Doberman Forum : Doberman Breed Dog Forums banner

Should I Keep My Pup or Sell?

4K views 31 replies 19 participants last post by  Cressrb 
#1 ·
I bought a 9 week old male Doberman puppy recently and learned just how expensive and time consuming puppies can be in short order. It's been a bit over a week now and I've definitely got him doing a little better about not indiscriminately going to the bathroom everywhere. He's adorable and loves nothing more than to fall asleep on your lap so my wife loves him.

My concern is that we own a relatively small home with almost zero back yard. It's basically a little mulch side run + a small paved back patio + the bit of driveway that is enclosed going back to a detached garage. He has free fun of that space during the day as we both work but I'm sure he's terribly bored. Once we get home we can play with him and wear him out but as he gets larger I'm not sure how tenable this situation is.

Now I have the opportunity to sell him to a family with a larger yard for the same price I purchased him for. The question is, should I do it? Or should I continue to try and make this work with the small yard and long work hours? I know I could put him in daycare but I honestly can't afford to do that 5 days a week.

Thanks.
 
#2 · (Edited)
Doberman's are an inside & people dog...period / left alone for extended periods, is not fair.
- young puppy bored in back yard, (however big or small), all during the working day is a recipe for disaster
- to bad you didn't research this, before buying a puppy / now your ill prepared, for the family commitment it takes
Finding a new owner, needs to be an improvement in wee pups life / so prospect has to be carefully vented.
 
#5 ·
I recommend contacting the breeder you purchased him from. Most breeders have a return / rehoming clause in their contracts, so you may have a legal obligation to return the dog. If the breeder doesn't want the dog back, then it sounds like finding a new home is definitely your best option. I have two 7YO dobermans who pretty much sleep all day while we're at work (we have a lady who lets them out to pee mid-day, but no real exercise) and our guys are happy as clams. If you really want a doberman, I'd recommend adopting an adult from a rescue. Puppies are awesome, but they really do take a lot of time. Good on you for realizing that your situation may not be the best for a puppy and doing what's right for the dog!
 
#6 ·
Check your contract. If he's from a good breeder, they will take him back. They may or may not offer a refund. That depends on the breeder, their contract, etc.

If his breeder won't take him back, let us know where you are, and we can point you in the direction of a rescue group that could take him.

Whichever you do, I'd just chalk his purchase price up to "life lesson learned", and not even bother trying to recoup it (unless of course, his breeder offers you a refund).
 
#8 ·
Quite a bit of judgment here.

I'll admit I wasn't fully aware of what it takes to care for a puppy and that part of it was a reality check to be sure. But I have adjusted, I've spent nearly all my free time with him since I brought him home. I've provided him a sectioned off area of the kitchen with a bed and all kinds of toys etc but I feel he'd be even worse off cooped up there for the day than outside. California weather won't hurt him during the day.

I have a job, and as much as I'd love to quit and spend my time playing and training him that's obviously not possible.

So, I posted because I want to do what's best for the pup. I don't want to feel as though I'm giving up on him needlessly and there's no way I would allow him to go to a worse situation. From what I've read here so far it seems having him spend a good portion of his day outside alone is not fair to him and he'd be better off with a family with a larger yard.

My wife is all heart about this. She loves him and wants to keep him no matter what, I want to make a responsible decision for the dog.
 
#15 ·
Quite a bit of judgment here.

I'll admit I wasn't fully aware of what it takes to care for a puppy and that part of it was a reality check to be sure. But I have adjusted, I've spent nearly all my free time with him since I brought him home. I've provided him a sectioned off area of the kitchen with a bed and all kinds of toys etc but I feel he'd be even worse off cooped up there for the day than outside. California weather won't hurt him during the day.

I have a job, and as much as I'd love to quit and spend my time playing and training him that's obviously not possible.

