PublicEd
Rx for a better life? Get a pet, and do it now! It might be the prescription of the future: Take two aspirin and get a pet immediately.
Numerous studies have shown that pets – or at least the presence of animals – can have medical benefits that are beyond dispute. These range from lowering blood pressure to lessening anxiety and depression and even to faster healing times after surgery.
Fido is no placebo – he can literally be man’s best friend when people are ailing. “We have known for many years that the company of a pet can be of benefit in a variety of ways, but exactly why this is, no one seems to have the answer,” says Dr. Bonnie Beaver, who specializes in animal behavior and human-animal relationships at Texas A&M University’s College of Veterinary Medicine.
“For example, the long-term survival rates of heart attack victims who had a pet have been shown to be significantly longer than for those who did not. There is also data showing that widows who have cats are better off medically during the first year, which is a critical stress time, than widows who do not.”
Other studies have shown that:
Senior adults who own dogs go to the doctor less than those who do not. In a study of 100 Medicare patients, those who owned dogs made 21 percent fewer visits to a physician than non-dog owners;
Pet owners have lower blood pressure, and one study showed that just 10 minutes in the company of an animal significantly reduced blood pressure rates;
Pet owners have lower triglyceride and cholesterol levels than non-owners;
Pet owners have overall better physical health due to exercise with their pets;
70 percent of families surveyed reported an increase in family happiness and fun after acquiring a pet;
Children exposed to pets during their first year of life have a lower frequency of some allergies and asthma;
Children who suffer from autism have more prosocial behaviors if they own a pet;
Owning a pet – especially a dog – helps children in families better adjust to the serious illness or death of a parent;
Pets decrease feelings of loneliness and isolation in their owners;
Having a pet may decrease heart attack mortality rates by 3 percent, which translates into 30,000 lives saved annually;
Positive self-esteem in children is enhanced if the child owns a pet;
Children owning pets are more likely to be involved in sports, hobbies, clubs or even chores;
Victims of AIDS who own a pet report less depression and reduced stress levels. Many groups take pets to visit residents of nursing homes, and usually the experience is a very positive one for both the pet and the individual.
“Many people in nursing homes had pets all of their lives, but for several reasons, are not allowed to in an extended-care facility,” says Beaver.
“The tendency is to make those places ‘sterile,’ with minimal plants or animals. Those who bring in nature of all kinds generally bring in a better quality of life to their residents.”
The reverse is also true – the life of a pet is usually enhanced if its owner cares for it properly.
“Geriatric animals in most veterinary settings are those that have had loving and caring owners who followed good husbandry practices,” she adds.
“We don’t really understand why pets make us feel better and in some cases, add years to our own lives,” Beaver explains.
“There are many forms of the animal-person relationship. Some are not good, some are neutral, some are not realistic at all and some are very nurturing. Different people get different benefits from the animal, and even different benefits at different stages in the person’s life.”
Keith Randall
Texas A & M University
PublicEd
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.
Clicker training articles
Articles by Suzanne Clothier
Competition obedience training articles
Understanding canine drives
submitted by
Theresa Mullen
DPCA Public Education Committee
PublicEd
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.
Who’s in charge here?
Nothing in life is free
submitted by
Theresa Mullen
DPCA Public Education Committee
PublicEd
PublicEd
They come from the streets, the parks, the back alleys, abandoned inside a house when the owners move, left tied out in the yard, cold hungry with no water, they are taken to the pound when their owners marriage breaks up and no one wants them, they are abandoned when a new baby joins the family, OR they have outgrown their ‘cuteness’. They are the young, the old, the in between, some spayed, some in tact, some so thin you can see every bone in their body, and some so over weight they can hardly move.
These are the rescue dobes, the throw away dobes, the dobes that would give their life for their owners, but are cast away with never a second thought. These are the faithful friends who ask nothing more than warmth, comfort, love and the opportunity to please you, their human.
The people who do Dobe Rescue come from all walks of life, and their passion is the breed. Strictly on a volunteer basis, using their own monies for the medical emergencies that may come up, from dealing with heartworm, to amputation to the neutering and spaying of a Dobe. Digging deep into their own resources in order to give a new beginning to a Dobe in need. No Dobe is allowed to leave rescue intact, this guarantees there will not be another unwanted litter ending up in
rescue because they cant be placed in a loving home.
