Doberman Newsletter

This short newsletter has to do with the coming of the change of seasons. I used to be really good about hot/cold warnings and remedies, and then I moved to Scottsdale where we only have two seasons, hot and really hot. I start to forget about changing weather and what people should be reminded of etc. From what I understand it is already snowing in parts of the country where we are finally for the second week in a row under a daily high of triple digits. At night it is even finally cool enough to open windows! Anyway, some of you are experiencing mud season and others change for the cold. If you are going to continue to exercise your Doberman Pinscher outside, you have only two choices for foot care. You can use the Doggie boots (cabela’s brand work the best) o you can condition the dogs feet and limit exposure. You can prevent snow from building up in the pads with some Vaseline smeared between the toes, but remember to wipe it back out before letting your Doberman Pinscher tromp across your carpet For body temperature, sweaters/coats/vests all work if you get the dog accustomed to them, and if you have boys make sure they can still relieve themselves with the fit of the coat. I prefer the Neoprene vest from Cabelas since it is bright orange (safe and visible) and even if the dog gets wet they will stay warm. The key is a dry dog can be warm enough if they are moving around, running etc, but once they get wet they lose their core temperature very quickly, so keep them dry and they will stay warm. The biggest concern for Doberman Pinschers in the winter is ears if they are cropped. Ears that are cropped have reduced blood flow and as they stand erect in cold wind, they are quickly robbed of body heat. They can frostbite in just a few minutes to a few hours depending on the wind chill factor. When it is below freezing outside, massage the tips of the ears often with your bare hands to 1) feel their temperature, 2) transfer heat from your hands to their ears with friction and conduction and 3) increase blood flow. There are also some handy Ear muffs made and sold for Doberman Pinscher, and although they look silly, they work rather well.

So pay attention to the weather and keep your Doberman Pinschers healthy and safe  For those of you in California, Florida, AZ and other mild winter climates, take the time to enjoy some time outside and rub it in to the people you know in colder climates 

Sadly I had to share this next story not because it involves Dobermans, but rather love of dogs and a dogs love for us, patriotism and other great emotions that I just wanted to share since it was kindly shared with me.
To Whoever Gets My Dog

They told me the big black Lab’s name was Reggie as I looked at him lying in his pen. the shelter was clean, and the people really friendly.

I’d only been in the area for six months, but everywhere I went in the small college town, people were welcoming and open. Everyone waves when you pass them on the street.

But something was still missing as I attempted to settle in to my new life here, and I thought a dog couldn’t hurt. Give me someone to talk to.

And I had just seen Reggie’s advertisement on the local news. The shelter said they had received numerous calls right after, but they said the people who had come down to see him just didn’t look like “Lab people,” whatever that meant. They must’ve thought I did.

But at first, I thought the shelter had misjudged me in giving me Reggie and his things, which consisted of a dog pad, bag of toys almost all of which were brand new tennis balls, his dishes, and a sealed letter from his previous owner. See, Reggie and I didn’t really hit it off when we got home. We struggled for two weeks (which is how long the shelter told me to give him to adjust to his new home). Maybe it was the fact that I was trying to adjust, too. Maybe we were too much alike.

For some reason, his stuff (except for the tennis balls – he wouldn’t go anywhere without two stuffed in his mouth) got tossed in with all of my other unpacked boxes. I guess I didn’t really think he’d need all his old stuff, that I’d get him new things once he settled in. but it became pretty clear pretty soon that he wasn’t going to.

I tried the normal commands the shelter told me he knew, ones like “sit” and “stay” and “come” and “heel,” and he’d follow them – when he felt like it. He never really seemed to listen when I called his name – sure, he’d look in my direction after the fourth of fifth time I said it, but then he’d just go back to doing whatever. When I’d ask again, you could almost see him sigh and then grudgingly obey.

This just wasn’t going to work. He chewed a couple shoes and some unpacked boxes. I was a little too stern with him and he resented it, I could tell.

The friction got so bad that I couldn’t wait for the two weeks to be up, and when it was, I was in full-on search mode for my cellphone amid all of my unpacked stuff. I remembered leaving it on the stack of boxes for the guest room, but I also mumbled, rather cynically, that the “damn dog probably hid it on me.”

Finally I found it, but before I could punch up the shelter’s number, I also found his pad and other toys from the shelter.. I tossed the pad in Reggie’s direction and he snuffed it and wagged, some of the most enthusiasm I’d seen since bringing him home. But then I called, “Hey, Reggie, you like that Come here and I’ll give you a treat.” Instead, he sort of glanced in my direction – maybe “glared” is more accurate – and then gave a discontented sigh and flopped down. With his back to me.

Well, that’s not going to do it either, I thought. And I punched the shelter phone number.

But I hung up when I saw the sealed envelope. I had completely forgotten about that, too.

“Okay, Reggie,” I said out loud, “let’s see if your previous owner has any advice.”………

“To Whoever Gets My Dog:

Well, I can’t say that I’m happy you’re reading this, a letter I told the shelter could only be opened by Reggie’s new owner.

I’m not even happy writing it. If you’re reading this, it means I just got back from my last car ride with my Lab after dropping him off at the shelter. He knew something was different. I have packed up his pad and toys before and set them by the back door before a trip, but this time… it’s like he knew something was wrong. And something is wrong… which is why I have to go to try to make it right.

So let me tell you about my Lab in the hopes that it will help you bond with him and he with you.

First, he loves tennis balls… the more the merrier.

Sometimes I think he’s part squirrel, the way he hordes them.

He usually always has two in his mouth, and he tries to get a third in there. Hasn’t done it yet.

Doesn’t matter where you throw them, he’ll bound after it, so be careful – really don’t do it by any roads. I made that mistake once, and it almost cost him dearly.

Next, commands. Maybe the shelter staff already told you, but I’ll go over them again: Reggie knows the obvious ones – “sit,” “stay,” “come,” “heel.” He knows hand signals:

“back” to turn around and go back when you put your hand straight up; and “over” if you put your hand out right or left. “Shake” for shaking water off, and “paw” for a high-five. He does “down” when he feels like lying down – I bet you could work on that with him some more. He knows “ball” and “food” and “bone” and “treat” like nobody’s business.

I trained Reggie with small food treats.
Nothing opens his ears like little pieces of hot dog.

Feeding schedule: twice a day, once about seven in the morning, and again at six in the evening.

