First time Doberman owner - need help! - Doberman Forum : Doberman Breed Dog Forums

aby519@yahoo.com · 01-22-2013, 05:02 PM

Hi there, I'm a first time Doberman owner, so thought this forum might help me with some questions about my puppy. I have a 10 wk old female, named Lexie, and about a week ago, she started growling and barking at me, seemingly for no reason, or when I say no no to her,...is this normal? She is from a VERY REPUTABLE BREEDER, with gorgeous dogs, with years of accolades, so the problem is probably me! What am I doing wrong? She is a very sweet natured dog, but it worries me! Also, since I live in a very cold, (freezing), climate, I think part of the problem may be the inability to go outside for walks/exercise. She is in a prelim puppy class once a week for socialization, but because she hasn't had all her immunizations, she won't start puppy obedience until March!
~ ALSO,..she may be 'knuckling over', I have her on Cannidae dry, Blue Buffalo Freedom wet for puppies, minerals, vit c, and just started on pet calcium today,..will this help correct the problem?

CalamitysHuckleberry · 01-22-2013, 05:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aby519@yahoo.com

Hi there, I'm a first time Doberman owner, so thought this forum might help me with some questions about my puppy. I have a 10 wk old female, named Lexie, and about a week ago, she started growling and barking at me, seemingly for no reason, or when I say no no to her,...is this normal? She is from a VERY REPUTABLE BREEDER, with gorgeous dogs, with years of accolades, so the problem is probably me! What am I doing wrong? She is a very sweet natured dog, but it worries me! Also, since I live in a very cold, (freezing), climate, I think part of the problem may be the inability to go outside for walks/exercise. She is in a prelim puppy class once a week for socialization, but because she hasn't had all her immunizations, she won't start puppy obedience until March!
~ ALSO,..she may be 'knuckling over', I have her on Cannidae dry, Blue Buffalo Freedom wet for puppies, minerals, vit c, and just started on pet calcium today,..will this help correct the problem?

10 weeks old?? Chances are she is trying to get you to play with her. Dobermans are famous for being verbal.

The knuckling over, I would talk to your vet. Others on here can help more.

Cold weather + puppy = perfect training opportunities. Also can search for tricks and games to play with her, stimulate the mind, tires them out as well as tug!

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ZeldaRules · 01-22-2013, 05:15 PM

You did ask your breeder all of these questions right? Especially the knuckling concern. They know their line best, utilize them for support... they are there for that.

Christina93 · 01-22-2013, 05:17 PM

Puppies that young that bark and "growl" aren't doing it to be aggressive. They're doing it playfully. Wanting to play, get your attention, or just finding their "bark". I remember when willow was about 7 weeks old she started the same thing and as her bark got Stronger it frightened her a little lol. She would bark, and it would be louder than she's used to and it would make her run.

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LindaH · 01-22-2013, 05:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aby519@yahoo.com

Hi there, I'm a first time Doberman owner, so thought this forum might help me with some questions about my puppy. I have a 10 wk old female, named Lexie, and about a week ago, she started growling and barking at me, seemingly for no reason, or when I say no no to her,...is this normal? She is from a VERY REPUTABLE BREEDER, with gorgeous dogs, with years of accolades, so the problem is probably me! What am I doing wrong? She is a very sweet natured dog, but it worries me! Also, since I live in a very cold, (freezing), climate, I think part of the problem may be the inability to go outside for walks/exercise. She is in a prelim puppy class once a we Dobermannzwinger The lone star - Portrait ek for socialization, but because she hasn't had all her immunizations, she won't start puppy obedience until March!
~ ALSO,..she may be 'knuckling over', I have her on Cannidae dry, Blue Buffalo Freedom wet for puppies, minerals, vit c, and just started on pet calcium today,..will this help correct the problem?

The barking and growling are her attempts to invite you to play with her...she is probably inviting with s play bow, too...butt in air with front legs splayed out. Try teaching her to fetch or gently play tug with a stuffy toy. Be careful cause puppies are naturally mouthy .like babies, everything goes into the mouth. If she starts biting, like they do with other puppies, stop playing to let her know biting is not appropriate behavior. Take toy and all away for three minutes, then resume play till she bites again. If you keep this up, she will realize biting makes good things, you and toys, go away.,

Even if it's cold outside you can go outside and play with her for a few minutes, 5-10 even 15. My boy used to go out and play when it was 16° F. Amazed me

. Just don't have her outside for long periods. You can play with her inside to tire her and let her burn off energy. She will HAVE TO burn energy off...if not outside than inside.

