both you and your dog happy, comforted, and lowers stress and anxiety.

It’s hard to believe that Dobermans, and other dog breeds, suffer from depression, anxiety, stress, but it’s true.

I know that most owners would have no problem cuddling with their dogs, especially if they knew that they were helping to eliminate, or at the very least, alleviate these afflictions in their furry friend.

There are several benefits for cuddling with your Doberman, and it’s hard to continue having a bad day if your dog wants a cuddle with you.

Dobermans will feel more of a connection, and reassured, with cuddling. It’s a great way to get to know your Doberman and to build that mutual trust between the two of you. Besides, your Doberman will think they are protecting you by being so close.

They like to snuggle with you every chance they get, but they also want to play and work with you.

Their nature is to want to be with their owner all of the time, and with their elevated energy, sometimes the only time they are slowing down is when they are sleeping or cuddling.

Ways To Get Your Doberman To Enjoy Cuddling More

There are a few ways to get your Doberman to enjoy cuddling more, and the biggest recommendation is to start young.

Touch

When you first bring your Doberman home to be very tactile with them. Hold them, cuddle them, and pet them.

Also, get them used to human touch in areas that may become a problem later in life, such as their paws, teeth, and ears.

Having your Doberman used to being touched in these areas will help make cleaning and examination much easier.

Introducing them to touch and cuddles early in life will get used to it and think that it is quite normal. Not only will you get them used to touch, but you will also be forming a bond with your Doberman, letting them know that you are their safe spot.

If you live with other people in your household, including children, it’s best to have everyone cuddle with your Doberman, of course, depending on your children’s ages.

This way, your Doberman is less likely to only bond with you, becoming overprotective and perhaps not as friendly with others.

Socialization

Socialization for dogs is such a vital part of being a dog owner. Early socialization with both dogs and people will lead to a better behaved, happier dog.

Dogs learn from other dogs, so socializing them with others, and they don’t need to be the same breed, teaches your dog how to be a dog. They will learn to interact with other dogs and learn how to interact more with you.

Remember, dogs are pack animals, and you are your Doberman’s alpha, at least you want to be, they are a stubborn breed so they can try and take the role. But while they are off learning dog things, they still see you as their top dog.

Socializing your Doberman with other people will help if you plan on taking your dog anywhere. But that is not the only reason to socialize your dog with people.

You want to have them used to others so that they don’t become overprotective of you and aren’t scared or on guard around others when there’s no need to be.

If your Doberman is in a heightened state of mind around others, somebody could get hurt. Some people have an automatic tendency to reach out and touch any dog that they come across, without asking the owner if it is okay. If your Doberman is not socialized, they may try to bite the stranger.

Playing

Playing with your Doberman forms a strong bond between you, in the eyes of your dog. Playing is a way for dogs to trust and care about their owners. By trusting and feeling comfortable with you, your Doberman will have a higher chance of cuddling with you.

There are several different ways to play with your Doberman, all of which are important. You can play fetch, tug, wrestle, or give them mind puzzles to solve. Each activity will strengthen the bond and level of trust that your Doberman has for you.

What If Your Doberman Isn’t A Puppy?

If you first get your Doberman when they are older, and not when they are eight weeks old, its likely to be more of a challenge to get cuddles from them right away.

Just know that you will need patience and that it could take a while to get to the point where they trust you, warm to you and are willing to bond with you.

The hardest part will be building that trust. All you can do is show them that they are safe and loved. Never force them, and they’ll most likely come around.

All of the above tips are still valid; you’ll need to keep in mind that it will be a longer process.

Never put anyone in danger. If you are unsure how your older Doberman will react in new situations and around new people, we recommend having a muzzle for them the first couple of times, until you know that they are calm enough to be in different situations.

Training will help both you and your Doberman get to the point where they know what behavior is acceptable.

Knowing how to act helps with the trust and lets them know that you are in charge and will keep them safe. All of which are needed for them to want to cuddle.

In Summary

Perhaps a surprising fact to some, Dobermans are very affectionate dogs, and they love to cuddle. This breed is friendly, and they do much better with their family close by, not wanting to be alone.

Don’t be surprised if you sit down on the couch and your Doberman hops up and wants to get on your lap. They don’t seem to realize that they can be bigger than your lap; they still want to cuddle.

Cuddling with your Doberman has been scientifically proven to be full of health benefits for both of you. The mutual connection will help both of you feel less stressed out and become more comfortable.

Start cuddling with your Doberman early on so that touch is something that they are used to. Also, make sure that you ensure your puppy is receiving socialization and training at an early age.

If you have ever been in contact with a Doberman from a loving family, you will know that they are not the ruthless dogs that people have made them out to be. Like any breed, the environment they live in plays a big factor in how they will be.

Do Dobermans Like To Cuddle? [Is This Breed Affectionate?]