New Doberman Owner

[Hayden]

Hi guys! New to this site. Picking up my Male Fawn dobie on Sunday and just trying to figure out what toys/treats worked best for y'all! Also trying to find more information on feeding for him. The breeder has been using Purina Puppy Chow and i'd like to eventually switch to something better for him but don't want to upset his stomach. Any info helps, have raised a boxer in the past with my family but this is my first dog that will truly be mine. thanks

 

[Oh Little Oji]

Welcome from Ohio!

I know photos can be deceiving, but that looks like a Red there.

Well, you can switch away from the Puppy Chow simply by transitioning slowly – replace a small amount of his old food with his new food, then after a couple days or so replace more of the old with more of the new. Work your way to being all the way switched.

As for toys, I keep it really simple. I really only bring one toy out at a time and I pick it up when he's done. I know many other people do differently than me on this though. I like the Kongs. The red colored ones are softer and might be more appropriate for a young pup. The black Kongs are harder and pretty much necessary for a strong, aggressive chewer.

I used to use bologna to introduce new behaviors or tricks. I'd buy a bunch at a good price and freeze it. That was back when I ate meat. Now we don't keep meat in the house. Currently I am giving pieces of mozzarella cheese stick for rewards. My boy is such a chow hound that for most of his life so far, I just used individual pieces of kibble (his food) for training. He gladly worked for it!

 

[Hayden]

Okay thanks for the advice. I'll order one of those red Kongs, I've read lots of good things about them. I'll post a picture of his Dad because that's what the breeder thought he would look like. Not quite sure though. His mother is black if that helps at all.

And another question, can I start crate training him once I bring him home? I've got a larger crate with a partition in it that I'll remove once he gets older.

 

[blacknrust]

Hello and welcome from Boston! What a handsome boy! I started crate training first night home. A few nights of crying and then she settled in. I would also use it for naps after play time. That worked for me because I was home during the day with her. Don't ever use a crate as a form of punishment was really the best advice I was given and we have no problems.

 

[AresMyDobie]

Looks like a red pup to me too yes you can start crate training immediately

 

[Hayden]

I was only planning on using the crate for bedtime and when I've gotta be away for an hour or so for my classes. How many days did it take y'all for the pups to be adjusted to the new home? not trying to overwhelm him

 

[Regalis]

Looks like a red to me as well. Every pup adjusts differently, but most don't take long. Couple days, maybe. Some seem to adjust instantly.

As for toys - I'd skip the Kong until he's a bit older. Focus on puppy safe chews (there are tons out there). They will come in very handy when working on the typical nippy puppy phase as well. I personally avoid anything stuffed, especially with young pups. Perhaps even a smaller tuggy rope (you will need to get new ones as he gets bigger/as they become extremely worn).

I always start crate training right away. It really helps with house breaking as well. Try to avoid putting food or water in the crate with him and NO toys. What I've always done is give a treat when they go in so they associate the crate with positive things and use a command "kennel" "crate", etc. I also start working on teaching exiting manners right away so that the pup gets the idea when they are small that they are not to just push out of the crate the second the door is unlatched. I use towels for "bedding" with pups as they are easy to wash and you can usually find some for cheap, just keep an eye on him for chewing them up. Definitely put the partition in, as too big of an area makes them more prone to pottying in the crate. He will likely cry at first, ignore it. He will settle down and get used to it.

Food will need to be a slow and gradual change, I'd give it a day or two and then start the transition. Here again, every pup is different. Some can transition faster than others. Just keep an eye on his stools, if they start getting loose, slow the transition down.

 

[Tropicalbri's]

It looks like Isabella (Fawn) to me.
Beautiful dog!

 

[Tropicalbri's]

It looks like Isabella (Fawn) to me.
Beautiful dog!

I was looking at wrong photo. Sorry lol

 

[JanS]

Welcome from Minnesota!

I agree that he looks like a red from the photo, even though the sire is a fawn. If the dam is black the breeder should know that the pups can be different colors, but perhaps they meant the your new pup will look like that, regardless if he's a different color.

