Should we get a Dobe?

[Dobefan888]

I’m looking for some advice from experienced owners of the wonderful breed. My boyfriend (Michael) and I have been in love with Dobies for a long time.

Info about us:
We both work full time but Michael runs his own business and can therefore be fully flexible in terms of working from home. We could also afford 2 days of doggy daycare a week if necessary. I’ll be able to work from home one day a week.
Michael goes running every morning on at least a 4-5 mile run, which he would bring the dobe on once old enough, he also occasionally runs in the evening too. I would be walking him in the evening after work and I presume Michael (or myself if working from home) would need to also go on a long walk at lunchtime with the dog.
We live in a city and have a large flat with a garden but also have access to large parks nearby. We’re both young ( 30 and 27) and don’t yet have kids but may do so in the future….
We definitely want a highly trainable dog and will invest in training every day as well as professional training on the weekends if that is what is needed.
The only time we might need to leave the dobe alone is in the evenings occasionally for a few hours, as we enjoy going out for dinner or to a gig.

Can anyone advise on if a dobermann would be a good idea ? I look after dogs often and the thought of having a dobe best friend is amazing but I want to give him the best life possible.

 

[Rits]

To me you guys sound like you have more than enough arrangements to have a dobe puppy. Honestly, the puppy time is when they need the most attention, primarily because of potty training, so its great that you both have flexibility in your jobs. People think dobes need a huge backyard but I think thats an excuse to not mentally stimulate them, which is far more important. Yes, exercise is great too but too much and you build stamina and now you have an energetic and mentally bored dobe! Getting your pup involved in some training classes and mentally challenging their eager brains will take you far!

 

[JanS]

Welcome from Minnesota!

It sounds like you've done your research and plan to do what it takes to make sure all of the bases are covered. A Doberman is very trainable but with that, they're very smart and will try to outsmart you if they can get by with it.

 

[Dobefan888]

To me you guys sound like you have more than enough arrangements to have a dobe puppy. Honestly, the puppy time is when they need the most attention, primarily because of potty training, so its great that you both have flexibility in your jobs. People think dobes need a huge backyard but I think thats an excuse to not mentally stimulate them, which is far more important. Yes, exercise is great too but too much and you build stamina and now you have an energetic and mentally bored dobe! Getting your pup involved in some training classes and mentally challenging their eager brains will take you far!

Thank you this has given me a lot of hope!

 

[LifeofRubie]

Sounds like your schedules can accommodate!

Have you started your search for a reputable breeder, yet, or are you thinking about rescue? Wait lists can be quite long for breeders and rescues can have a few hoops to jump through in order to get approval plus then waiting for a dog to come along that might be a good match.

Yes, ideally, everyone would be home with a new dog 24/7 but that's just not practical, always (and, honestly, they do need to learn to be left alone so you don't create separation issues, IMO). This breed does need an outlet but it's totally do-able with work schedules as long as you are intentional about it!

 

[Dobefan888]

Sounds like your schedules can accommodate!

Have you started your search for a reputable breeder, yet, or are you thinking about rescue? Wait lists can be quite long for breeders and rescues can have a few hoops to jump through in order to get approval plus then waiting for a dog to come along that might be a good match.

Yes, ideally, everyone would be home with a new dog 24/7 but that's just not practical, always (and, honestly, they do need to learn to be left alone so you don't create separation issues, IMO). This breed does need an outlet but it's totally do-able with work schedules as long as you are intentional about it!

Hi ! Thank you for your comments it is all very appreciated!
I have contacted a very reputable breeder today here in the UK (Aritaur) who takes amazing care of her pups and is very careful with who she sells them to so I’m hoping we fit the bill….
I plan on bringing one home in Jan 2025!

 

[Rits]

I have contacted a very reputable breeder today here in the UK (Aritaur)
I plan on bringing one home in Jan 2025!

I just checked them out and it looks like you have done your homework! Health tested, shown, worked, titled, breeder is a member of their KC and sounds very supportive, especially to first timers. I think you found a good one! It will be WELL worth the wait to be patient for a pup from a breeder that will be supportive for life! Great job!

 

[Dobefan888]

I just checked them out and it looks like you have done your homework! Health tested, shown, worked, titled, breeder is a member of their KC and sounds very supportive, especially to first timers. I think you found a good one! It will be WELL worth the wait to be patient for a pup from a breeder that will be supportive for life! Great job!