Sometimes a Dobe is so traumatized it is necessary to make a decision on whether the dog is adoptable or not, and if, for some reason, there is aggression towards adults, children and sometimes other dogs, then that final decision has to be made. The Rescurer will go with that Dobe on the final journey, because this dog has become part of the life and heart of the Rescurer, and it is their responsibility to have the dog ‘put down’.
There are no guarantees on health issues, a most particularly with a rescue Dobe, but the love that is given by these dogs far out weighs most of the minor medical issues. However, if the medical problems are major and needing weeks, or months of treatment, once again the Rescurer has to play ‘god’ and make the decision to terminate the Dobe.
So often we hear that two dogs were bred because the family wanted to 1) have a puppy because their female was so beautiful. 2) it would be a good learning experience for the kids, and worst of all 3) its a way to make some extra cash. None of these are valid reasons, and do not improve the breed. Unfortunately they DO add to the rescue population.
The reasons Dobe are sent to rescue range from, ‘We are moving out of State…..’ to ‘ We have a new baby and no time……’ Each Rescue group has an adoption application they require you to fill out and an adoption fee, which doesn’t come any where near covering general spaying or neutering, let alone other medical problems, if there are any. A home visit is required and the requirements for adoption are very stringent. A Rescurer wants to be sure this Dobe will be in a ‘forever’ home, this time.
As with a puppy, it is important to take your rescue Dobe to formal obedience classes, this helps, not only in the bonding process, but gives the new owner a better idea on how much stress their new family member can handle, and helps with general socializing.
When applying to a rescue group a packet of information is often times handed out. However, there are those who do rescue that rely upon a question and answer session, after the adoptee has filled out an application form. What ever route the adoption people take, it is never easy, and you should be prepared to answer all the questions asked honestly. The Rescue people have a strong net work, and when in doubt they will call upon fellow Rescurers to ‘check’ out a name. After all the paper work is complete, references checked and a phone conversation had with the prospective parent, a home check is done. The standards for the home are high, and usually anyone without a fenced area is rejected, not for ever, but until suitable fence has been built.
Rescurers tend to feel that the dobe they have under their care is very much a part of their own dogs. They will take a Dobe back, if for some reason it is not working out, they will make that ‘final’ decision for you if it is needed and they will sit and hold you and your Dobe when the injection is administered. Like a Breeder, a Rescue person has put a great deal of heart and love into the so called ‘throw away’ pup. and they are forever connected to this Doberman.
RESCUE ME……
Rescue me not only with your hands, but with your heart as well I will respond to you.
Rescue me not out of pity, but out of love.
I will love you back.
Rescue me not with self-righteousness but with compassion.
I will learn what you teach.
Rescue me not because of my past, but because of my future.
I will relax and enjoy.
Rescue me not simply to save me, but to give me a new life.
I will appreciate your gift.
Rescue me not only with a firm hand, but with tolerance and patience.
I will please you
Rescue me not only because of who I am, but who I’m to become.
I will grow and mature.
Rescue me not to revere yourself to others, but because you want me.
I will never let you down.
Rescue me not with a hidden agenda, but with a desire to teach me.
I will be loyal and true.
Rescue me not to be chained or to fight, but to be your companion.
I will stand by your side.
Rescue me not to replace one you’ve lost, but to sooth your spirit.
I will cherish you.
Rescue me not to be your pet, but to be your friend.
I will give you unconditional love
Author Unknown.
from the desk of Rose Anne Fierro
submitted by
Ceilidh Campbell
DPCA Public Education Committee
PublicEd
The American Kennel Club official *Standard* for the Doberman does an excellent job at describing the temperament of this ultimate guard dog.
The *ideal* Doberman temperament is:
Energetic
Watchful
Determined
Alert
Fearless
Loyal and Obedient
The IDEAL Doberman is a stable, confident and FEARLESS dog or bitch. Correct temperament is so important in the Doberman that it is emphasized in the Standard by a directive to judges.
