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I feel as though reputable breeders will reject me

4K views 11 replies 11 participants last post by  Rosemary 
#1 · (Edited)
The doberman breed has been my dream dog ever since I was a little girl and almost a decade later, I feel like I've finally reached the point in my life where I am in a good place to have one. Or so I think.

For the past few years, I've been researching diligently for reputable breeders but I think the reality of how extensive the application and interview process is finally dawning on me.

Reasons why I think I will be turned away:
-A few years ago, I had a Papillon who got out of the house and was killed by a car. Accidents happen, but I still blame myself and personally think the breeder will think this as irresponsible.
-I have a little 4 year old papillon/chihuahua mix at home now that I adopted from a rescue last year. Will the breeder be opposed to placing a doberman in my household? Will it make me look bad if I ask for a lower energy puppy?
-I currently have my dog on a raw diet and plan to feed the doberman raw too. I know some people don't agree with this diet and was wondering if a breeder would turn me away because of my choice to feed raw.
-For the most part I live alone, other then when my partner is visiting and stays with me on the weekends. I'm a nurse. I work 12-13 hour shifts 3 times a week and sometimes pick up an extra shift here and there. I was planning on doing doggy daycare and thought it would be good for socialization but I don't know if the breeder would be okay with this and thinks I am not home enough.
-My yard is fenced and stands at about 4.5 feet in height, but it is one of those metal fences that has space between each pillar. This is actually how my first dog slipped out of the yard and was hit by a car. Since then, I reinforced the bottom one feet of the fence with chicken wire.

Basically I'm just scared I'm going to screw up the interview process and think I'm going to be judged left and right. I don't know if I'm overthinking and doubting myself.

Other than that, I think I am a solid candidate. I have the deepest passion for dogs, in fact, I've heard multiple times that I got into the wrong profession and should have followed my dream to become a vet. I do have some experience with large dogs as I volunteered at a animal shelter for about a year back when I was still in college. I am active, still pretty young (turning 25), and I've recently relocated to Las Vegas where there are a lot of hiking trails I would love explore with my doberman and my little one!
 
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#2 ·
What are your plans for those first few months where you're working 12-13 hours a day? A puppy cannot be left alone that long and spending 3 times a week in daycare would not be my choice for a puppy.
Even a lower energy dobe needs exercise and training how will this fit into your work schedule?

Feeding raw is an issue for some breeders but not all. It really boils down to finding someone who doesn't have an issue with it. Being able to demonstrate your knowledge might assuage some. Others will be a flat out no.
Breeders want to know their precious babies will be going into the best possible homes. It's nothing personal they are just trying to do right by the puppies.
 
#4 ·
IMO you don't need a dobie puppy. I don't think it would be ideal for a pup of that age to be in day care. Those people will not take that pup out every 30 min as needed or give the stimulation it needs. Don't cheat yourself or a puppy. Dobies are the best dogs out there when raised properly. It doesn't sound like your in the position to do that.
 
#5 · (Edited)
Talk to some different breeders and build relationships. Admitting lack of knowledge and willingness to learn isn't a bad thing. Everyone started somewhere and ALL made mistakes. The willingness to learn from others will help you avoid the previous mistakes of that those people made. For instance, chicken wire. If a dog is around chicken wire it can be dangerous. I had a Doberman about 27 years ago who was in a friends yard. They had chicken wire across some holes in their fence. Boaz grabbed the chicken wire and backed up. Because of the way chicken wire is it closed around his lower jaw. He started screaming and freaking out. I was there doing some work for them and happened to have some end nippers handy and was able to quickly cut the wire before any damage was done. Now imagine if no one was there, was inside, or didn't have tools handy to free him. So please take down the chicken wire and replace it with what is called hardware cloth. Hardware cloth can be used to cover those holes it is usually 1/4 inch squares. Talk to these different breeders that you are looking at and look at alternatives for caring for the pup while you are not at home. You may find some real good ideas that you never considered before.
 
#6 ·
Just what I was thinking. Also keep in mind a Doberman could clear a 4 1/2 foot fence very easily.
 
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#7 ·
I don't really see why you would be rejected by all good breeders if you have a plan in place, and are willing to change what is needed. Start going to local shows and meeting breeders and owners. Make up a resume for yourself with your dog experience, what you are looking for, your home (fence, own/rent, who is in the home/other pets), and your plans for a new dog.
You will need to cover up at least 2' of the fencing you have with something better than chicken wire - until a puppy is big enough that it can't fit through the fence. I'm personally fine with the fence height - dogs need to be taught to respect fences. Mine have always been in a 4' fenced yard. They won't even put their feet on a fence. I know some dogs are going to jump fences, but most won't.
Working 12 hour shifts is tough, but doable if you have a plan in place with pet sitters and/or day care. A young puppy probably should not go to day care right away, but it really would depend on the individual place.
 
#8 ·
I too overthought it at first. My breeder would actually prefer if I fed raw but is open to a high end kibble.

Listen. I legit put that I wanted to learn the art of dog ball photography on my application lol. I knew my breeder prior, but I was still approved. So long as your references check out and you are level headed, I'm sure you stand a good chance. :wink2:
 
#11 ·
Just curious why don't you feed raw? High end kibble(if that's what we want to call it) is around the same cost as raw. I'll never go back to high end kibble now that I've gone raw.

As to the op I doubt any breeder will hold you feeding raw as a negative. 12-13hrs is a long time to be away from a pup but if it's only 3 days out of the 7 and you got 4 full days to spend I think that helps balance things as long as you have plans for those 3 days. Your age won't hurt you, I was 21 when I bought my first Doberman, although not a reputable breeder as at that time I didn't know, I was 27 or 26 when I bought my current GSD from a very reputable breeder. Dobermams are a great breed and one may be in my near future again.
 
#9 ·
A couple things that might help you out, and sorry if it seems short or curt, I am in a rush :p

  • That fence may need to be taller ; but at least you have a fence so that is a start
  • Be honest about losing a previous pet and the steps you have taken to rectify the situation so it does not happen again
  • Some breeders prefer raw, some don't. Another +1 in the honesty tab here
  • Join a local raw feeding group on facebook or a state one. Mine has several breeders that I frequently interact with (I am still considered new to raw as I have only been feeding it for 1+ year)
  • Think about possibly getting an older dog, even 8 hours alone in a crate is too much for some puppies
  • There is nothing wrong with asking for a low energy puppy ; most breeders will not let you select a puppy yourself but will however choose one that matches your household so be honest about what you need/want/can provide

Good luck!
 
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