Greg & Amy McLogan | Cape Coral, FL | 239-945-4583

INTRODUCTION TO THE DOBERMAN PINSCHER
This information is copyright, Amy Tourond 1999 and may not be reproduced without written permission from the author.

The Doberman Pinscher has qualities that are common to all dogs. However, he is one of the most misunderstood and feared dogs of today. Because of this, there are certain things you should know and understand before adding a Doberman to your family. 

If you are looking for a docile, uncomplicated dog, a Doberman should not be your first choice. The Doberman is alert, active, intelligent and demanding of attention. He often requires a firm, kind and loving person to guide and train him. A Doberman cannot live happily in a kennel situation; he must have a great deal of time with his owner or owners in a close family relationship. An owner must be willing to make the effort it takes to be a Doberman's master.  If not, a delightful and responsive puppy may turn into an unruly, headstrong dog that will be hard to handle as he matures.

A Doberman learns when to expect food, his walks, and the arrival of his loved ones. If you want a dog that will live entirely outdoors, do not get a Doberman. Because of his sleek build, short coat and lack of undercoat, he is very susceptible to extreme heat and cold. The Doberman must live indoors. This means that he must be housebroken and made aware of what is expected of him. He is capable of learning very quickly whether he is allowed on the furniture, where to sit during your meals, where his treats are and many other idiosyncrasies. It takes time, patience and consistency to realize the full potential of your Doberman. The person who just wants a dog to grace the home should not own this breed. Dobermans demand attention, and if you can give them the love and attention that they ask, a Doberman can become the greatest pet you have ever owned (or been owned by).

Some people prefer to get a young puppy and train it in their own way. This can be very rewarding, quite time consuming and even frustrating. Other people prefer a dog that is out of its puppy hood and has already been somewhat socialized and trained. However, Dobermans often stay puppies for their entire lives. They play tricks on their owners and relish in the joy of giving and receiving love.

CHOOSING YOUR PUPPY AND YOUR BREEDER

Why do you want a Doberman? Is it because you think they are beautiful dogs? Because you think they make great protectors? Elegant and graceful? Obedient, good workers? There are Dobermans to fit each description and some that fit all descriptions. The Doberman Pinscher Club of America (DPCA) has many members whose interest in the breed has led them to develop the potential of the Doberman for show, obedience, agility, tracking and Schutzhund. (Schutzhund is a sport involving the guard-dog work, tracking, extensive obedience, and endurance training). Dobermans can be trained to do just about anything as long as they receive consistent training and love from their owners. 

Remember that the best dogs are from healthy, well bred bloodlines and caring, attentive breeders!

Getting What You Pay For
An indiscriminately bred, 6 week old $150.00 puppy with undocked tail and uncropped ears that is advertised in your local paper is NO BARGAIN. It may have "papers" or be a "purebred" but it is probable that you will never see a pedigree. It will most likely have health or temperament problems, not to mention the parents. It could mean big trouble and expense for you throughout the dog's life. 

The vastly more expensive puppy from the local pet shop is another possible source of trouble. Along with the problems listed above, it is more likely to have psychological disorders brought on from being bred in a puppy mill (a total kennel environment where puppies are mass produced with no attention to cleanliness, health or temperament). It will have been separated from its dam and littermates at too early an age and shipped far too young. Puppies should never be sold younger than 8 weeks of age.

Buyer Beware
People who are breeding Dobermans for the fast buck cannot have an interest in the welfare of each puppy they sell. It would cost them their profit. Hobby breeders who do this for the betterment of the breed do so at their own expense! The dogs sold in pet shops are usually from puppy mills bred for the marketplace, just like corn or tomatoes. A Doberman, is an emotional being. He needs the care and loving attention of a human during his formative stages. The bottom line is that there is no substitute for a dedicated, knowledgeable breeder who is willing to assist you with your puppy/dog throughout its life.

Buy Directly from a Breeder
By calling, writing or visiting Doberman enthusiasts who belong to the DPCA or their local Dobe club, you will learn where puppies are available and where there are dogs that excel in qualities that interest you. Check into the background of the breeder or seller by asking questions.  Does she show her dogs or do obedience?  Where are the puppies raised?  How are they raised?  Are the dogs health tested (ask for copies)?  Have the dogs passed temperament tests? Is she affiliated with a local dog club? Is she a member of a Doberman club? 

