Guide to Raising Doberman Pinschers

Doberman pinschers are medium-sized powerful dogs. They are often used as guard dogs, but also make suitable family pets. Dobermans are part of a sturdy breed that is not a huge challenge to raise. They have simple needs and are highly intelligent; for a confident owner they are easy to look after and train. Dobermans are loyal dogs that love spending time with their owners.

  1. Training

    • Training for a Doberman needs to start as early as possible and should involve the entire family. It is vital that the dog knows its place in the family, which is below all the human members. The dog learns best by using positive reinforcement and rewarding good behavior -- punishing bad behavior aggressively can make the dog less willing to learn. When training the dog, the owner must be confident and assert his authority. Training should also be done in short, fun, varied sessions to keep the dog's interest.

    Health Care

    • Immediately after, or preferably before getting the Doberman, it is important to find a local veterinarian that is as near as possible for emergencies. It is all right to be picky when choosing a vet, and taking advice from friends who may use a particular vet is advised. Knowing the vet is well qualified and trustworthy is important not just for peace of mind but also for the animal's sake. Take the vet's advice on what shots are needed and the pros and cons of certain elective procedures such as neutering or spaying.

    Feeding

    • The vet can also offer advice on healthy foods to feed the Doberman. Dry food is usually best and most brands have puppy mixes for younger dogs that contain essential growth and health nutrition. Dobermans are active dogs and as long as they are getting regular exercise they will have big appetites. Vets can advise best on how much and often to feed the dog, but common sense dictates to not over-feed or give too many treats. Dogs will often eat even if they are not hungry and this can lead to the animal becoming overweight. If the dog does not get much exercise then it should also eat a little less.

    Grooming

    • The short coat of the Doberman is easy to take care of. A regular weekly or twice weekly brush with a wire-bristled dog comb will remove dirt and loose hair and should not take too long. The dog should not need to be bathed very often unless it gets into something particularly nasty. If bathing is needed, puppies can be washed in the bathtub and adults may be better taking a hose bath outside. The coat should be thoroughly wet using a hose or showerhead and the dog shampoo should be massaged in. The eyes and inner ears should be kept soap free and the suds should be thoroughly rinsed off.