Dobermans

Posts Tagged ‘Puppy’

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.

Your Doberman puppy should be no younger than 8 weeks when you bring him home. Being separated from his mother and litter mates for the first time will be a big adjustment. So, how do you make his transition to your home as smooth as possible? One thing you might want to do is take a blanket or towel to the breeder and rub the other puppies and the mother with it to get their scent on it.

When you first get home with your Doberman puppy, the first thing you should do is make him an appointment with the vet, if you have not already done so. The next thing is take him outside to the yard where you will want him to do his business. Let the puppy explore and become familiar with “his” territory. If he happens to do his business while he is playing in the yard, praise him. After he has been outside for a short time, bring him in and let him explore the house. Keep areas blocked off that you do not want the pup to go. Doberman puppies are by nature bold and curious. They are not usually timid and fearful, but if your pup is a little scared or nervous, he will get over it quickly.

Introduce your puppy to his food and water dish. You should have food available all day for a young pup because they grow so fast. It is best to feed a premium dog food especially formulated for large breed puppies. This will guarantee the growth and development rate will be appropriate. This is also a good time to show the puppy his crate. Place the blanket with the scent of the mother and puppies in the crate. Put him in there with a toy and leave the door open. The crate will be the pups home when you are away. It will also be his own “den” where he can go for a time out. It is important not to send the puppy to his crate as punishment. It should be a place he likes to go.

The first few nights at home will be less than peaceful, unless you intend to let your Doberman sleep in bed with you. This may seem like a good idea in the beginning, to keep him from barking all night, but a full grown Doberman does not leave much room in the bed for you! There are a few tricks you can use to help your puppy learn to get though his first nights away from the rest of the litter. The blanket with the scent from his litter mates is important. Another trick is to keep a nightlight on and the TV or radio playing softly. I had good luck with a large stuffed dog in the crate for my youngest Doberman. She curled up to it and went to sleep. I cannot promise this will work for you… count on several nights of barking and whining. It really does not take that long for the puppy to adjust.

Since puppies are so playful and active, they tire easily and nap frequently during the day. Make sure you give him plenty of exercise before bedtime.

One of the most important things you will need to do with your Doberman puppy is socialization. After he has had some time to meet the family and get familiar with his new home, you will want to introduce him to other people he will encounter on a regular basis. He should be introduced to your childrens friends as well as your neighbors. You may even want him to get to know your letter carrier if the pup will see him every day. Do not forget to introduce your puppy to the neighbors pets. Dobermans are not always friendly with other dogs and since they have a high prey drive, they are likely to want to chase smaller animals. Make sure you Doberman puppy gets to know nearby dogs and cats while he is still young.

Doberman puppies are a lot of fun, and will be a wonderful addition to your household. Your Doberman will grow up to be an extremely loyal, loving and affectionate family member.

Joseph M. Sabol is a world class Doberman breeder. Please go to http://petvitamins4u.com or to http://theroadhousedobes.com for further information

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Joseph_M_Sabol

The Doberman Pinscher can live in an apartment but will need frequent vigorous exercise or she may become hyper. A properly fenced in yard, suburban area or farm is best. She is not an outside dog in cold climates as she is cold sensitive. She should be extensively socialized as a puppy or she may become over protective. She makes a fine natural watch dog and guard dog. She is highly intelligent and trains easily. She can tolerate older children but be careful. As a reminder, never leave a young child unsupervised with a puppy or dog. She craves being physically close to her human family. She may require an experienced handler and she may fight with other dogs.

*Approximate Adult Size. The approximate adult size (two years old or older) of the male Doberman Pinscher is 26 to 28 inches to the withers (highest point of the shoulder) and 66 to 88 pounds. The female ranges from 24 to 26 inches to the withers and 66 to 80 pounds.

*Special Health Considerations. Most dog breeds have certain inherited health problems associated with that specific breed and the Doberman Pinscher is no exception. Be on the look out for bloat (Gastric Dilation-Volvulus, the second leading killer of dogs, can kill within the hour, this space is too limited for a complete explanation but you should read up on this). Feeding more then once a day and avoiding exercise right after meals may help guard against bloat, canine hip dysplasia (genetic based looseness in the hip joint that can lead to arthritis pain and lameness), Von Willebrands disease (a problem with blood clotting), skin problems, liver disease, fatty tumors, Wobbler Disease and hypothyroidism (sluggish thyroid gland which can result in weight gain). This disease list is an informative guideline only. Other diseases may also be significant threats, please contact your veterinarian for a complete list.

She should visit the veterinarian several times in the first year for shots, boosters and check up. Then, as an adult, she should visit the veterinarian yearly for shots and check up. As she gets older, six years and on, she should visit the veterinarian twice a year for check ups and shots. Remember; avoid feeding your dog sweets.

*Grooming. The Doberman Pinscher has a short, close lying fine coat that sheds average. She should be brushed regularly. Brushing will help her maintain a clean and healthy coat and help you keep a closer eye on her health and strengthen your emotional bond with her.

Her teeth should be brushed at least twice a week with toothpaste and toothbrush designed for dogs. Brushing removes the accumulation of plaque and tartar which can cause cavities (rarely) and periodontal disease. Dog periodontal disease can lead to pain, loss of teeth, bad breath and other serious disease.

Her toenails may need to be examined for growth and clipped regularly. The toenails of the rear feet grow slower than the toenails of the front feet. Generally a guillotine type trimmer is the best for this chore and competent instructions to accomplish this can be found on the net.

*Life Span. The Doberman Pinscher can live between 12 and 15 years with proper nutrition, medical care and excellent living conditions.

*History. The Doberman Pinscher comes from Germany in 1890 or so as a mix of the Rottweiler, Tan Terrier, short haired shepherd and the smooth-haired Pinscher. They were named after Louis Dobermann, a tax collector who was looking for a companion and protector to accompany him on his rounds. They were first registered by the American Kennel Association in 1908.

Some Registries:

*Doberman Pinscher Club of America

*UKC United Kennel Club

*NKC National Kennel Club

*CKC Continental Kennel Club

*APRI Americas Pet Registry Inc.

*AKC American Kennel Club

*FCI Federation Cynologique Internationale

*NZKC New Zealand Kennel Club

*KCGB = Kennel Club of Great Britain

*ANKC = Australian National Kennel Club

*ACR = American Canine Registry

Litter Size: 3 to 10 Doberman Pinscher puppies

Category: Working

Terms To Describe:Alert, intelligent, protective, fearless, elegant, sleek, aristocratic, quick, muscular, powerful, great speed, alert, loyal

*SPECIAL GOOD POINTS

Good watchdog.

Good Guard dog.

Good jogger dog.

Easy to train.

Highly intelligent.

*SPECIAL BAD POINTS

She will do better with a dominant owner.

Not a choice for small children.

Depending upon breeding, can have temperament problems.

Males can fight with other dogs.

Needs vigorous exercise daily.

Can be hyperactive.

Needs to be socialized when young. Can be over protective.

Cold sensitive. Not an outside dog in cold climates.

May be a one person dog.

*Other Names Known By: Dobe, Dobermann

*Every dog is an individual so not everything in this information may be correct for your dog. This information is meant as a good faith guideline only.