“The judge MUST dismiss from the ring any animal that is SHY or VICIOUS.”
The Doberman temperament is the “essence and persona” of what the doberman is and what sets it apart from other breeds and even other breeds of Working dogs.
It is the APPEARANCE and TEMPERAMENT that make up what the Doberman breed is distinctive for among all of the dog realm.
ENERGETIC—this trait is NOT an exaggeration! The Doberman is on the go. He is an active and involved dog, making himself a central part of the family and family activities. He requires intense and close contact with people of his family and has a very high activity level, requiring lots of exercise. Because of this need to be on the go, it makes this breed vulnerable to running and extreme bursts of speed which can be dangerous if not in a fenced yard or confined perimeter. Thus it is imperative that the yard and property be fenced securely. The Doberman is extremely obedient, however commands given to COME can be inadvertently missed by the Doberman when actively running and can lead to tragic consequences by running into a road or highway, only to be struck or even killed in his exuberance to stretch his legs.
A young Doberman is into everything and requires the family to keep an eye on him and puppy/dog proof the house and yard until he is trained and understands what he can and cannot do. They are very much like a curious toddler, interested in anything that is new and searching to investigate everything. And the fact that they are so high energy, coupled with their natural curiosity and investigative tendencies, makes it necessary to scrutinize the Dobermans activities so he doesn’t get into trouble.
WATCHFUL—The Doberman is aware and on guard. It’s part of his ongoing personality. He doesn’t miss a thing! This is a very important trait in an effective guard and watch dog. He MUST be aware of his environment at all times. His hearing and sense of smell is astonishing. These two senses are the primary tools that the Doberman uses to evaluate his world at all times. Sight is important, but secondary. Sight is effective to guard dogs, however “hidden” foes or danger can only be picked up by smell or sound. The Doberman will investigate any and all possible intruders, sometimes to the annoyance of their owners, as they will be up and in the check it out frame of mind. This is NOT a quiet dog, content to ignore his environment and stay curled up and snoozing. He is up and on the go at any possible noise, smell or sight of a possible threat.
DETERMINED—This trait can be appreciated in the Doberman when they are relentless in pursuing a threat to their family. They are not easily deterred from their “job” of guard and protection, and take the threat on the family totally seriously, and will not give up the protest until assured that “it’s all right, now”. This “determined” attitude also makes it a challenge to train a Doberman at times, as he definitely has his opinion about everything. But with patience, kindness and proper discipline, you will prevail in conveying your will and wishes on the Doberman. The result will be a well trained and incredibly responsive companion that will gladly come between a threat and his loving family.
The key to success with the Doberman is to be MORE determined in pursuing your training of him, than he is determined to resist. The Doberman needs something to do with his time and is a willing partner in family activities, and will develop into a perfect gentleman and good citizen.
ALERT—The Doberman is always aware of his surroundings. He is on guard and on duty at all times. He doesn’t miss a thing and is responsive and will check out anything that alerts him to possible danger to his family.
FEARLESS—The Doberman standing alertly—staring at the danger—ears held totally up and eyes focused on the threat. Woe to the foolish man who doesn’t think the Doberman will stand his ground and dare the intruder to go through him. It is this stance and attitude and lightening fast
reflexes and responses that, coupled with the Dobermans totally fearless and confident attitude, that make him the absolute PREMIER protection and guard dog, as well as cherished pet and family companion and comrade. He is unflappable when danger is present.
LOYAL AND OBEDIENT—These qualities make the Doberman more than simply a weapon for guard and protection. Only total devotion to family is what the Doberman’s job is everyday. He is focused on his family and wants to please and do exactly what they want him to do. He will bond and attach himself to the family and execute his role as companion and protector like no other breed can.
All of these wonderful traits blend and combine in the Doberman temperament to produce the end result of a devoted, loving and protective dog that is unique and truly admired in the dog world.
submitted by
Theresa Mullen
DPCA Public Education Committee
PublicEd
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. 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
PublicEd
The Dobermans “look” is that of a compact, powerful, medium sized dog that shows an attitude and temperament reflecting great nobility and confidence. His short, tight coat and cropped ears and docked tail add to his clean lines and effectiveness as an elite protection breed. But, the docked tail and the cropped ears on the Doberman are historically VERY FUNCTIONAL in origin and serve important purposes.
