blackas

Thanks guys for the responses. However tail docking throughout all of Australia has been banned since 2004 and New Zealand since 2018 and there are 2 and 3 year old dogs with docked tails in the show ring currently. I would like to think they have been docked for therapeutic reasons but I somehow doubt it.

I am wondering why, when tail docking was banned in Australia in 2004(?) and in New Zealand 2018, there seems to be a number of young Dobermans with docked tails (younger than 4) in the Show Ring across Australia. I know it can be done legally by a Veterinarian for therapeutic reasons but boy, there must be a lot of clumsy dogs getting their tails caught in doors and gates! Can anybody enlighten me on this please. Is it even being questioned at dog shows?

Thanks Danois! Researched Canidae and they reportedly use 'human grade' ingredients and that's what I'm looking for. Artemis also gets the thumbs up thank you Spotted Devil.

Wow! How supportive have you guys been? Thank you so much. As an aside, in a search for the best dry foods, I came across an American site and boy were there some scary scenarios about what went into dry food ie road kill, dead farmstock etc. Must admit it freaked me out somewhat. With my last Dobe I fed raw (Billingshurst BARF) and only human grade organic raw chicken but my boy had significant spinal/rear complications and as he was prone to putting on weight, our Vet suggested RC weight/obesity mix. Reluctantly used it and the weight came down but I was always uneasy about it. I like to know what exactly goes into my dog's food. As some of you have suggested, I will certainly follow the breeders recommendation as I have visited his breeding kennel and seen first hand his magnificent healthy animals many of whom are titled and all health tested. Think I'll have to quit the obsessive dry food research as it's doing my head in??!! Very grateful however for all your input with your tried and true accounts.

Thank you Spotted Devil! Have cut and pasted for a reference when bub arrives. Much appreciated and all the best with your litter - always sad when they leave I reckon.

I am about to get a new puppy and as it has been 10 years since a puppy burst into our life, I have been reading up on puppy diets and it would seem the more I read the more confused I get!! Firstly, I will follow the breeders advice but would like to eventually introduce raw food into the diet if not already on it. Is it okay to MIX dry/kibble with raw for any age dog or should these be fed at separate times of the day. Our puppy will be a Dobe and am wondering if the suggestion by some to feed raw say in the morning and kibble/dry in the evenings is to avoid bloat? The choices for dog food out there now on the market are unbelievable! Great because we can be more discerning, but all I want is what's going to be best for my puppy. How do I know what and how to feed?

Hi Fergal - I have had 8 Dobes over the past 30 years but NEVER run 2 together of the same sex, particularly males. I personally think this is a bad idea with Dobes. All my males (and females) regardless of age have been fine in parks and around other dogs HOWEVER I very carefully pick where they will be allowed off lead. If there is ONE thing I will say, based on my own experience, is that Dobes like to 'play' by THEIR rules particularly as they get older. None have liked 'in your face' behaviour or being challenged, and all would walk away if that type of behaviour presented, and it happens in dog parks! - a warning it was time to clip the lead on and go home or walk elsewhere. Trouble with dog parks is people tend to stand around and talk. A responsible dog owner (of any breed) should watch their dog like a hawk in a park. None of mine were ever involved in a fight but not sure that would not have happened if provocation had been persistent. Whilst not involved in fights, they (both sexes) would quickly let another know if their attention wasn't wanted. I guess fortunately for me they were never challenged by a more dominant dog. Are your dogs aggressive toward each other or only with other dogs (males?). Competition - top dog stuff? I do hope it works out well for you and your boys. I love Dobes like no other and they are a magnificent animal. Never had a problem with temperament but heaps with health issues. Next one will see LOTS more research into the health problems currently afflicting the breed. Good luck!