Rawhides are much softer than bleached bones and Dobermans should be monitored while chewing them. Dobes’ strong jaws can tear it up more quickly than you may think, leaving pieces that can choke them.
Always buy rawhides that are labeled “completely digestible” and don’t let your Dobe eat the rawhide in one sitting unless you’re sure he can handle it. Otherwise, he may get the runs or vomit pieces of the toy.
Since we treat our Dobes like babies, it seems sensible to buy them the soft, cuddly stuffed toys with the squeakers inside to remind them of their littermates. Actually, Dobermans tend to relish tearing these toys apart because the soft body and squeaker probably make them think of shredding small prey. Most Dobes don’t sleep with these toys; they pull at the fur, shake them back and forth to break their necks, and generally beat up on these toys. There must be some Doberman out there with a soft spot for a plush toy, but most enjoy ripping the poly-fill guts out of theirs.
The only real harm in giving your Doberman plush toys is that it teaches the dog that it’s okay to tear up cloth things. Since you have other cloth things in your home that you don’t want torn up, it’s wise to avoid cloth toys.
If you really must get squeaky toys for your Dobe, look for the plastic kind, but always watch the dog while he chews on them because small pieces can easily break off.
Some toys probably won’t be all that interesting to your Doberman. Tug-o-war toys, such as knotted ropes and rubber figure-eights will probably sit around as clutter. Dobermans weren’t bred to pull, and most don’t “get it.” They teeter on their long legs and get easily bored with pulling.
Fetching toys, such as balls, Frisbees, and the like, provide much more interesting exercise. Dobermans have a strong prey drive and most will readily fetch. Once your Dobe gets the hang of it, make fetch challenging by tossing the toy over a barrier, such as a low hedge. In the summertime, try throwing the Frisbee into a lake (don’t forget the towels!).
When you take your Doberman on vacation (highly recommended over kenneling), bring along a couple favorite toys and a new one. Of course, you’ll be crating the dog when you must leave her in the hotel room; however, a new toy can provide diversion and relieve the dog’s stress.
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