So, I posted because I want to do what's best for the pup. I don't want to feel as though I'm giving up on him needlessly and there's no way I would allow him to go to a worse situation. From what I've read here so far it seems having him spend a good portion of his day outside alone is not fair to him and he'd be better off with a family with a larger yard.

My wife is all heart about this. She loves him and wants to keep him no matter what, I want to make a responsible decision for the dog.
10 years ago we were first time Doberman puppy owners. He's gone now - cancer. But yes, raising the puppy was time consuming, a huge commitment, and not cheap. He was our $30,000 dog :). We went through a breeder, under a contract, etc and we generally went into it knowing what we were getting into. What we did learn on the fly, and with help from local Doberman/working dog experienced people, is that not all breeds are the same. We had to be trained how to raise a Doberman puppy the right way. There's a lot in that statement - lot of learning. We have a small yard. Only requirement our breeder had regarding accomodations was a fence and that we would not keep the dog outside - they are not yard dogs. And we had to have a crate inside for the dog. 1) crate training is your friend. 2) training is your friend - puppy training, puppy socializing, then dog training - it's through the lifetime of the dog. 3) not all humans are cut out to be Doberman (or working breed) owners. No shame in that, but a reality. I work full time. Every spare moment outside of work involved our dobe - walking, training, hiking, exercise. We don't have much of a yard at all and that didn't matter. I wore out many a pair of sneakers with our dog. I am convinced that if we had a 1 acre yard with the expectation our dog would run free during the day - reality is he would sit by the back door waiting for a human to join him. That's what they want - human company and interaction and leadership. Don't sell him to the neighbor with the bigger yard thinking at least he'll have a big yard to play in during the day alone. The other aspect you have to consider about owning a Doberman (and other breeds) is liability. An untrained, unsocialized, bored Doberman will find a way to stimulate it's brain and that is not always in a good way by human standards. Yard dogs become nuisance barkers. They become nuisance barking fence runners. They become biters. They don't know how to interact with other dogs. Basically - you end up with a liability on your hands and after the neighbor has been bitten or chased by the dog when he slips out - the news headlines read mean viscious Doberman attacks child. Not that the dog was poorly raised. Anyway.. since you don't address the breeder question in previous response, i assume you didn't get him from a breeder per se - newspaper ad? or whatever. I would work with an area Doberman rescue versus just selling him to someone else. Good luck
 
#13 ·
All of your posts should be on display now. We mods just have to approve posts from new folks for a bit and that may take a little while because we’re not always on line when a post is made.

If you have made another post that has not shown up, just wait and you should see it fairly soon. If not, you can private message one of the mods (the folks with user names in red letters and the label moderator underneath) and ask where your post went. We’ll find it and get it online for you.
 
#11 ·
Rehome the puppy. You like the idea of owning a Doberman, but doesn't sound like you really want to put in everything it will take to raise him properly --- and I totally understand. They are a lot to handle. Especially puppies. Don't wait until he's an adolescent with a whole host of issues before deciding you can't handle him any longer... Give the dog his best shot and rehome him now or return to breeder. Good luck.
 
#14 ·
Agree with most posters here. First, contact your breeder- mostly likely he or she will have connections to a good home that you do not. Obviously you love and want what is best for your dog, otherwise you would not be here.

If for some reason your breeder is unable to assist you, consider a breed specific rescue (DT is a great resource for this, members would love to help you out!).

Kudos to you for understanding that you guys are not an ideal, long term home for a doberman. While some dogs do well in small homes, it sounds like the time commitment is not something practical for you right now. As a full time worker with a small yard, I can tell you that literally ALL of my spare time is devoted to exercising and training my dobe. We're in class 2x a week most weeks, and go for 2+ walks a day, both before and after work, and I have a dog walker or day care option 5 days a week. He is 10 months, and I expect to keep up this schedule for the next 2-3 years. (yikes)

Maybe in the future, doberman ownership is something you can come back to, as they are wonderful family members. Please keep the board updated and let members here know if they can help.
 
