Doberman

Before you become a Doberman parent, find out about any possible health issues. Not all Dobermans faces them, but it’s good to be prepared.

Speak with your local vet for more information about potential health issues for Dobermans. Some vets offer ‘pre-purchase consultations.’ These provide advice on potential health conditions, management options and an idea of related costs.

If you’re considering buying a puppy, they can also advise on finding a responsible breeder and testing for inheritable diseases.  

Any breed of dog of course needs basic preventative healthcare. This includes things like vaccinations and flea and worming treatments. And you also need pet insurance to cover vet bills.

Different Dobermans need different amounts of food depending on their:

• age
• size
• activity levels
• fitness
• weight.

Dog food packets can serve as a useful guide, but you need to take your dog’s individual needs into account.

Knowing your dog’s body condition also helps you decide on how much food to give them. The World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WVASA) can provide more information on body condition scoring.  

Speak to your vet if there’s anything you’re unsure of, or for more expert advice. 

Dobermans are typically high-energy dogs who need lots of exercise to keep them physically and mentally healthy.

They need daily walks, plus plenty of time and opportunity to explore, burn energy, and play. Like all dogs, they need training and benefit from daily enrichment.

If you love spending active time outdoors, this breed could be a great match for you.

Dobermans need training like any other dog, as well as daily enrichment.

When exercising your Doberman, think about their:

• age
• health
• personality.  

Young, growing dogs may need a few shorter walks. Whereas older, ill or injured pooches may need an exercise plan tailored by your vet. Some may need quiet, calm walks while others benefit from more sociable strolls.

Check with your vet for advice on exercising your dog. 

Dobermans shed moderately. To ease your dog into handling and grooming, introduce it step by step and in a positive way. Your dog feeling relaxed and confident will make grooming more enjoyable for everyone involved.

In their crate, your dog should be able to comfortably:

• sit and stand at their full height
• turn around without touching the edges
• lie down at full stretch
• wag their tail.  

Gradually build up the time your dog spends in their crate, so they feel good about it and associate it with positive things happening. 

Like people, each dog is different with their own individual personality and experience. So, the temperaments of different Dobermans vary.

Dogs learn all about the world as they grow from puppies to adult pooches. They find out what they do and don’t like, and develop responses to situations differently.

For instance, some might enjoy new experiences like meeting other dogs. Others might need to take it a bit slower.

Any breed of dog can be taught new tricks. The important thing is that the learning is positive. Find out your doggo’s favourite snacks, toys or treats. These work well as rewards for training and they find it much more enjoyable.

Your dog also needs to learn useful life skills like recall, loose lead walking and settling. This will help you spend quality time together without worry, both at home and outside.

Each dog’s personality is shaped by their experiences of the world and they respond differently to certain situations.  

But there are some universal ways to treat any dog, including Dobermans, respectfully and behave safely around them. This is an essential skill for the whole family; adults and children. 

Why not book one of our family workshops on living happily together? Our family workshops are suitable for children aged seven to eleven. Booking one of these sessions could help your situation.