Posts Tagged ‘training’
Selecting a Puppy
by Tracey Biscontini
If you’re choosing a puppy from a litter, begin by evaluating the litter as a whole. If most of the puppies run away from you, don’t buy one. Healthy puppies should be happy and playful. They might nibble at your shoes or scamper toward you. If the litter is behaving normally, look at each of the puppies individually. Cluck your tongue and jingle your car keys and watch how the puppies react. Don’t select the shyest puppy. Shy puppies almost always grow up to be shy adults. Don’t select the boldest puppy either. A middle- of-the-road puppy almost always makes the best pet. Never adopt a puppy unless you’re sure it’s healthy. Healthy puppies shouldn’t cough, sneeze, or wheeze. Inspect the puppy’s coat and its eyes, ears, dewclaws, and tail.
Coat. To examine a puppy’s coat, run your hand over its fur and make sure you don’t see any bald spots. While a puppy’s coat is certainly nothing like an adult’s–it’s thinner and fuzzier–it should be even and soft. Examine the puppy’s skin and make certain it’s free of red splotches. Make sure the puppy doesn’t have fleas.
Eyes. Examine the puppy’s eyes. Young puppies might have blue eyes that will change with age. The puppy’s eyes should be clear, however, and they shouldn’t be runny.
Ears. Make sure the pup’s ears are clean inside. If you’re buying a purebred puppy and its ears are supposed to prick up, be aware that puppies’ ears don’t stand for about 12 weeks. In addition, the ears sometimes go up and down during teething.
Dewclaws and tail. If you’re buying a purebred puppy from a breeder, make sure its dewclaws have been removed. If your breed is supposed to have its tail docked, this should already be done too.
More Articles:
Training and Obedience
The Doberman takes to training, even as a very tiny puppy, magnificently. This highly intelligent breed actually seems to be capable of “sensing” and feeling what his master is thinking and what he wants the Doberman to do.
The Doberman is as close to being”human” as any breed of canine. They have the desire to please and comply with the requests of their master.
Because of these wonderful traits and their intelligence, they are trained very easily and quickly and retain the lessons very easily. They can be very “testing” at times, but with patience and guidance, they are remarkable in their ability to learn and anticipate the situation. Basic Obedience training is imperative for the Doberman.
This is a breed that must be under control—both physically and mentally—because their traits as a breed all combine to produce a fast, athletic dog that has a large jaw filled with large teeth.
If the Doberman is not trained, respected and properly disciplined—they have the capability of doing great harm to someone, even a family member. It is no different than a child that must be raised with rules and respect for the adults (parents).
The Doberman must love and respect the family as the authority in his life, and this must start at a young age in puppyhood to guide and gently mold the young Doberman into a welcome member within the family and into the greater realm of the community.
Dobermans are unsurpassed in their ability to learn, respond, protect and be a loving, fun companion—but they must be trained to temper and control their temperament traits to produce the “ultimate pet and companion.”
Here are some fabulous sites for information on *TRAINING*. Please spend some time to understand the Doberman and why training is a requirement for a happy, responsive and in control companion.
Competition obedience training articles
submitted by
Theresa Mullen
DPCA Public Education Committee
Behavior
The Doberman is a highly intelligent breed. He is, by virtue of his physical prowess and mental excellence, one of the most formidable of all the working guard breeds. He is a finely tuned protection “weapon”, capable of doing considerable harm and damage to his foes. Because of his temperament and physical superiority, the Doberman must be “managed” properly from puppyhood. This means kindly and patiently and respectfully nurtured along—issuing appropriate discipline when necessary to make the point or correct undesirable behavior.
Because many people don’t research and study the Doberman breed and the characteristics of his temperament, problems with behavior can occur.
Be aware that **THE DOBERMAN IS NOT FOR EVERY PERSON OR FAMILY**. This is just the reality of the breed. It is a demanding breed and requires constant attention and guidance from the family. With the mobile society we live in, where often two people are working and out of the home for long periods of time everyday, the possibility that the Doberman will not be nurtured properly is a distinct possibility. This sets the scenario for trouble to follow.
