The Needs of a Dobie

[chonrenee]

My husband said today that we need a Doberman Support Group - I said actually I am basically in one online LOL. So here I am (I am usually a silent forum member)

Okay, here's the deal: My husband and I both are self-employed, so we spend a great deal of time working from home - a Doberman's dreeeeam, right? My husband finds it exhausting how much exercise, time, and attention Dobies need (especially the Euro male we have). He is actually very irritated by it. I am the primary caregiver (Queen - 9.5 year old girl, and Kingston- 1.5 year old boy). My husband asked what would Kingston (aka "the boy") do if we worked a normal 9-to-5? The more the boy gets the more he wants - rather it's play, exercise, attention, etc. He. Wants. Moooooore.

So, just curious what's your schedule like with your Dobies? I figured whether people work from home or not, it could help me with schedule blocking - which I do have a solid schedule (I think), but I often get pulled in for extra play, training, or exercise sessions because the boy, in particular, gives me "those eyes" or "cries" (barking & whining).

 

[LifeofRubie]

We've had various situations over the last 3+ years or so but currently, I work from home full-time and my husband works out of the home but only 4 days a week from 7a-2p or so. Prior to that, we were both outside the home M-F, 9-5; dogs were in crates but we would come home and let them out over lunch.

When we started being home more, we did NOT really increase how much we "entertained" the dogs. They were already on a schedule of chill during the day, let loose in the evening. They get a few more trips outside during the day but when I'm working, I'm working.

Do you give Kingston "down time?" Is he crate trained or does he have a "place" he'll go to and stay at?

We spend so much time worrying that we're not giving our puppies enough mental and physical stimulation that we oft forget they need to have downtime, too. Some need to be "trained" in it a bit more but, IMO, I don't think your solve here is to do more.

Dogs are wildly adaptive for creatures who do so well with routine. It may take him a bit to figure it out and I'm sure someone here can provide more details on the how, exactly, but don't let him boss you around and make sure he's getting down time when it works for you but when it's his time for play/training, really focus on him and what you're doing.

Both pups are super cute!!!

 

[chonrenee]

We've had various situations over the last 3+ years or so but currently, I work from home full-time and my husband works out of the home but only 4 days a week from 7a-2p or so. Prior to that, we were both outside the home M-F, 9-5; dogs were in crates but we would come home and let them out over lunch.

When we started being home more, we did NOT really increase how much we "entertained" the dogs. They were already on a schedule of chill during the day, let loose in the evening. They get a few more trips outside during the day but when I'm working, I'm working.

Do you give Kingston "down time?" Is he crate trained or does he have a "place" he'll go to and stay at?

We spend so much time worrying that we're not giving our puppies enough mental and physical stimulation that we oft forget they need to have downtime, too. Some need to be "trained" in it a bit more but, IMO, I don't think your solve here is to do more.

Dogs are wildly adaptive for creatures who do so well with routine. It may take him a bit to figure it out and I'm sure someone here can provide more details on the how, exactly, but don't let him boss you around and make sure he's getting down time when it works for you but when it's his time for play/training, really focus on him and what you're doing.

Both pups are super cute!!!

Thanks so much for your response!

You know what (insert face of shame) - I don't think I am providing enough downtime at all. I actually recognized this recently after seeing how Kingston does not self-regulate well at all. He will trot along the backyard all day, in between coming to the sliding door to stare me down like he is the most neglected puppy in the world (when in reality I spent 7:30-9:30am in activity with him). Then, cue the barking like crazy at anything that moves in the tree (god forbid Mr. Squirrel comes out to taunt).

I definitely need to crate him more for sure...I used to be more routine with the crate when he was younger, but lately, we've been letting the dogs hang out in the backyard a lot longer throughout the day. He has a "place" in the house, but he will pace around quite a bit as opposed to settling down, so he ends up needing to be crated most times.

You've inspired me to create a new routine for the dogs; one that doesn't feature Kingston as The Boss (LOL)

 

[Doberman Gang]

Are your dogs crate trained? This is so important for establishing a routine. Our dogs go out to potty in the morning, puppies will get 10 minutes of training then eat. Back in kennel. We feed puppies 3 times a day with 10 minutes of training before getting the rest of their meal. They need to be kenneled for at least an hour after eating, this helps prevent bloat and gives a routine for when older. Older dogs just get fed twice a day, still kenneled afterwards. Same with training, dogs always kenneled after training, only one dog out at a time for training. This build individual bond with you for training. Dogs are allowed out once our work is finished and can hand out in the house but need to learn how to settle in the house. Dog walks, flirt pole or tug play for short periods after our work is finished. We also kennel rotate at night but our boys do not get along.