Regular store-bought stuff; the shelter has the brand.

He’s up on his shots.

Call the clinic on 9th Street and update his info with yours; they’ll make sure to send you reminders for when he’s due. Be forewarned: Reggie hates the vet.

Good luck getting him in the car – I don’t know how he knows when it’s time to go to the vet, but he knows.

Finally, give him some time.

I’ve never been married, so it’s only been Reggie and me for his whole life. He’s gone everywhere with me, so please include him on your daily car rides if you can. He sits well in the backseat, and he doesn’t bark or complain. He just loves to be around people, and me most especially.

Which means that this transition is going to be hard, with him going to live with someone new. And that’s why I need to share one more bit of info with you….

His name’s not Reggie.

I don’t know what made me do it, but when I dropped him off at the shelter, I told them his name was Reggie. He’s a smart dog, he’ll get used to it and will respond to it, of that I have no doubt. but I just couldn’t bear to give them his real name. For me to do that, it seemed so final, that handing him over to the shelter was as good as me admitting that I’d never see him again. And if I end up coming back, getting him, and tearing up this letter, it means everything’s fine. But if someone else is reading it, well… well it means that his new owner should know his real name. It’ll help you bond with him. Who knows, maybe you’ll even notice a change in his demeanor if he’s been giving you problems.

His real name is Tank. Because that is what I drive.

Again, if you’re reading this and you’re from the area, maybe my name has been on the news. I told the shelter that they couldn’t make “Reggie” available for adoption until they received word from my company commander. See, my parents are gone, I have no siblings, no one I could’ve left Tank with… and it was my only real request of the Army upon my deployment to Iraq, that they make one phone call the shelter… in the “event”… to tell them that Tank could be put up for adoption. Luckily, my colonel is a dog guy, too, and he knew where my platoon was headed. He said he’d do it personally. And if you’re reading this, then he made good on his word.

Well, this letter is getting to downright depressing, even though, frankly, I’m just writing it for my dog. I couldn’t imagine if I was writing it for a wife and kids and family. but still, Tank has been my family for the last six years, almost as long as the Army has been my family.

And now I hope and pray that you make him part of your family and that he will adjust and come to love you the same way he loved me.

That unconditional love from a dog is what I took with me to Iraq as an inspiration to do something selfless, to protect innocent people from those who would do terrible things… and to keep those terrible people from coming over here. If I had to give up Tank in order to do it, I am glad to have done so. He was my example of service and of love. I hope I honored him by my service to my country and comrades.

All right, that’s enough.

I deploy this evening and have to drop this letter off at the shelter.

I don’t think I’ll say another good-bye to Tank, though. I cried too much the first time. Maybe I’ll peek in on him and see if he finally got that third tennis ball in his mouth.

Good luck with Tank.

Give him a good home, and give him an extra kiss goodnight – every night – from me.”

Thank you, Paul Mallory

I folded the letter and slipped it back in the envelope. Sure I had heard of Paul Mallory, everyone in town knew him, even new people like me. Local kid, killed in Iraq a few months ago and posthumously earning the Silver Star when he gave his life to save three buddies. Flags had been at half-mast all summer.

I leaned forward in my chair and rested my elbows on my knees, staring at the dog.

“Hey, Tank,” I said quietly.

The dog’s head whipped up, his ears cocked and his eyes bright. “C’mere boy.”

He was instantly on his feet, his nails clicking on the hardwood floor. He sat in front of me, his head tilted, searching for the name he hadn’t heard in months.

“Tank,” I whispered. His tail swished.

I kept whispering his name, over and over, and each time, his ears lowered, his eyes softened, and his posture relaxed as a wave of contentment just seemed to flood him. I stroked his ears, rubbed his shoulders, buried my face into his scruff and hugged him.

“It’s me now, Tank, just you and me. Your old pal gave you to me.” Tank reached up and licked my cheek. “So whatdaya say we play some ball His ears perked again.

“Yeah Ball You like that Ball ”

Tank tore from my hands and disappeared in the next room. And when he came back……he had three tennis balls in his mouth.

Stephen Parsons
Quality Doberman Pinschers
www.familydobes.com
480-993-9797

We are blessed

 

Very Blessed

 

 

Well it has been a day of reflection here at the kennel again as I sit and watch the cute Puppies playing and adjust the Live Webcams. The puppycam has been such a wonderful tool allowing others to feel as though they are interacting in a personal way with the puppies. We have had over 22,000 views so far, and though I think our puppies are much cuter than the famous Shiba Inu Puppy Cam, we have yet to log millions of viewers. We have several cameras to choose from to watch the puppies grow live in real time, watch their play time and feeding, even teaching moments as their mothers teach them a dogs body language and boundaries. It’s a marvel people can get anything done at all with such a wonderful distraction such as this! Perhaps the limiting factor for the Webcams is my bandwidth…. I will have to look into how to stream it to an unlimited source. For those of you who are enjoying the Live PuppyCam, please only watch one cam at a time so others may log in as well. When well intentioned folks open each camera in a separate window, it takes away a spot someone else could be actively watching the live puppycam. I sit here amazed at where technology has brought us with the ability we have to watch a live webcam of puppies at all. Virtual puppy raising can now take the place of well intentioned but misguided pet ownership. People who want to enjoy puppies without the responsibility can do so from the comfort of their own home, and there is no puppy to drop off at the pound if things don’t work out. For the people who research and prepare thoroughly for Doberman puppies, it is a way to connect long before it is safe to see them in person. It also allows the perspective puppy owners to help alert us to any dangers while the pups are young. I am so grateful for the many calls we receive when it appears something is wrong, even if it isn’t. It gives me great peace of mind to know other concerned people are helping me watch over the cute little Doberman puppies.