The first year is ABSOLUTELY CRITICAL to the proper development of correct behavior patterns and the establishment of the *ORDER* that must be present in the family—which is the *people* call all the shots—the Doberman must comply and follow their lead. The family CANNOT be held hostage by an improperly raised and trained Doberman who thinks he is the ALPHA and is running “the show.” Poor behavior, lack of discipline and even dangerous displays of aggression toward family members and other acceptable people is the consequence of mismanagement of the Doberman in some manner.
Of course, there are exceptions, where the Doberman has a physical cause for behavior problems. But typically BEHAVIOR PROBLEMS follow improper training attempts or inappropriate or too severe discipline—or lack of bonding to the family because the Doberman is locked away and has not integrated itself within the family—and also the total lack of available time to spend with this Doberman that demands quality efforts to train.
BEFORE you purchase a Doberman—do your *HOMEWORK.* Study the breed—read everything available on Dobermans. Study and read about training methods and how Dobermans are different than the great majority of breeds. TALK to reputable breeders—go to AKC Dog Shows and establish contacts, so you can spend some time around Dobermans to observe and see how they act and react. Observe Obedience classes and how they’re taught.
Get all the details worked out on how you are going to handle a Doberman puppy coming into your home, including the proper usage of a portable wire crate/kennel to use in the training process. Do all of this BEFORE you go look for a puppy.
If you have very small children—babies, toddlers and young school age children—getting a tiny Doberman puppy is NOT GOOD!!! BABIES AND DOBERMAN PUPPY BABIES ARE NOT A GOOD MIX!!! Doberman puppies are high energy, bundles of **SHARP TOENAILS AND NEEDLE TEETH**!! Young children can be absolutely terrified by nipping puppies and the puppy can be absolutely terrified by running, screaming children that cause their mom’s and dad’s to harshly discipline the puppy for normal puppy behavior. This sets the scene for a very bad experience for both toddler/child as well as the young Doberman puppy and is frequently the start of major BEHAVIOR PROBLEMS that will follow.
The puppy gets locked up more because the kids are afraid and pretty soon the puppy is in the basement or garage or even worse—outside—and the puppy grows up with no family socialization–no house time–fear of children and possibly adults. MAJOR PROBLEMS start and are magnified once the puppy becomes an adult and the critical “imprinting” period of puppyhood is passed.
Many older puppies (6 months to 12 months) and young adolescent adults end up in Shelters, Humane Societies and Rescues across the Country because people cannot handle their Doberman. Or their Doberman is aggressive—or they are using the wrong training methods and they are afraid of their Doberman. Any number of scenario’s can cause behavior problems in the Doberman.
Make sure you seek the advice and counsel of a Professional Behaviorist, a Professional Trainer who has experience with Dobermans, and seek advice from experienced breeders who can point you in the right direction for help.
Dobermans are formidable guard dogs that have the potential to do harm. Do not wait to seek Counsel to correct offensive/dangerous behavior.
submitted by
Theresa Mullen
DPCA Public Education Committee
Basic Care
In a summary, a Doberman needs—-
——to live with his family INSIDE the home—interacting and living next to and with all the family members. He is NOT AN OUTSIDE DOG—under ANY circumstances! He must be a family companion and protector in the home WITH the family. Did I say INSIDE the home with the family? Just wanting to make the point that the Doberman is not for outside living.
——-a warm, safe, dry, comfortable place to live, including an extra large dog crate/kennel for training, housebreaking and when left alone. Blankets/comforters or other soft suitable material for the dog to rest/lay on is necessary to prevent sores/pressure sores/elbow and joint swellings.——
-Premium or Super Premium food—excellent quality dog food for the Dobermans life time is critical. Dogs are carnivores and require high quality meal in their diet. Premium foods that contain large amounts of good meats is necessary for good health. These type foods are usually not found on the grocery store shelves, although Purina One and IAMS and Pedigree are available if you cannot find a specialty store that carries a big array of dog foods. WATER is essential at all times. Most people feed their dogs once or twice a day, depending on their schedules. Feeding routines are flexible—just like our schedules.
