Doug had a difficult relationship with his father Bert (Bud Tingwell), which made him determined to always be around for his children.Monroe 1996, p.53. When Gaby revealed that she had been writing to her grandfather for years, behind Doug's back, it almost caused a division within the family. Doug had not seen his father since he had walked out on the family when Doug was young. When Pam and Gaby announced that they had invited Bert to stay, Doug forbid them from letting him in the house. At first he refused to tell them why and Pam and Gaby believed that they could re-build the relationship between father and son. An Inside Soap writer commented "But they've got to work fast because times's not on their side." There was "instant friction" between Bert and Doug when they finally met. When Bert tried to explain his actions, Doug refused to forgive him for walking out on his mother.Monroe 1994, p.119. Bert later confided in Wayne Duncan (Jonathon Sammy-Lee) that he was dying and had come to Erinsborough to make amends. Realising that Doug was not going to give Bert a chance, Wayne told him about Bert's condition. However, Bert did not want Doug's pity and made plans to leave on the next boat but Pam persuaded him to return, where he and Doug made up.
