Rottie + a Tosa Inu doable?

[Marley55]

We decided to give it a test. I got a big dog cookie and threw mid-line between the two. Rott sloooowly gets up, starts slowly shuffling toward the cookie. Tosa suddenly jumps up and runs toward Rott/cookie. Tosa plows into Rott just as Rott arrives, knocking him on his ass and devours cookie.

I am sorry, but that is close to the most ignorant thing I have ever heard !! Which one of you rocket scientists was prepared to break up a fight if it occurred ? Prepared to see a dog badly hurt or killed ? I would NEVER purposely place a dog, ANY dog, in a situation that could turn into a disaster in a split second. We just tossed a cookie in the middle to see what would happen ?? Honestly, it is very rare that I call to task someone's, feelings for their animal but I am certainly not hearing the love, respect and caring your rottie deserves.

Do him a HUGE favor and rehome him. He deserves better !

[fostermom]

Were these dogs dragging long lines so that you had some reasonably safe way of intervening IF they did get into a fight? Again, dogs can be fine together and seem to get along initially, until one decides he wants to challenge the status quo...it can happen in an instant with no warning. And as you just said, the rott didn't stand a chance, and, as you've also said, you're not crazy enough to jump in if the other dog decides to take on your rott. Are these dogs neutered?? That might stack the odds in your favor a bit. You might luck out and nothing will happen...but be aware that there is a GOOD chance there will be a fight unless appropriate precautions are made.

[spidey]

Not worried anymore

You clearly do not understand dogs in any useful way if you think what you described is any indicator whatsoever of what 6 months together will be like for your dogs. The danger comes after the dogs have been living together for a while. And you clearly weren't actually interested in learning anything, so I'm not sure why you even came here and posted this and wasted everyone's time. You should be worried, you should be VERY worried.

[Maxxx]

I don't usually step into threads like these since I'm a relatively new rott owner, but tossing a cookie in the middle of 2 male dogs and letting your rottie approach the cookie is the absolute dumbest idea I've ever heard!

What were you thinking??? Do you want your boy to get hurt? Do you care if he dies? Because from the sounds of it, you really don't care.

I'm sorry if I'm coming across as harsh, but this is an animal YOU decided to bring into your life and your home. It's YOUR responsibility to protect him and nurture him and give him a loving enviroment free from fear and possible attack.

[natesmom14]

Holy cow! My stomach was in knots reading the post about the "test".

We had two females for the past three years until my sweet Daisy passed away last month.

Daisy was 8 years older than Nikki and even though Nikki (our Rottie) outweighed Daisy by nearly 40 lbs., she never challenged Daisy one bit (if Daisy was drinking out of the water bowl, Nikki stayed away until she was done, if Nikki finished her treat first, she never approached Daisy for hers, etc.)- and STILL we never, ever put them in that position!!!!!!!! We made sure they BOTH had their own treats and that treats AND food were always fed far apart from each other so as to always avoid any possibility of conflict. I never, ever wanted to face a possible fight that led to injury (or worse) to either one of my dogs.

I am sickened that a "test" would be taken so lightly and cannot even imagine what would have happened if one or both dogs failed that "test".

[hokisteph5]

Part of me thinks the OP is a flaming troll, but I found this part just as scary as the cookie test -

Originally Posted by seoultrader

Update

All in all both dogs were together 5 hours off leash, 2 hours of which were more or less unsupervised when my friend and I went inside to watch a game.

I leave my two dogs alone, but would never leave my dogs alone with anyone else's dogs.

[bliss7373]

SeoulTrader,

I can see that you think we are making too big a deal about this. We aren't. I am deeply, deeply concerned for the welfare of both of these dogs - and you. I do not want either dog maimed or killed and I certainly don't want that to happen to you if you get in the middle. You are setting yourself up for just that situation. The "experiment" you tried could well have ended in a bloodbath. Further, it is not a good predictor of these dogs' reactions. As an above post explained - after they've lived together for awhile, things will change. I fear for these dogs when that happens.

Ultimately, it is your decision and it seems as though your mind is made up - despite the advice you have received from many people with years of experience. I'll give it one last try - please rethink this.

[AngelBunny]

Words fail, seoultrader.

Tossing food between two same sex dogs to see what happens. You and Tosa’s owner are a case of the blind leading the halt. Neither of you have even a superficial understanding of the dogs you own.

I wish you the best on your foolish, foolhardy fostering.

[seoultrader]

Umm...newsflash. They're dogs. In nature, dogs get into a scrap every once in a while. These two didn't and probably never will. If they do, then I'm sure they'll settle it among themselves, you know...like...dogs. My job's to interfere if it gets out of hand (i.e. if either dog looks like it's intending to kill the other, the gun's coming out and one dog will be shot, it's that simple).

Y'all need to step down a bit from the over-humanization and remember that these are animals who perceive you only as the funny looking thing that gets them food when they do silly stuff for you. They do not "love" you, they do not have the capacity to "feel" in a capacity that we relate to, etc etc.