#16 ·
We are currently renting a small place with no fenced yard. Our pup is 7 months now. You can work around that, we do. It just means that you really have to commit to lots of walks, lots of structured play time, mental games, and lots of energy burning activities and puppy play dates (other puppies can be found at the puppy classes that if you keep the pup you should definitely go to). A puppy is more appropriate in a crate with lots of active breaks then a backyard and no activities. People aren't kidding when they say dobes are inside dogs. It is true of most dogs though. There are a few breeds that are bred to be more independent, but then they don't make good family dogs.
And a 7 month old dog makes me long for the time when I counted her age in weeks. Trust me when I say it will get much harder before it gets easier. And if you don't commit to training then it won't get easier. We have done and continue to do multiple dog classes and she is still a work in progress. I can stay committed only because I know she will improve and become an amazing dog.
It sounds like you aren't committed. I would recommend not keeping the dog unless you really appreciate the importance of interaction, socialization, exercise, and training. If you decide to rehome the dog and want to do right by your pup then please make sure the next home has a commitment to do these things. The size of your yard and house matters very little. The only thing I miss about a yard is a fenced outdoor place to play fetch.
I agree that some people on this site are rather curt, but it is because their heart just aches because they often work with rescues who life went sideways because people didn't think the commitment through before getting a dog. Wishing you and your dog the best in a difficult decision.
 
#17 ·
I'm just struggling with working around my work schedule. I can't leave him unattended indoors as he will turn my home upside down. If I leave him in his crate or pen I will return to a equally stressed dog and probably one that has spread his mess around his toys / bed and self.

He SEEMS to be doing fairly well outside during the day. We have him using the restroom in one area, when I come home and stay quiet to observe him he is usually just sleeping peacefully in his dog house, sometimes I can even get out the door before he wakes up. I fully plan on socializing him and getting him some intro training classes. Because he's so young I've just been inviting people over for him to meet, he's quite skittish initially but warms up quick. He seems to hate the animated "dog talkers" that approach him with too much enthusiasm.

In the evening he stays inside with us, we play with him until he's completely exhausted (and so are we) drop him off in his crate and wait for him to wake us up for his potty breaks. We are trying to establish a routine that he can count on. I'm encouraged by the news that he can be perfectly happy w/o a large amount of space. However now I have a new issue with his inability to be left outside or alone for long periods of time. It won't happen everyday of the week but there will certainly be days that both myself and my wife will be gone for 8-9 hrs.

He does have some separation issues but only indoors... if we leave him unattended in his indoor pen while we are at home he throws a fit, if I set him outside he actually will stay quiet long enough for me to cook dinner or take a shower etc. It is incredible to me just how much he wants to be attached to me at all times especially if I'm in sight.

Anyway, I came on this site to get some feedback as this is no easy decision to make and I thank you all for your input. I'm still undecided on which direction I will go but I will certainly take steps to make sure he ends up in a good situation.
 
#19 · (Edited)
I'm just struggling with working around my work schedule. I can't leave him unattended indoors as he will turn my home upside down. If I leave him in his crate or pen I will return to a equally stressed dog and probably one that has spread his mess around his toys / bed and self.

He SEEMS to be doing fairly well outside during the day. We have him using the restroom in one area, when I come home and stay quiet to observe him he is usually just sleeping peacefully in his dog house, sometimes I can even get out the door before he wakes up. I fully plan on socializing him and getting him some intro training classes. Because he's so young I've just been inviting people over for him to meet, he's quite skittish initially but warms up quick. He seems to hate the animated "dog talkers" that approach him with too much enthusiasm.

In the evening he stays inside with us, we play with him until he's completely exhausted (and so are we) drop him off in his crate and wait for him to wake us up for his potty breaks. We are trying to establish a routine that he can count on. I'm encouraged by the news that he can be perfectly happy w/o a large amount of space. However now I have a new issue with his inability to be left outside or alone for long periods of time. It won't happen everyday of the week but there will certainly be days that both myself and my wife will be gone for 8-9 hrs.

