[hodgi]

Hey everyone...

I just found this forum today. There is a ton of great info here that I wouldn't have gotten if I hadn't stumbled across it. Honestly, I think I got here from FamilyDobes - they had a rebuttal to a bad review thread so I decided to check it out. I'm glad I did. My wife and I are looking at getting a Dobe. She grew up with one - I've had other dogs growing up but I would love to get a Dobe. We want to make sure we get a great dog and that we know what we are getting into.

I'm a bit of a noobie when it comes to all of this stuff. After reading the forums all night tonight I know now that the puppy mills (like FamilyDobes and HOH) have their health problems and I want to stay away from a BYB. I'd like to get everyone's feedback based on what we're looking for.

I would like to have a basically trained dog (sit, stay, don't jump on me, basic tricks etc.) but right now I'm not interested in shows or competitions (that doesn't mean I'm opposed to it, just right now I have too many hobbies and not enough time ). We would mainly be looking for a companion type dog.

I'm not looking to breed dogs (I don't want to be a BYB). We'd probably want to neuter our dog but we're not sure yet. What do you think?

We'd like a black male.

We'd like to have a reputable breeder local to AZ that knows the tricks of the trade due to the excessive heat here. I believe it's cruel to keep a dog outside for a long time in 100+ degree heat.

We don't have a huge backyard, we have a pool that takes up most of it, but we do have a park down the street where we can take the dog to go play. I'd also like my wife to take the dog with her when she goes running. Will that be ok for exercise assuming regular runs with my wife and trips to the park down the street?

My wife is worried about our dog smelling bad and making the house stink. What can we do to avoid that? (beyond the obvious regular bathings)

Neither my wife or I have ever trained a dog - I'm open to learning but my wife may not be so willing. Where is a good resource for training techniques and methodologies?

Last (but not least) what should we expect to pay for a good dog? I've seen pricing for FamilyDobes at around $2500 HOH is $3000. Everyone seems to think that's outrageous pricing. What should we plan on?

I know I asked a ton of questions, and I appreciate everyone's feedback in advance. I want to make sure we are educated owners and that we are ready willing and able to provide a loving home for our new dobe.

 

[Beaumont67]

hodgi - first all, welcome to this great site.
- and thku for not supporting BYB's / nice to see you educating yourself, before the purchase of joy
*******************
Several years ago, I had a carpenter install oak steps in our home.
He was not a pet lover, but did make an interesting comment to my wife & I:
- 20 years in the trade, and our house was the only one with a large dog...that he couldn't smell
Our dog was feed quality & expensive holistic/organic kibble...still cheaper than vet bills (our girl will be 11 y/o in December).
I didn't buy puppy food...used "all life stages" from 8 weeks old (now blend - Holistic Blend lamb&rice and Organix chicken)
- our dog is not even bathed (doesn't smell or have bad gas)

Training in OB is preferred, but puppy eye focus starts with loads of playing together...having lots of fun & sharing much love.
- if you get this early stage right...and invest the quality time, early in the puppies development / formal training is a piece of cake
Ending up with a true companion, smart & affectionate dog.

Puppy Training: More Info, see Post #13 http://www.dobermantalk.com/general-training-obedience/59223-focus-me-while-heeling.html
Dog focus come easier from engaging play with mental stimulating games, involving your constant eye contact with the pup.
Getting to the point when your dog has his GPS on you / and tracking your everyday movements becomes his/her job of choice.
I believe in these training games...daily (a least 1 hour, but I spent many hours on the living room floor, playing nightly):
- tug of war
- fetch
- gonna get you
- muzzle & soft bite control
- hide and seek

 

[TucsonDobieOwner]

Welcome to DT hodgi!
What part of Arizona are you living in? There are several Doberman breed clubs here. In the PHX area there is Desert Valley Doberman Pinscher Club, and in Tucson we have the Tucson Doberman Pinscher Club. Both clubs can direct you to reputable breeders in our state.

You can also contact the UDC if you prefer a Dobe conforming to FCI standards. There is at least one reputable Working Doberemann breeder in southern AZ. I am sure there is more than one, but I am most familiar with breeders affiliated with TDPC.

Home - Tucson Doberman Pinscher Club, Inc.

DVDPC | Home

Official Website of the United Doberman Club

 

[Casandra]

You're looking at around $1500-$2000 for a pet quality dog on a spay/neuter contract from a good breeder. Some breeders will require you to neuter the dog by 24 months of age, only allowing potential breeding prospects (those meant for show/working homes) to remain intact.

Also you will not be able to run or jog with the dog until 18-24 months of age. Forced exercise can be very detrimental to the growth and development of the bones/joints and can cause lasting damage in a puppy. You should wait until the growth plates close, the hips can be x-rayed and you can make sure that strenuous exercise wont be harmful to the dog.

You've been given some good information otherwise, good luck finding a good breeder, though it would be extra nice if you'd consider a rescue also!

 

[workingk9s]

There are good clubs in Tucson and Phoenix. Having a club where you can talk to people who have Dobermans and can help through training and house manners can be really beneficial. There are a number of people here that may chime in.

 

[sam&macksmom]

Hello and welcome to DT. Thank you for doing your homework and finding us

I'll address this question. My dogs have zero smell. If you feed a high quality food, smell shouldn't be an issue. I feed a prey model (raw) diet but I know not everyone is able to feed raw. Those feeding good quality kibble diets will tell you their dogs have zero smell.