Aside from the wonderful Puppycam I also sit here amazed at the quality of dogs we have been blessed to share our lives with. The time I spend training rewards me in ways that I can’t even put into words. I remember the first time I worked one of my Dobermans bird hunting and watched with awe as the dog did something I never in my life would be able to do. He sniffed out where a bird had been who knows how long ago. He followed where the bird had walked just as if he could see tiny footprints in the sand.  I have had so many of those moments with the Dobermans in my life that just leave me with a sense of Awe from scent work to protection, to jumping walls carrying dumbbells, and I still find myself in awe of this magnificent breed. I look at the dogs that surround me today and while I have loved each Doberman that has been part of my life, I can’t believe the quality of dogs that surround me know. I am very blessed. WE worked hard to get to this point and we have goals yet to reach, but I find myself truly blessed to be here now. I am looking over at Kasy’s litter thinking there are some amazing Red Doberman puppies from Parents who both showed and placed at the largest and most prestigious Doberman show in the world. Parents who have both competed and done well in Schutzhund sport, and I think that I am looking into the eyes of the next generation of winners. I look at Soraya ready to whelp and think of the sire across the ocean that is accomplishing so much in the show world. Again anticipating the next generation of champion Doberman Pinschers.

Yesterday I was out back doing some protection training with Uragan best of Island and Texas Von Karpatia, and I had two other dogs outside at the time that I didn’t give much thought to at the moment since we have never trained protection with them (Black Jewel Von wolf Stamm and Family Dobes Hershey). Both Texa and Uragan have many many hours of training in protection, which is why I get such a thrill out of being bit by them J But it took only moments for Hershey and Jewel to see what was going on and that they were being left out because they didn’t know this game, so Jewel came up behind me and took a bite out of back side while Hershey swung around the front and grabbed hold of the arm that Uragan had. They all started working as a team, and fell into the behavior naturally. Two dogs that I had not even thought of as protection prospects were learning from their pack how to play the game. Effectively I might add, my backside is still sore!

My gratitude doesn’t end just with Amazing dogs that have amazing abilities either. Because of what I do, I have been fortunate enough to meet many wonderful people along the way. People who teach me many things, and other people I am able to teach. This really has been a rewarding journey so far and I look forward to our bright future. Thank you all for being part of it.

Very Blessed

 

 

Well it has been a day of reflection here at the kennel again as I sit and watch the cute Puppies playing and adjust the Live Webcams. The puppycam has been such a wonderful tool allowing others to feel as though they are interacting in a personal way with the puppies. We have had over 22,000 views so far, and though I think our puppies are much cuter than the famous Shiba Inu Puppy Cam, we have yet to log millions of viewers. We have several cameras to choose from to watch the puppies grow live in real time, watch their play time and feeding, even teaching moments as their mothers teach them a dogs body language and boundaries. It’s a marvel people can get anything done at all with such a wonderful distraction such as this! Perhaps the limiting factor for the Webcams is my bandwidth…. I will have to look into how to stream it to an unlimited source. For those of you who are enjoying the Live PuppyCam, please only watch one cam at a time so others may log in as well. When well intentioned folks open each camera in a separate window, it takes away a spot someone else could be actively watching the live puppycam. I sit here amazed at where technology has brought us with the ability we have to watch a live webcam of puppies at all. Virtual puppy raising can now take the place of well intentioned but misguided pet ownership. People who want to enjoy puppies without the responsibility can do so from the comfort of their own home, and there is no puppy to drop off at the pound if things don’t work out. For the people who research and prepare thoroughly for Doberman puppies, it is a way to connect long before it is safe to see them in person. It also allows the perspective puppy owners to help alert us to any dangers while the pups are young. I am so grateful for the many calls we receive when it appears something is wrong, even if it isn’t. It gives me great peace of mind to know other concerned people are helping me watch over the cute little Doberman puppies.

Aside from the wonderful Puppycam I also sit here amazed at the quality of dogs we have been blessed to share our lives with. The time I spend training rewards me in ways that I can’t even put into words. I remember the first time I worked one of my Dobermans bird hunting and watched with awe as the dog did something I never in my life would be able to do. He sniffed out where a bird had been who knows how long ago. He followed where the bird had walked just as if he could see tiny footprints in the sand.  I have had so many of those moments with the Dobermans in my life that just leave me with a sense of Awe from scent work to protection, to jumping walls carrying dumbbells, and I still find myself in awe of this magnificent breed. I look at the dogs that surround me today and while I have loved each Doberman that has been part of my life, I can’t believe the quality of dogs that surround me know. I am very blessed. WE worked hard to get to this point and we have goals yet to reach, but I find myself truly blessed to be here now. I am looking over at Kasy’s litter thinking there are some amazing Red Doberman puppies from Parents who both showed and placed at the largest and most prestigious Doberman show in the world. Parents who have both competed and done well in Schutzhund sport, and I think that I am looking into the eyes of the next generation of winners. I look at Soraya ready to whelp and think of the sire across the ocean that is accomplishing so much in the show world. Again anticipating the next generation of champion Doberman Pinschers.

Yesterday I was out back doing some protection training with Uragan best of Island and Texas Von Karpatia, and I had two other dogs outside at the time that I didn’t give much thought to at the moment since we have never trained protection with them (Black Jewel Von wolf Stamm and Family Dobes Hershey). Both Texa and Uragan have many many hours of training in protection, which is why I get such a thrill out of being bit by them J But it took only moments for Hershey and Jewel to see what was going on and that they were being left out because they didn’t know this game, so Jewel came up behind me and took a bite out of back side while Hershey swung around the front and grabbed hold of the arm that Uragan had. They all started working as a team, and fell into the behavior naturally. Two dogs that I had not even thought of as protection prospects were learning from their pack how to play the game. Effectively I might add, my backside is still sore!

My gratitude doesn’t end just with Amazing dogs that have amazing abilities either. Because of what I do, I have been fortunate enough to meet many wonderful people along the way. People who teach me many things, and other people I am able to teach. This really has been a rewarding journey so far and I look forward to our bright future. Thank you all for being part of it.

Boys and dogs again

You know everyday my youngest Son reminds me more and more of myself. Today I was sitting working on the computer when I happened to hear my boy talking to the dog saying things like “Coco don’t worry it’s just an ipod, see…. ” I turned my head and couldn’t believe what I saw. That little boy of mine is so much like me it frightens me. He talks to the dogs just as if he were talking to a real person, and he expects them to obey. He simply wanted to share something he was enjoying and thought she might enjoy it too.  He doesn’t bother with training, he just expects the dog to work with him and it does. It reminds me of how much easier it was for me to train dogs when I was 8 than it is today. Simple. Pure. Trust and love. Enjoy the pictures and a flashback to your childhood. Just promise me for you it wasn’t dressing them up

 

Sending Sighs

 

THIS IS A TERRIFIC STORY,

Puppy Size This is one of the neatest stories you will ever hear. You will know precisely what this little girl is talking about at the end (you’ll want to share this one with your loved ones andspecialfriends)! ‘Danielle keeps repeating it over and over again. We’ve been back to this animal shelter at least five times. It has been weeks now since we started all of this,’ the mother told the volunteer. ‘What is it she keeps asking for?’ the volunteer asked.’Puppy size!’ replied the mother

‘Well, we have plenty of puppies, if that’s what she’s looking for.’ ‘I know….. we have seen most of them, ‘ the mom said in frustration… Just then Danielle came walking into the office ‘Well, did you find one?’ asked her mom. ‘No, not this time,’ Danielle said with sadness in her voice. ‘Can we come back on the weekend?’