 

[Ukesox]

I’ve found that they will adapt to however much (exercise, training, company. Etc) that you give them. Most can & will walk, run, play, nudge & pester for hours but equally they will fit in with an established routine especially as they mature. I live in the countryside & Luna gets a morning walk between 40 & 100 minutes & then late afternoon/early evening half that range of play/training. In between times she’s pretty chilled (usually in her “calming bed”) or if it’s sunny, outside on the porch. She’s affectionate & loves attention but if I‘m busy or don’t want it she’s very good with “go to your place” & ”go away” (leave me alone), the trade off being a Dobie sulk

 

[Kswoodssue]

We are retired from our professions and now have a busy, work from home business. Our Sasha is about 10 months old. She would play, or be petted, all day long if we let her. If she gets about 15 min vigorous frisbee “fly” time, or flirt pole time in the morning, she does well. If we run errands, we take her along if we can and that uses up mental energy. Often her crate is a must, and she sometimes crates herself if I am being too noisy or she wants alone time. She adapts well to our non-routine work schedule, because that is all she has known. I keep bits of cheese or chicken in the fridg and randomly train when I have a moment. She would be constant if we let her be.

 

[Katyusharocket]

We get up at 5am, I let them (I have a dobie, a blind lab, and an elderly Bernese) out for potty then we come in and I get ready for work. the dobie usually goes back to bed. Then its feeding time, after that they go out again and I go to work around 7. I come home at noon and let them out, and whatever play or exploring they can do for 30 minutes. Home again at 5, and if there is enough light and weather for it, we go on a dog park run. she does well with this schedule. I do train her at random, running thru the things she knows and sometimes try something new. Every once in a while i will feel like she is on the brink of extra hyper, so we will walk, or rough-house together inside when its really cold. She does have access to chew toys and bones at all times. I check on them by camera each morning and evening and its usually just napping, but noteworthy that she is almost always laying with the blind dog, and between him and any doors. I guess this gives her some "job", protecting him. So this is our routine and she pulls it off no problem, even in the winter when the dog park is a no-go.

We spend so much time worrying that we're not giving our puppies enough mental and physical stimulation that we oft forget they need to have downtime, too. Some need to be "trained" in it a bit more but, IMO, I don't think your solve here is to do more.

I liked this thought, also.

 

[Oh Little Oji]

I think we may be proof in our household that Dobes can adapt to what you provide them. Our current male is Euro working-line, and you'd be surprised how little time and attention he gets. Our previous one was also working-line, and same thing, though perhaps I had a bit more time for him back then, and he did have a bigger, better yard situation, and a fellow dog (wife's female Husky).

I won't lie. It does make me a bit sad at times thinking that Oji needs more stimulation, and that I don't (officially) take advantage of his working pedigree. But you know what? He has a good life.

His outings often involve hard exercise – pulling me from a leash around my waist as though he is training for weight pull competition, or playing fetch during which he goes pretty nuts, or running beside my bicycle, which often includes running free off-leash in a large field so he can hopefully do his business there rather than on the road.

The truth is, most days, he gets one dedicated exercise outing per day! Yes, when he was younger, he got two outings per day.

Keep in mind that I run a tight ship and don't tolerate foolery. I train my Dobe strictly and with expertise and consistency. Obedience is built into everyday life. He does not get to do silly things like pester us for attention. You might say, well how do you achieve that? It's hard to articulate it, but it lies in what I wrote in this paragraph.

So, your experience vary from mine.

I'll mention that Oji is not neutered, and I think that might help with him staying very lean despite not getting that much time exercising per day. (He also does not get table scraps or toppers or treats). He lives a pretty spartan life but he is a dog, a working dog; and I believe dogs in modern America are way too spoiled, catered to and babied.

Just monitor your Dobe closely and have a good sense of how they are doing physically and mentally. I recommend crate training. You don't want them to be destructive in the house or yard and possibly ingest any foreign bodies.

