flyingtiger1966

I've been visiting for quite some time trying to read and learn what I can about these awesome dogs. I finally got to the point where I might want to ask questions so I figured it was time to register. Since a child I have owned and loved dogs. However, they have always been rescues & strays. While they have been outstanding & beloved companions I'm ready @45 for MY first big boy dog.

I want a Doberman and here is why:

1. I'm a Marine and I love history - other than possibly a Bulldog there is no dog more closely associated with the Corps! nuff said
2. My wife enjoys running and sometimes the runs are long and solitary. I want a dog that can run with her, guard her and bring her back safely to me.
3. I have a 7 year old daughter who is the apple of my eye. She loves, loves, loves dogs. I need a dog that is very reliable, and gentle because She will want to spend every waking hours playing with the newest member of the family
4. I have 2 other dogs -both females and spayed- that are gentle, sweet and will have no problems accepting an alpha dog. However, they are playful so I need a dog that socializes well and is tolerant.
5. This dog will not be bred- it will be part of the family. It will sleep in the house on a dog pillow at night and play outside in the fenced yard with the other two dogs during the day.
6. Finally- It has to be a male because his name will be RANGER! (unless of course its a stupid idea given the above criteria)

I am retiring in 1.5 years and don't anticipate being gone anymore so I have time to burn training and playing.

Very much looking forward to asking questions and getting the proverbial firehose of advice.

Thanks in advanced,

Herman

Amelia_

Hi Herman, welcome to the forum and good luck in your search!

I have read there are lots of excellent rescues and breeders in Texas so hopefully someone can chime in with some.

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ZeldaRules

Welcome from Houston! I know that rescues don't adopt out dogs that will live outside during the day when the owners are gone. Ethical breeders generally operate the same way. Dobes are not suitable for outdoor living as it is and they are much safer indoors when you can't be home to supervise, it's also not the wisest idea to leave multiple dogs together unsupervised. My dogs are crated beside each other when I'm not home. I added a GSD smd a doberman to my pack for my companionship, not for them to have a friend to play eigh when im not home. Not to mention that there is a bite law in Texas and you never know what can happen with you are not there to supervise. In the Houston news right now there is a story of a GSD and Doberman that escaped their yard and packed up on a small girl and attacked her. Apparently these dogs have never acted like this before, I have an acquaintance who knows the owner.

It's great that you are here asking questions before you bring one home

Dobiewankanobi

Welcome from Katy (near Houston!)

Zelda is right. Reputable rescues and breeders won't adopt to people who keep dogs outside.

I've spent a lot of time in the Odessa/Midland area which isn't too far from you and it's HOT. Dry hot, but still HOT.

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RIP Kai 3/19/2001 - 11/8/2011

PatchworkRobot

Welcome from Austin :]

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flyingtiger1966

Thanks for the welcome! - I can see that I wasn't very clear in my intro. I was trying to point out that they are played with outside daily. In general they play outside when we are home and pretty much transition in and out of the house from our covered patio. I rarely leave them in the yard unsupervised. When I do its only to run maybe a short errand (ie mailbox or mowing fron lawn etc) and certainly not for eight+ hours while I'm at work. If Im gone and nobody else is home then they are crated in their kennels (it is pretty funny to get home and hear wagging tails erupt inside the kennels). I do it because they like their kennels and I dont want my dogs released from the back yard by opening the gate or in the case of the future Ranger having him stolen.

flyingtiger1966

Yeah I know! San Angelo had 100+ days Of >100+ degrees - absolutely insane