The two women looked at each other, shook their heads and laughed ‘You never know when we will get more dogs. Unfortunately, there’s always a supply,’ the volunteer said. Danielle took her mother by the hand and headed to the door. ‘Don’t worry, I’ll find one this weekend,’ she said. Over the next few days both Mom and Dad had long conversations with her. They both felt she was being too particular. ‘It’s this weekend orwe’re not looking any more,’ Dad finally said in frustration. ‘We don’t want to hear anything more about puppy size, either,’ Mom added. Sure enough, they were the first ones in the shelter on Saturday morning . By now Danielle knew her way around, so she ran right for the section that housed the smaller dogs. Tired of the routine, mom sat in the small waiting room at the end of the first row of cages. There was an observation window so you could see the animals during times when visitors weren’t permitted.

Danielle walked slowly from cage to cage, kneeling periodically to take a closer look. One by one the dogs were brought out and she held each one.One by one she said, ‘Sorry, but you’re not the one.’ It was the last cage on this last day in search of the perfect pup. The volunteer opened the cage door and the child carefully picked up the dog and held it closely. This time she took a little longer. ‘Mom, that’s it! I found the right puppy! He’s the one! I know it!’ She screamed with joy. ‘It’s the puppy size!’ ‘But it’s the same size as all the other puppies you held over the last few weeks,’ Mom said. ‘No notsize… Thesighs. When I held him in my arms, he sighed,’ she said. ‘Don’t you remember? When I asked you one day what love is, you told me love depends on the sighs of your heart. The more you love, the bigger the sigh!’ The two women looked at each other for a moment. Mom didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. As she stooped down to hug the child, she did a little of both. ‘Mom, every time you hold me, I sigh. When you and Daddy come home from work and hug each other, you both sigh. I knew I would find the right puppy if it sighed when I held it in my arms,’ she said. Then, holding the puppy up close to her face, she said, ‘Mom, he loves me. I heard the sighs of his heart!’

Close your eyes for a moment and think about the love that makes you sigh. I not only find it in the arms of my loved ones, but in the caress of a sunset, the kiss of the moonlight and the gentle brush of cool air on a hot day. They are the sighs of God. Take the time to stop and listen; you will be surprised at what you hear. ‘Life is not measured by the breaths we take, but by the moments that takeour breath away.’

I hope your life is filled withSighs!!!Appreciate every single thing you have, especially your friends! Life is too short and friends are too few.               Life is too short to wake up with regrets. Love the people who treat you right and pray for the ones who don’t

 

. I Appreciate You!!

 

Dobermans

I love learning and seeing new things so I thought I would share a new experience I had just the other day. Hessia Betleges (Holly) was due to deliver her most recent litter this past Friday. I was looking forward to being with her when she whelped since she has decided to adopt me as her human. I get teased that it’s because I’ve spoiled her rotten but I’m denying it!
Friday morning I got a message that Holly has gone into labor and delivered one little black female. A couple of hours later, I was on my way over to help deliver the rest of her pups. Evidently, I wasn’t paying quite as much attention to driving as I should have been. It’s true that police officers really have a knack for picking the most inopportune times to notice that you’re speeding! Fortunately, even though I was going over the limit in a construction zone, I got one of the city’s nicest officers who let me go with a warning and wished good luck with the upcoming delivery. While I was being delayed, it was decided that Holly’s labor wasn’t progressing as quickly as we would like. To ensure that both Mom and all of the pups end up happy and healthy, Holly was scheduled for a c-section.
Let me point out that first we had to GET TO the veternary office which meant transporting a Mom (in labor) along with her newborn pup. Sounds easy enough, right? Well, my vehicle happens to be white. Yes, that also means my interior is a wonderful cream color. It’s great for the Arizona sunshine, not so much for messy moms in labor! Luckily, a kiddie swimming pool just barely fits in the back of my SUV with the seats down. One hurdle covered, mom rides in the pool. Hurdle two comes once I get in the car and realize that Holly, being the wonderful mom that she is, is going to repeatedly attempt to climb over the front seat and actually into the towel lined basket which is safely holding her puppy. I know I must have gotten stares while struggling to drive and simultaneously arm wrestle a nervous mom into the back of the car. It made for one of the longest half hour rides ever. Despite the wrestling match, we made it safe and sound to the office.
Although it can be a common procedure, I myself have never seen one. Luckily for us we have a great friend “in the business” (veterinary that is) who was nice enough to come back into the office on her afternoon off to help us through it. I was a nervous wreck worrying about Holly and the puppies. Thank goodness my friend was there with me. Because of the special circumstances I was able to go along when they took Holly in the back and stay with her during the whole procedure. I have worked in medical practices in the past and have been able to observe surgery a couple of times. I found it surprising and also a relief that things are not done much differently with our canine family members than with humans. Being able to watch the surgery and help with the puppies as they came out was amazing. Each puppy needs to be stimulated and dried off as they are born then they move to a heating pad to wait for Mom to wake up and nurse. One of the greatest sounds I’ve ever heard is the gurgling cries of a newborn puppy taking its first breaths! Imagine a teeny tiny version of Chewbacca, the Wookie from Star Wars, and you’ve got new puppy cries. So cute!!
I’m happy to report that Holly and her five puppies are healthy and doing great. After this experience I have a new respect for our Moms who go through a c-section, and still take such good care of their puppies. They’re tough as nails!