 

[chonrenee]

Are your dogs crate trained? This is so important for establishing a routine. Our dogs go out to potty in the morning, puppies will get 10 minutes of training then eat. Back in kennel. We feed puppies 3 times a day with 10 minutes of training before getting the rest of their meal. They need to be kenneled for at least an hour after eating, this helps prevent bloat and gives a routine for when older. Older dogs just get fed twice a day, still kenneled afterwards. Same with training, dogs always kenneled after training, only one dog out at a time for training. This build individual bond with you for training. Dogs are allowed out once our work is finished and can hand out in the house but need to learn how to settle in the house. Dog walks, flirt pole or tug play for short periods after our work is finished. We also kennel rotate at night but our boys do not get along.

Thank you for responding and sharing your routine! Yes, they are crate trained. The 9 yr old actually doesn't use her crate anymore - she settles very well in her place without it. The boy on the other hand despises his crate, however, we have been reconditioning and he will go in (for a treat) and not cry continuously as he used to while in there. This week, after seeing the advice, I've begun re-implementing crate time from about mid-morning until late afternoon. He's doing great! He still needs help with making good choices while inside the house (i.e. his confinement room has two media seats that he is not allowed on...yet, throughout the night we catch him on surveillance hopping up on the seats to nap), so with that, he usually needs to be in his crate to rest. I am wondering if I should buy him his own elevated seat that he can climb up in. Ever since he was a puppy, he has always liked getting on the couch (not allowed) and now these seats (see photo for entertainment purposes lol). Thank you again so much for your time & advice!

 

[chonrenee]

I’ve found that they will adapt to however much (exercise, training, company. Etc) that you give them. Most can & will walk, run, play, nudge & pester for hours but equally they will fit in with an established routine especially as they mature. I live in the countryside & Luna gets a morning walk between 40 & 100 minutes & then late afternoon/early evening half that range of play/training. In between times she’s pretty chilled (usually in her “calming bed”) or if it’s sunny, outside on the porch. She’s affectionate & loves attention but if I‘m busy or don’t want it she’s very good with “go to your place” & ”go away” (leave me alone), the trade off being a Dobie sulk

Yes, I had to realize that I was turning Kingston into an Adrenaline Junkie or something! The more I gave, the more he wanted, not realizing I could switch the mode with a little conditioning. So this week I've put him in his crate for downtime mid-morning - he's adjusted WAAAAYYY better than I thought he would! And I don't feel guilty either (helps that he isn't crying about it like he used to as a pup). Thank you for you response and sharing what works for you!

 

[chonrenee]

We are retired from our professions and now have a busy, work from home business. Our Sasha is about 10 months old. She would play, or be petted, all day long if we let her. If she gets about 15 min vigorous frisbee “fly” time, or flirt pole time in the morning, she does well. If we run errands, we take her along if we can and that uses up mental energy. Often her crate is a must, and she sometimes crates herself if I am being too noisy or she wants alone time. She adapts well to our non-routine work schedule, because that is all she has known. I keep bits of cheese or chicken in the fridg and randomly train when I have a moment. She would be constant if we let her be.

Yes, that "constant mode" is definitely evident with my boy! Thank you for sharing! I plan to control the pace much better from now on!

 

[chonrenee]

We get up at 5am, I let them (I have a dobie, a blind lab, and an elderly Bernese) out for potty then we come in and I get ready for work. the dobie usually goes back to bed. Then its feeding time, after that they go out again and I go to work around 7. I come home at noon and let them out, and whatever play or exploring they can do for 30 minutes. Home again at 5, and if there is enough light and weather for it, we go on a dog park run. she does well with this schedule. I do train her at random, running thru the things she knows and sometimes try something new. Every once in a while i will feel like she is on the brink of extra hyper, so we will walk, or rough-house together inside when its really cold. She does have access to chew toys and bones at all times. I check on them by camera each morning and evening and its usually just napping, but noteworthy that she is almost always laying with the blind dog, and between him and any doors. I guess this gives her some "job", protecting him. So this is our routine and she pulls it off no problem, even in the winter when the dog park is a no-go.

I liked this thought, also.

Thank you for sharing your routine! Her job for the blind dog is so sweet! These comments have helped me realize that I can adjust the pace for the dogs and that they adapt well.