He does have some separation issues but only indoors... if we leave him unattended in his indoor pen while we are at home he throws a fit, if I set him outside he actually will stay quiet long enough for me to cook dinner or take a shower etc. It is incredible to me just how much he wants to be attached to me at all times especially if I'm in sight.

Anyway, I came on this site to get some feedback as this is no easy decision to make and I thank you all for your input. I'm still undecided on which direction I will go but I will certainly take steps to make sure he ends up in a good situation.
Training is the operative word - :2smile:. who is training who. Not trying to sound mean. Speaking from a position of having been there. You would end up with a much better puppy and dog if you for example tethered the puppy to you while you went about house chores, cooking.. teach him to stay with you, teach him to be quiet, teach him to sit/stay and watch you. It's a lot of work. Crate training - there are good books, google brings up good articles about it, there are good posts here about it. We learned from a book, I don't recall the title off top of my head and I'm almost embarrassed to bring it up because it was kind of corny how the author addressed it, but, it worked like a charm for us. Our dobe leanred to love his crate, he'd sit in it door open and watch us cook, he'd watch us do chores, he'd put himself to bed when he got tired of TV. It took a while to get there. Initially we crated him anytime we left. He was never crated unattended more than 6 hours or so. Eventually he earned his freedom and had run of the house when we were gone and he did nothing but lay in his open crate and watch TV.

editing to add thoughts about crate training: I know, unsolicitied by you, but I'm bored, I'm a blowhard windbag and it sounds like you would greatly benefit from crate training the pup if you keep him.

- the crate should be large enough for him to stand up move around, that's it. Ok to buy a large one looking ahead to his adult size, but get the type you can cordon off to smaller size. We used a Vari Kennel XLarge airline style plastic crate.
- the crate should never be used for punishment. It has to be a happy place for the puppy to be.
- part of crate training is making the crate a happy place for the pup to be. Different approaches to this. The book we read, the author used "happy routines" - I know, corny. But happy routines got our puppy to love the crate within hours, and it got our puppy to love Oregon rain in the heart of the heavy rainy season.
- it involves hiding treats in the crate, say in happy voice crate up, toss in treat, he goes in, then finds the other treats - everybody is happy and praises, out he comes happy, rinse repeat. Next stage is crate up, he enters, close door, be happy.. eventually closing door no big thing. Next phase leaving room, leavning house, etc.. no separation anxiety.
- ok, you didn't ask - happy routine to like the rain... mom and dad go outside in backyard in a heavy rain no umbrellas just like we expect him to like, he's standing in the doorway watching us dance around happy.. next thing he has to be part of the fun and we are all out in the rain. Rain conquered.
- consistency as to crate hours, especially when they are young, to establish potty tolerance, etc. despite what you read, yes, a dog will go where they sleep if they have no other choice.
just some initial thoughts about the crate.
 
#18 ·
In addition to the problem of leaving a people-hungry dog like a doberman outside while you are not there to watch him, you also face the risk that people will tease him through the fence (for some reason folks like to do that with dobermans and other “tough” dogs) which can really mess with his temperament and make him unstable and suspicious of anyone new.

You also run the risk that someone might steal him from your yard. He could get into trouble with dogs or other animals who might manage to get into his enclosure. Dogs can also develop a very bad barking habit which is difficult to train out of them--you may not know that he is barking the whole time you are gone, but your neighbors sure will.

Dobes have such a bad reputation with a lot of folks you really don’t want to have you dog act in any way which will negatively reinforce people’s impressions--that makes it harder for any dobe owner.
 
