Does it make sense to enter your dog into competition...

[Dan]

...if you're not going to breed him/her?

Say I got myself a pet type but show worthy dobe in the future, should I just train her for basic obedience and personal protection and not for competition?

Thanks

 

[Panama]

I would leave all options open. Not all dogs that are shown are used for breeding. If the dog is a good representative of the breed and conforms closely to the standard, certainly, conformation is always an option. Yes, most consider Conformation for breeding stock, but it is also a good way to show what is being produced by a certain dog, pair or kennel.
Another option UKC Licensed Altered Classes (if available in your area). Again, showing what is being produced.

There are always performance events: Obedience, Rally, PP, ScH, Lure Coursing, Tracking, S&R
It's all about finding the event(s) your dog enjoys and excels at. Some enjoy one over many others, yet some enjoy multiple
events.

 

[Rits]

Whatever you find most fun and your dog finds fun, as long as you put your mind to it and spend the time training, you can do pretty much whatever you like! Granted for conformation it helps to have a dog to standard as much as possible to see results but you could go the UKC route which you still need to have good conformation but that's a more relaxed environment since all the dogs are owner handled. Some people also do more than one sport, it's up to you for what you have time for and if your dog is capable of handling it. If people have the means and time, I think we should get involved with our dogs and get out and do something! Be it conformation, obedience, ScH, agility etc.. It's fun

 

[Dobs4ever]

Dan - if you are not planning on breeding then it really is about what you enjoy doing with your dog. Ifyou enjoy just training for fuen then have fun. If you enjoy competition then you might check it out. You do not have to continue if you don't enjoy it. But it does take your relationship to a whole new level which really surprises a lot of folks.

 

[JanS]

If people have the means and time, I think we should get involved with our dogs and get out and do something! Be it conformation, obedience, ScH, agility etc.. It's fun

I agree, it is fun getting out there with them and out in the dog world. I also agree that the UKC is much more relaxed so it's a great place to get a feel for shows and if you really enjoy it you can always pursue some of the other shows as well.
We have no intention of breeding Albert but we're still trying to get out there and dabble a little in the shows. I'm even considering registering Della with the UKC and getting her out there a little just for fun, and she's already spayed.

 

[Casi]

If it something you want to do for fun with your dog then why not? Training brings a closer bond to your dog and basic obedience is a must for any dog! I have thought about trying out different things with Saint but I haven't had the time or money to do so. We did however get fourth place in a musical squares competition at a local fundraiser! Not bad since she went up against all Border Collies who were trained in Rally-O!

 

[Doberman Gang]

Training is the most important thing, whether you decide to compete or not is your own choice. But these dogs do know when they are competing you can just watch how they strut around when the crowd starts clapping. They all a bunch of show offs.

 

[Marinegeekswife]

Competing is not just for breeding stock. Something to think about is that just because you won't be breeding your dog doesn't mean that what you do with your dog can't reflect on the breeder. Our River is spayed but every time we take her into a Schutzhund trial she is representing the breeder she came from. If they can produce a dog that performs well that reflects on their whole breeding program not just the one dog. Training is awesome and fun. It creates a stronger bond than just having a pet and competing seems to make that bond stronger still. Don't feel like you have to hold back from competing just because you aren't going to breed your dog.

 

[4Dobies]

I think training basic Obedience is a must for this breed. Where you go after that is up to you and your Doberman.

Almost 3 years ago we got our first Doberman Leia, we started with puppy classes then went on to basic Obedience, we realized that not only did the whole family enjoy training her but she was so smart that we needed to do something else with her. At 10 months she got her Rally novice title from the AKC and we were hooked, it's now part of our lifestyle that the whole family is involved in. I would give some type of training a shot, you may get bitten by the dog bug like us.

Leia has been bred once, but we have no plans on doing it again, she will be spayed next week, but regardless we will not rest until she has the OTCH in front of her name.

 

[Dan]

Thanks, when I cross the bridge, I'll consider all options esp. the means to do it, the time won't be a problem because i'll be retired by then and will have my dogs' full attention...

 

[Liberty & Justice]

I have to admit I just enjoy my best friends company and love playing and hiking in the woods with him. Although I'm pretty sure he's show quality in a lot of forms, I like to keep him to myself. Time is an issue for us, but if your retired like a few said " Keep you options open ". You both might really like agility or the show ring, yah never know. Congrats on your new Dobe ! Best possible breed ever !