skyeedavidson Posted February 24, 2014 Share Posted February 24, 2014 Hi I'm new here - I'm an exec in her early 20s living in Brisbane, Queensland. I've been fascinated by Dobermanns since I was a kid and my god father and his friends used them for property protection and security work and always wanted to own one myself. Finally in August last year, I was in the position to do so so I bought a beautiful little female Dobermann pup and called her Ava. I'm very lucky that my personality and lifestyle seems to be very suited to the breed ( or perhaps it's just her... ) but at 8 months old she is developing into a beautiful, well adjusted and highly athletic loyal and loving companion. I thought I might be able to add something to the forum in this sense as I know a lot of people consider the breed and are a bit unsure as to whether they could handle them or not... I can't speak for all Dobermanns but I'm happy to give a bit of insight into what the daily ritual is like for my girl. I work 4 days a work and quite long hours so I make sure to exercise her for half an hour every morning normally at around 5:30am when it's nice and cool. When I say exercise, I've found it's not really about wearing her out physically - it's more about stimulating her mentally as well as giving her muscles something to do - so I try to do a 10 - 15 minute brisk walk on a different local route and then alternate fetch with agility ( I use this word lightly - what I really mean are ramps at the local dog park :D ) and also just a regular 15-20 minutes socialising with other dogs at the dog park. Luckily my partner takes her a lot of the time when I'm at work so she just goes around with him in the car whilst he runs errands or she sits at home with him whilst he studies - but when she is left alone we try to leave her with a bone and that normally keeps her occupied and busy for the hours I'm gone. In the evening I try to exercise/stimulate her a bit more - so normally about an hour in total - basically made up of a variety of different walking routes/scenes and mental stimulation (be it training on the local soccer field, dog park, fetch, etc etc.) For someone who doesn't own a Dobermann this might seem all very calculated but to be honest I'd probably do the same with any dog that I got because I'm an active person who likes to be outdoors in the time I'm not in the office - and who better to share it with? One thing I can say about Dobermanns is that it is very true when people call them velcro dogs. As I speak she is under my legs watching me intently. They also, from my experience, are astute and intelligent protectors. Part of the reason I really went for the breed is that I'm a runner (obviously she doesn't run with me yet - her bones aren't ready for it) and most of the running I do is either very early in the morning or quite late in the evening. Dobermanns are naturally athletic, suited for that kind of exercise and of course quite intimidating so as a young woman running alone - a dobe provides with you a sense of security. That being said, I have never (and would never) train her in aggression or protection - please, please correct me or feel free to disagree with me here but from what I have observed it is instinct for this breed, if socialised and trained properly in other aspects, to be naturally protective of their family and I would never, as a novice dog owner, want to encourage aggression by instilling it in her. As an example of her protective nature, my partner recently bought a Rottweiler puppy and she has taken to him like her own pup - very protective, watching where he goes, observing everyone near the dog carefully - but without being possessive or jealous. Very fascinating! One thing I did do with her was to socialise her A LOT from a young age and I still place a huuuuge emphasis on socialising her with other dogs and humans - but I think this is the same with any dog. In terms of food - I have my girl on Royal Canine Maxi Junior and she looks fantastic. We had her on a large puppy breed mix of the Advance brand originally and she hated it. She gets off cuts and bones a few times a week in addition to the kibble. I'll attach a few pictures of her. Would love others opinions on her development - vet says she is a nice type and coming together nicely for 8 months - but I'd love outsiders views too (I'll get my boyfriend to help me get her to pose for a profile shot later today). Also would love to hear about everyone else's dobermanns. If anyone has any questions that they feel a novice owner can answer - shoot away. As you can tell I can talk about my dobe all day..... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
raineth Posted February 24, 2014 Share Posted February 24, 2014 (edited) She looks lovely :) and I just love that pic of her with the rottie pup There were 3 dobes at the riding school I learnt to ride at; they were my first experience of dobes. Lilly and Kirk were just beautiful, beautiful dogs. Lilly especially was one of those extra special dogs with a sixth sense for how to behave in any situation. These two really made me appreciate how fantastic dobes are :) The other dobe, was sadly a complete nutcase and one of the scariest dogs I have ever met... but she had a very troubled beginning and came from a less than ethical place and I certainly don't attribute her scariness to her breed. It's really good to hear of such a strong bond between you and your girl :) Edited February 25, 2014 by raineth Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DobieMum Posted February 24, 2014 Share Posted February 24, 2014 Welcome to the DOL. Yes there are a few other Dobie owners here. They're a fantastic breed that I couldn't be without ;) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
skyeedavidson Posted February 25, 2014 Author Share Posted February 25, 2014 Hi Raineth - I can completely relate. I remember my godfather when I was a kid telling me that the dobermann was the dog with a human brain, as in they are very intuitive and able to read and respond to situations as required. Ava alters her tact and approach to the personality of dogs and people she socialises with - it's very interesting to observe. Here's a better picture of the rottie - although not my dog he's very cute. You can see how much she cares for him in that picture though - she's been following him around making sure he keeps out of trouble for the past day :p The Rottweiler is 7 weeks old and is called Ewok (yes, like from Starwars). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Podengo Posted February 25, 2014 Share Posted February 25, 2014 I love the doberman breed, and have owned a few.... But the health issues mean I probably will not own another one... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
skyeedavidson Posted February 25, 2014 Author Share Posted February 25, 2014 That's terrible Discodobe - I've heard that can be the case What problems have you encountered? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Podengo Posted February 25, 2014 Share Posted February 25, 2014 That's terrible Discodobe - I've heard that can be the case What problems have you encountered? Cancer, liver failure, dilated cardiomyopathy and wobblers are the ones I have experienced myself, or close friends have dealt with. Lots of other stuff too like skin problems, thyroid problems, sensitive tummies... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
skyeedavidson Posted February 25, 2014 Author Share Posted February 25, 2014 (edited) Yes I've heard of all those affecting the breed - not nice. Terrible shame to lose any dog to those first four - really feel for you and your friends discodobe. I guess all you can do on the outset is do your best to do your research to get a healthy pup (with a good background). Edited February 25, 2014 by skyeedavidson Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pie Posted February 25, 2014 Share Posted February 25, 2014 Mine just never grew Heheh just joking Your girl looks lovely, welcome to DOL :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris the Rebel Wolf Posted February 25, 2014 Share Posted February 25, 2014 Skye I wish everybody put in the effort that they do with their dogs I work at a pet store and day in day out people come to me with problems that could have been so easily prevented with exercise and mental stimulation, just what you describe with Ava. I myself don't have a lot to do with the breed - though Maya has befriended a young red Dobe boy at the dog park! - but your girls looks stunning to me! Really beautiful coat, obvious benefiting from a good diet and lots of top-notch care there. How cute is she with the little Rotty :) More photos? How do you find people's reactions when you take Ava out in public? Do you get any of the 'Oh no, stay away from the vicious dog!' attitude? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris the Rebel Wolf Posted February 25, 2014 Share Posted February 25, 2014 Mine just never grew Heheh just joking Your girl looks lovely, welcome to DOL :) Hey Pie, get that poor thing on steroids, stem cells and growth hormones right away!! :p :p :p Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tikira Posted February 25, 2014 Share Posted February 25, 2014 Welcome to Dol Skye. Ava is beautiful, and sounds like she is a happy, healthy funloving girl. I too would enjoy seeing more photo's. Di Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
raineth Posted February 25, 2014 Share Posted February 25, 2014 Mine just never grew Heheh just joking Your girl looks lovely, welcome to DOL :) I love Trixie! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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