
Doberman Pinscher Rescue of PA, Inc.
An all volunteer, non-profit organization dedicated to rehoming needy purebred Dobermans
Health and Behavior Tips
Doberman Pinscher Rescue of PA, Inc. emphasizes this website's health and behavior information is intended for educational purposes only. DPR encourages individuals to discuss health and behavior concerns and decisions with their Veterinarians. Persons accessing this site assume full responsibility for their interpretation of its information. DPRPA disclaims responsibility for all consequences, including negligence, due to one's actions, and lack thereof, based on their understanding of its information.
Please visit the Doberman Pinscher Club of America's health site for most up-to-date info. It includes health presentations, grants.

Health Topics
Training, Behavior & Safety Tips
Commonly referred to as lick granulomas, acral pruritic nodules, or neurodermatitis are thick, firm plaques of bare skin located on the wrist, ankles or toes o dogs and cats, usually caused by compulsive licking by the animal.
Gastric Dilation Volvulus (GDV) syndrome, most commonly called "Bloat" is a common condition that can be deadly. The dog’s stomach will rotate or twist. It traps blood in the stomach ad blocks it from returning to the heart and other areas of the body.
Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is an enlarging of the heart.
Cardiomyopathy (DCM) Simplified
Also known as color mutant alopecia is the formal term for total or partial, permanent hair loss.
Torn anterior cruciate ligament (ligaments in the knee)
Affected dogs appear to "dance" back and forth on their hind legs.
Diabetes mellitus, also known as sugar diabetes, is rare in young dogs, but if your dog displays any of these signs and symptoms, you should consult with your veterinarian to diagnose and treat this disease.
Otherwise known as "Oh, that is where my other sock is!"
Deciding when it's time.
Excessive formation of gas in the stomach or intestine.
The geriatric dog has special needs.
Transmitted by mosquitoes.
Or better known as "wet bed dripping dog syndrome."
Inherited bleeding disorder in dogs.
Wobbler's Disease in Dobermans
A disorder of the stability of the vertebra in the neck that causes damage to the spinal cord.
Links
DPCA - Doberman Pinscher Club of America
First Aid: American Veterinary Medical Assocation
Animal Poison Control Center: Phone 888-426-4435 anytime (there is a fee for consultation).
Wonder puppy: Advice to help you keep your pet.
Understanding the stress a new dog experiences when arriving at their new home
The NILIF program is remarkable because it's effective for such a wide variety of problems. A shy, timid dog becomes more relaxed knowing that he has nothing to worry about, his owner is in charge of all things. A dog that's pushing too hard to become "top dog" learns that the position is not available and that his life is far more enjoyable without the title.
Why do dogs bite and how can it be prevented?
Lessons which apply to anything your dog responds to inappropriately.
If you're looking for help treating your dog’s behavior issue, or just curious about why your dog does what he does, This is the article for you.
A wide range of dog health and behavior tips that will help you provide the best possible care.
To make things go as smoothly as possible for everyone, it’s important to take some time to prepare your dog.
Be educated about bite prevention and practice responsible dog ownership.
