What do the adoption fees include?

All of our adoption fees cover the dog’s vaccinations (rabies, bordetella, and combo), spay/neuter, heartworm testing (and treatment if necessary), and any other emergency vet care that is needed upon intake.  We oftentimes take in Dobermans that need emergency surgery or even dogs that require boarding or special training.  Any left over funds remaining from your adoption fee goes to cover emergency treatment, housing, supplies, and even training needed to continue rescuing these loving best friends!

How much do the adoption fees run?

Our adoption fees go 100% toward veterinary care for the dogs, supplies, or overhead (our board members and volunteers don’t make a dime for their time), and range from dog to dog.  However, generally, they can be listed as such:

$150 – any adult Doberman mix, senior dog 8 years of age or older, or special needs dog (whether that is physical or mental)
$200 – any mixbreed adult dog in good health
$225 – any mixbreed puppy
$300 – any purebred adult dog in good health
$350 – any purebred puppies under 1 year

Why do I need to fill out an application and submit to a home visit?

Because so many of our dogs have come from situations of neglect, we are highly dedicated to making sure that our best friends are placed into a home where they will remain for the rest of their lives.  The application you fill out, although it seems long and detailed, is formulated that way so that we can get a clear picture of the kind of dog you and your family is looking for, as well as the kind of home you will be providing.  The home visit allows us to diagnose any potential hazards that could affect the dog’s health or happiness, and is designed to help the adopter provide the best environment for their new best friend.

Do you get in puppies often?

No.  In fact, it is extremely rare that we see Dobermans come in to rescue that are under 1 year of age.  Many people buy a Doberman puppy without realizing that they have bought an athletic dog, that once reaching maturity, will require training and extensive care and love to grow up a happy, well socialized, and obedient pet.

Why do I have to keep my Doberman inside?

Because Doberman Pinschers do not have a lot of hair or fat on their bodies, your Doberman will be susceptible to a variety of weather induced illnesses, including heat stroke and hypothermia.  Also, Doberman Pinschers  have been nicknamed “velcro dogs” for a reason, that reason being that they do best in a home where they are considered a member of the family, and not just as a lawn ornament.

What is included in fostering a Doberman Pinscher?

We highly value our fosters, and could not save lives without them!  As a foster parent, you are responsible for feeding the dog you are caring for, as well as transporting them to the vet, or a potential home if needed.  All veterinary care and expenses are provided by us, leaving you free to show them nothing but love during the time you have them!  Please fill out an adoption application if you are interested in fostering, as just as with adopting, we will need to know as much as possible about you and your home in order to match you up with the perfect Doberman for your household!

What do I do if I want to surrender an animal to Tennessee Doberman Rescue Plus?

Due to the extremely high number of doberman pinschers in need throughout the state of Tennessee and surrounding regions, we are unable to accept Owner Surrenders at this time – needing to reserve the space for dogs on shelter euthanasia lists or that are victims of extreme neglect or abuse.  However, we would be more than happy to give you pointers and tips on how to safely re-home your dog on your own, should you need to.  Just email us with your questions and information to adoption@aphdr.org and we will get back with you shortly!


10 Myths Behind Adopting A Doberman Pinscher

(Adopted and altered for use from the article listed at http://www.saveourshepherds.org/10myths.html)

1.) I have small children, so I want a puppy.

Without a doubt, this is the most common reason people want a puppy. A sweet, small puppy just seems like the best choice for sweet, small children.You know that cute Kodak commercial with the puppies climbing all over the giggling little boy? Have you ever noticed how short it is? That’s because they could only film for a few seconds before the welts rose, the blood dripped, and the boy began to scream for his mother. Puppies have needle-teeth that they happily sink into anyone who walks by. They also have sharp nails that scratch when they jump up — and on the little one, those front feet land right around his face.Puppies leave “presents” that your toddler always seems to find before you do. Puppies wake your children during the night. And a puppy doesn’t know the difference between his stuffed toy and Emma’s Piglet that she MUST have to fall asleep.And suppose you get a puppy when little Billy is 2. In six months, Billy will be about 1 inch taller and 3 pounds heavier. However, the 8 month old puppy will now be as tall as Billy and outweigh him by 30 pounds. And those baby teeth will have been replaced by big snappers that need to chew.Of course, puppies and small children do successfully co-habitate. But, in our experience, your child will go through far less Neosporin and Band-Aids with a calmer 2 + year old dog who is road-tested with children.

2.) It’s better to get a puppy. With an older dog, you never know what you’re getting.

Seems to make sense, except the exact opposite is true. All puppies are cute; all puppies love everyone. It’s not until a dog hits sexual maturity that some innate behavioral problems start to surface. We can’t estimate how many calls we’ve had from people who paid thousands of dollars for a purebred puppy, who is now a year or two old and biting people, attacking other dogs, or engaging in some oddball neurotic behavior. Purebred is not the same as well-bred, and sometimes it feels like the disreputable breeders grossly outnumber the responsible ones.The truth is this: when we list a 4 month old puppy, we can only guess what kind of adult she’ll make. When we list an 18 month old dog, we can predict pretty accurately what kind of dog you’ll have forever.

3.) If you train your dog right, he’ll stay in the yard without a fence.

