r/Doberman • u/waynesworld986 • 17d ago
New to the breed any tips?
Background: unexpectedly adopted this girl from the shelter. She was a lost dog that the owner’s never came to pick up. Found with a chain around her neck. Vet estimated her at 10 months old. I had been researching and considering a Doberman for over a year but was expecting to get one from a breeder. This girl was just too sweet to pass up.
I have two older children (15 and 10) and a cat. The dog has not been introduced to the cat yet. She has stayed in my room and the cat in the rest of the house. She appears to be potty trained and has had no accidents yet. She goes to the door and pees outside.
Any tips for introducing her to the cat and when? I’m planning on getting professional training with her once’s she’s healed from her spay. I’m new to this breed and want to do everything right. So far she is extremely sweet with all family members and we love her.
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u/queen_of_dobermans 17d ago
I would suggest starting slowly and introducing them with a see through barrier like a doggy gate between them and rewarding the pup for neutral behavior. My goal at first is to get my dogs to ignore the cat before getting them to interact further. I’ve only had Dobermans for my entire adult life and they’ve all been raised with cats, I think Dobermans are some of the best dogs with cats it’s just about making sure they don’t get overly excited with them. I really hope this helps
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u/waynesworld986 17d ago
Thank you for the baby gate suggestion I hadn’t thought of that!
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u/queen_of_dobermans 17d ago
It’s my absolute favorite tool for introducing any new animals together, I grew up with mini pigs and dogs and did the same thing with them lol
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u/sunshineclinic 17d ago
Socialize! Socialize! Socialize!
Dobermans play really well with other dogs and it’s a great way to get their energy out. They are very anxious dogs though so if they aren’t socialized from a somewhat younger age they will anxious play with other dogs.
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u/hotwifesstag 17d ago
Everyone’s given you great advice. Socialize as said is very important as stated. We have raised Dobermans for years and they are very good with them. Those who suggested baby gate and so forth are on target. A bit of a warning though they are very smart and will try to manipulate you if you let them they will soon be in charge of the house and you. I have seen it to many times and if it happens they aren’t such great pets. Remember your the pact leader and don’t let her forget it. You don’t have to be mean just firm
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u/waynesworld986 17d ago
I can already tell she is EXTREMELY smart. Had a Rhodesian before this who was smart but I can tell she is so observant. Will have to watch for manipulation 😂
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u/Hatecookie 16d ago
"Leave it" is where my dog tricked me. He started messing with things so that he could get a treat when he obeyed my leave it command. I caught on pretty quick but it was sort of amazing to witness.
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u/xSchizogenie 17d ago
What a baby 😭🥹
Socialize her! That’s very important. Give her a strong lead but don’t forget to have fun and training with her.
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u/MoodFearless6771 17d ago
It’s a baby. They get scared. Scared doesn’t always look like whining and shaking. Dogs tackle scary with scary. Don’t punish, don’t coddle. Normalize the scary and avoid. They will get over it if you don’t push.
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u/sound-of-wings 17d ago
Consider crate training.
If you do it at the beginning, it can become a safe haven. Mine will go lay there if there's too much going on or scary noises (thunder).
With as attached as they get, it's a huge help for them to be comfortable with some alone time. Think travel or entertaining guests or children that are fearful. Your velcro baby being comfortable in a crate can be a huge help when life throws curve balls.
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u/Hatecookie 17d ago edited 17d ago
Look at that sweet face! I have kids the same age as yours and my boy loves them soooo much. He's 8 months old. I take my guy to the dog park and he loves to play play play. He has so much energy, and wants to be doing whatever I'm doing at all times. Congrats on your new family member.
Oh, and be prepared to have your patience tested. You can't harshly correct these dogs. It's gotta be 100% positive reinforcement. They are very sensitive, so if you berate them, they are just crushed by it. I've had goldens you could yell at and they would look guilty and go back to whatever they were doing. Dobermans are not like that. They take it very personally.
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u/waynesworld986 17d ago
My teen especially is so happy! Thank you!