Holly hugs pups

———————–
I’m a very lucky person. Not only do I get to live with three great Dobermans, but I also get to work every day with many more of them. One of my favorites happens to be Casa di Oro Donna Delana (Ruby). It’s no coincidence that Ruby is also the Mom of our girl Madde. I never really understood the power of genetics and great breeding until I started working with Family Dobes. You hear about the importance of choosing great males and females whose traits complement one another to produce a well balanced dog. I never realized just how much of a dogs physicality and personality will show in their offspring. Being that her Mom was bred to a male living in Germany, we never got the pleasure of getting to know Madde’s Dad. I have, however, become very attached to Ruby over the last year.
It’s been amazing to watch little Madde grow into almost a clone of Ruby. They look alike, bark alike and even have the same mannerisms. Everything from how they play with a toy, to how they jump up to greet you, is similar. It’s really a cool thing to see these traits passed down even though they live apart. I can’t enter a room with either one of them in it without getting paws on the shoulders and a nose in the face. Every time I walk out and come back it’s like I’ve been gone for days. Neither of them really plays fetch. Ruby has learned much better than Madde to eventually bring back the toy but both of them would much rather play keep away. Both get the same gratified look of “This is way more fun!” as you chase them around for the toy.
Ruby is responsible for destroying many sprinkler heads at the house. Somehow this even got passed down to Madde. At my house you can’t fill the water jug without getting soaked because she feels the need to attack the water stream the whole time. The neighbors probably thought I was crazy laughing outside alone once when Mother and Daughter were together and I was trying to fill the water buckets. Both scrunching up their faces the same way, one on either side of the bucket, they rhythmically alternated biting the water stream until all three of us were soaked. I couldn’t help but laugh at how much fun they were having!
Another similarity is both of their loves for Schutzhund work. You can’t bring a sleeve or a tug around Ruby without her getting giddy and bouncing to get it. We’ve worked a little bit with Madde at our dog club but she has nowhere near the formal training that Ruby has. Despite this, she tries just as hard to play the game. We never had training gear at the house until recently when we placed an order for a starter kit (puppy sleeve, tugs, etc.). Would you believe that somehow Madde knew what was in that box before we even got it open? She went bizerk for the sleeve and tugs as they came out of the box. Another example of like Mother like Daughter!
Some people will say you can train any dog to do anything. That might be the case for some people but if you really want to know what to expect look to the parents. It’s completely true that it’s the greatest adults who produce the best pups. Never disregard the health and temperaments of the parents. Madde and Ruby are living proof of “what you breed is what you get”!

Denise Meister

Like Mother Like Daughter

Holly hugs pups

A day in the life a European Doberman puppy

Saturday July 25, 2009…..well since the last time i wrote about you, you have still not had an accident at all no pee pee or poops anywhere but outside, you are barking loud and clear in charge of the pack… you are one amazung pup…you went camping in a tent with mom, i think you have traveled more than some humans have traveled you started in AZ flew to NJ, went to NY for the Tristate doberman trials, been to PA, OH, MD and then to WV this weekend, the entire pack of us did some work to help out to get 2 new puppies added to our pack(as part time foster pups please GOd do not let anyone of us get attached), you were showing the little girl how to make the poops outside and how to deal with Sol, then we went to a Crick Drip with about 100 people you walked around like you owned the place, right now you are sleeping on the sofa and the rest of the pack on the floor i am not so sure what power you have but at 8 weeks you are for sure the alpha dog…i love you pink promise….i wonder when you will be tracking and being the super schutzhund dog i know that you will be…..

July 28^th my lovely lady this morning you had an eventful morning, you watched mommy training the older dobermans in our yard…i have come to realize that you need to be part of the action at all times…after the older dobermans were done training i decided that you needed to go for a walk so that you were tired when mommy was at work…we walked to the river and you barked your head off at every fisherman at the river(not good, how will the fish ever bite if you scare them away…i can tell i have my hands full with you…i allowed to bark and growl…then we saw mr. hoffman who is a nice man that mom has known since 8th grade and you were fine you sat there like a precious sweet doberman….amazing you are. I find that you are not getting along too well with the foster dobermans that we have since thursday…you are the alpha dog and not tolerating mommy nursing them back to health. I am trying to teach you miss sierra that the world does not revolve around you….lol(really it does..but i am trying to show you at 9 weeks and 2 days that i am in charge…you are so damm cute when i pick you up you snort, growl and grown…i can not believe that you do not want to be held anymore..this is getting critical for mommy, i love to hold you and love you and smell you…now you are growing up no more puppy smell it goes so fast…you are eating out of a big girls bowl and drinking water out of the community backyard bucket…you are stealing the toys and treats from the new foster dobes…you are a spoiled rotten brat and your harley davidson collar that mitchell got you “bad to the bone” suits you just perfect, you seem to like it when Mitchell picks you up and loves on you…you are a man’s girl? you cute little red head….

July 29^th you got your first bath last night and a manicure and pedicure you sat so still for mom to do it, i was almost going to paint your nails. you are such a cutie, i just came for lunch to love on all of the dobermans in my life, you are so full of crazy energy and not much of the love bug you were a week ago…one week from today you are going to get your ears done….love you miss sierra tango aka pink promise

July 30^th last night you went to the schutzhund training field last night you acted like you own the place running all around and being silly…mom loves you…you will not let anyone love on you at all except mitchell who i guess will be your man…..you are so smart and great looking…tonight i have to take your siblings to the vets and then we will do puppy stuff…after i scoop all your poops.. you are now making bigger poops…

A day in the life of a Champion bred Doberman puppy

July 20th well my little pink promise, i went home at lunch time today and found you to have green snots and sniffles from your little nose, you were playing perfect, you are eating and drinking, peeing and pooping perfect, just green snotty snots, so i called dr. b and she is preparing an antibiotic for you and mom will pick it up after work, you seem to be fine other than your green snots….you were playing tug of war with sol or should i say sol was dragging you around the house with the rope tug it was so cute, i need to be on top of you with a camera to capture these shots…love you…xxxooo(i think your diagnosis is kiss hug and love overdose!!!)
July 21st Tuesday July 21st, last night you had to sleep in the bed… you were so snotty and had a little fever, i called steve he said you would be okay this morning after 2 doses of your antibiotic you are less snotty and no fever, i think you are adjusting to the nj climate it has been really humid since you came to nj, i know that you are not too sick you were being pulled by sol, you are so strong you hold on for dear life with the toy rope and sol pulls you… you are so damm cute. i LOVE you more than life…you have the brightest personality and so full of life even if you are snotty with green snots….you are now going up 3 steps, growing taller and even eating a whole bowl of food….your poops and pees are getting bigger….xxxooomom

