[fostermom]

From an entire life spent around various types of animals, I've learned you get out of the animal what you put into it.
Rotti's are very people oriented. They bond closely to their people. But to accomplish this, the dog can't be staked out or confined all day long in a fenced yard. They need to be with their people. For safety reasons, it is great to have a fenced yard...I have a four foot chain link fence and none of my rotti's have ever jumped it, even though I know three of them have been able to. But I have never tried just leaving them inside the fenced in area alone all day. When my one foster adopted out to a family with a 6 foot stockade fence, they left him outside all day while they were at work, and ...guess what... he JUMPED the fence. Rotti's can be very athletic dogs.
There are alot of ways to train a dog to not pull...at 6 months, you are still dealing with a baby. Using a halti is popular, although that is relying on a "tool" rather than training. Clicker training can work well...you could do an internet search to see how that works. Not rewarding the dog by continuing to walk forward when he pulls is a basic obedience technique...when he puts pressure on the leash, stop walking. Wait for him to look at you and then say in a happy voice "Let's go boy" and turn and walk in the opposite direction. He'll catch up..praise/reward when he reaches your side. Again, do a google search and you'll come up with many suggestions. Teaching a dog good leash manners does take patience!!!
Rotti's have a tough guy image but really do not do well with harsh corrections....positive reinforcement accomplishes much more. NILF is a nice, non-confrontational way to teach your new boy that he isn't in control (did I say they are very intelligent and WILL "take a mile if given an inch"). Rotti's are a working breed and do best when occupied....obedience classes are such a bonus and quite enjoyable with this breed.
Although this site has many rules, and many strong opinions, it is a tremendous resource.
Thank you for taking this boy when his owner was deployed. And thank you for making an effort to research the best way to train/raise a rotti. But please don't put too much emphasis into the fact that he's a rotti....he is foremost a dog, and the same kind/responsible behavior that works with other dogs works just as well with a rotti. If you do decide that you don't want him, PLEASE look into sending him to a responsible rescue rather than selling him as there are many people attracted to this breed for all the wrong reasons. Best of luck with him.