Trainability

The Dobermann is very easy to train and will thrive as a well-mannered dog right from the word go. However, like all big boisterous breeds an experienced handler is advised. They will need socialisation from a very early age. Puppy-preschools are a great way to introduce your Dobie to the outside world and ensure a well-rounded grown dog. Being a larger breed it is also imperative that you begin your training sessions as soon as your pup arrives home. Expecting manners such as sitting before a meal, and waiting before you walk through the door, and accepting fingers in their food bowl (and taking toys and bones from them) are some of the basics you can begin immediately. It is also advised that you socialize your pup around lots of children, other pets, loud noises and people. Dobermanns excel in many dog sports and obedience and will benefit from group training sessions. They are highly intelligent and active making them a great choice for police and security work. This drive to work makes them a wonderful training companion. They will also make great jogging buddies and play partners.

Grooming

Your Dobie will require very little grooming. Their sleek coat will need a weekly brush with a rubber mitt to remove any dead hair, plus it’s a great way to check for any skin conditions. They are not a smelly breed, and will only require minimal bathing, unless they have rolled in something particularly smelly. It’s a good idea to get your Dobie used to you touching his feet and ears to make grooming easy as a grown dog. Clip nails often to keep them nice and short. As the nail is black this can be a little tricky so get your friendly veterinary nurse to show you the correct length. Leaving nails to become overgrown can cause big problems later down the line in terms of clipping.

Exercise Requirements

Dobermanns simply love to run and enjoy a range of exercises. They will need a good daily walk (possibly two) to ensure they are kept active and happy. Being so intelligent they also thoroughly enjoying flexing their muscles and mind. Obedience training and dog sports are a wonderful way to get your pup working their brain. They are a very playful breed and enjoy learning new things such as fetch and trick training. It is very important you consider the exercise and training needs of this wonderful breed before welcoming them into your home.

Intelligence

Dobies are incredibly intelligent. A bored Dobermann can become a very destructive Dobermann and with such big jaws they can make a mess of any object or shoe! Consider boredom busters when you are not at home, and ensure your pup is correctly exercised before you leave. Being so smart they do not take well to long periods left alone. They thrive to be alongside their protected pack (AKA you and your family). Never leave a Dobermann (or any breed) chained-up. This loyal and loving breed needs to be an integral part of your family and not just utilised for guarding work.

Family Friendly

In the right hands this breed make a wonderful family companion. They are incredibly tolerant and gracious around young children however socialisation is essential to ensure your dog understands children as a young pup. All children need to be taught how to correctly behave around dogs and be actively supervised. Training and socialisation is incredibly important with this breed to avoid problems. He simply loves his family and is fiercely devoted and loyal. The Dobie is known to love all pets small and large, which he lives with. However, he may become aggressive towards other dogs and people if he believes they are threatening his loved ones. Teaching your pup that other dogs and people are OK will help any possible over-aggression. As too training.

Indoor/ Outdoor

The breed does not like being left alone for long periods of time. They love to be wherever you may roam, in or out. The breed requires plenty of shelter from the sun as their coat colours can mean they heat up quickly. Always provide ample water. Good fencing is also a must to keep your pup safe. Remembering that they are a guarding breed and will guard your home and family. Keeping secure fences is top condition important. However, the Dobermann is most at home lazing on cool tiles during a hot day, or basking in the sun during the cooler weather. In very cool climates they may require a dog coat during winter months to keep them warm and snug.

Breeding

It is very important to only source your new family member from a reputable breeding establishment, to ensure your puppy is healthy. Ask all the important questions about hereditary problems and ask to see mum and dad. Contact your local breed club and research your chosen breeder. Your breeder should have proof that they regularly test their dogs for genetic diseases and to ensure that the dogs they are breeding from have sound temperaments. It may take a little more time than a quick purchase, but it can save you and your family from unimaginable heartache and pain dealing with a sick puppy.