I totally believe in immediate crate training and they love it after they get used to it. It's also much safer for the pup since they can and will get into anything.

I would switch from the Puppy Chow gradually since it's a poor quality food. There are many better brands out there if you want some suggestions.

 

[WiglWerm]

Yes I think you have yourself a beautiful RED boy! I think they meant he will look like his daddy in stature...Unless the color is off real far in the photo...

 

[WiglWerm]

My advice is PUPPY PROOF EVERYTHING!!!

 

[Oh Little Oji]

The way I approach puppy-proofing is to limit the pup's access to the house. Gate him off in an area with no carpet or rugs, and keep an eye on him. He can earn more freedom gradually. Just one way of doing things.

 

[Drogon]

My advice is PUPPY PROOF EVERYTHING!!!

The way I approach puppy-proofing is to limit the pup's access to the house. Gate him off in an area with no carpet or rugs, and keep an eye on him. He can earn more freedom gradually. Just one way of doing things.

I did both. I went through the house and puppy proofed everything. I also then let him gated in an area and kept an eye on him. I figured better safe than sorry and ya never know if I take my eyes off him too long and he figures out how to escape.

People often use hot dogs or string cheese for training. I prefer something a little more healthy so I use Happy Howie's dog food roll. Some people use: freeze dried liver (etc), dehydrated beef (etc), beef lung. I bought a dehydrator and made my own when he was a puppy but that's a real pain.

 

[Hayden]

My plan was to gate him in the kitchen (easy to clean floors) when I'm not able to keep a close eye on him but have him out and about with me when I'm able to give him my full attention.

I'd love suggestions for food that aren't terribly expensive as I'm not too sure what deems a good food vs a bad one.

Anyone try venison for training? I've got a ton left from the last hunting season I could use for him. I'll put up more pictures of him when I pick him up Sunday!

 

[bomary]

Congratulations, and welcome from Jax and Brandee in Texas!!
He sure likes like a little heart throb!!
Crate training from the beginning is the best idea...but, I'm weak!!...he is my first dog, and I simply HAD to sleep with him the first two nights!! But...so glad I took the advice about the crate (after that moment of weakness!!)...it made potty training a total breeze for this total newbie!

 

[Drogon]

Oh yeah from Chicagoland

 

[Regalis]

I've not used venison for training specifically, but my dogs do get venison treats out of scraps since we process our own deer. I give it raw.

Dogfoodadvisor.com is a good place to start. Try to stick to 4-5 star foods. The thing to remember in regards to cost is that you will feed less of a better quality, grain free food than you will a cheap one. The better the food, the better the dogs overall health, meaning less $$$$ in vet bills. Cheap foods come at a steep price to health. I currently feed my 8 month old taste of the wild high prairie puppy food. It's not the *best* out there, but it's the best one I can find locally in my price range.

As far as puppy proofing - you are on the completely right track. I absolutely do not allow free roam until they are house broken and even then it is limited and supervised until they prove their ability to not be destructive. Keeping confined to a kitchen or similar area will also help with potty training and clean up. Beyond that - I just try to make sure there are no major dangers easily accessible - such as small kids toys, hair ties, cords, etc. But I don't go over board (I didn't baby proof my house, either).

 

[Hayden]

I really don't want him on my couches or bed but we'll see how long that lasts till he gives me those puppy eyes. I'm from texas as well! hopefully he won't mind the winters we get in the panhandle

 

[Regalis]

I really don't want him on my couches or bed but we'll see how long that lasts till he gives me those puppy eyes. I'm from texas as well! hopefully he won't mind the winters we get in the panhandle

It won't last I had a strict no dogs on furniture rule that very quickly got broken. He's still not allowed in bed, though. He is still crated at night and even if he wasn't, I just can't handle dog hair on my face (really mild allergy) so the bed is off limits. The couches though? Forget it. Dobes are big cuddlers when they aren't tearing around being goobers.

As for winter's, he should be just fine. Worst case, there are many coat options available for everything from arctic to mild.