Interested in the Doberman World

[bernardin33]

Hello all,

My name is Matt and I am interested in introducing a rescue adult Doberman into my family. I thought I would join this form so I can learn all I can before bring one home. I have a few basic questions and would be grateful for any feedback.

I live in a house with a nice size backyard and have lots of time to devote to exercising the Doberman if my family and I chose to adopt. There are no children in the house but there is another dog. She is a mix Sheppard about 12 years old. The other dog belongs to another owner who lives with us. I am not sure if bring home a new dog in this environment is a good idea. Also, would it be better to adopt a female or male Doberman keeping in mind of the 12 year old female already established

Any thoughts would greatly be appreciated.

Sincerely,
Matt

[OliveOil]

Hey Matt, welcome to the hub!
I know that in my experience, you have to be sure that the dobie that you are adopting is okay with other dogs. I remember looking specifically for one that was good with other dogs, cats, and small children and it was VERY difficult to find a good match.
If I remember correctly, the foster mom or dad will do a house visit, then bring the dog over to meet the family to see how it goes. As far as gender goes, if you get two dominant females together you might have a showdown, but it depends on the personality of the dog.
Good luck on your search!

[Dobs4ever]

Matt - welcome to the hub and the world of Dobermans. There are several facets to your question that would all have an effect. I would not want a dog with a history of dog aggression so most likely a male would be better. How active is the 12 year old. If she is slowing down a younger exhuberant dog mght be overwhelming.

Be sure to introduce them away from the home to help avoid territorial issues with the established dog. Meet at a park and take a nice walk together. Hang out and play together then walk home if possible.

I think if you want a dog and can afford a dog you should have a dog. The doberman will love walks or runs and walking them together will help establish a bond. Since the other dog is not your dog then it should not be a problem as long as they are properly introduced and supervised as energy levels might be different.

[Big Dogs]

Matt I agree with Dobes4 I would suggest getting a male as a general rule you stand a greater chance of 2 females fighting. If the rescue you are going to go to does not evaluate the dog take a certified dog trainer with you to help evaluate dogs it will be the best money you ever spent there is nothing worst than taking a dog back that you have become attached to. Make sure you introduce the two of them on neutral territory. One last thing is prepare to become addicted to a great breed. Good Luck!

[Sue J]

Welcome Matt. It's great you're looking at rescue. I agree with checking out a male dobe. Also, as BigDogs said...be prepare to become dobe addicted!! Good luck.

[magtie]

welcome to the forum

[tidibole]

Hi Matt...Unless people have been involved in dobe rescue for any period of time, their opinion may just be, an aopion. I would suggest you contact the DOBE RESCUE in your area, express, your concerns, your lifestyle and your requirements for a dog. Most dobes are fostered with foster homes that are dobe SAVVY and will honestly answer your questions with no concern other that the dobe receiving the best FOREVDER home possible. Good luck! I have had many rescue dobes and all have been exceptional in their own way!!!

[jelly8bean]

Rescue is the way for me. I have rescued many, and all the advice given here is correct.
Tidilbole is correct, talk to your local rescue. Foster homes will honestly tell you everything because they really want the dog to have a forever home that will be great.
I got one of my current dobies from a doberman specific rescue, the other from the local SPCA.

Oh yes, welcome to the board!

[Fez04]

welcome matt. It's great you're looking at rescue. I agree with checking out a male dobe. Also, as bigdogs said...be prepare to become dobe addicted!! Good luck.



im addicted!!:d And welcome to the HUB!!

[SnuzerDog]

Hey Matt, welcome, sorry I'm so late! :o

I too have a rescued Dobe, and it has been a hugely rewarding experience. The advice you have already read above is right on target; the only thing I would add is to be sure that the rescue group has, and you understand, a return policy. This is in case after several weeks when the new dog starts to become more comfortable you may see some different behaviors show up- and if they involve a problem with the existing dog, it may not be reconcilable. In which case, there needs to be a good solution for both you and the dog.

Good Luck and let us know what you do! :)