A balanced diet is critically important to your dog
READING CANINE BODY LANGUAGE
1. Silent Conversations site - See things from your dog's perspective
2. The Language of Dogs, by Sarah Kalnajs excellent DVD that can be purchased on Amazon or check your local library
3. Canine Journal - Dog Body Language Guide: What is Your Dog Trying to Tell You?
4. Go Anywhere With Your Dog - Body Language video.
5. 11 Subtle Signs Your Dog is Stressed! (video)
6. Free Dog Body Language Posters, Handouts by Dr. Sophia Yin
NIPPING
1. Your Puppy Nipping Guide by The Pet Professional Guild
2. Teaching Puppies Not to Bite by CATCH Canine Trainers Academy
3. Nipping by Positively Victoria Stilwell
LEASH PULLING
1. Train your dog to STOP pulling on leash (video)
2. Loose Leash Walking by Positively Victoria Stilwell
DESTRUCTIVE CHEWING
1. Destructive Chewing, by Dr. Ian Dunbar
2. Chewing by Positively Victoria Stilwell
3. How to Stop Your Dog From Chewing! (video)
NUISANCE BARKING
1. Barking by Association of Professional Dog Trainers
2. Barking by Positively Victoria Stillwell
3. How to Teach Your Dog Not to Bark, Humanely and Effectively: 3 Things You can Do Now (video)
4. How to Stop Unwanted Barking by Karen Pryor
INTRODUCING A NEW PUPPY TO AN OLDER DOG
1. Introducing a Puppy to Your Adult Dogs by Karen Prior
REWARD MARKER TRAINING:
1. https://www..com/post/marker-how-to
2. https://www.clickertraining.com/what_is_clicker_training
HIERARCHY OF DOG NEEDS:
1. https://www.theiscp.co.uk/hierarchy-of-dog-needs
TEACHING RELAXATION PROTOCOLS:
1. https://www.themoderndogtrainer.net/three-ways-teach-relaxation/
2. http://caninebehavior.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Protocol_for_Relaxation-_Karen_Overall.pdf
3. http://www.dogsandbabieslearning.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/Relax_on_a_mat.pd
4. https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/dog-behavior-and-training-teaching-calm-settle-and-relaxation-training
DOG SAFETY FOR CHILDREN:
1. https://www.doggonesafe.com/About
2. https://www.familypaws.com/
3. https://www.gooddoginabox.com/safe-dog-bite-prevention-program/
SEPARATION ANXIETY:
1. https://www.dovepress.com/canine-separation-anxiety-strategies-for-treatment-and-management-peer-reviewed-fulltext-article-VMRR?fbclid=IwAR06_quKanJJ5ZSMy_dWVXRpSpsZiXmUFsCbwIsuNFhhZfbPx41dncOxV8k
2. https://fearfreehappyhomes.com/courses/canine-separation-anxiety-part-2-helping-your-dog-feel-secure/
3. https://fearfreepets.com/helping-dogs-with-separation-anxiety/?fbclid=IwAR2z2Bo4KoiGKv6jez1S7v-Flb6H56rSHbYMcpibZX_8ynFkHf7WKym04EE
THUNDERPHOBIA INFORMATION:
https://www.vet.upenn.edu/docs/default-source/ryan/ryan-behavior-medicine/fear-of-thunderstorms-amp-fireworks-(pdf).pdf?sfvrsn=c15e17ba_2
STOPPING JUMPING:
1. https://positively.com/dog-behavior/nuisance-behaviors/jumping/
2. https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=lC_OKgQFgzw
REACTIVE DOG INFO:
1. https://wherescienceanddogsmeet.wordpress.com/2019/07/22/lunging-barking-biting-oh-my/?fbclid=IwAR1NhtbkV8MYPRNgj3yBGdbFzpnHmGHN-3KvbhQRBoSt3nPZcsMbqAccd0Q
2. https://www.whole-dog-journal.com/behavior/reforming-a-reactionary-dog/?MailingID=345&st=email&sc=WeekInReview010520&utm_source=ActiveCampaign&utm_medium=email&utm_content=Is+Your+Dog+Leash-Reactive%3F&utm_campaign=WIR20200105UnderstandingDogAggression&fbclid=IwAR2ivta9yTiZM5GNLmIU5RPDmrh9toLNKR5w76ukWY071HjgH54TOIx8YdQ
3. A helpful book for reactive dogs is “Click To Calm” by Emma Parsons.
HOUSE-TRAINING TIPS:
1. https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=QvPiFcG7ROI
2. https://www.petprofessionalguild.com/resources/Documents/Potty%20Training%20Basics%20for%20Puppies%20and%20%20Dogs.pdf
3. https://apdt.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/crate-training.pdf
4. https://positively.com/dog-behavior/puppy-knowledge/puppy-housetraining/
5. https://www.clickertraining.com/node/3892
6. https://www.dogstardaily.com/training/errorless-housetraining
RESOURCE GUARDING IN DOGS:
