im going to adopt a doberman pincher....?

Question

how do i know if its the right dog for me? i am home all day,and also how do i know if it will be my dog and not my husbands?

Answer 1

This is an energetic breed. Life in an apartment is not the best setting for a Doberman. A fenced yard, and quality exercise is a much better fit for them. A brisk daily walk on and off of the lead should keep your dog in top condition. To avoid problem behaviors, you will definetly need to start socializing and training your dog as soon as you bring him home. They are a very intelligent breed, and you could find them getting in to real mischief if you do not check their behaviour. Either choose a dog training method that works or puppy obedience classes.

Doberman Pinschers can suffer from hypothyroidism and a hereditary condition called von Willebrand's disease [a blood disorder]. Hip dysplasia, and heart problems are also a danger. As they get older, these sweet natured dogs can often become overweight, so make sure that you keep the lid on the cookie jar.

As for keeping it as just your dog I suppose you could just develop an unbreakable bond with your dobe. Hope this helps.

Answer 2

Sounds like a you might be a great person for a Dobie - they need LOTS of attention along with lots of exercise. The dog will bond with whoever trains it and spends the most time with it.

Dobies are very smart and very needy dogs that hate to be left alone. Until she gets used to being home alone, use a big crate like a #500 or #700 Vari Kennel when you go out. Dobies with separation anxiety can destroy your house or jump thru a window - I've seen one chew a hole entirely through an interior wall to get out of the room he was locked in.

They are the unique in that they would rather be punished than ignored - they'll whine or be a pain in the butt just to get you to yell at them. Spend at least 15 minutes a day having fun obedience training sessions - HEEL SIT STAY DOWN COME. Teach her some tricks. Keep her brain busy!

Dobies are athletes - take her for daily thirty minute runs, not just a casual walk around the block. If you're not a jogger, train her to run next to a bicycle or get a doggie backpack and make her carry 10-15 pounds. You can also train her to use a home treadmill.

I'd also suggest reading some really good books on training. Try not to do it randomly - there are a lot of bad books out there also! These are some of my favorites:
What All Good Dogs Should Know - Volhard
Good Owners, Great Dogs - Brian Kilcommins
Dog Tricks : Eighty-Eight Challenging Activities for Your Dog from World-Class Trainers by Haggerty and Benjamin
Don't Shoot the Dog - Pryor
Training Your Dog: The Step by Step Method - Volhard
Dog Problems - Benjamin
Cesar's Way - Cesar Millan

Also, watch the Dog Whisperer on the National Geographic Channel. Cesar Millan is the best trainer I've ever seen on TV.

Answer 3

Try to spend some time around Dobermans by either contacting breeders or Doberman rescue. That's the ultimate best way to figure out if they're going to be a good match.

There's no way to truly predict if the dog will follow you or your husband more, but dogs do tend to follow and listen to the person who has more involvement in their training. To get the dog to love and respect you, make sure that you are the person who not only feeds and loves it, but also act as the pack leader by making it sit before it eats, sit before it goes out, walk politely on leash, etc. Many people mistakenly think that you can win a dog's love by loving on it, but you truly win a dog's love (and respect) by being a leader to the dog.

Answer 4

The Doberman is a great dog!! They are impressive, agile and very, very protective/territorial. Having said that, be careful with guests in your home and small children around your house.

If you feel ready to spend at least one hour every day for outdoor, high impact exercises that is definitively one choice. They also recquire big open spaces. Not sure if recommended for indoor living...

But if you are looking for a big, protective, playful dog for indoors, the Rhodesian Ridgeback is agood alternative. We (My wife, dauther and me) have one 4 months old and it is great! He is the best. Intelligent, never trained, but very respectful to our commands. Well balanced body and movements.

A Doberman could be very well a Family dog.

Answer 5

I'm sure it'll be okay. Dogs usually adjust well. It beats sitting in a shelter all day. However if the dog you want to adopt is currently in a foster home, talk to the foster parents and see what they think. They obviously know the dog quite well. I'm glad you're adopting!!!!

Answer 6

you don't know a dog take to who it wants too i adopted a dog in december he was sposes to be a mommys dog. but he turned out to be a daddys dog. i work in a kennel and i just adopted a germon police she has loved me since i first started working there, and guess what she is a mama's dog although both of our dogs are spoiled they love us both. good luck with you doberman pincher

Answer 7

They have a lot of energy.
Had Doberman Shepherd Mix....great dog.
But I am 54 now and that would be too much dog for me.
And they can play kind of rough...that is something to consider.

Answer 8

I am sitting here with a Doberman at my feet right now. She is about 10 yrs old and is my gf's baby. My gf had her and a rust colored female doberman before we met. Gypsy the rust colored one is gone now but they have both been awesome animals. Very loyal.

Answer 9

yOU CAN GET A DOG TRAINER TO COME OUT AND WORK WITH YOUR DOG. CALL YOUR VET THEY KNOW GOOD TRAINERS. GLAD TO SEE MORE BIG DOGS BEING ADOPTED INTO HOMES. I HAVE A LAB. HE IS ONE BIG RIOT. HE IS HOWEVER A GOOD GUARD DOG AS WELL.

Answer 10

if you show the dog affection he will know who loves him, he will see you more and show more attetion towards you.