changing residences

[sshankar]

I am wondering if my Rottweiler (which I am considering purchasing) would be able to adapt to changing apartment situations. I will be changing my apartment from time to time since I go to college. Can I teach him housebreaking in the new apartment eveytime I change one and would he learn quickly, even though he matures? Also, I don't know If I can afford to take him to obedience classes but I plan to teach him everything by myself from the basic commands to more complex ones. Is that ok?

-Sid.

[RottiMomCT]

Originally posted by sshankar
Can I teach him housebreaking in the new apartment eveytime I change one and would he learn quickly, even though he matures? Also, I don't know If I can afford to take him to obedience classes but I plan to teach him everything by myself from the basic commands to more complex ones. Is that ok?

Sid - basic obedience classes run from 6-8 weeks, and cost anywhere from $75-150 for all the classes. Taking a dog to obedience classes is, I think, the BEST way to begin socializing a dog. Classes, depending on where they are held, present new faces, new dogs, new distractions from what is seen all day, every day in the home environment.

I tell people all the time that my dog is great and might score a perfect 200 if we had an obed match at my obed school, but when we get out into a new place for training, he'll spend 10 minutes just checking it all out...I'm starting to take classes at 3 different locations to get him used to different places.

As for housebreaking, it all depends on how much time and effort you are willing to put into it...my dog knows to go to the door of any house he's at when he needs to go out (most of the houses we visit also have other dogs so he picks up on where they go when they needs to go out (or do the dogs tell him to go to that door?!).

[Rottnlove]

Hello Sid! Welcome to the forums! I think you'll find there's many great experienced rottie lovers here and they're so happy to help!

So you're interested in a rottie? How old is he? How long have you been researching this breed?

Here's just some of the stuff I have researched. Rotties need LOTS of socialization and it's a MUST to obedience train. I really think you should go to a class for obedience with professional trainer. Not to say you can't do some of this on your own, in fact you should reinforce at home what the two of you learn in class. How much time will you spend with your dog every day? You stated that you are living in an apartment. Does your apartment have a secure fenced yard? Rotties need a secure fenced yard to run and exercise. These are just some of the questions you'll need to think about. Rotties also require lots and lots of training, exercise, and patience. (like any dog.) They don't do very well if they are left alone alot. As they say, a bored rottie is a bad rottie. It would be best to crate train him. While you are away they do best in a crate. Puppies shouldn't be left alone in a crate any longer than 3-4 hours max. Rotties are people dogs. They do best when they are included in activities and most likely will want to be where you are all the time.

And last, but not least, Rottweilers are not the cheapest dogs in the world! They need a diet high in protein. Personally, I think the BARF diet is very beneficial. Maybe you already know this stuff, but what the heck. I'm going to try feeding the barf diet as well as Canidae. Rottweilers require lots of care and many are prone to hip dysplasia and/or cancer. Not to say just because you have a rottie this will definitely happen, it's just kind of common.

I too am wanting a rottie, but have been researching it for about 6 months so far. I plan on getting my rottie in about 1-2 years, but I'm waiting for the right situation. I'm living in an apartment, too. I hope this helps...Good luck with your decision, it's a big one, and it's great that you came to these forums! ;)

Lisa

[Judi W]

Please wait until you are out of school, have somewhat settled employment and a place to live before acquiring a large dog of any breed. You do not know at this time in your life where your employment might take you and it might not be where you can easily take a dog. The committment is for the life of the dog - oftentimes 10 to 12 years or more. This should not be taken lightly. Although you might have ample time now for a dog, starting out in a new job might (probably will) require much more time than will allow for proper care of a pet.

Housebroken is housebroken, regardless of where that house is. Moving should not change a properly housebroken dog. Obedience classes in my opinion, are not optional. Even those of us who teach and have been training dogs for many years train at our clubs so I would say, no, you cannot stint on training. Enjoy dogs, go to shows, read books, volunteer at a shelter to help train dogs so they can find homes, but delay acquiring one until you can afford it and have a settled home.

[sshankar]

Thankyou for your replies. Yes, I have been interested in getting a Rottie since the last 2 weeks. Well I am doing lots of research on it. As te obedience classes are 180$ or so for the entire class, that's not too bad. Of course, I like that about Rottweilers, that they are people dogs and like to be around their masters because that's what I want in a dog.

Yes, that was what I was worried about, that I am unsure where my job would take me but my love for animals is just too great to make that come in the way. That's the main problem here. Whatever, it may be, I will have to take the dog where ever I go.

Right now, I don't have a fenced backyard where the dog can play. The apartment is completely closed. It's probably going to be some time when I could get a place with a backyard and all. Perhaps with plenty of exercise and time with the dog on the weekends, and also with obedience traing and all he will be fine.

Thanks for the tips!

-Sid

[Judi W]

Another suggestion that might help you salve your desires. Look for a breeder in your area, ask if you can spend time with their Rottweilers, helping out, perhaps taking one and training it for and getting a CD with them paying the training fees. You will learn much with the experience.