[SABELLESMOM]

My female was 3 when I added the pup. I wanted her to be fully adult, and well trained. But now that I think back, she probably could have handled it nearly as well at two.

I was fortunate in that she decided she 's take over mom duties. She's a good solid well temperamented lady, with a lot of love.

It's not all roses, though. It's a lot of work. My third dog is a Cocker Spaniel, not a Rottweiler, but it takes time to walk all three. It takes time to keep up on the training of the older one and still do right by the puppy. (I do scarcely any training with the cocker...he is what he is at age 12) Still, working with the two of them...takes time!

I tend to combine work and play, or I wouldn't enjoy it myself. There are little tricks. You add in 2-5 minutes of training on a hike, here and there. You train long downs in the livingroom and the back deck or out in the yard. It helps to get yourself into the mindset that "any time" can be training time. Got one with you visiting mom and dad's? ...training time, at least a "down" while you eat your lunch, or a "sit" to avoid getting trampled by grandpa (my dad) who isn't watching where he's going.

I love "wait!" I use it every time I potty 3 dogs. I say, "Sable, wait!" and "Digbee, wait!" and the two wait while I take Raven. But at mom and dad's it can keep the dog "inside" when sometone goes out the door. With a grandchild or two, plus my dad...doors open a lot.

It worked out. Now, Think things thru for yourself. You said you would have more free time. Yet you said you were unsure and the time may not be right. There are always "good parings."

Then out of the none of my business bag...you have two, 2 year old Rottweilers, not a Rottie and an old Cocker. That may well be the difference. The Rottties will be active! My Cocker doesn't do much more than need a walk, food, water and a bit of love. You 'll have 3 very young dogs.