Dobe Rescue Namibia
Waltraut Bierbach - 0926461 225162
Windhoek
Namibia
pets@iway.na

The dogs we place are generally very well loved and well mannered dogs from good family homes where the family’s circumstances have changed.  We also get quite a few dogs coming in at 10-18 months from first time Dobermann owners who find having a Dobermann a much more demanding occupation than they had envisaged.  We do also try and assist our local SPCA’s and rescue organisations in placing Dobes which come into their kennels.

We operate as a loose network, and do often match dogs in one region with a home in another.  We try to assist any Dobermann needing a home, unless there are insurmountable temperament or medical issues.  In 2005 we re-homed approximately 100-120 Dobes.  Most clubs have a policy of spaying and neutering all rescues.

All dogs are assessed to our best ability, although of course there can be no guarantees.  All homes are also assessed; we look for a home that is ideally Dobermann experienced, where there is someone home during the day, where the animals are going to be much loved, and where there is a secure fenced environment.  New families will also need to have plans to exercise their Dobermann, for an unexercised Dobe can be an unhappy, destructive, and frustrated one! Most of our owners are experienced dog handlers who just do not want to go through puppyhood one more time, and should you be wondering, it is remarkable how well Dobermanns rehome.  They are very people affiliated, and given the right environment settle within days.

Fees for adopting a Dobermann vary within the different schemes, and the fees go to fund primarily veterinary and kennelling expenses. 

For most schemes a contract aimed at protecting the dog must be signed, such as this one for the Dobermann Club of the Cape:

• That the Dobermann Club of the Cape cannot be held responsible for any injuries or damages caused by the dog, or for any medical expenses incurred by the owner on the dog’s behalf.

• That if the dog proves unsuitable in any way, or if the owner can no longer keep the dog for any reason, that the dog is to be returned to the Dobermann club of the Cape.

• That upon the animal’s death the Dobermann Club will be notified and that a death certificate from a registered veterinarian will be furnished upon request.

• That should the dog be deemed by the Dobermann Club to be not suitably cared for in the follow-up visit, that the dog will be returned immediately to the Dobermann Club of the Cape.

We are also always looking for foster homes, and do contact your local rescue coordinator if you think you might be able to help out.

Our rescue scheme nationwide rehomes approximately 100 -150 Dobermanns, and a very large proportion of these are young dogs whose families admit they should not have gotten them in the first place. Common reasons are: destructiveness, digging, barking, and general uncontrollable behaviour. 

Please ensure that you think about whether you are the right owner for a Dobermann, and think honestly. If you do not have the sort of lifestyle which currently includes daily exercise or the outdoors, our experience indicates that you are unlikely to change that pattern, and Dobermanns do need exercise. Equally importantly, they need stimulation in terms of training and "work" of some sort - they are a working breed and fundamentally unsuited to being left to their own devices in your back garden. "A Dobe without a job will become self-employed!"

They need a firm handler, and one who is willing to set boundaries.  Most importantly Dobermanns are family dogs, and it is because of their intense desire to bond with the family that they make such good watchdogs. Make your Dobermann an outside dog with no family access and you will create a frustrated, at times even dangerous, dog.  So please think, and feel free to discuss this with your breeder or local area rescue coordinator.  There are other large dog breeds who are much less active than Dobermanns, and which make quieter pets.

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