I give, at the most, 3 baths per year. I use all-natural baby wipes if they get dirty from rolling in the dirt/mud

My wife is worried about our dog smelling bad and making the house stink. What can we do to avoid that? (beyond the obvious regular bathings)

 

[Adara]

Hello and welcome to DT. Thank you for doing your homework and finding us

I'll address this question. My dogs have zero smell. If you feed a high quality food, smell shouldn't be an issue. I feed a prey model (raw) diet but I know not everyone is able to feed raw. Those feeding good quality kibble diets will tell you their dogs have zero smell.

I give, at the most, 3 baths per year. I use all-natural baby wipes if they get dirty from rolling in the dirt/mud

I agree with this 100%. I rarely bathe my dogs. My Dobe sleeps on the bed with us so I'd know if she had an odor!

 

[ShelianDobe]

I will reiterate what Sam&macsmom & Adara said. I also feed prey model raw and my boy has no odor. I generally bath him before shows (but not always). As he runs at the Beach daily, he is often dirty and full of sand.

 

[Darkevs]

Good luck with your research and search for just the right dog.

Please check into a rescue Doberman too! Thank you.

 

[Don Hatch]

I'm not too far from you (Utah) and I had a difficult time finding a breeder I liked (and was breeding) in the surrounding states.

You might want to think about looking at breeders in California. You will have a lot more options and a higher chance of finding what you want.

It was a long car ride back but pretty good bonding time.

 

[Incredibledobe]

My advice is to wait until you and your wife are on the same page. Raising and training a puppy will take consistency from both of you and you say your wife is not so willing right now.
Your wife is worried about the dog making the house smell, that usually equals - dog stuck outisde. Dobermans do NOT make good outside dogs or good kennel dogs. They need to be with you. They will stress themselves sick or become destructive if left outside away from their people.
Not to mention in places with excessive heat, the dog must be kept inside. Dobermans are not very hardy to temperature extremes.
For the puppy's sake, TAKE YOUR TIME on this one and make sure you are both on the same page. Please.

The only breeder I know and like in Arizona is Vicaral - Victoria Hall.

 

[Jenny]

DVDPC has a breeder contact person - I can't think of her name to save my life though. I don't think anyone is expecting but you never know. . . Have you thought about rescue?

 

[dobermansrule]

Hello and welcome to DT. Thank you for doing your homework and finding us

I'll address this question. My dogs have zero smell. If you feed a high quality food, smell shouldn't be an issue. I feed a prey model (raw) diet but I know not everyone is able to feed raw. Those feeding good quality kibble diets will tell you their dogs have zero smell.

I give, at the most, 3 baths per year. I use all-natural baby wipes if they get dirty from rolling in the dirt/mud

agreed - no smell. Q isn't on the highest of quality foods (purina pro plan performance). If body odor were food related, I would think Q would stink to high heavens. But he doesn't.

 

[TucsonDobieOwner]

There is at least one reputable Working Doberemann breeder in southern AZ.

The only breeder I know and like in Arizona is Vicaral - Victoria Hall.

Lol, you read my mind! She is exactly who I had in mind for working breeders.

Op: Local Doberman Club member/breeders often make referrals and usually know who has puppies on the ground. They are an excellent resource for prospective puppy buyers. If you attend a club meeting you will get more of their time than if you try to talk to the same breeder at a show.

 

[KenyaARaineCD]

Greetings and welcome to the forum!

Thank you for doing your due diligence and researcing breeds and breeders before getting a pup. I would have recommended Tazzman Dobermans or Anozira Dobermans, but they have both retired and are no longer breeding Dobes.

If you are looking for a black male Dobe who knows basic commands and loves children, Toby may be your future DoberPal: Petfinder Adoptable Dog | Doberman Pinscher | Phoenix, AZ | Toby.

Toby's foster parent will be able to tell you if he likes to swim.

Best wishes for a successful DoberSearch.:wavey:

 

[hodgi]

Thanks for all of the info

WOW! Thank you for all of the great info you have all provided. My wife and I hadn't really thought about going the rescue route, but that's definitely something to think about.

I'm in Gilbert so I will check out the DVDPC. I have their website next on my list to take a look at...

With a prey model diet are you making the mix yourself or do you buy it premade? Also, if we decide to do a dry dog food, which brand is best?

Question about adopting an older dog - KenyaARaineCD mentioned Toby - looks like an awesome dog but he doesn't have his ears cropped. Is it too late to do have that done? From what I have read it needs to be done at around 10mos for it to work. I think I like the cropped ear look better than the floppy...

Again thanks in advance for your advice. I really want to make sure we're going into this with as much knowledge as we can.

 

[the_discowhore]

Question about adopting an older dog - KenyaARaineCD mentioned Toby - looks like an awesome dog but he doesn't have his ears cropped. Is it too late to do have that done? From what I have read it needs to be done at around 10mos for it to work. I think I like the cropped ear look better than the floppy...

10 months? Certainly not! Ear cropping should be done between 6-12 weeks generally.

 

[sam&macksmom]

Prey model diet is not a make it yourself mixture. It's a diet modeled after the kinds of prey hunted by wild wolves. I feed foods like duck, venison, goose, rabbit, bison, whole fish, mutton, elk, also organ meats, tripe. It's not ground, it's fed whole.

The ratios of parts for feeding:
80% muscle meat
10-15% bone
5-10% organs

Here's a good website: The Many Myths of Raw Feeding

With a prey model diet are you making the mix yourself or do you buy it premade?

 

[Sinister]

Hey! Welcome from Virginia!
:wavey:
Cropped ears take a lot of after care, and you really have to be religious with taking care of their ears! Good luck on your search!

 

[hodgi]

10 months? Certainly not! Ear cropping should be done between 6-12 weeks generally.

You're right... that's what I meant to say... it was 1:30 in the am...