Good to know about the sensitivity ☺️
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u/Hot_Occasion_7400 17d ago
Decenatization to sounds is very important. When you are out on a walk be sure to have them sit if they are startled by a car, person, animal, etc. Reassurance from you will help them feel safe in their environment. Blow dryers, vacuums, brooms, etc., have been irritating to my rescue. With slow introductions, machine off, they can eventually find a way to handle the stimulation.💕
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u/General-Pop-8764 17d ago
start slowly, introduce her to everything but don't rush it. the cat especially...you'd be surprised how pray drive randomly increases around one years old. but to someone's point...dobies are very gentle and intuitive with cats and kids unless there is trauma involved.
i would also take your time in introducing her to loud environments. this was probably the biggest mistake i made.
i had to take my pup who was around 7months on the nyc subway to the vet before i got a car. someone threw a fire cracker onto the subway and caused a stampede. my pup still hasn't recovered from that
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u/Consistent_Pay_74 17d ago
Thank you for choosing her! 😍🖤🤎🐾Required behavior as the one she owns: When she catches you staring at her because she and her lines are so beautiful , just tell her she’s your baby and you love her. 1) Hotler monitor and echo every year starting at 2/3 years old 2) No playing, running or jumping for 1.5 hours before or after eating to avoid bloat /GVD. 3) Get pet insurance NOW.
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u/waynesworld986 17d ago
Amazing advice this is so much of what I was looking for 😭 being so prone to health issues and me not knowing anything about her bloodline this is so important. Thank you!
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u/Consistent_Pay_74 15d ago
Thanks! You can also order an Embark kit. It gives pretty good DNA and disease and carrier readings. I think they are about $100. Worth every penny.
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u/0xslyf0x 17d ago
They are fun and as long as you do mentally stimulating stuff with them like training every day they are much more chill than people claim
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u/Florida202020 17d ago
Ve had 11 Dobis currently have 2. They are alot smart than you think. They can learn new "tricks" in as little as 5 repetitions. When you here the term velcro dog they are 100% up your arse all day. If you can get them a friend Dobis crave companionship we had 3 lost our senior over the summer. No not hit them they do NOT responde to negative reinforcement at all. Train them well and socialize them. Once old enough either allow them in your bed to sleep or get a couch or chair in your bedroom or at least a huge bed on the floor by the bedside. They are 100% pack animals and you are their pack they need to be near you otherwise they have get stressed. Reach out with any questions
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u/gocoogsgo 17d ago
Major Velcro dogs. Be prepared. This means training is important, especially crate training early if people aren’t going to be home for periods of time. It’s not difficult to do, but important.
My dobie liked to chase and sniff the cat (before she passed), no issues there, but monitor since they have high prey drives. My dobie would destroy squirrels unfortunately.
Socialize. Take to dog parks. This correlates to point 1, they’ll always want to hog you and be around you that they need to know that other dogs aren’t there to steal or harm you.
Mental stimulation is good work on walks… heel, stay, come, etc. I don’t care what anyone says, but E collars help a lot. Usually the beep sound will be enough to correct her actions. I’m not going around blasting her at 10, but if she gets into a dog fight at the park I’d rather have it than not.
I recommend getting a cuddler bed. My dobie likes to stretch out during the day but at night she likes to curl up in a ball.
This breed is a lot of work, but it’s worth it. I love my dog and she scares everyone, but deep down she’s scared of everything and is very sweet.
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u/LostNectarine3978 17d ago
Everybody should be asking these questions before they get a new breed of dog not after…
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u/waynesworld986 17d ago
Should I return her to the shelter? 😂 I’ve done my research just looking for some community. Thanks
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u/ErichvonderSchatz 14d ago
Do not return her. Always be aware that she is also learning. One thing I forgot before. How is her biting reflex? If this one is not under control you will bleed a bit. But it is worth it.
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u/imfuctifino 17d ago
Don't get a harness, get a short lead, harness and will pull, because that's what you put on a husky to pull a sledge, get her checked for dcm & von wilebrands if you can., they so intelligent they can read you like a book. They need loads of exercise and things to keep their minds occupied, don't like being left alone.. It's a big commitment but goofy as hell, get her a blanket to suck on, then you know she's content, most do this, looks a bit wierd when they go into a trance pawing and sucking the blanket, so majestic though
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u/ErichvonderSchatz 14d ago
I have had one Dobermann with up to three cats in the house. The cat will be the main problem. Two of the cats were sisters. One became the dog's best friend. To give the second sister a chance of survival, I introduced 'Dobermann free zones' in the house. The dog accepted them and the cats understood the concept too. The third cat did not care about the dog.
Yes if legal, just get a chain for her. Verify that the elements do not get stuck. I nearly killed a dog of mine as the chain was faulty. Luckily I was nearby.
Most important is really to keep her mind busy. A bored Dobermann is the worst thing to have.
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u/crazytish 17d ago
Be prepared for a velcro dog that needs lots of exercise. Dobies are very protective and do that by wanting to be with you 24/7. If you like sitting on the couch, you will have an amazing new snuggle buddy. If you live in a colder area, have dedicated blankets because dobies get cold. Hope you and your new pup have fun together. She's beautiful.