Doberman Sleding in the Snow

Dolphin helps save life of Doberman

An 11-year-old Doberman trapped for more than 15 hours in a canal off South Bahama Avenue on Marco Island owes his life to a dolphin that splashed and made a ruckus until a nearby homeowner responded.



Cindy Burnett and Turbo the Doberman on Tuesday revisit the canal where Turbo apparently spent a day in the water before a dolphin splashed and made enough noise to alert a homeowner to the dog's plight



Turbo, belonging to Cindy Burnett of Dogwood Drive, slipped through an open fence gate Sunday, Feb. 20, sometime after dark.

The Doberman's sister, Porsche, also strayed, but was later found wandering just a few houses down, Burnett said.

"I was at work (at her Little Caesar's Pizza business), and when I got home, I searched for Turbo from about 9:30 p.m. until 2 a.m.," Burnett said.

She eventually stopped searching; hoping that someone might have stopped to pick up the dog, which Burnett said loves hopping into cars.

Instead, she would find out the next morning, Turbo had made his way down to the South Bahama area about 500 yards from the Burnett home as the crow flies.
At sometime during the night, he is thought to have fallen into the canal.
Next morning, Burnett called the Humane Society and local police, who took down details.
Just before lunch, police received a 911 call from a South Bahama resident who said she'd rescued a dog from a canal after she'd heard and seen a dolphin making a "lot of noise," Burnett said.
The woman told Burnett she'd found Turbo in a corner of the canal.
At that stage, the dog had been able to stand in some sand because of a low tide.
Police called Burnett to tell her the dog had been found, and Burnett rushed down to the area. She had been preparing some posters asking people to look out for her pet.
"He was shivering, and dehydrated, and he had some cuts on his legs I guess from trying to jump out," Burnett said.
She took him home, gave him an electrolyte drink and let him rest until he regained his strength.
Burnett said she forgot to get the neighbor's name.
"I'm so grateful to her," she said. "She told me the dolphin had attracted her attention to Turbo by splashing, making noises and generally causing a ruckus in the water. That's when she saw him (Turbo) in the canal."
Attempts by the Sun Times to contact the neighbor Tuesday and Wednesday at the house were unsuccessful.
"I think it's just a miracle," Burnett said. "I'm so thankful to those people."

Once again alert and in touch, Turbo shows no signs of his dehydration or exhaustion

Doberman Puppies at Play,

A Few Tips on Crate Training Puppies

It is a common misconception that crate training puppies is a cruel practice. This is untrue as long as the dog has adequate exercise and a chance to go outside before placing him in the crate.






Everyone needs a special place to call his or her own and pets are no different. Many dogs enjoy lying in a darkened area such as under a table or bed. It acts as their own private sanctuary and crates can be the perfect substitute that is beneficial to both you and your pet.



Crate training puppies is also effective for potty training.



The natural instinct of a dog is to not eliminate in its personal space. By using the crate, a puppy can be taught the proper places to eliminate.





Crate training puppies can also help to control the cost of repairs due to chewing, digging and other typical destructive behaviors of an overactive young dog. Crates also help the pet become accustomed to traveling, boarding and veterinary care.





Care should be taken when crate training puppies. It is important for the puppy to have plenty of room to stand and turn around in. Unless you wish to purchase different sizes, get a crate that will accommodate your puppy’s expected adult size. When crate training puppies, the crate should be kept as a positive enjoyable retreat.


Never use it in punishment. Remember dogs are social animals that like interaction with other members of the household. The ideal locations for crates are where the family spends time. Kitchens, dens, bedrooms, living rooms and game rooms are best. Avoid isolated areas such as the garage or laundry room.






If the family is going to be gone for an extended period of time during the day, make the puppy feel less alone by leaving a radio or television playing.





This will often calm the pet and avoid problem behaviors such as barking; chewing, and self inflicted wounds from boredom licking.





Introduce your puppy to his or her crate as early as possible. Leaving treats, toys and food are recommended. This will often encourage your puppy to enter it on his own.





The first crating should be after a period of play or exercise and an elimination trip outside. The puppy will be tired and more likely to take a nap.



Encourage him to enter the crate on his own with plenty of praise and rewards. If your puppy refuses to enter, gently put him in yourself keeping your tone as quiet and calm as possible. After placing him in crate, latch the door and leave the room.













When crate training puppies vocal protest can be expected the first few times. It is important not to give in to your puppy’s wishes. Usually the barking will subside after a period of time ranging from minutes to an hour or so. If it does not, a correction may be needed. This correction does not mean removing the pet and physically punishing it.



Remember, you do not want your puppy to associate the correction with you. Some methods that are effective are remote controls for the television or radio. When these suddenly come on without your presence, the puppy is often startled into being quiet. An aluminum can containing a few coins or a water gun used out of site is often affective as well.









Start out crate training puppies in short periods of time. Never remove him or her from the crate while they are still protesting it. Increase the quiet time span and always praise the dog for good behavior.





Eventually, the dog will view the crate as his own personal home. A place to relax, sleep and avoid the rush of everyday living with the oddity of humans.

Doberman Pinschers: Getting to Know Them

When it comes to tough and intimidating guard dogs, the Doberman pinscher is among the most well-known breeds. However, behind this tough exterior is a smart, athletic, and loyal dog that can make a great companion for families. Here is some trivia about this breed that is built for speed: sources explain that it originated in Germany during the late 1800's.
The dog is described as having a medium build, with a square body, with height ranging from 24 to 28 inches. The coat has short hair, which makes it easy to clean and groom. The common colors for Doberman pinschers are black, rust red, bluish black, and fawn. There is always an energetic and alert expression with this breed, and it also apparent in its stance and gait.
Doberman pinschers have been described to be vigorous and determined. Their slender legs are built for speed, and these are they kinds of dogs that will work well if they are exercised regularly. When it comes to having a Doberman pinscher in a home with children, these dogs are generally obedient and will be protective if they are trained to get used to their companions. However, some pinschers have a short temper or are hyperactive, so they might jump on small children if they are teased and provoked.
According to the American Kennel Club, Doberman pinschers are ranked 18 th in the list of most popular dog breeds of 2008. Because of the athletic abilities and loyalty of the Doberman pinscher, it isn't a wonder why many are choosing its companionship. As a matter of fact, there is a dedicated organization for avid Doberman pinscher owners in the US, the Doberman Pinscher Club of America (DPCA), which was established in 1921. To date, this breed has proven to be very obedient and easy to train, which makes it a popular choice for many homes.