——Kind discipline, training and Obedience make for a wonderful and happy pet. The Doberman needs training to know what he can and can’t do in the home, around people and outside interacting with the world. They are intelligent and are easily trained and a joy to live with when properly taught—-but they can be pushy, destructive and a real renegade if not managed and trained. They are truly like a child—in the respect that it is up to you, the owner, to see to it that they are not allowed to become unruly. They can be a problem if not trained, as can ANY highly intelligent guard breed.
—–quality Veterinary care. SPAYING AND NEUTERING IS **ABSOLUTELY NECESSARY** Intact dogs of ANY BREED are susceptible to many diseases, conditions and especially CANCERS of all kinds involving the Reproductive System. PROSTATE disease is extremely common in male Dobermans and the remedy is neutering anyway, so it will save your beloved pet many painful episodes with his health. Mammary Cancer is very common in females, but even more so in females that are not spayed. So for your Doberman’s good health—-*SPAY AND NEUTER*. It will NOT make them fat and lazy—that’s a MYTH!!! Vaccinations, boosters, worming, HEARTWORM testing and preventative, flea & tick medications, health testing such as Thyroid, vWD and heart checks all are helpful in keeping your Doberman healthy and free from disease.
——-they need care to keep them clean and healthy. The teeth need to be examined and cleaned if necessary. The toenails need to be Dremeled or Clipped when needed—usually once or twice a month.
The coat needs to be examined and the Doberman bathed when needed.
The ears should be wiped out with a little “baby oil” and a paper towel and the over all condition of the coat and body should be looked at every day for anything suspicious.
—–they need exercise for good health and to release penned up energy. This makes for a happy and well adjusted Doberman. They are a very high energy breed and need to be active and allowed to exercise and play. A large FENCED YARD is critical to the well being of your Doberman. No matter how well trained your Doberman is, they are still DOGS with instincts that often over-ride their training. When they see a “rabbit” or something that catches their attention, they can put themselves in the pathway of danger, like a car, with horrible consequences. DON’T GET A DOBERMAN WITHOUT A FENCED YARD. Most reputable breeders will NOT sell a puppy if you do not have the yard fenced.
—–Dobermans need the love, respect and interaction with their family to be truly happy dogs. The breed is one that was “MADE” specifically to live
with and be with the family. He is their protector and living with his family makes him MORE loyal and protective and ready to come to your rescue. He cannot live in the basement, garage, yard, kennel or any other isolated place away from his *PEOPLE*. The Doberman needs love and touching and your hand on his head or a pat on his side. He will NEVER be the dog he can be unless you let him be with you and let him love you back. Love him, take care of him, train him and let him know what you want him to do—-he will be the dog of a lifetime—-the dog only a Doberman can be.
submitted by
Theresa Mullen
DPCA Public Education Committee
Living With a Dobe
Living with a Doberman is a challenge that comes on a daily basis. No matter how old, you cannot ignore a Doberman, they are in your face, on your lap, they are a helping you out kinda dog, and yet, they do not seem to intrude into your personal space.
A Doberman is a working dog, he is ever alert and ready at all times to take care of his ‘family and environment’. with tremendous adaptability to what to do in almost all situations.
Some sports to enjoy with your Doberman:
| agility |  |
| obedience |  |
| protection |  |
| flyball |  |
| tracking |  |
| freestyle frisbee |  |
However, this is not a breed that is suitable for everyone. The moment a Doberman walks into your life it is important to set the rules and start training, even if it is as simple as teaching the puppy to sit and wait before eating.
The secret to successful living with a Doberman is to give him a daily function in the family environment, letting him clearly know what is expected of him, and remain constant in those boundaries for the rest of your dogs life. A Doberman needs to have variety, not just in the home, but where ever possible, give him a change of scenery, taking your pup with you to as many different places as possible creates a steady dog who will be able to discern when there is a ‘real’ threat and not just normal life happening. It is important to show your Dobe as many different people, atmospheres, environments and attitudes as possible, this allows the Dobe to be able to not only make some necessary decision himself, but will create a steady and firm temperament.
Exposure to these situations, coupled with fair discipline will help your Dobe bond to you and also be able to make decisions as to when he should or should not act, in the event that you are unable to give a command.
