Doberman Village

Almost every bit of problem dog owners are facing today: Restrictive Canine Legislation, Breed Specific Legislation, prejudice by Landlords and insurance companies, can all be laid at the feet of irresponsible dog owners.

Owning a dog is a privilege, that carries a  huge responsibility. These animals depend on us to provide at a minimum, food and shelter but also they depend on us to provide proper training and socialization. If you are considering taking a dog into your life, you need to think seriously about the commitment of time, energy and money, that being a Responsible Dog Owner entails. If you already have a dog, you also need to consider if you are fulfilling all your obligations to it, before adding a puppy who must have your time and attention too.

As a Doberman Breeder I am on a mission to help dobe owners raise happy, healthy, well socialized great ambasadors of the doberman breed.. The list below is mportant for you to consider in order for you to be the best and most responsible dobe owner you can be. 

Steps you should consider prior to getting a doberman puppy:

Think First: 

• Do you have the time to commit to raising and training a dobe puppy. Do your research - is a Dobeman the right breed for me - talk to other dobe owners

Make the Commitment

• Reserve your new Doberman
• Make sure you have a contract with health guarantees
• Make sure you are buying an AKC registered Doberman
• Be sure and transfer your new Doberman into your name with the AKC
• Secure the services of a good Veterinarian that knows the Doberman Breed

Get Ready

• Buy puppy supplies before the he comes home (food, treats, collar & leash, toys)
• Decide who is in charge of  feeding, water, exercise, clean-up and grooming.  Set a schedule for when these things will be done
• Puppy Proof your home prior to bringing your puppy home
• Ensure you have a safe secure containment system for your puppy do he will stay on your property. Check your fence for any spots a puppy can wriggle under or through.   If your yard is not fenced, you must decide on some method to contain and control your dog during free exercise and play times in the yard,  If no fence then the dog must be kept on a short or long leash at all times when taken outside.
• Decide where the puppy is going to sleep

Bring Your Puppy Home

• Ensure you bring your puppy home at a time that you do not have other responsibilities that will call upon your time and focus – these first few days home the puppy should be your only focus – do not bring a puppy home during a big holiday when the house routine will be noisy and hectic.
• Other pets in residence must be properly introduced to your new puppy, be sure things are quiet and calm, don't try to force them to do more than say hello.
• Be consistent with the feeding and potty schedule to help housebreaking your new puppy. 
• Start teaching your puppy proper house manners from the very beginning.  Show him what is and is not appropriate behavior. Consistency is the key to having a well-behaved pet.

Keep Your Dog Healthy

• Set up a post purchase vet appointment as soon as possible to ensure you have purchased a healthy puppy.  Return to the vet to complete the recommended puppy vaccinations.  Your puppy should be seen by the vet at least once a year for a Wellness Exam
• Feed a good quality puppy food
• Ensure your puppy gets lots of exercise and play time, in addition to his trips outside for potty time.
• Keep your puppy on Monthly heart worm meds
• Keep your puppy clean and groomed
• Keep your puppy’s nails clipped or dremmeled short

Keep Your Dog Safe

• Be sure and apply some form of permanent ID for your pet if the breeder has not done it – Mircro-chip or Tatoo
• Do not take on the responsibility for a Doberman unless you are committed to him being an inside dog – no dog should kept on a chain out in the yard!
• Appoint someone in case of emergency that can come to your house and take care of your Doberman.

Promise you will love your dog forever

• There is no love or bond quite like the one you will enjoy with your Doberman.  Make time to play ball and frisbe, go on walks, scratch his belly, and don’t forget to talk to your dobe!  You will never get up from your chair or out of bed and go anywhere alone again!  Your new Doberman takes his escort duties seriously.
• You aren't a dog owner just at Christmas, or on the weekends, or for 30 min in the evening, or when you have spare time. You aren't a dog owner just when your doberman is behaving, or when he is being a cute puppy, or when he's winning awards. When you bring a doberman into your family, that doberman is yours for life. If you can't keep that commitment, don't make it. And once you've made it, don't break it. Your dog's life depends on you.

