Once Versace got the prescribed shots from the vet as advised by the breeder Mrs. Alpha, he was allowed to go outside, socialize with other dogs and put an end to “home schooling”.

That meant taking him to puppy school first, which, of course, was mandatory for us, given that Dobermanns require early socialization with other dogs and humans in order to prevent them from becoming anxious and turning aggressive potentially in adulthood.  As he was super-dominant over his masters (Ms. S and myself), we had assumed he would rule the canine world with an iron paw.  As Dobe novices, we had to make sure that any potential behavioral issues would be nipped in the bud, so we couldn’t be happier taking him to puppy school, while in the back of our minds we kept our fingers crossed in hope that he would not get kicked out for misbehaving and bashing up all the other dogs on the first day.

On day 1 at puppy school, we bumped into another couple who owned a cute dobermann puppy named Edward.  Naturally, as Doby owners do, we had a friendly chat, and at some point they warned us that “our dog is dominant”.   Oh dear.  Two dominant Dobermann males locking horns?  We better be prepared to intervene before we are forced to assume some serious legal liability (i.e., vet bills!)

So, we go inside, and join a group of about a dozen puppies of all breeds and their respective (somewhat nervous) owners.  After everyone arrives, the instructor provides us with a few tips on what to expect: basically, the pups are just supposed to sniff each other around, get to know each other and then play, like preschool children.  Simple, isn’t it?

All the dogs here are puppies, each of them cute in their own way (although ours was by far the best looking), and are supervised by their owners and the instructor, so what could possibly go wrong?  After all, we’re here to have fun!

So, playtime begins.  The pups are released from their owners, to introduce themselves to their new classmates.  The other dobermann, Edward, confidently approaches other dogs and starts playing and chasing them, as boys do.  Other puppies join in, and the place is like a playground now.

Meanwhile back at the ranch, where on earth has Versace gone?  He is missing!!
He is nowhere to be seen.  Not amongst the group of dogs jumping and wrestling.  Not running around either.  Where could he possibly be?

There he was… staying under the chair between our legs, shivering!!   He was horrified by the sight of other dogs and humans interacting with each other.   We tried to pull him out,  bribe him with treats to join in with others, but to no avail: he DID NOT WANT TO DO.   Sigh.
So, it turns out he was a lion at home, and a mouse abroad.  The instructor told us not to be worried, and that it is quite common at the beginning for pups to be a bit shy.  After all, it was only Day 1 at school, and there were many more weeks to come.

We returned home that day speechless and shell-shocked.  Did we really get a Dobermann??

Mr. T