I got a Rott because I wanted a dog that is quiet and intimidates potential home intruders. The fact that he's naturally fun to be with is a bonus and I do like the little pooch but in no way does he rank on the same level as ANY human (family or stanger) or even my higher value material belongings.

What boggles my mind is that some if not most here seem to be the type that would take out a bank loan or sell a car or eat cheap food to pay/save for vet bills. Priorities, folks. Don't be the crazy cat lady of the dog owner world.

Maybe it's because I grew up on a farm with so many different animals (loads of dogs as well) that I have a more dog-eat-dog (sorry, pun intended) attitude towrd these things...but I'm really not the cold monster y'all seem to think I am.

[natesmom14]

Actually, I can't believe I had almost forgotten about the recent experience of my brother and sister-in-law - perfect example:

Last year they rescued a male German Pointer (Roscoe)- approx. 2 1/2 yrs. old. Sweet, loving, goofy, well-mannered. Then about 6 months ago, they rescued a male Weimeraner (Shadow)- approx. same age and temperament and both were fixed. My sister-in-law was in Heaven- the two dogs seem to be buddies from the start- she had pictures from day one of them curled up together sleeping, following each other everywhere, etc.

A couple of MONTHS went by and things started to get a little disconcerting- she noticed the Pointer started growling at the Weimeraner for what seemed no apparent reason. When outside, Roscoe (Pointer) would obsessively follow Shadow and stand in almost a guard position in front of him not allowing him to use the restroom (which he would then come inside and pee- which would then cause Roscoe to pee in the house as well)- I was witness to the outdoor behavior one time- he would barely let Shadow move 2 feet across the lawn. Then they wound up having minor scuffles in the house... it then progressed to a bit of blood (I honestly can't remember who injured who- I just remember there was a vet visit)-they were then separated in different rooms at all times- it then progressed to where Shadow (the seemingly "picked on" one) started growling at and attempting to bite PEOPLE (was this a way of venting his frustration at his treatment by Roscoe or trying to assert some authority over someone???).

It finally came to a head one night when my husband was over at their house watching UFC with his brother. My husband was sitting on the floor w/ Shadow laying by his side (they had been buddies all night) and my husband got some potato chips. Shadow looked up at him and my husband said "No, you can't have any!" in a perfectly calm, playful voice (not scolding in any way, shape or form- both BIL and SIL were there) and Shadow lunged and bit him in the face (very mildly, THANK GOD, slight scratch and bruise, that's it) and my brother/sister-in-law then knew that they couldn't have this situation in the house anymore. They returned Shadow to the vet they rescued him from and Roscoe returned to his sweet, loving self. My SIL was heartbroken but knew this couldn't continue for the sake of either dog (and any people that came to the house- especially her daughter and our kids!).

Again- this was after a sweet, wonderful honeymoon period where they truly seemed the best of friends for a couple of MONTHS.

[SABELLESMOM]

Well, I won't say "We told ya so!" When the worst happens. I just won't respond at all. Not much any of us can do since the two of you are content to take the chance. You're playing with fire and BOTH of you know it! I just pity the poor Rottweiler.

You are under no obligation to take our advice, of course. Which makes me wonder. Why, then did you come here to ask, in the first place? I'm beginning to smell a troll, at worst, and a know-it-all at best.

Tossing a cookie! INDEED! Absolute stupidity. Is it really so enticing to you to see your dogs guts ripped out? Are you that callous and uncaring? There would have been nothing, I repeat, NOTHING you could have done to save your dog from a real attack. You admitted that yourself in your OP. Incredible! The mentality to chance such a thing...amoeba mentality.

[bliss7373]

Seoultrader,

I had to laugh at the "crazy dog lady" comment. Indeed, I also grew up on a farm with herding dogs. The dogs had a job do to and were expected to do it well. I've been involved with dogs - namely Rottweilers- for the last ten years and have spent most of that heavily involved in training and showing. In short, I am well aware of a dog's nature. I've received comments on how practical and no-nonsense my attitude is towards dogs. The same is true for quite a few members of this forum. Yes, we love them dearly - but we harbor no illusions about what they are.

It is just this practicality and experience that has led to the advice you have received. They are dogs - and anyone who truly understands their nature and heritage would appreciate the inherent risk in your plan. Practicality is no excuse for ignorance and irresponsible behavior.

Recognizing that a dog is a dog is not cold-hearted. Knowingly placing your own dog at such risk, who as your property is dependent upon you for proper care and protection, and having no issue with simply shooting the dogs should they fight after you have placed them in a situation where they have little choice - yes, that is cold-hearted and more.

[Marley55]

Maybe it's because I grew up on a farm with so many different animals (loads of dogs as well) that I have a more dog-eat-dog (sorry, pun intended) attitude towrd these things...but I'm really not the cold monster y'all seem to think I am.

Really ? I was raised on a dairy / beef and I can assure you we NEVER put all 4 breeding BULLS into the same pasture. It would have resulted in the blood bath of the century. But then being a farm girl of the tender young age of 12 I was and still am intelligent enough to know that.

