| So glad to hear that one more person has shifted their paradigm about Rotts! I, too, was afraid of big dogs (my dad was bit in the knee by a German Shepherd once - still has trouble walking). I had a Yorkshire Terrier and never wanted anything bigger! I was stunned when, after deciding to get a dog, my husband was determined to get a Rott! My first response was "NO WAY".
For two years, we didn't get a dog. My husband would casually leave a book here, a magazine there, pictures, videos, anything he could find relating to Rotts or big dogs. Finally, he convinced me to read "The Koehler Method" dog training book. I felt confident that, using this method, we could train any size dog. But I still didn't like Rotts; my only concession was how beautiful they were.
Then, my cousin showed us his new puppy. I fell in love! Aries was a beautiful Rott. When he turned 2, we decided that we would get one of our own because I was so impressed with Aries' playful-yet-controlled manner. He's good with kids and if he starts to get rough, one word from my cousin and it stops.
We will have had our Delilah for 2 years this April, and I'm proud to say she's exceeded my expectations. She's well socialized, LOVES children (my sister has 8 kids, and Delilah will whine at the window after they leave), listens well, and really is a cuddly teddy bear! I still want another Yorkie someday, but I also hope to always have a Rottie in my home. :)  |