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Becoming a dog owner

1K views 11 replies 9 participants last post by  CJMReyes 
#1 ·
Hello everybody,

I am considering getting a Doberman in the near future. Am trying very hard to educate myself in all aspects of becoming a Doberman owner. This may sound unusual but can anybody give me an idea of how much of an investment it will be on an yearly basis for basic things: medications, scheduled visits to the vet, food, etc.
 
#2 · (Edited)
Real quick cost assessment.

Well bred Doberman $1,700 - $2,100
$500 - 3 training classes - Puppy Kindergarten, Puppy Basics, Advanced Basics (My opinion, 3 - 8 week training courses a minimum to assist with socialization of the puppy. Start classes after full and last parvo vaccine.
$900 - Highly Ranked Quality Kibble
250 - 300 -Heartworm, Flea & Tick Control
$500 - Wellness visits and puppy shots + "other" possible vaccinations. i.e. kennel cough / Dog flu if you plan on ever using a kennel. 2nd year vet visit increase by a spay/neuter cost. 3rd year vet costs decrease but for budgeting purposes $250 annual.

Many many more costs..

pet insurance, toys, treats, leashes, collars

and one of the largest... Kennel costs when the dog can't come with you and you can't find anyone to assist... Could be hundreds of dollars a year based on everyone's unique situation.

Forgot my biggest expense when we got our girl... Fencing our yard... DIY project cost $2500 in materials alone.
 
#4 · (Edited)
There is another option instead of Pet Insurance. Its not for everyone, and as a person who worked at a clinic and have seen first hand at how cheap and complicated insurance can be, I would opt for a savings account. Its right there, no need for forms to fill out, waiting for your money to get back (can take up to a year), or wondering if this particular medication or procedure is covered.

For savings account: $5,000 minimum for emergencies
Food: $40-$100 monthly
Treats, toys, ect: $0-$40 monthly
Vets: $400-$2,000 yearly (annual, holter, bloodwork, meds, ect)
Training: $300-$1,500
Events, competitions, tests: $100-$1,000 yearly

Dogs can be expensive, and this particular breed is expensive. They have quite a few health problems and since they are a working breed, many people will become involved in training, sports, or competitions to help drain some of that energy, plus it can be addicting :)

Have you thought of fostering a Doberman before purchasing one?
 
#6 ·
I think those estimates are a bit low, actually.
 
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#7 ·
We currently spend about $2000/year for the basic stuff, which includes food, treats/chews, and vet costs.

But that is not including the initial amount when we first got him to buy the crate and all the supplies (collars, leashes, bowls, grooming supplies, etc), several years of training and titling, and of course buying the dog itself from a good breeder.
 
#8 ·
I would pass on pet insurance IMO.... much easier to put the 50 a month away in a savings account. BIL had them on his two dogs... they needed multiple operations and $15000 later, insurance refused to cover it.
Your biggest expense will be your first year for a puppy. Much less if you adopt from a rescue and even cheaper if your experienced with dog training and have your own fenced in yard.
 
#9 ·
The only problem there is that $50 a month won't cover a six month old pup's obstruction surgery. What insurance did your BIL have? I think some are better than others.
 
#11 · (Edited)
All of the above plus you want to make sure you have a good amount set by for emergencies. Keep in mind that Dobermans are not the healthiest breed out there. You stack the odds of getting a healthy Doberman by purchasing from a reputable breeder who health tests. Still, there's always accidents. Random things my dogs and my friends' dogs have done:

$700 for a tooth extraction when the Dobe breaks a molar.
$500 to remove a tumor, suture, then another $150 to staple it when a neighbor dog attacks and rips the stitches open.
$550 to fix the results of a dog fight.
$140 for the emergency vet for training class injuries.
$200 in vet fees when the dog ate her owner's diet meds and then a leather sofa.
Assorted $$ at Home Depot to repair holes in walls and replace molding around the floor and then more cash for the pet store to replace a metal crate (that one was a cattle dog, not a Doberman but still...).
$1,000 plus for cancer diagnostic tests, pain meds, and care. More if you choose to do chemo/surgery/radiation etc.

Also, keep canned pumpkin (not pie filling, just plain pumpkin), instant rice, and chicken on hand for when your Dobe eats something and then blows up all over your carpet. Trust me, he will make sure to wait to do this until the markets are closed, and leave you wishing you had something bland for him to eat.

Nature's Miracle takes everything out of a carpet. I mean everything. Vomit, poop, blood, butt goo (Griffin likes to lick his butt, don't judge!), rust from workers dragging an old washing machine across the carpet. Everything.

Basically just sign away several paychecks a year to the dogs. It's a good thing they're so darn cute.
 
#12 ·
LOL...... oh MAN, I wish there was a way to get insta-feed of this thread straight to the email inboxes of anyone even thinking about becoming a slave to a Dobie baby.

It might have some of the weak at heart think twice before making a decision, especially if they're searching the net for what I call the "PayPal Puppies."

PS: River, your post just made my day!
 
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