Train Your Dog

• Be the Alpha
• Start teaching basic commands from the very beginning
• Socialize your dog by taking him for rides in the car as often as possible. Enter him in AKC STAR puppy class, then CGC obedience class, then keep going and train in obedience, Agility or Rally – even if you never go to a show theses skills and training behaviors will mean you have a very well mannered dog of whom you are in control of at all times,
• Prevent nuisance barking. Don't let your dog's incessant barking annoy your neighbors. Teach your dog not to bark without real provocation.
• Supervise Play With Children - Children and dogs can be great companions, but they also require supervision when playing together. Your dog may be "good with kids," but what if he encounters a kid that is not good with dogs? Very small children should never be left alone with a dog, no matter how stable his temperament.
• Give your Doberman a job.  Keep your dog active and alert by giving him tasks to do. Teach him to fetch the paper, carry groceries in a pack or empty the dryer

Be a Canine Ambassador

• Set a Good Example. As a dog owner, you are responsible not only for your own dog's well being, but for the status of dogs everywhere. One irresponsible dog owner in town can make life difficult for dog owners all over. Owning a friendly, clean, well-mannered dog reflects positively on the species and may help protect our rights to own companion animals.
• Respect your neighbors. Not everyone will love your dog as much as you do. Keep your dog on your property. Don't force your dog's company on a neighbor who isn't comfortable with dogs.
• Pick up after your dog.  Always carry a plastic "baggy" or two with you when you walk your dog to pick up any waste it leaves behind, then dispose of the waste properly. Failure to clean up after your dog is disrespectful to your neighbors.
• Respect your local laws.  Heed the laws regarding dog ownership in your city or county. These may include registration, leash laws and nuisance barking laws. Failure to obey the laws in your area may not only result in the loss of your dogs, but may also infringe upon the rights of others in your area. 
• Fight Anti-Canine Legislation. Be aware of any legislation developing in your city or state that may compromise the rights of responsible dog owners. Become an active voice against legislation directed against specific breeds.
• Let Your Dog Help Others.  Dogs are invaluable in providing service to humans - visiting the sick, helping the disabled, locating missing persons, and much more. If your dog is of the correct temperament, you and he can reap the rewards of helping others.
• Get a Canine Good Citizen Certificate (CGC) Your dog can become an American Kennel Club Canine Good Citizen by passing a test designed to demonstrate good manners and acceptable behavior in everyday situations. The CGC program has become a standard for recognizing obedient dogs and responsible dog owners throughout the country.
• Be Proud of your Doberman.  Of course you should let your dog know when you're proud of him, but let others know it too. Bringing a well-behaved dog into public places or showing off his training, talents at competitive events is an excellent way to "advertise" the rewards of canine companionship and that you are a Responsible Dog Owner, and Canine Ambassador!

Dr Meurs (Now with North Carolina State University) has discovered a gene mutation that is consistent amongst all the dobes in her study group.  This finding is huge - and hopefully it won't be the last discovery - Dr. Meurs has stated that she suspects there will be more than one gene that is a player on the DCM stage.  But this first identification of a gene mutation is HUGE to our breed.

The Meurs DCM DNA Test is actually testing for PDK4 which is a specific mutated gene associated with DCM (Dilated Cardiomyopathy Mutation). It is believed that there is more than one gene associated with Dilated Cardiomyopathy in the Doberman. In humans there are over 100 genes associated with Cardiomyopathy. At this time we have the ability to test for just the one in Dobermans.  PDK4 is a "regulator of the entrance of glucose into the heart's mitochondria." This is a quote from Dr. Meurs. In layman's terms, it helps regulate the energy used by the heart cells. When tested, there are 3 possible results: Negative, Positive Heterozygous, or Positive Homozygous.

