Doberman Training
The Doberman Pinscher’s sleek and fast-looking appearance gives
them the reputation of being the “sport’s car of the dog
world”. Just as a Mustang that’s parked in the driveway has a
body design giving the impression its fast on the road, the
Doberman Pinscher’s trim, muscular body and alert expression
give the same impression. In both cases, that impression is
correct.
Dobermans have a muscular but toned look about
them.
That, along with their gleaming coat, bright eyes, and
lanky legs is only the tip of the iceberg in grand
looks. When
it comes to performance, they have a fluid and graceful
gait that gives them incredible speed with which they can
cover a great deal of real estate in a very short
time.
Most owners have the new Doberman puppy tails docked short and
their ears cropped to stand upright, although these practices
are beginning to fade to allow this breed to be more natural in
appearance and to avoid their painful
discomfort.
They’re generally 24 to 28 inches at full height weighing
from 60 to 100 pounds.
Doberman Pincher’s noses are longer and pointed, eyes are
almond-shaped, and legs are straighter than many
breeds.
Certainly their markings are easily recognizable by most but it
is their reputation, usually wrongly represented, that precedes
them. Doberman’s
are a relatively new breed only dating back to the
1860s. They’re well
known for their guarding and watchdog ability and military
service however, because of their adaptability, they’ve had
great success as tracking dogs, therapy dogs, in search and
rescue, and in a number of police related
areas.
Being a devoted dog, they can bond with an entire family
or to one particular member, dependant on their training
and treatment.
Generally, Doberman Pinscher’s are seen as dominant dogs but
each has his own personality and some can be very
submissive. In fact,
they have an uncanny preciseness and delicate side to them that
will walk at the pace of someone in a walker and gently tip-toe
over IV tubing when they’re used as therapy
dogs.
They truly are a remarkable breed.
There are a number of health problems that do plague many
“Dobies” so any puppies should be checked by a vet before
they’re sold to others. They can
have a tendency toward hip dysplasia, congenital heart disease,
and bloat. They’re also
prone to quick weight gain which can lead to obesity in middle
age, but then aren’t we all?
Consequently, their diet should be developed and followed from
their puppyhood.
Doberman Pinschers need a diet high in the certain proteins
found in beef, wheat, and corn, but they need to stay from
poultry, white rice, and ocean fish products. These food
sources work fine for some breeds but are not nutritionally
sound or beneficial for the Doberman’s unique needs and can
even encourage or exacerbate any pending or unknown health
problems.
Doberman Pinschers coats can be black, fawn, and dark or
reddish-brown, and they may or may not have the typical brown
markings. Yet, they
all have the larger chest, small “waist”, and very short,
coarse coat. Ironically,
it’s because of their coat that they must be an inside
dog. They cannot
handle cold weather and get chilled very quickly, which is why
police departments that are located in colder climates cannot
use this breed, as much as they appreciate their
abilities.
Over the years, breeders in North America have changed the
Doberman breed in size and in personality. They are extremely
intelligent, calmer, and smaller, which is far different than
the originally larger and aggressive breed in Europe.
Consequently, the Doberman Pinschers of today can now make
wonderful, loving, and loyal family members that each can gain
a great deal of enjoyment from.
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