Raising a Doberman puppy

While an adult Doberman Pinscher has many traits that dog owners just love, these traits are not always so easy to see or appreciate when your Doberman is just a puppy. If you choose to raise a Doberman Pinscher from a pup, you need to be prepared to put in lots of time and effort. These puppies need to be watched closely to keep them out of trouble. But with the right amount of guidance and love, your Doberman Pinscher will grow up to become an obedient, well-trained dog.

• Give your Doberman Pinscher lots of attention. This is important part of socializing the dog and preventing behavioral problems. Do not leave a puppy home alone for more than a few hours and allow your Doberman Pinscher to be around you and your family at all hours. Never leave your Doberman outside for extended periods of time unsupervised.

• Train your Doberman Pinscher in a crate that is large enough for your Doberman to stand, lie down, turn and sit comfortably. Start with small periods of time, such as just while being fed, and gradually increase it. Use meal times to help your Doberman associate the crate with something positive.

• Schedule a vaccination appointment with your veterinarian. Your Doberman Pinscher needs core vaccinations, such as a rabies shot, as a puppy, at 1 years old, and then every three years of its life. More specific vaccinations, such as kennel cough vaccine, are needed only after a veterinarian's recommendation, based on environment and current health level.

• Feed your Doberman Pinscher a high quality chicken or lamb based food. As a puppy, your Doberman should be eating the puppy formula. Soak the dry food in water until it completely expands before feeding a Doberman puppy. This helps prevent the food from expanding in the puppy's stomach, which can cause issues.

• Keep your Doberman Pinscher clean with regular bathing. A puppy needs to be bathed every few weeks or as needed. Also, keep your Doberman's kennel clean and disinfected to prevent health problems.

• Clean uncropped ears with wet wipes. Nails need to be trimmed when the tip gets sharp. However, since Doberman's have black nails, it can be tough to see the quick inside, which should never be cut.