#23 ·
In addition to the problem of leaving a people-hungry dog like a doberman outside while you are not there to watch him, you also face the risk that people will tease him through the fence (for some reason folks like to do that with dobermans and other “tough” dogs) which can really mess with his temperament and make him unstable and suspicious of anyone new.
This is an excellent point. Due to the neighborhood kids teasing my dogs, my oldest girl is absolutely, positively, NEVER allowed outside without either myself or my husband with her. She hates pretty much all kids other than my own, and can go over my nearly 6' high fence. It's a right pain in the rear to not be able to just open the door and let her out, but the inconvenience of going out with her sure beats running the risk of her getting loose and hurting someone.
 
#20 ·
Thank you.

I do have a large crate with an adjustable separation. He sleeps in it overnight. I do close the door but usually wait for him to be asleep with the door open before doing so, when he wakes I (hopefully) hear him and whisk him outside to do his business. Sometimes he returns to the crate happily, other times like last night he's not so keen on the crate upon return.

He doesn't seem eager to potty in his crate but he will do it, especially if he doesn't want to be there. So I dedicated the service porch area as a safe pen (cleared out everything there) but I have to say he hates it there and it's become more of an accident proof area than anything. His crate is there as well and he's fine in his crate, but if not in his crate he just sees the pen as isolation from us.

Again I'm encouraged that the space is not an issue. So what would be your advice if I am going to be gone for 8-9 hours of the day? I cannot crate him at this age as he would certainly mess his crate and its cruel to leave him locked up that long. If I leave him in the pen he's probably safer but again I'd be coming home to daily messes that he may spread around his pen. If I leave him outside he has a designated potty area and a dog house and is isolated from the front of the house which limits distractions.

Is that really an unworkable situation?

The advice here is to get him in a daycare program but I simply can't afford the $400+ a month that seems to cost around here.
 
#21 ·
Thank you.

I do have a large crate with an adjustable separation. He sleeps in it overnight. I do close the door but usually wait for him to be asleep with the door open before doing so, when he wakes I (hopefully) hear him and whisk him outside to do his business. Sometimes he returns to the crate happily, other times like last night he's not so keen on the crate upon return.

He doesn't seem eager to potty in his crate but he will do it, especially if he doesn't want to be there. So I dedicated the service porch area as a safe pen (cleared out everything there) but I have to say he hates it there and it's become more of an accident proof area than anything. His crate is there as well and he's fine in his crate, but if not in his crate he just sees the pen as isolation from us.

Again I'm encouraged that the space is not an issue. So what would be your advice if I am going to be gone for 8-9 hours of the day? I cannot crate him at this age as he would certainly mess his crate and its cruel to leave him locked up that long. If I leave him in the pen he's probably safer but again I'd be coming home to daily messes that he may spread around his pen. If I leave him outside he has a designated potty area and a dog house and is isolated from the front of the house which limits distractions.

Is that really an unworkable situation?

The advice here is to get him in a daycare program but I simply can't afford the $400+ a month that seems to cost around here.
you have a friend/neighbor/family member that can come by during the day and let him out to potty? You would be working towards him earning his freedom in the house which might not be until 1 year old (our dog). You live in a neighborhood around people? ask them how he tolerates being left outside. Our neighbors behind us leave their three dogs in the small backyard and they think they are little angels. They are little noisy angels. And their daddy only picks up poo every month or so.
 
#22 ·
Backyard space is pretty irrelevant and can be for most dog breeds providing they get enough mental and physical stimulation to keep them from going bonkers and driving you and your neighbours insane.

At 9 weeks, my boy came to our home as well and I had a month off from work to be there for him, which included training, play time, feeding, and bonding. I work 8.5 hr days and I'm away from him for almost 10 hours a day. When I come home, I'm exhausted, but my world is him and the same on weekends. He has been looked after constantly and always has someone at home now that my dad is retired. He doesn't get the training and exercise he does with me through him, but he has supervision so he doesn't get into mischief and also gets fed and walked in the morning.

