Dedicated to Roo the stunt cat,
our favorite barncat who disappeared just before we found 4.5"
cat prints just across the creek.
If this would be
your first dog, or you haven't had a dog in a long time,
or if you have never
before owned or trained a big dog, please read this page.
get a dog without understanding
the time, energy, expense and years of obligation that you'll be exchanging
for a new best friend.
How many of these have you heard?
Our friends at shelters and at local Humane Societies have heard them all.
Why you shouldn't get a dog,
unless you've thought it over: - Not home a lot? Please consider a less
demanding pet, such as a cat. - Tiny backyard and don't have an hour or two
every day to walk and play with a dog? Get a cat.
- Dogs are expensive. If
your budget can't stand hundreds of dollars a year for pet food, vet visits, and
even more for the occasional emergency, please consider not getting a puppy.
- Is the time and expense of training a dog not an option for your strained budget?
Please consider a less expensive pet.
Why
you shouldn't get a puppy, unless you've thought it over:
- If you can't commit to 10 or 15 years of uninterrupted pet ownership, consider raising a future leader
dog for the blind instead. Typically the dog is raised to 12 or 15 months
of age and then returned to the coordinating organization. Or consider getting an older dog, perhaps from a shelter. Please don't get a puppy.
- If you are
open to getting an older dog, you can help an overcrowded rescue by adopting.
- Matching an adult dog to a family is a simpler process.
- When you start
with an adult dog, you can insist on a housebroken dog.
- Both mother and
father work? Please consider not getting an energetic, attention-requiring puppy.
Adult dogs are less energetic, which would mean less effort on your part
-
Adult dogs have finished teething and will be less likely to chew your new $100
pair of shoes.
- If money is tight you'll be pleased at the price of most
adult dogs.
- If you're looking for an older Doberman, please
contact us - we can put you in touch with a Doberman rescue.
-
If you're open to a dog with physical imperfections, please
contact us - we can put you in touch with a Doberman rescue.
Why
you shouldn't buy a puppy from a breeder, unless you've thought it over: -
There are thousands of dogs in rescues, and there are rescues for every breed
and for mixed breeds. If you are open to getting an older dog, you can help out
by giving a wonderful dog a second chance. - Matching an adult dog to a family
is a simpler process - If money is tight you'll be pleased at the price of
an adult dog from a rescue.
Why you shouldn't get a
purebred, unless you've thought it over: - Mixed dogs are often (but not
always) healthier, though it also tends to be harder to predict their eventual
appearance, strengths and temperament. - A healthy purebred dog usually costs
quite a bit more than a mixed-breed. - Much dangerous narrowing of genetic
diversity happens when purebreds are bred without serious regard to genetics and
health. If you buy a purebred, check the breeder out carefully.
Why
you shouldn't get a large breed, unless you've thought it over: - Larger
dogs cost more - they eat more food, require higher doses of everything from flea
& tick treatment to anesthetic at the vet's.
- Larger dogs are more powerful.
We've seen medium-sized dogs accidentally knock over adults while playing. If
the size and power of a large-breed isn't a positive for your family, please consider
a smaller breed. - Larger dogs may require more effort on your part to exercise
- running free in your back yard may not do it.
Why
you shouldn't get a Doberman, unless you've thought it over: - Not home
a lot? You might want to get a dog that requires less maintenance and attention
than a Dobe. Imagine spending most of your entire life having to go to the bathroom
but not being allowed. - Frail children or infants in your house? Now might
not be the best time to bring a speedy ball of energy into your home. - Plan
to have children in the near future? People who aren't experienced handling powerful
dogs and people who are less assertive might be better off waiting until after
their children are older, or getting a less powerful breed. - If the adult
who'll be the primary caretaker of the dog is gentle and less assertive, this
might well be the wrong breed for you. The best family Dobes are raised knowing
who is in charge. - Unable to give time, attention and money to dog training?
Please consider another breed. - If you simply want a watchdog (a dog that
barks when unusual things happen outside or when a stranger rings the bell), many
other breeds would do. - Never had a big dog before? Then it's much harder
for you to be sure that you'll like most of what you're in for when you select
a Dobe. - Is your local government or insurance company Doberman-unfriendly?
Some hysterics have pushed breed-bans because of a few bad owners. This is a silly
solution to the problem of a few incompetent owners, but you need to research
the rules in these two areas before buying a Doberman. The "outlawed breed"
idea came and went in the 1950s - hopefully it won't stick around long this time,
either.
Why you shouldn't get a Five Star Doberman, unless
you've thought it over: - Five Star Doberman are started for active families
that are prepared to give their dog a lot of attention and exercise. - We require our owners
to provide training since this is a vital component of helping your dog be all
it can be. If you don't have experience in this area it means extra expense.
Purebred
Doberman puppies are for people who: - Simply love the Doberman breed
and want to start with one at the beginning. - Want the increased predictability
of a purebred in behavior and appearance compared to mixed dogs. - Want their
children to raise a dog from a puppy. - Value family security: You simply
can't make a better choice for family security. - Want the option of competing
with their dog in a wide variety of events. Some competitions are only open to
purebreds. - Want a wonderfully emotional, intelligent companion. - Have
the time, energy and finances to help their puppy fully develop.
People
who have had powerful dogs before, and particularly Dobermans can make a more-informed
choice about being able to successfully raise a Doberman from puppy-hood into
adulthood.
Breeders of AKC Registered Purebred Dobermans
Member of Kennel Club of Columbus, Indiana (AKC)
Member of Doberman Pinscher Club of Indiana, America's very first
DPCA chapter!
Five Star Dobermans: using love, breed knowledge, and canine development
science
to provide better pups for active families
