is a doberman right for you?
Dobermans are not for everybody. The Doberman Pinscher breed is a working breed that is very intelligent, active and needs stimulation to keep them from finding their own ways to entertain their mind (i.e. destructive). They are not a dog that can live outside with their short, thin coat but also because Dobermans want to be with “their people”. They need to live inside and be part of the family. They are nicknamed “Velcro Dogs” because they often will follow you around the house so they can be where you are–including the bathroom! They need rules and do well when they have training to teach them the rules. However, they are also sensitive to their environment and the emotions that surround them. For this reason, separation anxiety, as well as generalized anxiety, are more common in the Doberman.
Are you right for a doberman?
Do you have the patience to work with these behaviors if they arise? Can you give your dog time, training, and exercise? Or will he spend 10 hours a day in the crate, two hours on the couch with you at night, then its to their dog bed to redo the day tomorrow? Unfortunately, most of the owner surrenders we see are due to the owner not realizing that all of the above is not something that can be negotiated. These dogs are the Ferrari of the dog world. They are a high performance, high energy breed that need very specific care. If you can do that, you will be rewarded with unending love, loyalty, and companionship from your Doberman.
-Bluegrass Doberman Rescue reserves the right to place our dogs to families with children over the age of 8 years old provided we have a dog that is a suitable match for children. We may consider adopting to families with younger children if we have a dog that we know has successfully lived with a family that has children of that age.
-A fence is required to adopt most dogs from Bluegrass Doberman Rescue. A secure physical fence that is adjacent to the home and fenced on all sides is preferred. Invisible fence will be considered; some exceptions do apply but will be judged on an individual dog basis. Bluegrass Doberman Rescue will not adopt to a home using a doggy door with invisible fence. Nor will Bluegrass Doberman Rescue adopt to a home where invisible fence is used near a busy road.
-Bluegrass Doberman Rescue reserves the right to require a fenced yard for specific dogs in our care.
-Only mature, settled dogs will be considered for homes without a fenced in yard.
-We do not allow dogs to be adopted to homes that perimeter train.
-Tie outs, dog runs and kennels are not acceptable forms of fencing.
Bluegrass Doberman Rescue will not make exceptions to the above policy based on a large yard, acreage or farmland. The entire property does not have to be fenced in, just a portion large enough for play and potty trips.
- Your application is received and reviewed. If there are no concerns, references are called. Please call your vet to give permission to release information to BDR.
- If you rent, we will call landlord/property owner or management (before references are called) to make sure having a Doberman is acceptable and not a violation of the lease agreement. If living in a condo, even if owned, we need to speak to the Condo Association to confirm there are no breed restrictions.
- Once references are approved then a home visit is set up by a BDR volunteer. All household members must be present during the visit.
- After the home visit is completed, all information is sent to the BDR application review board. You will be notified of the status of your application after it has been reviewed.
- When approved you will be contacted to discuss the dog(s) that would be a suitable match for your family. Arrangements will be made to speak to the foster(s) of the dog(s) you are interested in meeting. You must make arrangements with the foster to meet/adopt the dog(s) you are interested in. We do not ship or transport our rescue dogs.
- Please allow 2-3 weeks for the application process to be completed. The more information that is provided in the application and the availability of the references will help with the ease and swiftness of the approval process.
Adoption Fees are as follows:
Puppies 6 months and under: $400
7 months to 3 years: $350
4-7 years: $300
8 and up: $250
To fill out an application to adopt, please click the link below:
https://www.bluegrassdobermanrescue.org/adoptfoster-application/
Why is the application process so involved and detailed?
Almost all of our dogs are on their second, if not third or fourth, home. These dogs can’t speak for themselves. so we are their advocates to find them families that are willing to work with and love each one of them. We want to find their last and truly forever home. Sometimes this takes time and patience from all of us.
Once adopted, can I return my dog if it doesn’t work out?
Initially we try to work through any issues with you. However, it will be a condition of the adoption that you return your dog to BDR for any reason that finds you no longer able to care for your Doberman. Once an adoption is finalized, fees cannot be refunded.
Is there someone I can call with questions about the dog I adopted?
Absolutely! We encourage people to come to us with issues via email or phone call as early as possible. Oftentimes we can give you some helpful tips to nip an issue in the bud before it gets worse. That is one the greatest benefits of adopting a dog from a rescue; the resources of all of the people involved in the rescue’s knowledge base and experience are available before, during, and after the adoption.
Can I foster a dog before adopting?
When requested, you have up to 2 weeks to finalize the adoption. During this time, BDR will hold your adoption fee and then deposit it once those 2 weeks have passed.
Why are the adoption fees at my shelter less than BDR’s?
Rescues receive no public support money like most state or county run shelters do. We exist solely on donations to provide care for our dogs. Additionally, our adoption fees often do not cover all of the costs of caring for a dog. For those that it does, any excess money is used toward the care of dogs with more involved and expensive medical needs. BDR has no paid employees and all money goes to the care of the dogs.