This gene mutation is genetically autosominal dominant with Varied Penetrance.  There is a DNA test available from North Carolina State University available available at this link  http://www.cvm.ncsu.edu/vhc/csds/vcgl/dobe-dc.html   

Though this test is wonderful and a start - it is not one bit predictable as to if or when the doberman tested will acquire DCM.  Even so - a negative result for this first mutation is much better than positive!
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Have you tested your doberman yet for this mutation?   Even if you have a beloved pet and companion - the more dogs tested the better - please consider testing your dog to help in continued research to find other  genetic factors that contribute to DCM

End of Week 7 Update - Jazmine is getting obviously heavier - she is sleeping a lot and she has no patience for the pups (1 year olds) constant nagging - play with me, play with me, play with me - saw her for the first time EVER - snap and growl at Raven - cheeky lil pup deserved it too as Raven is even more relentless than Stella with trying to make the older dogs play with her - End of Week 8, Next Friday we will go to be xrayed and try and count how many pups there are.




Today in Gestation she is Day 47-49 I thought it would be interesting for you to see the development Timeline for puppies

PREGNANCY TIMELINE

Week One
DEVELOPMENT OF THE PUPPIES
+ Fertilization occurs
+ 2 cell embryos are in the oviduct
+ The embryo is fairly resistant to external interference in development
CHANGES IN THE BITCH
+ Possible morning sickness
+ Possible personality changes
CARE OF THE BITCH
+ Normal feeding
+ Check any and all medications with vet prior to administering
+ No insecticides (i.e., flea treatments)
+ No live vaccines
TO DO LIST
+ Put together pedigree on litter
+ Write contract
+ Contact AKC for litter registration application
+ Start taking puppy reservations

Week Two (Days 8-14)
DEVELOPMENT OF THE PUPPIES
+ Embryo will be 4 cell at start of week and 64 cell by end of week
+ Embryo enters the uterus
CHANGES IN THE BITCH
+ Possible morning sickness
CARE OF THE BITCH
+ Continue as with Week One
TO DO LIST
+ Nothing special this week

Week Three (Days 15-21)
DEVELOPMENT OF THE PUPPIES
+ Day 19 -- Implantation of embryos in uterus
CHANGES IN THE BITCH
+ See above
CARE OF THE BITCH
+ See above
TO DO LIST
+ Nothing special this week

Week Four (Days 22-28)
DEVELOPMENT OF THE PUPPIES
+ Development of eyes and spinal cords
+ Faces take shape
+ Fetuses grow from 5-10 mm to 14-15 mm
+ Organogenesis begins-- Embryos are at their most susceptible to defects
+ Days 26 - 32 are the best days to palpitate (i.e.. feel for the puppies)
CHANGES IN THE BITCH
+ Possible clear vaginal discharge
+ Mammary development begins
CARE OF THE BITCH
+ After Day 26, palpitation may be possible to diagnose pregnancy
+ Limit strenuous activity (such as working, jumping, long runs)
+ Add 1/4 cup cottage cheese or a hard boiled egg to food on alternating days
TO DO LIST
+ Schedule ultrasound or palpitation with vet if desired

Week Five (Days 29-35)
DEVELOPMENT OF THE PUPPIES
+ Development of toes, whisker buds, and claws
+ Fetuses look like dogs
+ Gender can be determined
+ Eyes (previously open) now close
+ Fetuses grow from 18 mm - 30 mm
+ Organogenesis ends -- embryos are fairly resistant to interference with development
CHANGES IN THE BITCH
+ Swelling becomes noticeable
+ Loss of "tuck-up"
+ Weight will start to increase
CARE OF THE BITCH
+ Slightly increase amount of food and switch to puppy kibble. If you feed one meal a day, add an extra meal. If you feed twice a day, slightly increase one of the meals.
+ Add daily multi-vitamin
+ Palpitation no longer possible due to fluids in uterus
TO DO LIST
+ Nothing special this week

Week Six (Days 36-42)
DEVELOPMENT OF THE PUPPIES
+ Development of skin pigment
+ Fetuses should weigh around 6 grams and be 45 mm long
+ Fetal heartbeats can be heard with stethoscope
CHANGES IN THE BITCH
+ Nipples darken and enlarge
+ Abdomen continues to enlarge
CARE OF THE BITCH
+ Add cottage cheese or hard boiled egg to food daily
+ Increase the amount of food in the extra meal
+ Bitch should start sleeping in whelping box
TO DO LIST
+ Assemble whelping box
+ By this time you should be fairly sure that the bitch is pregnant. Notify the people on your puppy list. Let them know when you expect delivery.

