[nlavett]

Hi Brad,

I think it's great that you came to this forum BEFORE you make such a big decision. You will recieve advice from some of the best on here. I am only going to address your question about working 8 hour days.

My husband and I both took "maternity" leave when we got our girl Xasha at 10 weeks. I took the first week and he took the second. That gave everyone time to adjust and figure out a schedule that worked.

As we both work too far from the house to really make it home for lunches, we started interviewing for pet walkers. We were fortunate enough to find a wonderful couple who have more than 15 years exp. helping take care of people's pets AND love our breed. (Not an easy find I tell ya'!)

We had them come in 2x's a day. Now, let me say that even that was not enough. It was still too long to expect her to hold it. We finally got there at around 4 months. (pups need to be let out every hour) At nine and a half months we still have them come in once a day. We'll call them for a second visit if we are running late.

On each visit they spend 45 minutes to an hour with her. They feed her lunch, take her for a walk and have a bit of training time. I can only say for myself that if we were unable to do this, I would not have gotten a puppy. I think it's unair and detrimental to them to be left alone for so long at the early stages.

I'm sure this is not a viable option for everyone, but it works for us. If you can make it home for lunch and/or perhaps have a neighbor/friend do a visit? Also, have you thought about rescue? There are hundreds of dogs that are out of their puppy phase that would give you the same enjoyment/love with ten times less work.

Good luck to you and keep reading here. It will help you make this most important decision, Rottweiler or otherwise.