Dobermann Ownership Advice

General Advice for Potential Dobermann Owners

General Advice

If you are thinking of rehoming or purchasing a dobermann please source as much information as possible about the breed, even if you have had one before. There is a wealth of up-to-date information on the internet and many good books available which make interesting and informative reading.

List of websites with advice on Dobermann Ownership and Tips For Owners coming soon.

Advice For Doberman Dog Owners - The Dobermann Welfare Association List Of Dos And Don'ts

Telephone one of the rescue rehoming co-ordinators for advice if you are considering bringing a Dobermann into your home.

Dobes require a great deal of time, love, understanding and exercise especially when adjusting to a new environment, however, your new companion will reward you a hundred fold.

Many of the Pitfalls that follow will seem obvious, but sadly they are the reason that so many dogs need rehoming.

Some Points to Consider

Advice For Dobermann Dog Owners - The Doberman Welfare Association List Of Dos And Don'ts

Never buy a dobe for your child. If you do buy a pup and have children, make sure that you teach them how to behave with and respect the dog as well as training your dobermann. A pup is not a play-thing.

Make sure if you are bringing a dobe into the family that the dog is wanted by ALL members in particular the person who will be the main carer. For instance a father may buy a pup expecting his wife to care for and train the dog. His wife may have no experience with animals, never mind time for training a puppy whilst looking after the family. This situation can result in the dog being unwanted and ending up in a rescue kennel. Disaster for all.

Advice For Dobermann Dog Owning Families - The Doberman Welfare Association List Of Dos And Don'ts

Ensure you have a secure garden with a fence of a reasonable height. Dobes are excellent jumpers!

Generally flats are not a suitable environment for a dobermann and your home will need its own secure garden.

Not keen on walking? Don't have time to exercise a dog, then you should not consider having a dobermann. Pups should only have restricted exercise as recommended by the breeder and detailed in your Puppy Pack.

Sensitive to atmosphere so if there is conflict or tension within your family a dobermann is not for you. The actions of an owner may affect a dog's behaviour.

Moving house? Dobermanns need to live in a stable environment so if you are considering an imminent move, are unsure about future work patterns or planning a holiday within weeks then leave the purchase of a new pup or re-homing of a rescue dog until you are able to offer your dog a secure future.

Young dobermanns' require continuing training, socialisation and education in their formative years and are therefore not suitable for owners where they will be left on their own for the majority of the day. Dobes enjoy home comforts and being part of the family unit.

DOG FOODS

To keep your dog in peak condition consider one of better brands of dog food.Some reputable dog foods are:

  • Skinners
  • James Wellbeloved
  • Arden Grange
  • Burns
  • Supa Dog

With all the above choose their gluten free sensitive brands, and save on smells and funny tummies!

It is advisable to feed your adult dobe twice a day and from a raised bowl which can help to prevent neck and back injuries and in younger dogs splaying of front legs and feet. It also aids their digestion which may help to prevent bloat.

Dobermanns crave company and want to be part of the family. Isolation and exclusion create misery for a dobe and can trigger anxiety and behavioural problems which can be difficult to correct. Owners who have not considered the responsibilities of owning a dobe have meant that rescue and welfare organisations collect dogs from awful and unsuitable enviornments such as a shed, tethered to a post or shut in an enclosed yard with no shelter from the elemnts, kept in a cellar, abandoned in an empty house or crated for the day whilst out at work. No life for a dog.

Before you decide to have a Dobermann please consider the needs of the dog and whether your circumstance are comptaible with the requirements of this breed. Remember if in any doubt ask our Re-homing Co-Ordinator Sue Garner.

Break the rules and you will surely be one of the many who have brought the breed into disrepute and cause the Dobermann you selected untold misery.

Dobermann Welfare Association
dogs@dobermannwelfare.org.uk
Registered Office: 28 Abingdon Close, Hillingdon, Middlesex UB10 0BU
Registered in England No: 04043120