A docked tail was an important characteristic of the Doberman because the tail represents a “body part” that can be easily and readily injured.Injury can happen by accident, such as knocking it against hard surfaces or getting it caught between surfaces (doors, windows, car doors) which can cause bruising, hematomas (pockets of blood), sloughing off of hair and tissue, gangrene and terrible fractures of the vertebra requiring major reparative surgery to treat and even save the tail. The tail also served as a handle that an attacker could grab and injure which could cause the dog to experience pain and trauma and cause him to abandon his job of protecting his owner. So docking was also a functional part of the Dobermans effectiveness as a family protector.
Cropped ears, likewise, were the logical, functional addition to complete the Dobermans physical equipment to make him the elite family companion and protection dog that he was, even from the beginning. There are two primary reasons that we desire cropped ears, and both have to do with FUNCTION. The first is that a neatly cropped ear is less of a “handle” for an attacker to hang on to. Since the Doberman has been bred to be a personal protector, a cropped ear gives the dog a decided advantage in a confrontation with a perpetrator. The second has to do with sound “localization”. An erect eared dog can localize the source of a sound to within a 5 degree cone,whereas a drop eared dog can only localize a sound source to within a 20 degree cone. Since Dobermans do SEARCH AND DETECTION as well as SEARCH AND RESCUE, cropped ears are a decided advantage.
The DOBERMAN **STANDARD** asks for “ears normally cropped and carried erect”. This simply implies that the ears are cropped in a normal manner. Responsible breeders have the ear-cropping surgery done and healed before they leave the breeders home.
The ears are cropped in a shapely manner when the Doberman is a youngster, usually between 7 to 12 weeks. The ear must belong enough to crop, and the puppy should not be so old that the surgery becomes more difficult for the ears to successfully stand.The Veterinarian puts the puppy under anesthesia and then proceeds to remove the excess ear on the outside portion of the ear. It is cut in a curving and graceful design and then the edges are stitched. The ears are taped over the head and wrapped with gauze for protection or they are glued with surgical glue to foam or a Styrofoam cup or other material to keep the ears upright and the edges exposed to the air for good healing. The stitches are removed after about 10 days, and the ears must be kept from puckering—which is the edges pulling together and causing the ear to shorten because of the scar tissue in areas along the cut edge. The ears are examined everyday to make sure they are healing well and when all edge sare totally healed they are ready to be taped.
After the edges are fully healed, with NO SMALL OPEN WOUNDS the ears can be rolled and TAPED. Below is a website that will show the usual manner that ears are taped. The technique is demonstrated by Carol Selzle Petruzzo, a very long time, successful breeder and Handler. The DPCA Breeders Education pages are invaluable for learning how to care for and tape the healed cropped ears. There are several ear taping articles available on the B.E. article web-pages.
https://dpca.org/breeded/taping-advanced-for-puppies
There are a variety of lengths and shapes of cropped ears. The cropped ear should be in balance with the head and body. Ear cropping is an art and each cropper has their own style. The show conformation Dobermans are cropped longer and more stylish than most pet crops that an average Veterinarian would do. The longer, more stylish crops are beautiful, but they can take more time taping to get the ears to finally stand. Success with ears standing has a great deal to do with persistence of the person taping and the technique. Problems do arise and it is best to seek the advice of an experienced Breeder for a recommendation of an experienced Veterinarian that has cropped hundreds of ears.
