memes

We considered a standard poodle. They’re amazing dogs. But we decided we want a dog with a little more brawn, since we live in a rural area and there are coyotes and stuff. So, we got a dobie. He’s still a puppy, so he’s got that puppy energy going on, and it’s hard to wear him out.

He’s incredibly sweet and intelligent, but he always wants to be doing something. Plus he’s like a toddler. He won’t go to sleep when he’s tired, he just gets restless, ornery, and bitey. We have to put him to bed and make him take naps. The biting has almost completely stopped now that he’s nearly finished teething, so that has been nice.

But he requires a lot of attention and exercise. He spends a good chunk of the day outside just kind of exploring around, and attacking his huge plushie toys. He will relax in my office if I lock him in there with me, so there’s that, but we go outside several times during the day. During my lunch break I sometimes take him for a 1 mile walk. Then after work I take him for a 1.5-2.5 mile hike depending on the difficulty and his energy levels. Then he eats. Afterwards he has to chew on stuff for like 2 hours! lol. Then we do some training, and sometimes scent work. He finally starts winding down around bedtime assuming he got enough exercise that day. From what I understand, they will need less exercise as they get older, but right now he has a nearly bottomless supply of energy.

This is our first Doberman, first large breed dog, and first working dog. It’s been an adventure. That said, we love him to pieces. He is a total character, full of personality and quirks, and he’s the sweetest, gentlest boy, when he’s not in zoomie mode. If he’s got the zoomies then all bets are off. I highly recommend this breed, assuming you know what you’re getting into, and you have the fitness level and time to meet their needs.

Let me know if you want to know anything else about them. I’ve done a million hours of research on them, plus I live with one. I’m happy to answer any questions you may have.