Finding a Reputable Breeder
It is much easier to find a pet shop or a commercial breeder who advertises in the newspapers than it is to find a good hobby breeder. However, if you know someone in a local dog club or the SPCA, you can often find a referral service for all breeds. Local vets can usually point you in the right direction as well. The DPCA will send you their Breeder's Directory if you write for it. Dog magazines often have ads for litters, especially the magazines devoted entirely to the Doberman, but remember THE PEOPLE WITH THE BIGGEST ADS DO NOT NECESSARILY HAVE THE BEST DOGS. If there is a dog show in your area, attend and watch the Dobermans in both conformation and obedience. Many people will be glad to answer your questions and inquiries about the breed once they are finished for the day.

Form a Relationship
See the parents of the puppy you are inquiring about, and see other relatives if you can. Ask about the relatives: are they alive?  What are their temperaments like?  Spend time with the breeder of your choice. Dedicated breeders want to place their puppies in the best homes possible and will do everything in their power to do the right thing for the puppies on which they have spent so much love, time and money. These breeders will help you develop the potential of your new puppy. You will get all the guidance you want from the right person. Do not buy a puppy from someone who wants to get rid of you once you have paid your money, who does not want to hear from you about how the pup is doing, brushes you off as a novice noodle-head, or refuses to answer your questions. A reputable breeder who has lived with the litter since its birth knows each puppy's individual personality and tendencies better than you could learn in a few hours of observation. Be guided by this breeder's suggestions in making your choice.

Battle of the Sexes
The difference in personality between a male and a female Doberman can be tremendous. It can be as radical as the difference between a bull and a cow or a stallion and a mare. Some Doberman males grow up to be rough, tough and hard to handle. If they are not neutered, they can take longer to settle down, and their noses get the best of them at the worst of times (e.g. in the obedience ring). Most are pussycats and adore snuggling, but they do require consistency when disciplining and training. Most Doberman males will NOT get along with ANY other male dogs, regardless of their size or if they have been neutered. Females, as a rule, are more easy going with other dogs, but are just as protective of their homes as any male. Make your decision on the family's preference. Whichever you choose, you will receive a bundle of love and energy.

Size Does Matter
There is no point in trying to get a super dog or, as they have been called by commercial breeders, a Giant, King or Warlock Doberman. If you are looking for a dog that is more than 28" tall, it is better for you to look to a Great Dane or an Irish Wolfhound. Dobermans are a MEDIUM sized breed. They were bred to have great stamina, endurance and agility. A large dog loses these important assets. The correct size for an adult male Doberman is 26" - 28" and for a female Doberman is 24" - 26". Adult males usually weigh around 85 lbs and females around 65 lbs.

To Show or Not to Show
Most serious breeders of Dobermans and most members of the DPCA and other dog clubs are interested in breeding show dogs. Although it is a bit of an "ego boost" to have bred many Champions, that is not the reason we breed dogs to show. Each breed of dog has a standard written by its Parent Breed Club, and responsible breeders will breed dogs which adhere to these standards. Standards were developed with the original purpose of each breed in mind. For example, the Doberman standard states that dogs should be "fearless, energetic, determined, obedient, alert...having round heavy bone..." Dobermans were originally bred to be night watch dogs, and it is for this reason that the standard was written as it is.  A frightful, lazy, disrespectful dog, of meek stature would not have made a good protector in 1900, nor would it today.

Showing dogs is a popular sport around the world. Almost every weekend of the year there are dog shows across the country. Dog shows give breeders and owners a venue to showcase their best animals and to demonstrate that their breeding program is helping to improve the structure and temperament of the breed. Dogs are judged according to their breed standards, and it is certainly a thrill to be able to say that your dog is a Champion. When your dog wins points towards his title it is a wonderful feeling.

Beyond the attainment of a Championship, there are top dog awards.  If you think you might be interested in showing a dog to some high accolade, it is best to sit and seriously discuss this with your breeder, both so you understand the huge commitment that is required and also so that you get the best dog for your goals.

