| I know only too well
Hi Gabbi, we always had children and rotties and we also made sure they were NEVER alone with them and they were taught to respect them. I don't feel it is right if children are allowed to do whatever they want with a dog or to a dog and Judi W. said it very well about the screaming, running, etc. It can work and it can work beautifully with a well bred and well trained rottweiler. I know the negativity very well, back in the 80's when we got our first rottie my mother in law had a fit and said "Oh that's the kind of dog that eats kids". I just let her go in one ear and out the other. They did in time grow to love my dogs but this one I have now who is 15 months, they say looks intimidating, just bc he has a bigger head and has a well muscled body. Anyway, you will always have people saying things, prove them wrong by raising a well behaved rottie and they'll eat their words, LOL:D. I know it gets frustrating and I know the feeling when we have people over there are very few people who we can have him around bc they are afraid, merely bc of his looks. Never has he even attempted to do anything out of character so to be on the safe side and to make the situation tolerable he is crated or confined to the kitchen which IMO is no big deal and you can't push your dog on those who just don't care to know them so do what you have too to keep peace, family is much too important to be on the outs with not to mention, life is too short. We do though know how you feel, you're certainly not alone in this one plus you can't make any dog like a person or persons, that's when their could be a problem. Best of luck to you and your new baby and before you bring him or her home take a blanket or something that your dog can smell so when you do come home with the baby your dog will have smelled that scent before, maybe someone already mentioned that. Just take things slow and don't force the baby on your dog and NEVER for any reason leave the baby alone with the dog for even a second, but then I'm sure you already know that:). Take care.
Judy  |