How to Care for a Doberman Puppy
Doberman Pinschers are a high-energy, athletic breed of dog that can be a loving, loyal companion to a family. Intelligent and perceptive, a properly trained and socialized Doberman will protects its owners at all costs, according to the Doberman Pinscher Club of America website. Whether the new puppy comes from a breeder or a rescue association, knowing how to care for the newest member of the family is essential for the well-being of the animal and its caregivers.
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Things You'll Need
- Dog crate
- Dish for food and water
- Grooming tools
- Toys and treats for training
- Professional veterinary care
Instructions
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Puppy proof your home by making sure all electrical cords and breakable objects are out of reach. Ensure all cleaning products and possible toxins (including particular plants, medicines and chocolate) are not where your puppy can reach them. Check your yard for weed killers and insecticides that can be harmful to your new family member.
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Provide a puppy crate for your new dog as a place for him to sleep and for use in house training. Dogs are den animals and a crate will provide the puppy with security while teaching him not to urinate or defecate in his own house.
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Choose a good quality food appropriate for a large-breed puppy and read nutrition labels to determine how much and how often to feed him. Show your new dog where to find his food and water dishes--puppies should have water available to them at all times.
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Groom and bathe your Doberman as soon as possible after getting him home by running your hands over his entire body. Feeling his ears, opening his mouth and playing with his feet will teach him not to be apprehensive or fearful when the veterinarian does this during an examination.
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Play and bond with the puppy using toys and treats to teach him good manners. You can teach him how to sit, how not to play bite, how to come and how to lie down when asked--all good habits that can be taught through loving play and reward.
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Find a veterinarian to provide your puppy's inoculations, de-worming and dental care. Good veterinary treatment is essential to keeping your new dog healthy. Your veterinarian will provide all necessary tags and paperwork, including information on ear cropping should you decide to have this procedure performed on your puppy in the future.
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Enroll your new Doberman in obedience classes once he has bonded with you and feels comfortable in his new home. Continuing education for both you and your puppy will only reinforce the respect and love necessary to make both of you happy.
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Tips & Warnings
Practicing patience is essential in bringing a new puppy into your home. The puppy will make mistakes--just like any baby. Punishing or spanking will only cause him to be fearful of you.
Start early with leash and collar training. Your baby Doberman will require consistent cues, praise and rewards from everyone in the household to achieve his goals.
Dobermans are athletic and will need lots of exercise to keep them healthy and happy. They are prone to various genetic diseases; including von Willebrande's disease (a blood disorder), hypothyroidism, dilated cardiomyopathy (heart disease), Wobbler's syndrome (a spinal disorder) and the hip dysplasia common to large breed dogs.