1. Book “Mine!” by Jean Donaldson is a helpful resource for resource guarding behavior.
2. Free Webinar by Michael Shikashio: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=gvInU3PjmW8&feature=youtu.be
HOW TO FADE OUT UTILIZING TREATS FOR TRAINING:
1. https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=2-ezmzKZ8kM
2. https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=DaK-4KjByeo
COOPERATIVE CARE TRAINING DRILL “BUCKET GAME” FOR BODY-HANDLING DESENSITIZATION:
1. https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=IUF1lA9eLh4
2. https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=GeNzrRASuIY
3. https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=SVTuFcHGFzM
4. http://www.allpetseducationandtraining.com.au/the-bucket-game.html
WHY THE “ALPHA/DOMINANCE” THEORY IS OUTDATED/DEBUNKED:
1. https://www.whole-dog-journal.com/behavior/debunking-the-alpha-dog-theory/
2. https://drsophiayin.com/philosophy/dominance/
3. https://positively.com/dog-training/myths-truths/pack-theory-debunked/
4. https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/05/090521112711.htm
5. https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/dog-behavior-and-training-dominance-alpha-and-pack-leadership-what-does-it-really-mean
6. https://dogbizsuccess.com/danger-dominance-theory/
WHY YOU SHOULD SAY NO TO “BALANCED” DOG TRAINING METHODS:
1. ”In Dog Training, Balance Is Off” by Zazie Todd, PHD:
https://www.companionanimalpsychology.com/2016/08/in-dog-training-balance-is-off.html?m=1
WHY YOU SHOULD AVOID AVERSIVE TOOLS AND METHODS:
1. Force Free Dog Training - No Choke, No Prong, No Pain!” by the Pet Professional Guild: https://www.petprofessionalguild.com/resources/Position%20Statements/A%20Call%20for%20Change.pdf
2. “Fallout from the Use of Aversives” by Eileen And Dogs: https://eileenanddogs.com/fallout-aversives-punishment-negative-reinforcement
3. “Position Statement on The Use of Punishment for Behavior Modification in Animals” by AVSAB (American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior): https://avsab.ftlbcdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/AVSAB-Humane-Dog-Training-Position-Statement-2021.pdf
4. “13 Negative Effects of Aversive Dog Training Methods” by Adrienne Farricelli: https://dogdiscoveries.com/aversive-dog-training-methods/
5. “Review of dog training methods welfare, learning ability, and current standards” by The BCSPCA (British Columbia Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals): https://spca.bc.ca/wp-content/uploads/dog-training-methods-review.pdf
6. “Choke and Prong Collars” by Victoria Stillwell: https://positively.com/dog-training/methods-equipment/training-equipment/choke-and-prong-collars/
7. ”Positive Reinforcement is More Effective at Training Dogs than an Electronic Collar, Study Shows” by Zazie Todd, PHD: https://www.companionanimalpsychology.com/2020/07/positive-reinforcement-is-more.html?fbclid=IwAR2sVs6cIaOVUzQuAw41rvPbPDMjSxfEc4AHYVYy3qBRXewSmdb-EN_QIP0&m=1
8. ”Why Punishment Fails; what works better” by Valarie Tynes, DVM, DACVB: https://cdn.sanity.io/files/0vv8moc6/dvm360/8d9fc2e86035cdb29a9b597dbd6ac84e5f3eda72.pdf?fbclid=IwAR1-iMhaUaWnL-s0uQczjK5VQlP4u9jw88i03bbfx0rOXi0k1nhgzadIKvk
9. ”Dog Training Aversives: What are They and Why Should You Avoid Them” by Cathy Madson, MA: CBCC-KA, CPDT-KA: https://www.preventivevet.com/dogs/dog-training-aversives?fbclid=IwAR2NDJytfEm3Gl_MzDdM4CO4asinuZDYMAj8NOG1_6cpR1QiNtWIj3nuTaM
10. ”The Physical Effects of Harmful Training Devices” by Niki Tudge, Susan Nilson, Debra Millikan, & Louise Stapleton-Frappell https://barksfromtheguild.com/2021/08/17/the-physical-effects-of-harmful-training-devices/?fbclid=IwAR09XvuQRDiy5ouU7Y7oc7NIkfLybNp4c6wTm80udJIFGdozZMtdEpqManU
DOWNSIDES OF USING AN ELECTRONIC FENCE FOR DOG CONTAINMENT:
1. https://positively.com/dog-training/methods-equipment/training-equipment/electric-fences/
2. https://pets.thenest.com/dangers-electric-fences-dogs-4280.html
HELPFUL FACEBOOK GROUPS:
1. Beyond The Bowl — Canine Enrichment
2. Do No Harm Dog Training
3. Positive Force Free R+ Dog Training Library
4. Canine Research Studies
5. Help & Discussion Group by Positive R+ Dog Training Library
6. Official Behavior Adjustment Training (BAT) facebook group