Day in the life of Dobes

July 4th [i]Good morning it is 0643 here in NJ and I am so excited this is how I count the day I am going to get my familydobes puppy i do not count today it is here already, so it is Sun, Mon, Tues 3 days…and Wed is the day i get her….now i have a great surprise to tell steve the puppy needs to be at the airport at 5:15AM as per continential…. the spokes person telephone consultation was amazing with the instructions all i kept saying was thank goodness steve knows what he is doing….so my puppy will arrive in newark nj at 2:34pm, i find myself having a case of eye trouble and not seeing myself being able to concentrate that day at work….for now i must go train my sol and enjoy the 4th of july….happy birthday america…..okay it is the afternoon of july 4th and i am so excited to have my pink promise…i have rearranged my crate situation, and i have installed my 3rd crate into my truck(it was a project and a few blonde moments,,,as i was so frustrated that it would not fit, Sol is in the yard barking his head off at me, as if he knew i was doing it wrong..Sol is off lead and at my side as long as society lets him and when i am upset, anxious or just plain crabby he senses my every emotion, i just imagine how my pink promise will be….gosh i love those familydobes…on monday i am making the appointment for my vet to check her out and get clearance for the ear cropping procedure…which reminds me i interviewed and studied a lot of vets who do this ear cropping sort of reminds me of my days of interviewing the plastic surgeron….so now i am ready for my arrival and i did not want my neighbors to know all about my doberman life i would be making welcome home signs for my pink promise….
July 6th It is July 6th and only 2 more days until my pink promise comes to NJ, it is now to the point that I can sleep and I am so excited to meet her, I can only imagine what type of personality she will have….I am ready for her…I want her here now…maybe she could fly tomorrow??? I was reading a Royal Cannine book on puppy imprinting and I am looking foward to all of this….“ God turns the ordinary into the extraordinary… ”

~Erwin Tippel
Now why are you not awake… i keep checking on the web cam and you are sleeping….pink promise i can not wait to see you….okay miss sierra tango i have now made your vet appointment for 7:30pm on monday july 13th..Dr B is looking forward to meeting you and love on you, you will like her she is a nice vet and your brother and sisters love her….i see you were awake and now sleeping…lazy….
July 7th dear pink promise lady… i tried to blog on you this am and this forum would not let me post it so your breeder is going to add it in for me… but for now i know that you have been to the vets, and had your shots and you weigh 10lbs…i have all of your supplies packed and ready to go to come get you and your aunt anneliese is coming with me to get you….i am so excited it is in 18 hours and i am so looking forward to meeting you and smelling your sweet little puppy breath, and clean you all up if you are so nervous and had an accident…. see you soon….
July 8th GOOD MORNING MY PUUPY IT IS YOUR DAY TO COME TO NJ…..I AM SO EXCITED I HAVE MY TRUCK PACKED WITH YOUR TREASURES…TOWEL, LEASH, SHAMPOO, WASH BASIN, PAPER TOWELS, WATER, COLLAR, GARBAGE BAGS, FOOD…..I CAN NOT WAIT TO MEET YOU….IT WILL BE IN 8 HOURS…THE AIRLINE BETTER MAKE YOU A PRIORITY AND TAKE YOU OFF BEFORE ANY LUGGAGE OR HUMANS…..THIS IS SO EXCITING, YOU WILL SLEEP IN A SMALL CRATE NEXT TO MY BED AND SOL WILL BE IN MY BED KEEPING AN EYE ON YOU….WHAT ELSE WOULD LIKE TO KNOW ABOUT YOUR NEW LIFE IN BELVIDERE, NJ… YOU HAVE A FENCED IN 6FOOT YARD, 2 SISTERS AND SOL….HE HAS YOUR PERSONALIT I BET HE IS ALSO A FAMOUS FAMILYDOBE….LOVE TO YOU AND ALL OF THE OTHER DOBERMANS AND THEIR OWNERS IN THE WORLD….
I just watched you being taken from your litter mates, how exciting is this… see you soon….I just confirmed with Aunt Anneliese that we are meeting at her house to come get you at 2:34pm xxxoooo
well sierra we are home safe and sound…hope that you feel comfortable as i write this you are nestled in your crate… this is going to be short because i am so sleepy and your Familydobe friend Sol has training at 0615 in the am we have to leave at 0430 am for the training, i have lots of video tapes of your arrival, i wonder how your litter mate made out in travels… i am so proud of you your kennel was dry.. you went out side to pee pee, came home and fit right in with the 3 other dobermans in the house and have ate and went poopies outside..and most importantly i am in LOVE with you already… i am so blessed to have a familydobe puppy so much…that i wish i had 101 dobermans
July 14th at 12:18pm I can not believe it has been one week since you have been home, you are an angel…i can not tell you how lucky i am to have you…you got home from the airport last wednesday july 8th and to my suprise you were dry no accidents, you made pee pee’s in newark, nj and then at aunt anneliese’s house..home we went where you met Sol, Kayla and Xena all of these doberman’s were so happy to see you… then for the next four days you traveled to warwick,NY in your carrier(you had to stay in the Yukon and have no exposure to any other dogs or people, but it is interesting you are 6 weeks 4 days old at your first trial it was the Tri State Doberman Club Trials…maybe that is a sign of how your next 7 years are going to be. Now on Sunday your mom fell down a hill and did some serious damage to my left leg, i got crutches, knee embolizer and an ankle cast…amazing enough I was going to the truck to check on you my little pink promise…never made it there, but there were lots of people willing to take you and help with you…i said no way i am so very protective of you, i was so sure to give feeding and bathroom instuctions about you while i was in the ER, for example the pink promise can not go to the bathroom around or near where other dogs go, and no one can feed you like i feed you…i let you eat out of my hand, yes you are spoiled rotten. gosh i was so happy to get you back in my sight,. so we made it home on sunday night, you are amazing you decided to sleep through the night since sunday night. you are pulling at the comforter, digging up the kitchen floor mat and hauling around remote controls…great work!!! your accident in the house was MY fault i did not respond to your bark shame on me… you have now made it to be alongside Kayla and Xena in the crates, because Sol does not want you in the bed he is very angry with you there, and nothing for nothing he was here first….this week on Thursday you are going to go for your check up, i ordered your akc paper work from your father/breeder steve so you can get your udc scorebook and this afternoon i am researching dates for you to get in your first confirmation show ring and your PTT…i will have every letter behind your name before long.. thanks for being part of my life Sierra…. i will write more soon…