submitted by
Theresa Mullen
DPCA Public Education Committee
PublicEd
NEWBORN TO SIX WEEKS
The NEWBORN Doberman puppy weighs, on average, between 10ozs. and 20ozs. They, like other canids, are born with their eyes shut and their ears tightly creased and basically closed. They nurse constantly, usually every 1 to 2 hours—taking in small amounts— which helps to sustain their metabolism and their growth. They grow rapidly, gaining steadily throughout the puppy stage, which is considered the first 12 months of their life. The Doberman is born with a tail and dew-claws on the inside of each front leg. Occasionally they also appear on the inside of the hind legs. At about 3 to 5 days, the tails are docked, and the dewclaws removed by a Veterinarian. The tail is docked at about the second or third joint—the skin in cut, the bony vertebrae of the tail cut and the skin is stitched to close the wound. The same is done with the dewclaws. They are snipped off and the small little wound closed with a stitch or tail and dewclaws can be glued with surgical glue used by the Veterinarian. The puppy is usually introduced to solid food at around age four weeks. At this time, they have their small “baby” teeth and are able to stand and “lap” and chew soft food. At about 6 weeks, they are eating fully on their own and can be fully weaned away from their mother. At six weeks, most puppies weight around 8 to 12 pounds, and start to really grow taller and heavier.
SIX WEEKS …
At about 6 to 7 weeks the first vaccinations are given. These usually include DHPP, which are all the major infectious diseases that affect puppies and also PARVO, which is a deadly disease of dogs, but especially of the young. It is highly contagious, as are Distemper and the others, and can quickly kill young pups through dehydration from vomiting and diarrhea. The 7 week old puppy is eating on his own about four meals, now. And he continues to grow and develop. Between 7 and 12 weeks—the Dobermans ears are cropped. This is an operation done by the Veterinarian that removes a large portion of the outside of the ear. The Veterinarian removes the outside part of the ear and does this in a slightly curving line from the base of the ear, near the head and up to the tip of the ear. The ears are sutured and either tapped over the head and covered with gauze or are taped and glued to a wedge of foam, or a Styrofoam cup, or some other manner to keep the ears upright to allow for healing of the edges. The ears heal and after about 10 days, the sutures are removed and the ear can then be rolled and taped to train the ear to stand erect, rather than flopping down at the side of the head. It is important that the ears are taped properly and for the length of time that it takes to make sure they will continue to stand properly. The breeder is invaluable for this task, and they should be able to help directly, or locate another person or breeder that can assist. Please look under the “EARS” Section of this site for more information about ears. Please follow the VACCINATION protocol that your Veterinarian suggests as these diseases can be deadly.
At about 12 weeks of age, the Doberman starts the teething phase of its life. This continues for the next 3 months as the baby teeth fall out and the new permanent ones come in. Often you will find teeth on the floor. More often the puppy will just swallow them. Don’t be alarmed, as this is normal. During this time the puppy can have swollen, bleeding gums and want to chew everything it can. This is the time to provide real bones, rawhides, pig ears and other safe things for the puppy to chew on. Also, large stuffy toys that they can bite down on and help some of those teeth come through are helpful—BUT DO SO UNDER YOUR SUPERVISION!! Puppies at this age chew and swallow anything and everything that they can fit into their mouth. BEWARE!!! Nylon bones, safe bones, big rawhides and such are safe as long as they are large, and the puppy cannot swallow them.
This is a very CRITICAL time with swallowing things and many puppies end up with blockages and require surgery. COMMON SENSE is necessary when dealing with puppies. At about 12 weeks, the puppy can usually be put on a feeding schedule of three feedings instead of four.
By 5 to 6 months, the puppy will more than likely be eating twice a day, with maybe a snack of a couple biscuits in-between the two meals. You will need to observe the puppy’s weight and body condition. The puppy should be neither too thin nor too fat. You should be able to “feel” his ribs when you push in on the sides.
At six months, the Doberman puppy has all their permanent teeth, though the largest teeth, the canines or fang teeth and the large pair of cheek teeth, called the carnassial pair are still developing both above and below the gumline. The ears will still require posting through this teething stage but at 6 months the base of the ears should be starting to stand. No matter the length of the ears it is typical for some posting/ taping to be needed past 6 months of age and often into 8-9 months for average cropped ear lengths.
