Grooming
Dobermans are a short-coated dog breed, and this will save you plenty of time when it comes to brushing. (The short coat will also make housework easier, as shedding is minimal.) Nevertheless, brushing is absolutely important and vital to maintaining a shiny, healthy and good-looking coat.
You should brush your Dobie a couple of times a week, and the sessions don’t have to be very long—about 15 minutes (or less) will do the trick. Use a simple bristle brush to keep the coat clean and free of dandruff. Another excellent grooming tool for short-coated dogs is the KONG ZoomGroom, which removes loose hair and improves coat condition.
A complete head-to-toe grooming session will take a bit more time. Like any dog, your Doberman will need to have their teeth brushed every day and their nails trimmed as needed (generally once month will do it). In addition to daily teeth brushing at home, it’s a good idea to have your vet professionally clean your pup’s teeth once a year. Baths are only needed occasionally to keep your dog smelling fresh or whenever they get exceptionally dirty from playing outside.
These grooming sessions not only help your dog feel and look their best but also allow you to look for developing health issues and spend some bonding time together—and we all know Dobermans LOVE quality time with their people.
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Training
Don’t underestimate the importance of training your Doberman. Solid obedience training is essential for any dog, but it’s especially important for Dobermans. Remember, these are large, powerful dogs.
A martingale collar can be a useful training tool, as it contains two loops that tighten slightly (but not too much!) when the dog pulls. It can help give a pet parent additional control and help the dog learn not to pull on the leash. Dog harnesses are also helpful. If you’re having trouble with your dog pulling on the leash during walks, this is a sign your dog may need more training.
If you’re unsure about general obedience training, find a certified dog trainer in your area who uses positive reinforcement. They’ll help lay the foundation and aid in molding your Dobie into a happy and well-mannered member of the home.
Happily, Dobermans are very easy to train. They learn quickly and have even been called too smart. They can be sensitive to correction, so again, gentle and positive reinforcement is best. Take advantage of your Doberman’s natural intelligence to help guide them toward your goals. Once they understand what’s important to you, it will be important to them!
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Diet
Dobermans need a complete and balanced dog food to ensure they remain at the appropriate weight and receive the proper nutrients. The choice of wet or dry food is really up to you, as long as it’s a quality, balanced diet.
Aim to feed your Doberman on a set schedule and don’t—if possible!—treat with “human” foods. That’s a toughie, of course, especially when your Doberman gives you the “I want some, too!” face. But it’s really for the best because those calories do add up. Just make sure you treat with “dog-safe” people food. (Find out what human foods aren’t safe to feed your dog here.) Luckily, there are plenty of suitable treats made specifically for dogs. Treats are often an important part of training (and used to show your dog you love them), but again, you want to make sure you don’t overdo them.
Your vet is a great resource to help you determine the best food, feeding schedule and “treat times” for your individual dog based on factors like their age, weight and activity level.
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Exercise
Dobermans are highly energetic dogs who require plenty of exercise. Daily walks are essential, so get ready to put on your walking shoes because Dobermans need at least an hour of exercise a day to meet their needs.
If you’re a runner, your Doberman will likely enjoy running with you several times a week. Dobermans have high energy levels, and they’ll appreciate the exercise, provided you take it easy at first and build up to the desired activity level. Just like you, your dog needs to become fit for the task. Fun fact: A Doberman’s top speed is over 30 miles per hour—much faster than you can run! So, taking your dog with you on a bike ride is a good way to help them really stretch their legs. Occasional off-leash play—in a fenced-in yard or dog park—is good, too. Many Dobermans also enjoy swimming.
In addition to physical exercise, Dobermans need mental stimulation. Dog puzzles, games, agility or similar activities will do the trick.
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Environment
Of course, with all that energy, your Doberman would love a nice, large fenced-in yard to run and play, but as long as you’re meeting their exercise needs elsewhere, they can handle apartment life. Some might even appreciate time in an appropriately sized dog run.
The Doberman’s ideal environment is a mixture of indoor and outdoor time. And activities with you are high on their priority list. Outdoor time is necessary for exercise and overall well-being, but they really want to be with their families, so being involved with the day-to-day activities inside the house is very important. Also, Dobermans are naturally lean and don’t have the coat length to handle cold weather for long periods and can overheat on hot summer days.
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