This handsome, barely teenager, has had quite a ride so far, but not bad things, thankfully.
His first mom took him home at eight weeks and immediately realized she was in over her head, so she passed him to her aunt. The aunt picks up the story there:
“I took him because I had lost my last Doberman from bone cancer a year and a half ago, and I thought I was ready for another Doberman. That having been said, I’m 60 and have health problems that restrict me. Being a pup still, Gosling is a lot of dog and nothing energy-wise like my last Doberman, who was very calm, even as a puppy. I have tried training videos and getting him fixed to help with hormones per our vets advice. But he’s very high energy and he pulls me, doesn’t listen, and is just a Doberman puppy on steroids! He’s very dominant, and I don’t know how to control him when he invades our personal space to get a toy or treat. He is very loving and is a great dog in general, but always busy. He loves to be outside but will dig a hole “to China” in 10 minutes flat! That was fine with us until I almost broke my ankle in one of the holes that I didn’t see. My niece has since moved in with me, but she’s neither a puppy person nor a Doberman person, and his high energy and complete lack of shyness intimidate her. I am relying on her financially, so I can not ignore her, especially after she suggested we take him to a pound. At that, my daughter took him in to keep him safe until we can find a rescue who can find him his perfect home. She would love to keep him, but she has a senior Doberman herself, as well as two smaller five-pound dogs and two rescue cats, so it is not the ideal living situation, by any means, with him dominating the smaller dogs and cats. And when he tries to play with the older Doberman, he’s is too rough with her at her age.”
If you made your way through that lament (my sympathy to this lady), and if you’re perceptive about or experienced with Dobers, you know this overly active fellow is in need of proper training, sooner than later, along with the type of maturity that is still a year or more ahead.
She also told us that he knows to sit, "lay," come, shake, and "switch" (to the other paw). He loves to fetch and will bring the ball or toy back to you. His favorite toys include ropes and Jolly Balls. For treats, he loves "cow hooves that we freeze with Greek yogurt, peanut butter, or other treats inside for him to lick out and chew on.” (Not recommended though, as the sharp edges can tear the inside of the intestinal wall. DRT)
Observations from our volunteers:
“I don‘t know if Carol named this guy as Gosling because he is so good looking (thinking Ryan Gosling here!), but this guy has it all - good looking and a really nice personality. Yes, he is young and wants to jump up some, but his pleasing personality will have him responding to training pretty quickly. He’s a very kind Dobe (gives kisses) that seems to have been somewhat socialized as he is more curious than hesitant with meeting new people. When out in the field, he will explore but never goes far from his human. He shows every indication of being a true companion and best friend!”
“What a good personality this boy has. I spent time with him in Ivory’s Coast and he was just great. At first sitting on one of the benches, he came up and started sniffing me and giving me kisses; then it was the Doberman “lean.” I understand he’s less than a year old, but he doesn’t act like a goofy puppy. Later on we started a tug-o-war with a Jolly Ball; when I could get it loose from him I’d toss it, and he’d chase after it and return it to me to keep playing the game.”
Everything I can discern about this fellow is that he is top notch, raw material that is going to be one outstanding Dober in the right home, with a family that is dedicated to doing what properly needs to be done to guide and train him for the best. The fortunate owner who can do that is going to have a prize dog, flopped ear notwithstanding! (I’m really keen to take him home and bring him along myself!)
If you think you have what it takes and are up for the challenge, you know the drill - apply, approval, appointment, in-person visit, bond for life. It will be an exciting and rewarding ride.
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