***In the past it was a standard veterinary recommendation that puppies of all breeds be spayed or neutered at approximately 6 months of age. New veterinary medical literature now suggests that there are serious health issues associated with this pre-puberty spay or neuter age range in large breed dogs such as the Doberman Pinscher. Early age spaying/neutering has been linked to increased risk of some musculoskeletal disorders such as hip dysplasia, and a tendency to tear the anterior cruciate ligament of the knee joint. Sex hormones that rise during puberty are part of the cascade of physical events that cause a puppy’s bone growth to slow down and bones to mature. A lack of these hormones at this crucial age can cause dogs to be taller and lankier, which affects their bones, joint angle and function of bones and joints throughout their lives. Additionally, dogs that were spayed/neutered earlier in life have been found to have a higher incidence of some cancers when compared to intact dogs of the same breed. As the science of veterinary medicine advances there will be new and more complete information regarding these important health outcomes in dogs. Current, though very recent recommendations regarding the appropriate age for spay/neuter for large breed dogs is at 18-24 months of age. At this age your dog is skeletally mature and has gone through puberty. A dog of this age has gained the benefits the normal physiologic processes of puberty and maturation provide and can be spayed or neutered. There are health benefits to spaying and neutering for the dog, such as prevention of some reproductive organ cancers, pyometra (infection of the uterus), in some cases decreased aggression and desire to roam, sexually transmitted infections and unwanted pregnancy. It is important to realize an 18–24-month-old female dog will have come into “season”, aka had an estrous or breeding cycle likely twice by that age and must be separated completely from intact(non-neutered) male dogs of all breeds for several weeks to prevent pregnancy and an unwanted litter of puppies. Please consult with your veterinarian for the most recent medical data on what age is best for you and your Doberman to have her/him spayed or neutered. *** ALL PET PUPPIES SHOULD BE SPAY/NEUTERED. There are NO EXCEPTIONS. There is no need to keep intact Dobermans, or any dog, unless you are a reputable breeder of the highest caliber that is breeding the top animals of the breed for improvement. A reputable breeder will have spent significant money having these potential breeding Dobermans tested for their health and genetic fitness before producing puppies.
At 6 months of age, routine puppy vaccinations are complete, and the puppy is old enough to start Obedience Classes or training to ensure the puppy will be a good member of our society and an asset to its owner and family. A six-month-old puppy is approximately one half to 3/4 the height that it will eventually be. It is difficult to give exact numbers here, but a six-month-old looks very much like an adult, but slightly smaller.
SEVEN MONTHS TO ONE YEAR OLD
This time period is one of continued growth and maturing for the puppy. The females are usually close to being done growing height wise. They will continue to fill out and mature over the next year. The males will continue to grow and mature over the next year and may even put on a slight amount of height, until they reach their adult maximum. Remember the ideal height for males is 27 1/2 at the wither and 25 1/2 at the wither for females. The wither is the highest point of the Dobermans back, just behind the neck and before the back. The measurement is taken from the wither to the ground. The weight’s for both males and females will increase over the next year—very slightly for the females and more for the males. At 12 months, a Doberman is considered an adult, as most upward growth is finished. The filling out and maturing will continue for more than a year. A male is not considered at his prime until about age 3 + years and a female at about age 2 to 3 years.
ONE YEAR OLD THROUGH ADULT AGE SIX YEARS OLD
The Dobermans lifespan is about 9.6 years, on average. The adult phase of their life is from one year old until the dog reaches about 7. During this mature phase the Doberman is at its peak and prime. These years are when the Doberman is most active, and is doing most of the family activities, show events such as Obedience and Agility and just enjoying life with his people. The training and Obedience are done, and life is good. Puppyhood is over and you can trust your Doberman more, as that tendency to chew and destroy with his mouth because of teething, is over. This is a great time for both Doberman and his family.
SEVEN YEARS AND OLDER
At seven years old, your Doberman is considered a senior or a Veteran, according to the Show language. They are beginning or already have slowed down. Maybe they are showing signs of some arthritis or muscular aches & pains. For many, the spirit is willing, but the body is not able. This is a slowing down period for many Dobermans. They may need a different diet, and the medical needs will probably change. Heart problems and Cancer are major concerns. Don’t forget to check the Medical Information on our site to stay informed of the problems associated specifically to Dobermans. Teeth can also be a problem as the Doberman ages. Be aware of your Senior and check them every day for lumps, bumps and anything that looks different. Observation at ALL life stages is important, but because of age being a factor for so many problems showing up in the Doberman, it is good to pay close attention to the skin, joints, teeth, and activity level. Many Dobermans start to gain weight as their activity level slows. Be aware that a Doberman in proper weight is the best condition for his overall health.