July 15th well well miss pink promise today you actually went up 2 full steps and have learned to follow your big sisters and sol….can you believe you are even in the bigger crate…you are growing way too fast, but you still smell like a puppy and you are so sweet….you are eating lots, drinking out of the big bucket and even making bigger poops and pees…..you are sleeping almost 6 hours straight through at night time….mommy is learning how to “stack” you and getting your UDC scorebook….i just love you to pieces…today i have to work and then take Sol to the trainers…you will be ok, during the day Robert is going take care of you and then at 4pm i am loading you in your little crate for a trip to warwick ny by the time you start training you can drive us there…..xxxoo mom

July 16th well well mommy woke up this am before you and i had to check on you…i can not believe you slept from 10pm until 6am your such a big girl…it is amazing NO accidents and you are such a sweetie, the smell of you, and your little heart pounding and your razor sharp teeth are just so amazing….i am home for lunch and can not wait until you are old enough to be social, today at 4pm you are going to the vets i have your poop all packed and ready to be tested xxxooo mom
friday july 17th well you weigh 10.7, the vet said that you are perfect…she asked who your breeder was and mommy gave all the information to her, she will be getting a dobe in no time, you are contagious people love you to death….i have a funny story for you to remember mom has carried you in the airline carrier each and everyday… everywhere like an infant and on the way into the vets you must have gained so much weight that the bottom of the carrier fell out, you were fine, i had a heart attack and now suffer from ptsd of fear of you flopping onto the ground…well you are doing well and now it is time for mom to make the ear cropping appointment…(pleae anyone against it… let’s talk about this people have plastic surgery to look good and my dobe is a hot redhead and she wants to look even better so i am getting the ears cropped)… i made an appointment with a nice man who does the laser cropping, i have checked out all of his creditials and references, he is the man, you are going on august 4th which is a great day it is my grandmother Nanny’s birthday God bless her, she was a great mentor in my life, and would laugh at me as a teenager all the girls had pictures of wedding dresses and houses, i had doberman’s…..i am now living my dream and pink promise you are a part of my dream…you are now going up the steps, hopping and doing great chasing after me in my white robe in the morning, you are even barking and surprising yourself….no accidents and even last night you slept in a 700 crate alongside the bed, Sol is NOT happy with you in the bed, he is a typical male and NOT sharing AT ALL… i try to reassure each and everyone of you(dobes that is) there is enough of my love for both of you….in the morning you are going to go to the Schutzhund club with us and stay in the car while Sol and do tracking…soon you will be doing this also…love you pink promise …..
July 20th monday morning here.. pink promise you are going to get me fired from work, all i can do is think about you and the dobermans in my life and the ones that i want to add to my loving collection of all of you…maybe i can start a doberman support group for those who are addicted. this weekend you seemed to be really growing and adjusting to life here in NJ, we got new toys this weekend, a tire rope, and some ropes for you to chew on… (it is amazing all new puppy toys and do you play with, an empty water bottle…)your teeth are razor sharp… i started to think that you would be carried like a baby in my arms for the rest of your life. this weekend you have made it clear that you do not want to be carried, you grunt and snort to get down….now you run around the yard like you own it….you have now discovered that you are too big to fit through the back stairs… you are climbing 2 steps at a time…growing and growing…this week i am going to research the best dog food for you, i learned that the food i have been feeding you has changed ingredients..i want what is best for you….

A Day in the life of Dobermans

07/03/2009 Introduction….
Well here I am staring daily at the www.familydobes web site, actually more than daily, every free minute. Let me begin with my connection to www.familydobes.com, I was 39 years old and for a year prior to my 40th birthday my fiancé stated I could have anything i wanted for my 40th birthday, i.e. a cruise, at one point he even suggested 2 elephants and a camel….my passion for Dobermans has been since i was a young girl and i always had a dream to own a “real” Doberman and not a white picket fence what I wanted was to have a working dog you know one of those mean…tough dogs that are loveable behind closed doors, so with much undercover research for about 6 months i surfed the web to the point I erased the history….after all he know all I wanted was Doberman…he had just gotten me 2 Doberman puppies from another kennel on April 6th, how could I now asked for this trained adult working Doberman, so one night over the nice dinner I made him, I say i have decided i what i want and it is so simple…and i showed him Sol from Familydobes…in 2 days i was on a plane meeting the owner of FamilyDobes…Steve and truly his family of 4 children and his wife….all of who I fell in love with, i guess i could not ask to take a dog and the 4 children….lol i immediately bonded with Sol and he and I worked great together Steve was so kind and patient….even when he was teaching me my handling techniques and i did not know my left from my right….so i fly home with this wonderful 40th birthday gift, Sol fits in with my other dogs and my fiancé… it is now 5/16/09….i see the a litter of puppies born and say this Sol is so awesome I want and need to have another Family Dobe… once again I secretly research and keep the puppy cam minimized on my computer screen even at work….at this point i have arranged to meet with a trainer and join my local Doberman club who all of the members are super impressed with my Sol and can not believe how much drive and bonding he has with me…in such a short amount of time…Sol has come into my home since 5/16/9 and it has been nothing but pure paradise…I sleep sound each and every night….to be continued with my desire for my next FamilyDobe….

