Two Problems....

[SouthernRot]

I only seriously have two major problems with my 1 yr old rottie, Nikita. I have never seemed to be able to get a grasp on them and everytime I do she reverts back to her old ways within a day.

My first one would be using her crate as a restroom. When we got her as a pupp @ 8wks old, we did not find out for about 4 months that she had a UTI probably since she got to our house. We had put her on medicines and seemed to get it taken care of.

We recently got our fence finalized and put up and now she has freedom to run through the backyard and is actually going outside now for the mostpart. She will let me know with a whine when she has to go. In the past 5 days she has messed in there 3 times.. Before the fence, she would not even let us know she needed to go out. We would have standard times of the day where she would go out. Her urine is unbelievably strong so I am concerned it may be a UTI again, as she had as a puppy a flap of skin that kept in moisture in that area and created the bacterial problem. I am unsure if she has grown out of that going into her adulthood.

My second problem is the protection issue. Inside of the house she does not listen when I tell her it is ok and I have it. Outside of the house she barks at anything that moves, literally. This leads to her barking at the neighbors high porch where she hangs her blankets to dry (in the wind, they move). Also, she fiercely barks at children and adults alike within 2 houses of our house. Is there any way to show her where her line begins and ends and to not go after the children? I have had to wrestle her to the ground before because she would so avidly go after people and near got away.

I have tried reinforcement. I have a three year old little boy and handle her the same way in punishments and strictness as I do my son. I continually repeat the same actions and commands in the same manner as I have previously and I don't know if she just doesn't get it, or if she just doesn't have the respect for me that she needs.

I know this is a lot to cover and any suggestion you have would be viable. Thank you in advance.

-SR

[smileygirl]

Have you done any formal training(including socialization)? If so what is the trainers advice since they have seen the dogs body language. If you haven't done formal training START NOW! It sounds like she is not confident. In regards to the UTI, have it checked out at the vets and if there is a problem that will make her prone to reoccurring infections...maybe prevention is a better course. How much excercise is she getting(formal excercise...not just playing inthe yard by herself or other family dog). Good Luck hope this helps a little....Tina

[BostonRott]

Could I ask that you choose a different color for your next post? The light aqua is very hard to read against the white background.

I would get the urine sample to the vet. Increased accidents are a classic sign of return of UTI, and that combined with the strong smell would make me highly suspicious of UTI. You can try adding cranberry capsules to what you feed her daily to prevent further UTI's.

I'm a little confused by your post. When you mention a "line," do you mean a figurative one, or is she out on a runner?

I would strongly suggest getting her into formal training, via a class (not a chain store class) and find a trainer who has experience in dealing with aggression / socialization issues.

[SouthernRot]

Sorry for the teal color, I hadn't realized my original post would be on a white background...


No, she has had no "professional" training. I call my breeder constantly for tips on handling and the like. At the moment, professional training is not an option. When we first got her, she had to get extra shots because it's what the vet said was best which dipped into the pocket. She also ate a rock, which caused a blockage. Apparently I caught her at it and she swallowed it whole instead of chewing it up as I had seen her do in the past. She had to have surgery for that, also dipping into the pocket. And now, I need to get her fixed as I don't want the responsibility of trying to find the correct houses to place rotti puppies in. I have about 3-4 months to go until her next heat.

As I said as far as the UTI, she had a piece of skin overlapping which would hold in moisture and cause the bacteria which would lead to a UTI however I am unsure if she has outgrown that or not. Yes I am working on getting that followed up as well as a visit to the vet.

No, I do not keep my dog on a runner line. Before we had the fence finished (over the last year) I did have a line tied to a stake, in which I would put her on that during her time outside. I would be outside with her and it would be for short periods of time. She would not be sitting in the Georgia heat all day alone... just to reassure you.

I take her to the backyard at least 4 times a day which we run the yard (to the point where I am out of breath) and chase and kick her ball. This ball is about the size of a basketball and is furry like a tennis ball. In the morning and night when it has cooled off it deflates slightly and she can get ahold of it in her mouth. During the day she has a bit of a fight and I rather enjoy watching her argue with it in all honesty lol. That's the exercise she gets. I do not take her around other dogs even though when on a firm lead she seems ok in closed situations (waiting room at the vet) however if she is outside at the vet she wants to bark at near everyone and everything. I have to keep her separated.

There are no other family pets. She is the only one. I am the only one in the house who really handles her (feeds her, plays with her, etc).

I hope this is the information you were looking for in order to send me in the right direction.

[SouthernRot]

Also, when I stated "show her where her line begins and ends" I mean the invisible line that if someone crosses it she can react... this line is not half way down the block or across the street like she thinks it is.

-SR

[winniecnm]

I will go out on a limb here and guess that this dog has no formal training, and that she is a very bored dog with a confidence issue. Of course, the only way you are going to find out is to get help from an obedience class with an instructor (preferably who deals with large breeds) and perhaps you should also call in a dog trainer to see exactly what is going on with the dog.

She is not listening to you because you do not currently have the tools to train a large dog on your own, especially not a rottweiler. As a matter of fact, there are not many dog people out there who do have the capabilities to sucessfully train their own dogs without an instructor, but many people do try and fail to get desirable results.

Either way, if she keeps up this behavior you are going to get a less than favorable reputation with your neighbors because of the way this dog is acting. I urge you to find people who can help you with these issues before they have a not so pleasant ending.

[BostonRott]

Until you get into some classes, you are not going to see any resolution to her behavior problems. Part of it is socialization, and part of it is lack of training. The two combined do make for a truly dangerous dog, I'm sorry to say.