Maybe an Older Dog is for You
If you are not prepared to go through the trials and tribulations of training a baby puppy, an older puppy or even a mature dog can be a wonderful alternative, especially for households in which the family pet may have to spend several hours a day unsupervised. A Doberman of any age with a good disposition and temperament can become a member of your family in a very short span of time. 

There are many reasons why older dogs are available. People's circumstances change and they have to part with a beloved pet; breeders hold a puppy until it is old enough to determine whether it was show quality and then decide to sell it; a female has been used for breeding and her owners are looking for a good place where she can retire; family divorce. Grown dogs are housebroken, and if well raised they should know many words and signals, and have some basic obedience training and general manners.  For the working family, they can be perfect!

Another alternative to adopting an adult dog is to contact rescue groups and committees. These people take unwanted or mistreated Dobes, rehabilitate them, and then place the dogs in new homes. These dogs are usually placed for nominal cost and must be spayed or neutered. You may also find Dobes in your local pound or shelter, and although these dogs were abandoned, most are grateful to you for saving them and giving them the best treatment they have known. 

Rescue people will usually try to help you in every way to acquire a Dobe that will suit your family. Many thousands of good dogs have been placed in this manner. Rescue can be a very good source of information and often will try to help solve your pet's adjustment difficulties, should he have any. 

If the older dog has been well loved and taken care of in its new home, he will give much love and devotion to his new owner.  The key is that A PROPERLY RAISED DOBERMAN LOVES AND NEEDS PEOPLE. Never be afraid to take a friendly, outgoing older animal into your home. Contrary to popular belief, a Doberman is not a one man dog, but adapts well to new family. Although the dog may be confused at first and cause a few problems, love patience and reassurance will work wonders. The dog's self-confidence will return and he will settle down. 

Try to learn all you can about the dog you plan to adopt so that you can be certain his temperament is compatible with yours. Learn as much as possible about his habits, daily routine, likes and dislikes, diet and past history. It is important that all family members meet the dog before its adoption and all agree that this is the dog they want. It is unfair to the dog to adopt him only to give him away a few weeks or months later. It is wise to acquire the dog when the household member with primary responsibility for the dog's care and training is at home full time for the first few days. Time should be made available to make clear to the dog where he is to sleep, where he is to relieve himself, where he will eat, where his water dish will be and what he can and cannot do in the house. In short, he needs to learn the routine he will be following. Wait until you have had him for a month or so before beginning formal obedience training. This will give the dog the time he requires to become accustomed to the new environment and to have confidence in his new owners. Even dogs that have already had some training need to attend classes with their new owner so that dog and owner can become a working team.

Dogs with Kids
Children and dogs must learn to respect each other from wise parents. No small child should be left alone with even the smallest dog. Puppies are quite helpless and children can be cruel. An older dog's defense is to bite, especially if he is being tormented or teased. Therefore, supervision is absolutely necessary when children and dogs are together. Some older dogs who have never had any experiences with kids may be intolerant of a small child's noise and quick movements. This is particularly true of the adult dominant Doberman. Most dogs of any age, particularly males, consider little people the equivalent of littermates and will react accordingly. If raised with children, Dobermans often "adopt" the child as their own and look out for the child's welfare. Be cautious though, if this is the case, when your child is wrestling with neighborhood children, as the dog may become protective of "his" child.

YOUR PUPPY AT HOME 

Start Training Early
There are two very important kinds of training you must start when you bring your puppy home: housebreaking and leash training. A Doberman is eager to learn and will absorb what you teach him - positively and negatively - from the moment he enters your life. A Dobe puppy coming to its new home WANTS to learn the rules, to know its boundaries, and to find out how to keep itself clean. Both housebreaking and leash training can be accomplished within days if you set up a schedule and adhere to it. Patience and consistency are the watchwords! Several books will tell you about training your puppy, but a few helpful hints are below.