Today is Jaz is at the end of Week Seven (Days 43-49)
DEVELOPMENT OF THE PUPPIES
+ Growth and development continues
CHANGES IN THE BITCH
+ Abdomen hair will start shedding (Check)
+ The bitch will start to look pregnant at this point (LOL uh YEP *check*)
CARE OF THE BITCH
+ Slightly increase both meals (Check - plus adding liver to the hard boild egg she has been receiving the last week)
TO DO LIST
+ Stop any roughhousing or jumping (CHECK lol)
+ Radiographs (X-rays) possible to determine number and size of puppies (scheduled for next week when skeleton is more calcified)

Next Week Eight (Days 50-57)
DEVELOPMENT OF THE PUPPIES
+ Fetal movement can be detected when bitch is at rest
+ Puppies can safely be born from now on
CHANGES IN THE BITCH
+ Milk may be squeezed from nipples
+ The bitch will be very large.
CARE OF THE BITCH
+ Add moderate lunch
TO DO LIST
+ Gather whelping kit (see below)
+ Prepare phone list for help/support. It should include your vet's phone number, the emergency clinic's phone number, the number of any friends who will be offering support during whelping, and anyone else you might need to contact before, during, or after whelping (like your office to let them know you won't be in!)
+ Make sure your car is gassed up and ready for a possible emergency trip to the vet's office.

Week Nine (Days 58-65)
DEVELOPMENT OF THE PUPPIES
+ Growth and Development continues
CHANGES IN THE BITCH
+ Nesting behavior may be seen
+ Bitch may become distressed (panting, pacing, acting uncomfortable)
+ Temperature should be around 100.2-100.8 degrees Farenheit
+ When temperature drops to around 98-99.4 degrees Farenheit, puppies should be born within 24 hours
+ Appetite may disappear as whelping approaches
CARE OF THE BITCH
+ Start taking temperature three times a day
TO DO LIST
+ Notify vet or emergency clinic when temperature drops so that they will be ready if you have any problems
+ Keep detailed records on temperature and behavior of bitch
+ Double check that whelping supplies are ready

Jazmine Gestation Day 37 / 39

Trinity's Long Gate Honey aka Jazmine was bred to Trinity's Guardian Angel and today is Day 37 or 39 in an average 63 day gestation. Pups can be whelped as early as day 58 or as late as day 65 and its still within the realm of normal. Usually at day 30 to 35, I am looking and looking and thinking DAMN she is not pregnant, and then around Day 40 to day 45 you can quit holding your breath and say with confidence that the breeding "took".

Jazmine is tall girl and because she is at the top of the standard she has a longer body - bitches are allowed to be 5% longer than tall. or almost 2 inches longer.  As you will see in the photos I am happy to report Jaz is looking very pregnant.

I took photos this am of Jaz for Katja wearing her fancy new show collar and leash. I purchased one matching show collar and leash set (thanks to a friendly contribution who was tired of seeing me show in mis-matched gear *LOL*) and then I won one set from Katja's Euro Dog Designs. So now Jaz and Lestat do not have to share!

So far things are progressing beautifully with Jazmine - totally normal except that her tolerance for the rough house play with the younger pups is not as high as before being bred. At this point we are pretty much home bodies except or walks once a week at the wonderful park in Culpeper. We will keep our paws crossed that things continue on blissfully normal - I will try and do photos again in about 10 days and then I will send a photo or two when I take her to be xrayed about day 55 or 56.

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