Dobermans

The use of a crate (kennel) is an effective way to train a new Doberman Puppy. The kennel imitates a den. In nature, puppies stay in a small den, just big enough for everyone to fit. While the adult pack members are off on the hunt, the puppies stay behind, safe in the den usually with an adult puppy-sitter. Only when the pack returns will the puppies emerge to happily feed on regurgitated food.
Instinctively, a puppy will have a feeling of safety and will not want to mess inside his small kennel. To properly kennel a puppy, the kennel should have just enough room for the puppy to fit comfortably laying down, standing up, and he should be able to turn around. The kennel should be built specifically for dog safety with only small spaces between the bars. The kennel should also be of high quality and in good repair, without bent or broken bars, and with a flat cleanable floor.
Doberman puppies grow fast, so it’s often a good idea to purchase a crate made for a full grown Doberman, 42″ x 30″ x 31″ or larger. Some crates are equipped with a divider to make the floor space inside the crate the right size for the puppy as it grows. With a regular crate, a box or other large item can be placed inside to take up the unneeded space, where the puppy would otherwise mess.

Feeding:

Many Doberman breeders recommend a lower protein puppy food (less than 28%) for the first months of puppy hood. They also discontinue feeding puppy food at an early age, ~4 months. This practice is thought to help reduce the incidence of Panosteitis (wandering lameness) and reduce the rapid growth produced by a higher ratio of protein found in most commercial puppy foods. Many also recommend raising the food dish off the floor to lessen neck strain while feeding.

Adult Dobermans should be an adult dog food containing “joint support” supplements, such as glucosamine, to help reduce the risk of hip dysplasia.

A typical and health adult Doberman can eat nearly 40 pounds of dry dog food a month, which can mean an average of $20 per month per dog. As a Purina “Rally to Rescue,” we feed and recommend the Pro Plan brand dog food.

Water:

All mammals need water. Like in feeding, raising the water dish off the floor will help lessen neck strain. Also, water quality is important. Just like human consumption of tap water is a health concern, the same contaminates can affect your dogs well being. If at all possible, your dogs should be give water that is filtered. If filling a water dish from a garden hose, remember to allow the water to run through the hose for a few minutes, because harmful germs and bacteria grow in the stagnant water left in a hose.

Toys:

The Doberman is likely to be able to destroy most toys suitable for other breeds. One safe bet is a Kong toy which is fairly indestructible. We also recommend toys from Helping Udders. Dobes also have a love of tennis balls but these should only be provided with supervision. There are known cases of Dobermans choking on tennis balls. Beware of products stating they can be “ingested” safely. This DOES NOT mean they can be digested successfully.

The Doberman Pinscher is a relatively ‘young’ breed of dog. This mixed breed dog (Doberman Pinscher have Rottweilers, Thuringian Shepherds, Greyhound, Great Dane, Weimaraner and German Shorthaired Pointer in them) was created by German tax collector Louis Dobermann in the 1860s after his many travels to crime-infested towns. He wanted to breed a watchdog that could easily handle any situation that might arise. The resulting breeding produced a dog that has strength, stamina and boundless energy.

Average Doberman Pinscher males will stand 26 to 28 inches tall and females 24 to 26 inches. Their weight will average 66 to 68 pounds and Doberman Pinschers will live about 13 years. Most Doberman Pinscher coats are black with rust and markings of red. Some Doberman Pinschers are born all white (albino). There is some disagreement if this indicates future medical problems. The hair is short and smooth, needing minimal grooming other than the occasional brushing and bath.

Doberman Pinschers shed less than other breeds, thanks to this coat. Doberman Pinschers are intelligent and like to please their masters. They develop close relationships with their family, but can be stubborn. Firm and consistent training and correction is a must with this breed, and not just from the master.

All people who come in contact with a Doberman Pinscher regularly must not be afraid to assert their position as the alpha. Doberman Pinschers make excellent watchdogs and guard dogs, and are often times used in law enforcement. Their desire to please their master and loyalty makes them a good family pet. However, they are not always the best choice with children. While Doberman Pinschers enjoy playing with and protecting children, some of the boisterous yelling and sudden movements children make can be interpreted as a threat by a Doberman Pinscher and it may attempt to defend itself.

Doberman Pinschers have a lot of energy and need to exercise at least once a day, but not in the cold, as they cannot tolerate it well. If given sufficient time to exercise, they may do all right in an apartment setting. Doberman Pinschers do have medical concerns. Some Doberman Pinschers can develop cervical spondylitis (wobbler syndrome) due to fusion of neck vertebrae and compression of spinal cord, Von Willebrands disease (an inherited blood disorder), obesity in middle age, bloat, hip dysplasia, hypothyroidism, and congenital heart disorders.

In conclusion this is a great breed to own if the above information is not an issue, but as always if you are thinking of getting this breed please consider dog shelters and rescue dogs first.

Image taken on 2005-09-24 14:50:09 by Birdfreak.com.