You just need to feed s large breed puppy food, not regular puppy food as it promotes rapid growth...a no no for large breed puppied
Or you can feed an all life stages adult food. Only other things are vitamin c 500 mg, fish oil 1000-1200 mags, and 400 iu vit e(only if you give fish oil and one hard boiled egg a week. DO NOT GIVE supplimental calcium as that will cause bone growth problems especially with long bones. All the other vitamins, calcium and minerals are provided in an appropriate kibble...a spoonful of canned is okay.

You really should be asking your breeder these questions so she knows you need help and can guide you along.

dobebug · 01-22-2013, 05:29 PM

Do NOT give additional calcium. The foods you are giving supply enough calcium for a puppy and too much calcium can cause as many or more problems than insufficient calcium.

What are you seeing that you believe is "knuckling over"? Talk to your breeder about this--be prepared to take pictures. Also talk to your vet.

And I agree with all of the people who have told you she's probably trying to initiate play with you. She only has so many ways to get your attention--barking at you as if you were another puppy is a way to get your attention and hopefully to get you to play with her.

aby519@yahoo.com · 01-22-2013, 05:34 PM

Thank you all,..I suspected the growling/barking was play,..but yes is beginning to snap at us too! We just turn our backs and stand still, sometimes works, sometimes not! I am trying to use treats as a reward for positive behavior too!

aby519@yahoo.com · 01-22-2013, 05:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ZeldaRules

You did ask your breeder all of these questions right? Especially the knuckling concern. They know their line best, utilize them for support... they are there for that.

My breeder was the one who noticed the possible knuckling in a pic, and suggested the extra calcium for a few months. I guess I should have asked her if it would correct itself!

aby519@yahoo.com · 01-22-2013, 05:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dobebug

Do NOT give additional calcium. The foods you are giving supply enough calcium for a puppy and too much calcium can cause as many or more problems than insufficient calcium.

What are you seeing that you believe is "knuckling over"? Talk to your breeder about this--be prepared to take pictures. Also talk to your vet.

And I agree with all of the people who have told you she's probably trying to initiate play with you. She only has so many ways to get your attention--barking at you as if you were another puppy is a way to get your attention and hopefully to get you to play with her.

My breeder noticed it in a pic I sent to her,..and recommended the Pet-Cal Plus,..calcium, phosphorus, Vit D3,..so I'm trying to follow her instructions,..I only see at times, and her legs are still pretty straight, so I think it may be just beginning (?) to knuckle over. I have a vet appt in two weeks,..I am just hoping it can be corrected before it progresses. I put down rugs on all our 'slippery' surfaces, and am trying to exercise her more, (wish I could take her out for some walks,..but it's way to cold here!!)

Darkevs · 01-22-2013, 06:06 PM

can you post a photo of Lexie.

might show the 'knuckling' you speak of.

please do not supplement with calcium.

Hugz to Lexie!

Rouleaux · 01-22-2013, 06:09 PM

Welcome to DT!

can we see some pics? and maybe one of the issue?

although your breeder noticed the issue in a picture, you should consult your vet before starting calcium tablets... the only time I used calcium with Rouleaux was when I was posting his ears... and even that didn't last too long, as they stood fairly quickly.

LindaH · 01-22-2013, 06:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aby519@[/U

o.com;1292497]My breeder noticed it in a pic I sent to her,..and recommended the Pet-Cal Plus,..calcium, phosphorus, Vit D3,..so I'm trying to follow her instructions,..I only see at times, and her legs are still pretty straight, so I think it may be just beginning (?) to knuckle over. I have a vet appt in two weeks,..I am just hoping it can be correcte before it progresses. I put down rugs on all our 'slippery' surfaces, and am trying to exercise her more, (wish I could take her out for some walks,..but it's way to cold here!!)

You don't really want to walk her yet anyway. Not beyond just some short training sessions. You need to play with her to burn off her energy.

Get The Power of Positive Dog Training by Pat Miller and Calming Signals by Turid Rugaas. The first will teach you how to train your puppy with positive methods and the second will show you how to better read what your puppy is trying to tell you.