Housetraining 
Puppies have to relieve themselves almost immediately after walking, eating, sleeping, after playing, and sometimes in the middle of playing. It is best to bring your puppy home when you can arrange to be with him for at least a week to observe and attend to his needs. When you wake up in the morning, plan on putting a coat over your nightclothes and walking your puppy. Do not wait to get dressed because the puppy will not. He will soon show you his signal if he is housebroken and you will pick it up easily. NEVER strike your puppy or insult his dignity by "rubbing his nose in it." PRAISE HIM EXTRAVAGANTLY WHEN HE DOES SOMETHING RIGHT! Ignore mistakes - they are probably yours in most cases. Rewards for good behavior work wonders.

The Vari-Kennel
One of the greatest inventions for house training a puppy is the crate or kennel. (It is also the safest way to travel with your dog). There are many kinds and models and they are illustrated in many dog magazines. The best crates are made of washable, molded plastic that the puppy cannot chew. They come in various sizes and you should get the large (400) or extra large (500) for your Doberman. Do not buy aluminum (too hot), mesh (easy to chew) or wire crates (no privacy) for your primary kennel. 

The crate satisfies the dog's natural instinct as a den animal, which is to sleep in some sort of hole WHICH IT WILL NOT SOIL. When a puppy crawls into its favorite spot to sleep it is usually under the end table or behind a chair where it instinctively is protected on all sides. By providing a crate of its own for your pup, you are catering to its own tendencies while making positive strides toward future training. Put a comfortable, washable cheap rug or blanket in the kennel with a harmless toy. Place the crate somewhere near where you spend a great deal of time or near where you sleep (or move from one to the other) so the pup does not feel too lonely. Be sure there is a clear path to the door so you can get the puppy there without an accident when he wakes up from his snooze. 

Your puppy will become accustomed to his kennel in no time. Give him a treat when you put him in there and NEVER use it to punish him. It is the safest place for him when you are unable to supervise or when you are away from home. If you take him out in the car, he will be safe from sudden stops and quick escapes if he is in the crate. The advantages of investing in a crate are enormous: the puppy will get the sleep he needs (and puppies need a lot), he will not soil his bed if he can help it. Your puppy will learn there is a place that is ALL his to retire to when he wants. When your puppy is a grown dog and fully civilized, the door can be left open or taken off, and he will use it as his own private space all his life. Of course, no puppy should spend more than a few hours at a time confined to a crate. Puppies need time to exercise, to develop growing bones and muscles, and to improve coordination.

Leash Training
It is never too early to start your puppy's training. Take the puppy outside away from a play area, and put a light leash and collar on him. Start out with a soft nylon buckle collar.  I personally do not recommend 'choke' collars for training. The pop and jerk method of training has come and gone, and this action can do irreparable damage to your dog's (especially a young dog's) neck and spine.  If training is done regularly and consistently with oodles of praise and positive reinforcement, there should be no reason to use a choke chain. 

At first, let the puppy run about by himself for the first few trips. Because a puppy's attention span is very short, several short sessions each day are better than one long one. Five minutes twice a day is a good start. After about three or four times of getting the puppy used to having the collar and leash attached to him, gently pick up your end of it and follow him around. After you have done this a few times, start getting him to come along the way you want to go. DO NOT DRAG THE PUPPY! Make him come with you by using your voice in a fun manner, and by coaxing him with cookies or toys if necessary. You will be amazed at the progress made in just a few days. Of course, you will praise and hug the little darling every time he does something right, so that he knows he has pleased you! NEVER LEAVE A CHOKE COLLAR on any puppy or dog when the dog is unattended or playing. It is too easy for a dog to get strangled or choked. Instead, if you must keep a collar on the pup, use a soft leather or nylon buckle collar, complete with his identification tags.

Puppies can be Destructive
All puppies are destructive if given the opportunity but Doberman puppies, because of their tremendous energy, seem to be able to find more things to mangle and destroy than most others. Even a grown dog left alone in the house, bored and lonely, will surprise you with his selectiveness in this department. Do you have a favorite chair? He will shred it. Your new mink, tossed onto the sofa is just another dead animal to him: your favorite books are gristle to his milling jaws. THE CRATE TAKES CARE OF THIS PROBLEM! Just picture these two situations:

1. You come home and find that even though you have given baby the freedom of only one room, he has gotten out of it and has visited your bathroom where he has unrolled the paper all over your living room and then taken a pillow off of your sofa and made snow all over the floor. In the middle of the carpet, there are several puddles and a pile. You begin to scream, and that, combined with your body language, is enough to convince the poor pup that he should be concerned and not happy when you come home. He is truly not aware that he has done wrong because you did not catch him in the act of destruction.  Inevitably, he associates your coming home and being angry with seeing him, and he becomes a shivering and slinking puppy every time you walk through the door. BAD SCENE!

