Temperament testing and observation play key roles in the placement of puppies at Rhapsody. We meticulously test each puppy to evaluate what type of home is proper. My approach is to look to understand what buyers want to do with their Doberman and then match up the puppies according to the buyers’ needs.

Puppies are raised in my home. They have their own room for the entire time they live with me, and are socialized with my adult dogs after they reach 4 weeks.

None of my dogs are kennel dogs, as the greatest joy of having Dobermans is living with them and having them share not only one’s heart, but also one’s home.

All puppies are temperament tested and matched to prospective owners. Puppies are also exposed to different surfaces to play on; such as carpet, grass, gravel, asphalt, concrete, linoleum, hardwood floors, tile, etc.

Each puppy is individually played with and held daily and taught to establish a loving relationship with people. They are introduced to car rides at 6 weeks and go for their first car rides with their littermates. This helps to reduce any fear they may have of being in a moving vehicle. It also prepares them for going home with their new owners.

After cropping they begin crate-training. This also facilitates their transition to their new homes and when they arrive at their new homes there should be no crying.   At 7 weeks, they are introduced to lead-breaking and house-breaking.

After the puppies have been cropped, they are separated in order to develop independence; they sleep in a crate alone. However, they continue to play with their littermates and our adult dogs.

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Ear taping headgear:  this phase doesn't last long; "Cones" are merely part of the ear taping process, with the next stage being the "Reindeer" headgear.

Puppies bred by Rhapsody are out of bitches that have been health tested for thyroid, vWD, cardio, and who are OFA'd and CERF’d.

Puppies are guaranteed healthy and will be replaced if found genetically unsound. All puppies are cropped and properly immunized before leaving.