 

[chonrenee]

I think we may be proof in our household that Dobes can adapt to what you provide them. Our current male is Euro working-line, and you'd be surprised how little time and attention he gets. Our previous one was also working-line, and same thing, though perhaps I had a bit more time for him back then, and he did have a bigger, better yard situation, and a fellow dog (wife's female Husky).

I won't lie. It does make me a bit sad at times thinking that Oji needs more stimulation, and that I don't (officially) take advantage of his working pedigree. But you know what? He has a good life.

His outings often involve hard exercise – pulling me from a leash around my waist as though he is training for weight pull competition, or playing fetch during which he goes pretty nuts, or running beside my bicycle, which often includes running free off-leash in a large field so he can hopefully do his business there rather than on the road.

The truth is, most days, he gets one dedicated exercise outing per day! Yes, when he was younger, he got two outings per day.

Keep in mind that I run a tight ship and don't tolerate foolery. I train my Dobe strictly and with expertise and consistency. Obedience is built into everyday life. He does not get to do silly things like pester us for attention. You might say, well how do you achieve that? It's hard to articulate it, but it lies in what I wrote in this paragraph.

So, your experience vary from mine.

I'll mention that Oji is not neutered, and I think that might help with him staying very lean despite not getting that much time exercising per day. (He also does not get table scraps or toppers or treats). He lives a pretty spartan life but he is a dog, a working dog; and I believe dogs in modern America are way too spoiled, catered to and babied.

Just monitor your Dobe closely and have a good sense of how they are doing physically and mentally. I recommend crate training. You don't want them to be destructive in the house or yard and possibly ingest any foreign bodies.

I appreciate your response and sharing your perspective! Although our experiences do vary, it helps me to feel better to know I don't have to try to be the "Super Dog Mom" of the year for my dog to indeed be cared for and have their needs met, and also that on days where he does need to be crated longer than other days, it's okay!

My boy is intact as well - I actually forgot that helps with them being so lean because sometimes it seems really hard for him to keep weight ON. He is very active and seems to get "skinny" quick. The weight-pulling sounds like something my boy would like - I don't want to be the thing getting pulled lol - BUT, I am going to look into adding that somehow to his exercise routine.

 

[Oh Little Oji]

The weight-pulling sounds like something my boy would like - I don't want to be the thing getting pulled lol - BUT, I am going to look into adding that somehow to his exercise routine.

What I've long wanted to do is either get an official cart that some (usually bulkier breeds of) dogs use to pull one or two human occupants, or get an ATV 4-wheeler, remove the engine and drivetrain, and have my dog pull me around the neighborhood on it. Either idea, my wife shuts down immediately, as she does not want to be the wife of the crazy man in the neighborhood.

 

[Katyusharocket]

if you can get in with anyone in the go-cart racing sport, i have always thought that one of those without its motor would work for dog pulling. lightweight, close to the ground and good brakes for safety. maybe look for one with a grenaded motor or something.

 

[chonrenee]

if you can get in with anyone in the go-cart racing sport, i have always thought that one of those without its motor would work for dog pulling. lightweight, close to the ground and good brakes for safety. maybe look for one with a grenaded motor or something.

Not a bad idea!

 

[Cranekc35]

DogPoweredScooter

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I bought one of these and currently conditioning Prince around it. Waiting until he turns 2 in March to try it with him! My trainer bought one for his pitbull and loves it!

 

[strykerdobe]

I'm retired and it feels like I still have a full-time job! Especially training in the IGP Sport.

 

[Kaiser2016]

so we spend a great deal of time working from home - a Doberman's dreeeeam, right?

They love it lol. My only warning will be to make sure he has some alone time too. We worked from home through the pandemic and Kaiser definitely got way more attached than we expected. We boarded him recently to test out how he would handle it and he howled so much that his voice got hoarse so now we are actively training to give him alone time - when we say training never ends, we really mean it

He has a "place" in the house, but he will pace around quite a bit as opposed to settling down, so he ends up needing to be crated most times.

Sounds like you now have the crating situation sorted out, but I do agree that they can pace unless you crate them. It's almost as if they won't settle unless they are forced and the crate is a great escape for this purpose. You can cover it with a sheet to make it more den-like. Kaiser is now 6, so he is able to settle fine outside a crate, but in the early years he definitely needed the crate to contain his crazyness.