The problem for you is that your boy at 9 weeks now and needs to be fed 3-4 times a day. Dobes aren't lawn ornament dogs and absolutely crave attention from their people. They're also super smart and really need something to keep their mind occupied -- keeping them busy means keeping them out of trouble. Give it another 2 weeks and you'll have a teething hellion on your hands that will probably leave you some unwanted surprises in your backyard when you get home. You may be lucky that you don't have a puppy that's on the high side of the energy spectrum, but a dobe is usually high energy enough anyway.

Whatever your choice is, it has to be in the best interest of your puppy. Your best option would be to consult your puppy's breeder.
 
#24 · (Edited)
I wish you had done your research before getting a puppy.

You say there is a lot of judgment here. This is, after all a Doberman forum so most members are likely to be very dedicated to the breed and their dog.

Anyway, do the dog justice and either return him to the breeder or get in touch with a rescue in you area, they may have a pre-approved family looking for a puppy. Don't just sell him to just anybody and probably put him in a really bad situation, the dogs wellbeing not money should be the priority here.

Do what is right!
 
#29 ·
When my pup was young I watched him religiously for even the slightest sign he might have to potty, I would then immediately take him out and lavishly praise/pet him when he'd go. Always right after he wakes up from a nap take him right outside. If you're outside playing and he happens to go during that time, again let him know he's doing the right thing. If I caught mine pottying inside I'd tell him in a stern voice NO and instantly pick him up and take him out, and then make a fuss over him if he finished out there. He picked it up pretty quickly and he will whine and let me know when he has to go. However when they are still young they can't hold it for very long so its important to pick up when he is trying to tell you and act on it as soon as you can. I was fortunate that during his early puppyhood I could stay at home and be with him all the time, but it should still do well for you as long as you watch him like a hawk when you are home. It's all about consistency and timing!
 
#30 ·
The puppy can't "give you a signal" if he doesn't understand that's what he's supposed to do when he has to pee. I did exactly what Atomic did when my girl was a pup. Eyes on her every second, as well as being tethered to me. That way I quickly got to know what HER signals were when she was about to go. I would scoop her up and go outside then give tons of praise and treats after the Act. During her potty training we only had 3 accidents inside and that was totally my fault for not being vigilant.
She caught on very quickly.
And I was lucky that I'm retired so home most of the time.
As for crate training, you just to be strong. Only put him in AFTER he's had a poop and pee, then ignore the screaming. You can' t give in, even once...
 
#31 · (Edited)
Hello there, I am fairly new to this page and to owning a dobie; my girl is just over a year now. The first time I posted asking for advice I felt I was jumped on and unfairly judged when I was trying to learn. THEN I stepped back and recognized the people on here love their dogs and are SO tired of people getting dobermans because they're beautiful and sweet but dont realize the work they require so the dog gets neglected and winds up giving this wonderful breed a bad rep. My opnion is if you and your wife are willing to meet this dogs needs then great but if you both arent able to do that then give him back to the breeder or you have a responsibilty to find him a home who is willing to do that. In my opinion crate training gave my Scarlet security when I had to leave her for work, my husband gets up at 5am so she can get exercise and attention for 2 hours before he goes to work. From the second I get home she is with me 24/7. Training is a must for this breed; its good for both of you to learn and the puppy gets socialized and their challenged because they're extremely smart and need that stimulation. The more socializing the better! If you let them do it as a puppy they will do it as an adult, they like habits and routine so be careful because they wont be little forever!
 
#32 ·
It is good to hear from you with an update and to know it has worked out for you.
You have given good advice to pass on now to others. That is what this forum is about.
So many others that have seen my daughters dog, Duggan, decide instantly that this the dog they are going to get. A Doberman just like him. He is such a diplomat for the breed.
We stop them by saying, Wait a minute, he didn't come this way, it took a lot of training and patience and socializing to get him to this point and that the first year or so were difficult at times.
IMO, the are sooo worth it.
 
This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Top