New Rottweiler owner, adopting dog- Advice Please

[Mela222]

Hello Everyone,
I will be adopting a 1yr old +/- neutered male from a local shelter. They don't know much about him as he was found tied outside. He responds to "sit" and "down". He walks ok on a leash. He is gentle and seeks attention. Responded well to my husband and I, as well as staff. Showed no signs of dog aggression.
I would like advice on training, particularly in order, as he is an adult dog Im not sure of the schedule as I don't know how his normal behavior is. I would also like to know if begining training should be done me or by a trainer? I would prefer to get the basics and then send him. Also should the class/trainer be a basic or a more K9 training? I am in Delaware County N.Y., any local info would be great.
Thanks in Advance,
Melanie

[rottnkidd]

Hello Melanie and welcome! He's a young dog, and I'd suggest getting him into training classes with you or your husband doing the handling. A class setting has many advantages. Not only will the dog start learning some social skills, you'll both discover the joy of teamwork! In between classes you can train with him at home, and be ready for the next session! There's AKC member clubs all over the country. A visit to their website may help you in your search; or you can contact a Rottweiler club in your area for suggestions.
I wasn't really clear about your question on "K9" training. Were you considering some special "work" for this dog? If not, starting him in a
basic Household manners class may be suggested, or even a Pre-Novice class.
Best wishes -
kathy

[SABELLESMOM]

Great! Thanks for giving a needy guy a home! He'll never forget it, I'm sure. What will you name him?

Training is best done by you, under the direction of a knowlegable person. There is a kennel club in your area. Try Del-Otse-Nango Kennel club, www.geocities.com/donkc2000 Or, Delaware County Kennel Club, www.dckc.org
They should have classes for you. GOOD LUCK!

[trackermom]

Originally Posted by Mela222

Hello Everyone,
I will be adopting a 1yr old +/- neutered male from a local shelter. They don't know much about him as he was found tied outside. He responds to "sit" and "down". He walks ok on a leash. He is gentle and seeks attention. Responded well to my husband and I, as well as staff. Showed no signs of dog aggression.
I would like advice on training, particularly in order, as he is an adult dog Im not sure of the schedule as I don't know how his normal behavior is. I would also like to know if begining training should be done me or by a trainer? I would prefer to get the basics and then send him. Also should the class/trainer be a basic or a more K9 training? I am in Delaware County N.Y., any local info would be great.
Thanks in Advance,
Melanie

I feel very strongly that all training should be done by members of the family, it gives the dog that ability to bond to you as well as teaching it, its place in the pack order. Sending a dog off to a trainer may very well train your dog but it will not teach the two of you to work as a team or teach your dog that you are his leader.
When you say K-9 training are you reffering to protection and sport training? If so I would def wait til you guys have the basics down and get to know this dog ALOT better. As for training for a rottie it should never be "just the basics". Training is something you should be committing to for the life of the dog, they are never to old to learn and learn more... But if you prefer "just the Basic" for a rottie that means until the dog is atleast 3 years old.

[Judi W]

Since you don't know his background, start with basic training. Always do the actual work yourself and don't ever "send" him out for training. The best part of owning a dog is learning about one another and why let that go to a stranger who has no vested interest in the long term. You will have great fun and it sounds as if you got a good one.

[MontanaRott]

We adopted an older male (8) with an unknown background. We got him here and got him going on our house rules and recently got him into a beginners obedience class. He has taken to it like a duck to water. My husband and I both train with him and the difference it has made in this dog is amazing. He came to us with baggage and had we sent him out for training, he would have learned to trust the trainer and came home to us, trained but not trusting us.
The bond you will both build with this dog, training him yourself, is so valuable to making his becoming a part of your family a success.

[debbiej]

hi and welcome. we adopted an adult rottie also. he is a great dog. there is a lot of help and support here. good luck with your new boy.