In terms of money, I understand that you feel finances are tight. I am sure that if you asked in the "Training" forum, you could find some help from members on locating a respectable and affordable place near you. Think of it this way, the $80-120 that you will spend on a 6-8wk class (depending on how things are set up near you), will be FAR cheaper than trying to pay someone's medical or veterinary bills if she bites, never mind defending a lawsuit.

I'm not being mean, I'm presenting you with a realistic picture of what COULD happen, based on what you've said.

You should check with a local SPCA to find a discounted spay program, they typically offer them for much less.

[BostonRott]

One final thought.....she's still young enough that you may be able to reliably get this turned around (the behavior issue), but if you don't work on it soon, and intensely, you're going to have a dog with serious issues who will be absolutely no fun to own b/c you can't go anywhere without worrying about her biting someone.

[AngelBunny]

I am in total agreement with BostonRott with her comment that you must get your dog into serious, formal training. The issues you're experiencing with your dog won't be addressed otherwise.

On top of your dog getting insufficient socialization and training, I also think your dog isn't getting nearly enough physical exercise. While you do take her out in the yard and kick the ball around for her, the exercise she's getting probably isn't nearly enough for the type of dog she is. I know it gets hot where you live, so you'll have to get up early and walk her late in the day. In my experience, a dog worn out from NILIF, training, and physical exericise is pleasant to be around.

[JemarsSerena]

If finances are and issue, check with your local parks and rec. The city here offers free seminars throughout the summer. Although I use my own trainer, it sounds like a great idea, especially in this town where many people think training your dog means putting them on a chain in the back yard.

[BostonRott]

For some dogs, simple physical exercise is sometimes not enough, they also need mental stimulation (i.e. training). Once a dog is trained and well-mannered, this can be things like 5-10min of heeling, precision work, agility jumps, or a short track............something to use their mind. This IS an intelligent breed and that must be respected.

[SouthernRot]

Well, when I first got her we had "scoped out" the local Petsmart... I wasn't happy with the training in the middle of the store with how many other dogs they wanted to put in the class.. The obedience trainer the breeder refered me to has been in the process of moving as of recently and has been unable to take me as a client. My breeder does protection training.

My dog seems as if she is ADHD in all honesty. And I do not doubt that is from lack of stimulation as far as the mental side of things. She sits, comes, and lays, but that is about as far in the training as I personally have gotten.

I understand what you all are saying and that is what I needed to know. I needed to know if this was absolutely neccessary to go ahead and do. My other half hates my dog and has nothing to do with her. So, when it comes time for me to give attention to my dog I get a "talking to"... Oh well, he'll have to deal with it lol...

I will contact my breeder this weekend and get a start on both the protection and obedience training and see where we go from there.

Thank you for all of your help.

-SR

[debbiej]

When I adopted my girl, she was around 8 months old, and barked at everything that moved. I don't think she'd been out much at all, and had very little socialization. I took her everywhere with me, to our coffee shop, to parks where kids were playing, the bank, drive through windows for cheeseburgers. I corrected her for barking at people or other dogs. praised her when she paid attention to me instead. She is fine now, everybody is a potential friend, and she is fine with other dogs too.

Obedience classes are a must. call the animal shelters, privately owned pet stores, 4-H, etc. and ask for recomendations for reasonable rates. Your girl will embarrass you in class at first, but stick with it and help her become a good citizen, and a good representative for the breed.

[Sharon Marples]

Originally Posted by SouthernRot

Well, when I first got her we had "scoped out" the local Petsmart... I wasn't happy with the training in the middle of the store with how many other dogs they wanted to put in the class.. The obedience trainer the breeder refered me to has been in the process of moving as of recently and has been unable to take me as a client. My breeder does protection training.

My dog seems as if she is ADHD in all honesty. And I do not doubt that is from lack of stimulation as far as the mental side of things. She sits, comes, and lays, but that is about as far in the training as I personally have gotten.

I understand what you all are saying and that is what I needed to know. I needed to know if this was absolutely neccessary to go ahead and do. My other half hates my dog and has nothing to do with her. So, when it comes time for me to give attention to my dog I get a "talking to"... Oh well, he'll have to deal with it lol...

I will contact my breeder this weekend and get a start on both the protection and obedience training and see where we go from there.

Thank you for all of your help.

-SR

I hate to be blunt here, but is this REALLY the dog for you?

I see many red flags in your situation:

1) You don't have the money to get her into the vet immediately to take care of a possible UTI plus her spaying.

2) You don't have the money for a professional trainer.

3) She seems to overwhelm you with her excess energy and attitude.

4) The most important thing that I see that I DO NOT LIKE is that your "other half" does not like the dog........this is a huge problem when dealing with a dog that needs vet care and training expenses. It can and will cause friction between the two of you and the end result will be that the dog either gets even less attention to her problems that she has or that your other half will not be treating her fairly (you don't know what goes on when you are gone).

5) You have a young child in the house with this dog. This is an accident waiting to happen with everything you have described. I would most certainly NEVER leave them alone together and if they are in the same room or area, keep a constant eye on them. She is apt to nip or bite him very quickly.

PLEASE get on top of her problems NOW. Along with everyone else, I can see the writing on the wall in the future. Dog bites, someone is very hurt, dog dies.

Again, JMHO.....but take the warning, you have a serious problem with her. If you cannot get a handle on it to control it, your breeder should be willing to help you rehome the dog into an environment where she is with someone who has the time, the resources and the ability to deal with her temperament. It seems to me that you need a dog with a much more relaxed, easy-going temperament.

[AngelBunny]

Originally Posted by SouthernRot

My other half hates my dog and has nothing to do with her. So, when it comes time for me to give attention to my dog I get a "talking to"...

Oh, DEAR. There are several comments you've made that trouble me, but this troubles me the most.

Are you sure she's the dog for you?