So glad to hear that! Thank you!! I am definitely willing to wait.
I would obviously love to rescue but not having owned a Dobe before I think best to start with a pup I can train from scratch.

 

[Kaiser2016]

love to rescue but not having owned a Dobe before I think best to start with a pup I can train from scratch

First time Dobering is hard enough without the unknowns of rescues, so I think you’re making the right call here.

Also, sounds like you’re super prepared for this lucky new pup. I’d recommend reading the puppy section of this forum to learn about some of the common issues that come up when raising a little Dober devil.

they do need to learn to be left alone so you don't create separation issues, IMO).

Definitely agree with this.

Dobermans are such a beautiful and wonderful breed. They can simultaneously get compliments on their looks while also clearing the sidewalks because people are afraid of them lol.

Let the countdown begin!

 

[DracoDobie]

Hi ! Thank you for your comments it is all very appreciated!
I have contacted a very reputable breeder today here in the UK (Aritaur) who takes amazing care of her pups and is very careful with who she sells them to so I’m hoping we fit the bill….
I plan on bringing one home in Jan 2025!

That's a really good breeder!.

You guys will be fine, you've done your homework it seems. Be fair but firm, don't let him outsmart you, and tire him out both physically and mentally. He has to learn to be alone tho, as they are really prone to separation anxiety, so keep that in mind.

 

[Socrates]

I’m looking for some advice from experienced owners of the wonderful breed. My boyfriend (Michael) and I have been in love with Dobies for a long time.

Info about us:
We both work full time but Michael runs his own business and can therefore be fully flexible in terms of working from home. We could also afford 2 days of doggy daycare a week if necessary. I’ll be able to work from home one day a week.
Michael goes running every morning on at least a 4-5 mile run, which he would bring the dobe on once old enough, he also occasionally runs in the evening too. I would be walking him in the evening after work and I presume Michael (or myself if working from home) would need to also go on a long walk at lunchtime with the dog.
We live in a city and have a large flat with a garden but also have access to large parks nearby. We’re both young ( 30 and 27) and don’t yet have kids but may do so in the future….
We definitely want a highly trainable dog and will invest in training every day as well as professional training on the weekends if that is what is needed.
The only time we might need to leave the dobe alone is in the evenings occasionally for a few hours, as we enjoy going out for dinner or to a gig.

Can anyone advise on if a dobermann would be a good idea ? I look after dogs often and the thought of having a dobe best friend is amazing but I want to give him the best life possible.

I think you should get a Doberman. I have owned 15. Ilive in an apartment and can no longer walk well and must have a dogwalker walk Mark twice a. Mark is 18-month-old, and was a gift. I would advise you to adopt a rescue at least 4 years old. Such a dog would be trained, ► Doberman Pinscher Rescue . I will answer any questions you may have. I worked with Doberman rescue and placed some. My first Doberman, Weswinds Benito, smartest dog that ever lived, was a rescue andso were 5 others.

 

[Rits]

I think you should get a Doberman. I have owned 15. Ilive in an apartment and can no longer walk well and must have a dogwalker walk Mark twice a. Mark is 18-month-old, and was a gift. I would advise you to adopt a rescue at least 4 years old. Such a dog would be trained, ► Doberman Pinscher Rescue . I will answer any questions you may have. I worked with Doberman rescue and placed some. My first Doberman, Weswinds Benito, smartest dog that ever lived, was a rescue andso were 5 others.

Please do make an introduction thread for yourself and Mark! Would love to hear more about him and see some pictures! You can make a thread here: https://doberman-chat.com/forums/introduce-yourself.80/

 

[Ukesox]

Hi, welcome from Norfolk, U.K.
It looks like you’ll be just fine. 4 of our 6 Dobes were raised & lived in North London when I worked mostly from home.
What you need to do is get the right pup from the litter. All are likely to be highly trainable but what you don’t want is the brightest or bossiest spark. Theyre all different to a degree but a lower energy pup is likely to make your life easier , especially as a first Dobie.
The assumption that they need multiple long walks throughout the day is wrong. Mental stimulation through fun training & play interaction with you is way more important.
If you work on separation training from an early age & build the absences up gradually you will guarantee yourself a social life & a dog that’s happy to be left alone.