What boggles my mind is that some if not most here seem to be the type that would take out a bank loan or sell a car or eat cheap food to pay/save for vet bills. Priorities, folks. Don't be the crazy cat lady of the dog owner world.

Do tell ??
Because as a RESPONSIBLE pet owner we take on the task of caring for the animal WE have domesticated and taken from their natural habitat to serve our needs and wants. I have priorities and you had better bet they are straight. When one of my horses is injured I call the vet for care. Why ? Because IF they were still mustangs running wild they would be taken by predation or perhaps die of starvation, but I have taken all that away from them and their care is now MY responsibility.

I am sensing some enjoyment from you in all the responses you have received and it seems to me, just like long ago we baited the bulls with fertile cows when they were on the way to the breeding shed, you are baiting the board with your cold and callous comments.

You are not worth the time and effort people have put forth in trying to educate you and save your dog, who by the way, is quite capable of offering the “human” traits of love and respect. It’s sad that is misplaced when directed towards you.

[observer]

Originally Posted by seoultrader

Update

So yesterday my pal came over for a few beers. . . .and we let the two dogs out in the yard and as usual, they didn't hang around each other, each flopping down in different corners and snoring away.

We decided to give it a test. I got a big dog cookie and threw mid-line between the two. Rott sloooowly gets up, starts slowly shuffling toward the cookie. Tosa suddenly jumps up and runs toward Rott/cookie. Tosa plows into Rott just as Rott arrives, knocking him on his ass and devours cookie.

Rott starts his "You just made a big mistake, dude" bark, Tosa ignores but stands his ground. Rott slaps Tosa with his paw, Tosa jumps on him and pins him. No teeth involved at any point, but lots of scary growling.

After 30 secs they're both panting and flop down, this time near each other.

30 Min later threw another treat near the middle and this time the Rott got it cuz I guess he's figured out he better get there fast. Tosa realizes cookie gone and flops back down.

All in all both dogs were together 5 hours off leash, 2 hours of which were more or less unsupervised when my friend and I went inside to watch a game.

Not worried anymore, the Tosa's just as chill as the Rott and I'll build the outside enclosure with high tensile materials for unsupervised times.

It was actually quite interesting to watch the Tosa's technique, almost like a human wrestler. Rott never had a chance. Thinking about maybe getting one of these (female of course...would make for mad cool puppies...I guess' they'd be 'Rosas', lol...nah, too wimpy)

You are both such idiots that words almost fail me. As you've already seen from other responses to this, your little "test" has NO validity compared to six months together in the same house. "Not worried any more"? You may be the biggest fool on this site, followed close behind by your so-called friend. We are not overhumanizing ANYTHING. We are expecting them to act like DOGS. And the odds here, long term, are not very good.

Your cavalier attitude toward your dog expressed in your more recent posts speaks volumes. I see you are IN Korea, don't know if you are Korean and part of this issue is a cultural one.

I don't know why you came here for advice you weren't willing to take. If you spent any time here at all first, you'd know that we take our responsibility toward our dogs (who depend on us to take care of them and keep THEM safe) very seriously. Maybe you just came here to start your own little fight.

And now you're thinking of getting a female and having some "mad cool" mutt puppies. I could hope you're a troll, but I'm pretty sure you are not.

We're on your dog's side here.... keeping him safe from your bad judgment and from your "friend's" dog. Hope your dog survives your "friendship".

[Weily4Life]

[quote=seoultrader;815959]

Y'all need to step down a bit from the over-humanization and remember that these are animals who perceive you only as the funny looking thing that gets them food when they do silly stuff for you. They do not "love" you, they do not have the capacity to "feel" in a capacity that we relate to, etc etc.

There is no way to know what capacity dogs actually have to relate or feel. But, they do feel. We have the experience of rescuing a Rottie that as sorely mistreated. She did not smile, nor did she wag her tail, and she was very hand shy when we got her. It took months before she realized that she could trust us and would not be hurt. This same dog has come to me when I was crying give me this sad look with tears in her eyes and lick my face and stay by my side to comfort me. Love is just a word created by humans. Maybe dogs would call it something else if God gave them the ability to write. But they do feel and have the capacity to "love" There is no way to ever know what capacity they have to feel or if it is a capacity that we relate to. IMHO they have a strong capacity to feel.

What boggles my mind is that some if not most here seem to be the type that would take out a bank loan or sell a car or eat cheap food to pay/save for vet bills.

Dogs can not take care of themselves. When we took them in we did so with a committment that they will be taken care of, not a committment to any one else but one to ourselves, regardless. There are also laws here against animal cruelty and neglect. Neglect including not providing for their basic needs and veterinary care should it be needed. Not that that would change our mind any about our committment should there be no laws in place. We would still care for them and do what is needed. That said, we are among those that have gone into debt and eaten cheap food because of our committment to our pets and are not embarrassed to say so. We made a committment to them. They give us unconditional love and companionship and as part of our family deserve the same care we would give to our human members if not better because they can't take care of themselves.

...but I'm really not the cold monster y'all seem to think I am.

Makes me wonder when you say that if it comes down to it you will get the gun and should one of the dogs.