Many people believe this, right up until the moment the dog is hit by a car, eats poison in the neighbor’s garage, or is stolen. For this reason TDR+ requires a physically fenced yard OR an owner that is willing to take the time to walk their dog on a secure leash.  No,.. invisible fencing will not do. We also encourage leash walks and a basic obedience class to help with socialization regarding new people and new places. Rescue dogs are typically either strays (which means they have a history of wandering) or owner-surrenders (which means they’re going to go look for their ex-owner first chance they get). We just can’t risk it.

4.) When I was growing up, we had a PERFECT Doberman Pinscher.

No, you didn’t. Trust me, he was only perfect because you were 8 and didn’t have to clean up after him and be responsible for him. I know you believed he was perfect, but you also believed in Santa and honest government then, too. Since I’ve been an adult, I’ve never had a perfect Dobe – but every single one of them was perfect for me.

5.) Doberman Pinschers stop being puppies around a year old.

WRONG! I’m sorry. Try 3 or 4. Many Dobes don’t calm down and hit their stride until they’re 5 or 6. And you know that wonderful mental image you have of the stoic and noble Doberman sitting on the hill surveying his domain? He’s 9.

6.) I want a dog without dominance issues, so I want a female.

In the wacky world of Doberman Pinschers, that’s just not true. For starters, it’s impossible to make gender-based absolutes. But once you spend time around Dobermans, you’ll start to notice there are plenty of hyper, dominant females out there. You’ll also notice lots of mellow, roll-with-the-punches males (especially after they make that all-important trip to Dr. Nip and Tuck). It all depends on the individual dog, but don’t think for a minute that a female is a sure ticket to a passive, submissive pooch.

7.) I want a white Doberman Pinscher because they are rare.

Please shoot me. The Doberman Pinscher Club of America (the parent organization for all things Doberman), refuses to recognize white as a color because it IS NOT A COLOR. It is a CONDITION called albinism. Albino Doberman Pinschers are pretty to look at sure! However, they are also prone towards cancer, photo-sensitivity, deafness, Canine Pappilloma Virus (CPV), and aggression. In the late 70’s, the first albino puppy was born and then it was bred to its own mother to produce more – meaning that all albino doberman pinschers around today are directly related. Having said that, albino dobes need love too! So, we do pull pigment-challenged dogs from time to time, but do require that adopters be fully educated and ready to take on the risks mentioned, as well as ready to take preventative measures to keep their dogs healthy (like not allowing them in direct sunlight for more than 15 minutes at a time to prevent sunburn,.. yes,.. I am for real).

8.) My 8 month old Doberman Pinscher jumps on people/runs over my children/is uncontrollable in the house.

Welcome to owning a working breed dog. Doberman Pinschers were specifically bred to do a job, not to live on your couch looking cute and cuddly. Dobes (especially very young dobes) generally need a job in order to stabilize mentally and physically, and most destructive and “bad” behaviors are cured once their training needs are met. So,.. if you want a lap dog, try looking elsewhere. However, If you want a high drive pup that will match your high energy lifestyle stride for stride, then boy do we have the dogs for you!

9.) I’m unsure about getting a rescue dog, because I’m afraid he won’t bond to me.

That sound you hear is all the people with rescued dogs falling over laughing. Because the exact opposite is nearly always true – your rescue dog will CLING to you. Look at it from the dog’s perspective. He’s spent the bulk of the last year on a 6 foot chain in someone’s back yard because he committed the unconscionable sin of no longer being a puppy. At some point during the day, someone may remember to bring him food and water. The only attention he gets is when they yell at him for barking. Finally, they take him for a car-ride–dumping him in a wooded area where he can have a “fighting chance.” Despite everything, he waits there for their return or tries to get back home. He finds water somewhere. He raids trash cans and gets sick. If he’s extremely lucky, he survives long enough for an animal lover to find him and bring him to the shelter. Then he sits in the loud, scary shelter run, starting to lose faith that his family will ever find him. The kennel people are nice, but he is one of a hundred needy dogs they have to care for. Finally, the shelter contacts us. And you take him home. You not only bring him into your house, you give him his own bed and bowl, and a crate where he feels safe. You speak quietly. When he messes on the carpet, you don’t seem to mind – you just take him outside and then clean it up. You feed him regularly AND give him toys and treats and bones. He sleeps in your room. He may even have a big brother or sister to play with. He gets kisses. And when he goes out in the car, he always comes back. Your rescue dog’s biggest fear is that you will spontaneously combust.  He’s not going to let you out of his sight for one minute. People with rescue dogs learn to function with a 70 pound shadow following them everywhere.That said, there are some dogs who just never learned to connect with people, but that becomes apparent very quickly – long before we place him with you.

64affd55aa1a5d25b8a3832624ebcaa710.) I don’t want to have my rescue dog spayed or neutered because it’s not natural/ she should be able to have a litter/I want my children to see the miracle of birth/etc.

TDR+’s spay/neuter policy is not negotiable. If everyone prevented irresponsible breeding, we’d be happily out of business. Do not humanize your dog – no one’s asking you to neuter yourself. Your dog will be healthier and more comfortable once she or he is shifted into neutral, and will also be a much more pleasant companion. Neutered male dogs roam less, mark less territory, and are generally less aggressive. Spayed female dogs avoid the messy and annoying heat cycles, and are not at risk for unwanted pregnancy. And both males and females are less likely to get certain illnesses. As for the miracle of birth, well, there’s another rite of passage occurring to 20 million dogs a year in this country, 25% of them purebred. It happens every day at your local animal shelter. But most parents are not as eager for their children to see that: millions of dogs and cats killed every year due to irresponsible owners’ refusal to spay and neuter their pets.