3 year old being given to me
My good friend has a 3 year old female he can no longer take care of and has asked if I wanted to take her on. I have been around dogs my entire life. But have never had a Doberman. She is well behaved and is great with kids. Any idea or tips on training or getting her used to her new enviroment? And I would love some general tips on the breed.
Thanks!!
Kyle
That is fantastic that you can take her and care for her. Sounds like she has a good start being good with kids and trained. If you are in an area that you can take classes with her that would be a great bonding tool and that way you both are working on the same page. Dobermans love to work and use their brains. Cant wait to hear more about your adventures together and how she adapts to your home. Dont hesitate to ask for help if you have any questions.
Hi Kyle and welcome to the Forum.
The only suggestions (other than what's been stated) I would have is:
Patience
Love
Trust
Patience: with her as she'll be a bit confused at first.. It will take a while before she really settles in.It was a full six months before our Sofia knew she was truly home for good.
Love: well that's a given.. you already do love her, and I know you will make it known to her.
Trust: Trust that she will add to and become a valued member of your family. She will sense it and return the same trust.
As far as general tips. When we rescued Sofia I had absolutely NO clue about Dobermans.. I learned everything from this Forum and by asking questions, no matter how mundane.
The experienced people on this Forum truly do not mind answering ANY and EVERYTHING that might come to your mind. They have a passion for the breed ( that borders on obsession) and are willing to share with you.
What is her name and when do you get her?
Thanks for the warm welcome every one!
Hi Kate thanks for your post
Her name is Jasmine and we meet her tonight to see if she will be right for our family. From what my friend has said about her I dont think I could say no. I will check back in tomorrow and let you all know!
Welcome to the forum! my only advice is be patient and even though she's 3 treat her like a puppy. she doesn't know you or your schedule, she doesn't know where the door is to go out, she doesn't know if she's allowed or not on furniture, etc. Treat her like you would a puppy and train her what you expect of her and she will become a valuable loving member of your family.
I can't add anything to the great advice that's already been given, but I do want to say WELCOME, and thank you for taking Jasmine into your home, your family, and your life.
Oh---and we would LOVE to see pictures of her ASAP 
Kevin & Jasmine - Welcome to the forum! This group rocks and you will find tons of information to help you both on your journey! Cheers ~ Lisa
One word of advice... they are SCARY smart... If you don't train her, she WILL train you lol
Ha! I mis-read your post, and thought it was a done deal! LOL!
I do hope you keep us posted. :-)
Welcome to you and your new girl. I also echo what everyone else said, but, to add to what Kevin said, even if you train them, they will train you! Lol. Good.luck and keep us posted. Oh, and some pictures would be nice too.
Chris
Welcome to the forum and the world of doberman parenting!!! Can't wait to see the pics and hear the stories, the ups and downs, :))
Hey All well we got Jasmine last night. She has loads of energy that is for sure! But is trained very good so we will keep on top of it! uploaded a few pics to show her off not the best quality but will upload some more when I can. As to be expected not being used to her new surroundings she made a little bit of noise last night but all in all great. Pulls a bit when were walking her so we will have to work on that..
More update to come!
Cheers
Kyle
Hip, hip, HOORAY!!! That's great news! Puts a HUGE smile on my face.
Congratulations, and so happy for all of you.
Love the photos.. looks as if she's making herself quite at home.. You're in for a wonderful adventure.. and don't forget, we're all here for you and the lovely Jasmine ( great name BTW)
You are going to be in awe of the breed, and hopefully develope the same love for your dobe as the rest of us here. Good luck and enjoy. Any problems you'll find this site helpful.
I'm a little late ..But Congratulations! She is a sweat heart. Oh and Welcome.
Kyle - I would like to add my welcome to you and to Jasmine. I think it is wonderful that you have rescued Jasmine. And it is a rescue, even though she was not abused. I have had Dobes for 30 years now (currenly have Nos. 13 and 14, Princess and Jake) and would be absolutly lonely out of my skull without them. They will try your patience and try your limits.
Right now you will probably find her a bit stand offish because she does not know you all that well, and she is not sure why she is in your house and not her home. However, she will quickly come to realize that this is her home and you are her humans. Then you will begin to understand why we call them velcro dogs. If you are in the LR and she is laying on the floor, and you get up to go anywhere, you will have a shadow (she will follow you). Jake follows me so closely, if I'm wearing slippers, he at time steps on the heels and almost pulls one off. He muzzel is in my hand licking my fingers as I am going to and from the kitchen. Princess is usually right behind him so I look like the Pied Piper.
Do not allow her on your bed. If she was allowed that previously, she will try to get up there, but the elevated sleeping position is the privilage of Alpha, and you need to maintain that. Some in the forum let their Dobe join them on the bed, but it is not a good idea.
Pulling on the leash, when she pulls on the leash, simply turn around. She is trying to lead you, and she should be beside you not in front. This will take some time to accomplish, and the first day you will probably not get to walk very far and you will take a step and she pull, so you turn around and you may get two steps before she is in front pulling again. It won't take long for her to understand.
You have the great advantage she is young, but old enough to be settled so you don't have any puppy issues. Getting a new puppy is great, but it take about two years for them to settle down.
Enjoy your girl and congratulations, you are now owned by a Doberman. BTW - that's her house, you are just there to serve her food, make sure there is enough water for her Royal Highness and transport her when she needs to travel. At least that's the view of every Dobe I have ever had.
"Enjoy your girl and congratulations, you are now owned by a Doberman. BTW - that's her house, you are just there to serve her food, make sure there is enough water for her Royal Highness and transport her when she needs to travel. At least that's the view of every Dobe I have ever had."
Nicely said! ![]()

Welcome to the forum, Kyle!
I would suggest that you start reading through all the posts you can! There's a TON of information here. One member here did nothing but read through posts for the first six months.
Really nice that your new girl is well behaved and good with your kids - that's a grand start! Thank you for opening your home and your heart to her so that she didn't suffer a terrible fate.