Initially submitted by
Theresa Mullen 2001
***Updated by Dr. Kay Backues, DVM 2023
DPCA Public Education Committee
References:
Gretel Torres de la Riva, Benjamin L Hart, Thomas B Farver et al, Neutering dogs : Effects on joint disorders and cancers in golden retrievers. Plos one, 2013, January; 8(2). E55937.
Benjamin L Hart, Lynette A Hart, Abigail P Thigpen et al, Neutering of German Shepherd Dogs: associated joint disorders, cancers and urinary incontinence. Vet Med 2016 August;2(3): 191-199.
Lynette A Hart, Benjamin L Hart, An Ancient Practice but a New Paradigm: Personal Choice for the Age to Spay or Neuter a Dog. Front Vet Sci, 2021 January; 8(0): 603257.
Benjamin L Hart, Lynette A Hart, Abigail P Thigpen et al, Assisting Decision-Making on Age of Neutering for 35 Breeds of Dogs: Associated Joint Disorders, Cancers, and Urinary Incontinence. Front Vet Sci, 202 January;7(0)388.
PublicEd
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 |
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| obedience |
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| protection |
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| flyball |
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| tracking |
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| freestyle frisbee |
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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
PublicEd
SO, YOU WANT A DOBERMAN PUPPY?
Photo: Charlene Dunnam
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
PublicEd
“WARLOCK” Dobermans!! What IS a “Warlock” anyway???
Well, what I’ve been able to find out about this “Urban Legend” is that they are the “huge, giant form of the Doberman”. Apparently, some years back there was a big demand, and there still is, by the way, for oversized Dobermans. People were wanting the extra big Doberman because they apparently wanted them larger, more like Great Danes.
Unfortunately for these people, the Doberman is a “MEDIUM” sized breed. The Doberman should NOT be oversized because the larger the Doberman becomes and goes beyond the ideal height of 27 1/2 inches at the shoulder for males, and 25 1/2 inches at the shoulder for females—they lose the agility and speed and the ability to turn and maneuver quickly.
These are all traits and qualities that are necessary for a guard dog that needs to be able to maneuver to protect and pursue, if necessary. The bigger the Doberman, the less maneuverability and quickness. Also, many of these so called “Warlock” Dobermans were actually offspring of Dobermans bred to Great Danes or Dobermans bred to Rottweilers—and not purebred Dobermans at all.
There was a Doberman male in the 1960’s named Ch. Borong the Warlock. He was a very famous Doberman and many breeders bred their females to him. He had many offspring. Some reputable breeders that had this male in the pedigree of their good Dobermans advertised as having “Warlock” bloodlines. The “BYB” or BACKYARD BREEDERS, which are the ones that don’t care about anything except making a quick “dollar” off of a litter of popular breed puppies, realized that this was a selling point for the good Dobermans that reputable breeders were producing and started using the phrase “Warlock” Dobermans to be synonymous with good Dobermans. The “term” became something that backyard breeders used to advertise their puppies. They used “Warlock” to mean better bloodlines, better Dobermans, bigger & better watchdogs—and so the term has been used for the last 20 years to basically mean a huge or giant sized Doberman—a rare and expensive kind of Doberman.
There are breeders today that continue to advertise to the public about having “Warlock” Dobermans. People think they are RARE, SPECIAL, MORE VALUABLE AND PAY LARGE AMOUNTS OF MONEY for these Dobermans. Please be advised—there is no such thing as a Warlock Doberman—other than what an exploiter or backyard breeder makes up.
The “WARLOCK” is a GIMMICK used to sell puppies. NO REPUTABLE BREEDER WOULD EVER ADVERTISE THEIR PUPPIES OR ADULTS AS “WARLOCKS”. It is a MYTH and GIMMICK to sell Dobermans to the unsuspecting “PUBLIC”. BEWARE of any breeder, advertisement or kennel that advertises “WARLOCK” Dobermans.
submitted by
Theresa Mullen
DPCA Public Education Committee