2. Now think about coming home from your errand eager to see the little dear. He is snoozing in his crate and he hears your key turn in the door. He thinks, "Oh Boy" the boss is home!" When you open the crate door he is thrilled to see you and immediately wants to go outside. You take him for a walk outdoors where he relieves himself and you both play happily for a while. This is positive training at its peak!

CARE AND FEEDING

For Your Dog's Health
Not all vets are created equal.  

If this is your first dog, it will be extremely helpful for you to shop around for a vet as carefully as you have for your dog. Ask  your breeder if she knows of a good vet in your area.  If you live in a large city, you will have more to chose from, but the vet closest to you may not be the best choice.  It is better to have to drive 30 minutes to a GREAT vet than walk across the street to a BAD vet.  In selecting a vet, look for someone you can talk to, and who will also listen to you. What are his hours? What facilities does he have? What sort of assistants are on the staff? How much does he know about Dobermans? Is he willing to give you his home phone number for emergencies? Examine your vet's hospital as you would choose one for yourself. Someday your dog's life may depend on the efficiency, knowledge and talent of your vet and his crew. 

Start your relationship with your vet with the idea that your dog is extremely valuable to you and you want his doctor to view him in that light. Have your dog thoroughly checked over within a few days of acquiring him. Even the most careful breeders sometimes sell a puppy with worms. Show your vet the information you have received from the breeder, and ask him to follow the recommendations for vaccinations.  

Expectations of the Seller
When you purchase your dog or puppy from a reputable breeder or owner, it should come to you accompanied by a pedigree and registration papers, as well as written recommendations covering care and feeding. You should also be provided with a written health record. Some breeders may also give you several days' supply of the dog's current diet as well as a toy, blanket, towel or other object to which your dog has become accustomed. If no toy came with him, give him something he can keep as his very own, as long as it is completely harmless. Remove the eyes from any stuffed animals. REMEMBER, PUPPIES WILL SWALLOW ANYTHING!

Feeding
It is a basic fact of canine nutrition that puppies need a very high quality food, but unfortunately, and despite all the advertising, the best quality food does not come from a bag (See our food and nutrition page for details).  It is best for large breed puppies to grow slowly, giving their joints time to adjust and grow properly. Ask the breeder what your pup has been eating and follow her instructions. If you are unable to continue that food, or if you are going to switch to something else, consult with your breeder first. 

You will have to increase the volume of your dog's food as he grows. A 9 week old puppy may eat three times a day and then will start to reject portions or all of a meal (probably by the time he is 4 months old). That is when you should cut down to two meals per day, equal in volume to the amount fed in three meals. As he grows older, you may have to make his meals larger or smaller, depending upon his condition. Once the dog turns a year old, some people switch to feeding their dogs once a day, but two meals a day all the dog's life is better. Dobermans are usually avid eaters and will overstuff if you are not careful, so do not free feed your dog by keeping his dish full all the time. If your dog does not gorge himself, the opposite is likely, and he will become a finicky eater.  For dogs that seem perpetually hungry, two meals a day is much more satisfying. It also reduces the risk of bloat or torsion. It helps the dog feel full and reduces the risk of excessive chewing and other forms of destruction.

Watch your dog's weight and feed him accordingly. Keep to a relatively loose schedule or your dog will expect to be fed at a certain time each day and will begin to demand the same. 

Keep Your Yard Clean
Pick up the stools every day from your yard and any surrounding territory. "Pooper-scoopers" are found at all pet stores, and will become your most used item. Plastic bags or newspaper can be used to wrap the package neatly and bestow it with other garbage. Cement runs and gravel areas, after being picked clean of stool, should be washed twice a week with a solution of 3/4 cup bleach or 1/4 cup of orange TKO to one gallon of water. Keeping your outside areas clean helps to keep your house clean and pet healthy.