On May 24, 2009 I see that Ruby the greatest female dobe in the family dobe kennel is having her puppies i think to myself am i nuts but i really want one of her puppies (this mom Ruby) jumped in my rental car when i there visiting Steve and bringing Sol home…she was so sweet and loveable to me and Steve’s family but also a great protector over the children… i thought to myself i need to have one of those puppies…but really secretly kept this insane thought in my head… so on June 18th i make the offer to take the pink collared female to NJ, and then on June21st (the actual day of my 40th birthday i wake up and see my name typed into the Family Dobes Selma reservation tab! I could not even eat (did i mention since getting my Sol i have lost 12.8 lbs) and now this pink promise is what i have decided to refer to as with my conversations with Steve. it is my pink (for the collar) and promise (to the puppy, he, my fiancé and myself that she will get the best care and training that i have to offer her, and i promise to make it…in this doberman world….so now it is a couple of weeks until she comes to NJ, how do i tell family and friends i am up to four dobermans and will be training 2 of them…less is best…if you are not a Doberman/Schutzhund lover you would not understand….now i have ordered another crate for home and my Yukon (i bet the UPS man thinks i have lost my mind)…did i mention that i have a 17 year old son who is so happy that i have all these Dobermans because he is an only child so you can imagine where all my attention has been for 17 years…..so now that i know that the pink promise is my dog…i watch every minute the puppy web cam…what a great invention. and on June 30th i send Steve an emergency text message….OMG where is the pink promise? he writes back look closely she is sleeping near the blue collared puppy…..as i am writing this blog i see that Steve just fed the puppies….what a miracle the web cam is….On July 8th is the arrival date for my pink promise which i have decided will not sound so “professional’ at the trials…is going to be call Sierra Tango…the date i am going to take off 4 days of work to be with my puppy can not come soon enough….i am SO SO SO excited… i am so ready to just smell her puppy breath… in the mean time my Sol and i are training 2x daily and 2x week with a professional trainer and today at the trial field i heard a Tri-State Doberman Club member say “you should be so proud of that Doberman, he has the best bite I have ever seen.” and my trainer…world famous trainer John Soares has been complementing on Sol’s bite work and believes we will be famous…stay tuned….I love my Dobermans

July Newsletter

Warm weather is here and downright hot weather for some of us! With that comes many concerns for our dogs, and with the approaching Holiday there are things that are worth repeating for those new to the list since last year.

 

Naturally it has been hot for some time now across the states and all of you know it is a bad idea to leave dogs in hot cars. What we want to focus on are some alternatives so you can still take your dog with you. I still go to several training groups each week, shows etc. So my dogs need to come along. On short visits, I leave the Truck running with the AC on and take a spare key with me so I can lock the doors. I don’t want anyone letting my dogs out or stealing a running car! Although it would take quite the fool to decide to steal a truck full of Dobermans! I also hunt for Shady spots to park, even if it means walking a long distance. Some places you go your Dog would be welcome if you ask permission ahead of time or if it is a pet friendly location. I laughed hysterically yesterday when I went to the DMV, the first thing I saw was a sign on the door that said “No Pets” I tend to notice those kinds of things. Then I noticed right at the front counter a welsh corgi laying at some lady’s feet. It was not identified as a service animal, so I laughed. But many people will welcome your dog to their business if it is well mannered. The leading economists show businesses are recognizing pets as family more and more and welcoming them to draw customer loyalty. I think it is great so long as we only take dogs with good manners and don’t ruin it for everyone else. Also you may have learned the hard way, that uncontained pets in vehicles can make for some very costly repairs. Zenny once ate my cruise control and seatbelts in my Tahoe before I started putting up a barrier.

One thing I do after any summer exercise or even just coming in from outside is to wipe them down with wet towels in the hot summer it helps cool them off and don’t they look great with that glossy wet coat! So use some common sense, include your pets when you can, leave them when you can’t.

Also this time of year many people go camping and want to take the dogs. I think that is great so long as you don’t have a dog that likes to bark at everything and gets on other campers nerves, be polite and keep them on lead or in an exercise pen, or at your side all the time so you don’t intimidate others. Know there are risks and be prepared, such as snake bites, ticks, other wild animals that carry disease and may think your dog is dinner… RV camping is very dog friendly, tent camping can be, and so can backpacking if you are well prepared. I like having the dogs along for company, and they can warn me of dangers I am unaware of.

Now the fireworks warnings… They are loud and dangerous for dogs. My dogs do well with the noise of it all, since we work on that  for Schutzhund and other things, and they are so high in prey they like to chase anything that moves. You can certainly see the problem… Anyway, if your dog is afraid of loud noises, or if you are unsure, please don’t take them to a public park to watch fireworks, work on noises and manners in public first. If you are leaving to go watch a show somewhere, remember how terrifying it could be for a pet left home, make sure they are in a safe secure place where they can’t be hurt or hurt themselves. You also don’t want to develop lasting fears so consider all your options for a pet friendly fourth of July celebration.

This information was passed on to me and I want to share it with all of you

We all prepare ourselves for emergencies, but do your preparations include your pets?

Proper emergency planning can help save the life of your pet. The American Kennel Club has prepared the following checklists to help pet owners pack a portable pet first-aid kit and prepare for an emergency evacuation. Preparedness is important in any disaster situation and these checklists can be applied to any emergency that calls for evacuation from your home. Evacuation Checklist for Pets 

Dog medicine(s), i.e. heart worm, flea, ear mite medicine, etc. 

Dog Bowls 

Dog Food (1-week minimum, 2-week suggested), dog treats, etc. 

Can opener 

Leashes: walking leash, short leash 

Harness (to attach to seat belt) 

Extra dog tag, (masking tape, laundry pen) Cell #, Hotel # and Room # 

Pet records stored in waterproof container or plastic sealable bag 

Crate 

Dog bed/blanket/toys 

Supplies/paper towels, rug cleaner, toilettes, towels, flash light 

Current dog photograph(s) with your notification information: useful for fliers should your dog go missing or must be left at shelter 

Dog friendly hotel listings/ telephone lists 

Shampoo 

Litter/portable litter pan 

Duct tape 

Bottled water 

Pet First Aid Kit 

Portable First Aid Kit for Pets 

Water-proof storage container for kit 

Antiseptic/anti-bacterial cleansing wipes/Alcohol prep pads 

Eye wash 

Eye and skin wash in one 

A sock (foot wrapper) 

Latex surgical gloves 

Electrolyte powder (add to water on hot days) 

Emergency space blanket 

Small flashlight 

Bottled water 

Medicated balm 

Leash and collar 

Soft muzzle 

Speak to your vet about what to pack in case your dog has a sudden allergic reaction 

Flexible bandage 

Gauze roll 

Bandage scissors- to cut gauze and to clip hair around wounds 

Wood splint 

Paper towels 

Plastic baggies 

Small cold pack and hot pack (self activating) 

Cotton swabs 

Antibiotic ointment/packets 

Tweezers 

Space for copy of dog’s papers & vet records (sealed in plastic bag)

 

 

 

 

Stephen Parsons 
Quality Doberman Pinschers

www.familydobes.com

480-993-9797