DobieGal15 · 01-22-2013, 06:44 PM

You are in luck! This forum is full of lots of helpful (and sometimes critical) advice, please stick around and continue to ask many questions- dont feel silly for asking either, you can only learn by being educated

As for Lexie's barking and mouthing- dobie puppies are typically little sharks. Although playful ones, it can still hurt- you should enroll her in obedience as soon as you can and there are several great books to begin reading!

ps we love pics

Kekly · 01-22-2013, 07:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Christina93

Puppies that young that bark and "growl" aren't doing it to be aggressive. They're doing it playfully. Wanting to play, get your attention, or just finding their "bark". I remember when willow was about 7 weeks old she started the same thing and as her bark got Stronger it frightened her a little lol. She would bark, and it would be louder than she's used to and it would make her run.

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LMBO..Sampson would do that when his voice changed from "puppy" to "teenager" lol, He would bark, and then crouch and look for that big dog that barked. Ohh..we had some funny moments with this stage.

ZeldaRules · 01-22-2013, 07:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aby519@yahoo.com

My breeder was the one who noticed the possible knuckling in a pic, and suggested the extra calcium for a few months. I guess I should have asked her if it would correct itself!

Calcium has to be at a 1:1 ratio with phosphorus or you will run into some serious problems during the developmental stage. Definitely consult a vet just to make sure those supplements are ok for your pup at her age and for the issue.

LadyRougeCayenne · 01-22-2013, 11:03 PM

Do any of y'all's Dobies moan when moving around during sleep. Mine lays down and every time she moves she moans like awe I'm comfortable again. It's too funny

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ZeldaRules · 01-23-2013, 06:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LadyRougeCayenne

Do any of y'all's Dobies moan when moving around during sleep. Mine lays down and every time she moves she moans like awe I'm comfortable again. It's too funny

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Yes, they are all little old men when it comes to sleeping and being comfortable.

aby519@yahoo.com · 01-23-2013, 07:35 AM

I'm having trouble uploading pics of Lexie,..I tried to use the help page on this site, but I'm still having problems. I'm not very technical, so it would help if someone can explain it so I can understand it! Thanks!

Rouleaux · 01-23-2013, 07:41 AM

I just use imageshack.us . I have for years. Just make sure you remove the banner at the bottom of the picture when you paste the forum code link to the message box.

Capone's Mommy · 01-23-2013, 07:45 AM

I use photobucket for my pictures. Easy to use.

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aby519@yahoo.com · 01-23-2013, 07:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Capone's Mommy

I use photobucket for my pictures. Easy to use.

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Thanks,..I'll try photobucket!

aby519@yahoo.com · 01-23-2013, 08:28 AM

IMG_10392_zps9b5bccd0 photo by aby519 | Photobucket

Rouleaux · 01-23-2013, 08:35 AM

She is just too cute!

As for the knuckling over, you should take her to the vet and have it examined. At her age there must be ways of correcting it, should it be a major problem. The last thing you want is to have anything be permanent.

What food is she on?

aby519@yahoo.com · 01-23-2013, 08:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aby519@yahoo.com

IMG_10392_zps9b5bccd0 photo by aby519 | Photobucket

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rouleaux

She is just too cute!

As for the knuckling over, you should take her to the vet and have it examined. At her age there must be ways of correcting it, should it be a major problem. The last thing you want is to have anything be permanent.

What food is she on?

Thanks,..she is especially nice,..we may show her! She's on Cannidae All Life Stage Formula dry & Blue Buffalo Freedom wet, she also is on 250mg vit c 2xd, Solid Gold Seameal supplement

LindaH · 01-24-2013, 09:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aby519@yahoo.com

Thanks,..she is especially nice,..we may show her! She's on Cannidae All Life Stage Formula dry & Blue Buffalo Freedom wet, she also is on 250mg vit c 2xd, Solid Gold Seameal supplement

Tried to post twice yesterday, but wouldn't go thru for some reason.

She is a nice looking girl.

That leg is very worrisome tho. You should call your nearest DPCA chapter for a reference of a vet that is knowledgeable of large breed puppies, specifically doberman puppies. The leg could self correct or get much worse. I wouldn't suggest waiting it out.

Read the sticky in the puppy section about "Overgrowing Your Puppy..." about feeding and supplimenting large breed puppies. For now you should stop all suppliments and treats except the vit C. You can use the Canidae kibble for training treats. Only use the tiniest amount of the canned food unless it is an all life stages too.

Are you leash walking her for very long distances? Even a block and back is too long. Try to keep her from spending much time on slick surfaces.

Please do keep us informed on her progress.