If started from the moment you Dobe enters the home, training can and should be rewarding. Of course, as with most dogs, there will be times that you, as a handler/owner, will feel frustration, but the secret to training a Dobe is to keep it ‘fun’, always be fair with corrections and be consistent. Some Dobes cannot be trained every day, and ten minutes every other day will allow the Dobe to work through the new challenge. These are not dog that can be ‘brow beaten’ to learn something new, and need time to let the imprinting take place.
Dobermans have very steady temperaments, but they do need to be shown or told what you expect of them, if you aren’t consistent, you will confuse them. They are loyal, discerning and have a tremendous sense of humor.
A Dobe knows when to protect, when to growl, when to smile and when you’re in need, your Dobe will be there.
submitted by
Ceilidh Campbell
DPCA Public Education Committee
Want a Dobe Puppy?
SO, YOU WANT A DOBERMAN PUPPY?
We thank you for your questions about Doberman Pinchers, and applaud you for not just rushing out, and buying on impulse.
You are right to question the different breeds of dogs, and how they might fit into your house, family, and life style.
Do you live in town? Or the country? What is your lifestyle, and how will a large, energetic dog fit into that. Dobermans are not known for tolerating temperature extremes. They are considered to be, basically, an indoor pet. It can be good to speak with your neighbors before you acquire your new dog. Sometimes fears can be put to rest by discussing this with them first, rather than springing a surprise on them.
Most of the Dobermans I’ve known were bundles of happy, exuberant joy. I think Dobermans need to be a part of the family, and don’t much like to be left behind….just how much on the go are you? could you take the dog with you, on errands? on vacations? will you be able to handle a dog with this much high energy?
Do you have a fenced yard, or an enclosure? Who will take care of the dogs needs? Will you be working outside of your home? And if so – what will you do with a large dog while you are at work? Many breeders are reluctant to sell or place a Doberman into a home with no fenced yard. Mistakes can and do happen, and many dogs are *still* killed yearly, by automobiles. An enclosed, fenced area where the dog can eliminate is better than a loose dog that could rack up hefty veterinarian bills if run over. To lose your Doberman, to a preventable accident, would be heartbreaking, for the owners, and the breeders. If you are a working parent, who will take care of the Doberman, give her exercise, and take her out to potty during the day? Who will be in charge of walking her in the A.M. rush? Late at night before bed? Who will give her that much needed daily exercise?
Puppy, Or Older Dog?
It’s my experience, that many parents want a dog to “teach responsibility” to the child. But most children learn by watching, by example – not by being told to do things. Which, again, shifts the responsibility of care back onto a parent’s shoulders. If you’re a single parent? This can become more of a burden than one remembers – especially if you’re considering a puppy! I think we all forget just how much work that new puppy can be!
If there are children in the home, maybe an older Doberman would work better than a young puppy. Not every dog of every breed is going to come out in a cookie cutter mold, personality- wise. A puppy might grow up to be very protective, so that if you have visitors, your Doberman might need to be monitored. When you take in an older Doberman, you have a better idea of what the individual dog is going to be tolerant of, and usually know in advance, what she doesn’t find acceptable. You’ll have more of a
finished product, so to speak.
Do you have a dog trainer already lined up, to help you with problems, and training classes for your Doberman Pinscher?
Because walking nicely on the leash is fairly dependent on how well the dog is trained to walk on leash. Generally, a well trained dog is a joy to live with, and many behavioral problems are solved, simply by thoroughly obedience training your Doberman. You’ll want to have spent time watching different classes, and observing different techniques, talking to different instructors prior to bringing your new dog home. This is an area where compare and shop is key, not money wise, but quality wise.
Do you have children?
I think the ages of your children could be a very important factor in this decision…. How old are they? Puppies and babies are not really a good combination. I know some folks have warm glowing visions of them growing up together, but really its more frequently a case of the blind leading the blind, and can have some problematic consequences. Again, a Doberman Pinscher is a high energy animal.
There are some medical conditions that can arise in Dobermans…. Some of those may come on as they get older. Are you aware of what these might be? Please do explore our web sites for more information on this, as
well other Doberman related issues.
submitted by
Suzanne McDonald
