Resources

*Opinions are our own. Views expressed do not constitute professional veterinary medical advice. Please consult your veterinarian, and do not rely solely on the information provided.

  • Recommend feeding a high-quality diet to support overall health & longevity.

    We personally prefer Biologically Appropriate Raw Foods or a comparable complete & balanced diet consisting of approximately:

    • 70% lean muscle meat

    • 10% raw bone

    • 5% liver

    • 5% secreting organs (i.e., heart, kidney, pancreas)

    • 7% vegetables

    • 2% nuts or seeds

    • 1% fruit

    We rotate proteins as well as supplement with pasture raised whole organic eggs. Overnight oats can also be added, along with sojos‍ mix-a-meal fruit & veggie mix.

    Other supplemental age-appropriate options can include Greek yogurt, cottage cheese, bone broth, tripe and other nutritional ingredients, as each animal protein contains different make-up of amino acids.

    Avoiding vigorous activity right after eating can help reduce risk of bloat in deep-chested breeds.

    Research is available online with claims supporting diet-related heart disease is increasing in dogs:

    Additional resources may be helpful in making a decision:

    • We recommend NuVet Plus multi-vitamin K-9 Wafers.

    • Fish Oil is also highly recommended. There is research supporting the benefits of Omega-3 & 6 fatty acids for skin & coat health, regulating inflammation, and supporting cognitive function.

    • Nature’s Farmacy also carries DogZymes supplements.

  • Our dogs are microchipped. You can enroll your pet’s microchip for 24/7 nationwide lost pet protection at:

  • We use a Cordless Dremel [8240] & Whitman’s DiamaGroove bit [Boxer] for dog nail maintenance. Several effective & affordable options are also available on the market.

    Links to some helpful tutorials on how to Dremel nails & basic grooming:

  • We typically recommend starting with the backer-rod method.

  • Dobermans are athletes through and through. They thrive with structured activity and purpose (e.g., long walks, fast-paced runs, training sessions, agility, or obedience work to name a few). Most need 60–90 minutes of intentional exercise each day, plus mental activities that satisfy their sharp minds.

    A bored Doberman will invent their own entertainment — which rarely ends well for unattended items! Training is not optional, it’s a necessity. Their incredible intelligence and desire to work with a human partner make them highly responsive and a pleasure to train.

    Learn how to condition the Doberman athlete for strength, balance & performance in the show ring, including how to use FitPaws K9FITbone:

  • Learn more about the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) & Canine Health Information Center (CHIC) health testing requirements: CHIC program.

    In order to obtain a CHIC number & certification, Dobermans are required to undergo the following:

    • Radiographic Hip evaluation

    • ECHO & HOLTER evaluations

    • Autoimmune Thyroditis evaluation from an approved Lab

    • DNA-based vWD test from an approved lab

    • Working Aptitude Evaluation

    • Eye examination by a board-certified Ophthalmologists

    • All results are registered with OFA

  • Our dogs have undergone extensive genetic testing as part of our health screening. Some options for DNA testing include:

  • Heart health: Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) can affect the breed. Routine screenings are recommended. We use the DR400. Feel free to reach out regarding rental options.

    Canine Holter Monitors, including vests, can also be purchased through ALBA medical, who also provide reading & interpretation services.

    All studies analyzed by ALBA Medical include:

    • Ventricular Analysis

    • Supraventricular Analysis

    • Pause Analysis

    • Heart Rate Analysis

  • AKC Canine Health Foundation supports innovative research to develop new treatments and preventive measures to transform canine health. Learn more at: AKCCHF.org

    • School of Veterinary Medicine researchers at the University of California, Davis showed that certain dog breeds develop a higher risk of specific cancers & joint disorders if neutered or spayed within their first year of life.

    • Lear more about their 10-year study and recommendations in this article: UC Davis study offers guidelines for over 40 breeds.

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