Checklist for your new Dog

 Equipment:

• Leash: A sturdy nylon or leather 6’ leash; a good two ply nylon works well.
• Collar: A sturdy nylon or leather collar; for Dobermans, usually 18", 20", 22”.
• I.D. tag: with your address & phone number; attach to the collar. Your dog should wear this at all times. Some pet stores have machines were you can create an ID tag immediately.
• Dog license: local dog license & tag; attach tag to the collar. Your dog should wear this at all times.
• Training collar: (also called a choke chain or choker collar) Use only for obedience training. Don't keep chain collars on the dog; the dog can get injured. For Dobermans, usually 18", 20", 22”. No prong collars!

 Supplies:

• Dog Food: high quality, premium dry kibble
• Wet food: a small amount of high quality canned food may be added, or ideally a little chicken and chopped vegetable such as carrots and broccoli.
• Containers: for holding dry food and treats are convenient.
• Scoops: for scooping dry food.
• Treats: stick to bland small biscuits without preservatives and added dyes.
• Bowls for Food and Water: Stainless steel and glazed crockery are the easiest to keep clean.
• Grooming supplies: brush, shampoo, dog toothpaste & toothbrush, nail clippers, ear cleaner, etc.
• Dog Bed: Every dog should have a place to call his own. Beds with the zip-off washable covers are best. Be sure to launder regularly.
• Crate: if you need to leave your pet alone, if you are house-training, or plan to travel with your pet.
• Bedding: You can acquire bedding at garage sales. What works best are baby blankets, or thin blankets which fit in the washing machine. Often cast-off, bulky comforters can be cut into quarters.
• Heartworm preventative
• Flea & Tick Treatment: Two very good ones are: Frontline, good for fleas and ticks, or Advantage, fleas only. No flea collars.
• Toys: Be sure they are suitable toys for a Doberman!
• Doggie First Aid Kit
• Nature’s Miracle and Pet Force: (Stain and odor neutralizers) specially formulated cleansers to remove the odor of urine, vomit or feces.
• Pooper scooper: do we need to explain this one?
• Bags for picking up dog waste: from your own yard, but especially if you plan to walk your dog elsewhere. No one wants to dodge doggie doo, so make sure you clean up after Fido.
• Auto containment: needed if you ever plan to travel any distance with your dog.
• Books: Get a good book about Doberman Pinschers. Also, be sure to get a good book about dog training. Well-behaved dogs don't magically appear; they take work on your part.

 Services:

• Veterinarian: If you don't already have a veterinarian, you'll need to pick one.
• Obedience Classes: Sign up right away for a basic obedience class. A MUST for every good family dog.