dobbs was the son of colonel a. f. dobbs, also of the indian army. he was educated at bedford school and then obtained a commission in a militia battalion, the 4th battalion, royal irish rifles, in january 1891. he resigned his commission in march 1891 to attend the royal military college, sandhurst, and was commissioned second lieutenant into the lancashire fusiliers in june 1892. in october 1894 he transferred to the indian army and joined the 95th russell's infantry (later 94th russell's infantry). he was promoted captain in july 1901. he served in aden from 1903 to 1904 and graduated from the indian staff college at quetta in 1908. he was appointed brigade major in may 1909, actually promoted major in june 1910, and from july 1911 to june 1913 served as a brigade staff officer.