A few questions from a potential new rott owner!

[tdark1]

I love rottweilers, and I would really love to get one, I am in the process of researching them before I get one, and I've come up with a couple questions. I am a college student at ASU in Arizona. I live off campus, in an apt. My apt isnt too big, only around 1,000 sq ft. But there are many, many parks and fields, and a lake right next to my place. I goto school, but do not work, I'm typically at school for 3-4 hours daily, the rest of the time, I'm at home hanging out, or doing homework, aka I will be spending lots of time with my dog. Would this be ok for a rott?? He wouldnt live outside, but I would walk him 3-4 times daily. Also I know dogs are expensive, but how much should I expect to pay for regualr vet checkups, and I'm prepared to shell out the extra money for premium dog foods. Any advice or opinions are welcome.

P.S- earliest I would buy a dog, would be next September or so, so I have a while to research!!

Thx for all the help!!
Robert

[Homerhomer]

Hi Robert and welcome to the forum.
Living in an apartment is not a problem as long as you are able to provide the dog with walks and playing time in the park.
As far as expenses go, well it could get pretty expensive. Perhaps someone else could help you with detailed pricing of everything but just to give you something to think about try to imagine not only the costs of food but also:
training classes, treats, accessories (collars, leashes, toys, bones etc) crate, scheduled and unscheduled vet bills (these could go into thousands), insurance.... I am probably missing something.
Also sometime soon after you are out of school your schedule will probably change. Would you then be able to give the dog as much attention as the dog requires after 8 or 10 hours work day? Don't take me wrong, I am not trying to discourage you, I am just saying that dog ownership is time, money and energy consuming ( and I love every minute of it).

[Maddiesgirl]

:) I had a GSD in my last year of college, but I wouldn't recommend getting a dog until you are not changing residence every year. I knew where I would be moving after school (family owned apartment) and that the dog would be welcome. Having a dog SEVERELY limits your choice of apartments and MANY landlords aren't too psyched about college student +rottie.

Only you know yourself, but don't brush it off as something you "know you'll be able to deal with" when it happens. Are you ready to pay twice as much because the only apartment that will allow dogs is REALLY expensive? Can you afford it?

I mention all of this because there are SO many dogs listed on rescue sites because the owner is moving and the landlord won't accept dogs. This dog commitment is for the next 13 (I'm really an optomist) years. What will you do over breaks? Will you give up vacation trips because there is nowhere for the dog to go? Are your parents willing to have you bring the dog home when you visit on holidays? (Picture not your well behaved grown dog, but the one who may chew your mom's new furniture in the blink of an eye). I love my dog and wouldn't ever want to be without her, but I remember how HARD it was to find an apartment 5 years after college that would allow my dog (it did cost twice as much!)

Just be sure you can answer the really hard questions before you hold a puppy. The puppy breath steals your judgement (and everyone elses!) every time!:) :)

[kala]

I live in Phoenix and would suggest you wait till you are out of school. Have you asked around to see if the apartments in that area will allow you to have a pet, let alone a Rott? I know when looking for housing it was almost impossible to find a place that would allow large dogs. And if they did allow big dogs they had restrictions on breeds. What will you do when you get out of school considering you go ahead, find a place to live where you can have a Rott for now. What happens when you move away from school? Are you prepared to find another place that will welcome you and your dog? I'm speaking from Arizona experience about how hard it is to rent around the area. Other places might be harder or easier but I do know Arizona is not Rott friendly when it comes to housing.

I commend you for doing research and thinking this through before you went and got a dog. You are doing the right thing by checking all avenues and doing your homework. If you just need a dog fix why don't you consider helping out Rottie rescue in Phoenix or at a shelter till you are established more? If that sounds good to you PM me with your email address.
sue

[tdark1]

My apt allows dogs of all sizes, just have to put down a $200 pet deposit! Kala, my computer will not allow me to send you a PM, so my e-mail is..... I'd like to chat about helpin out!!


Email has been deleted, as we do not allow the postings of personal email on these forums. Thank you. Justice

[kala]

Robert, I don't know how to get your email addy since we can't add them to the posts. I am on AIM and my user name is ubur1 (that is the number one). I'm not on AIM very much but will log on this week off and on. I am a volunteer for the Rott rescue here in the valley. The reason I kept mentioning the rental problems is because I could find all kinds of place to rent that had a pet policy but when it came down to it they didn't allow certain breeds. They claim liability issues. Do you know where you are going to live after you get out of school? So many dogs lose their homes when their owners find it isn't easy to move with a large dog. It can be done but it isn't easy. I was lucky and have the best landlord in the world (he has a Rott).

I think once you post more and get regular member status you can send PMs. I will add you to my AOL buddy list though.
I would love to talk to you about helping with rescue. We are going to be in the ST. Patrick's Day Parade in Phoenix on the 16th of this month. We will also have a booth set up at the Irish Faire at Margaret Hance park ( it is at the end of the parade route). Come down and meet the dogs and introduce yourself.
sue

[tdark1]

I will not be in town on the 16th. But I would love to talk. I'll look for you on AIM also, but I talked to the Apts, and they said Rott's were fine, I'm not sure where I will live after school, but I can guartnee that it will be a place that allows my dog!!

Robert

[domme5]

First, I'd like to say it's great that you're doing so much research on this breed. If only more people took the kind of time you are checking into things, they may think twice before getting 'that cool dog'.
Since the issue of housing has already been gone over...I'd like to ask you some questions regarding patience. While right now your schedule is 'dog-friendly', what happens when your'e studying for a exam and have to constantly keep jumping up from the books to correct the dog, take the dog out, etc.? I'm home all day, and I can tell you that when your'e in the middle of something is exactly the time your dog is going to require your attention (they're just like kids). How patient are you going to be when you've just read the same paragraph in a book three times because you're constantly looking up to see what he's up to or had to go out? There are times when you absolutely have to get something done, no ifs ands or buts, and you're tempted to say out of frustration, 'I'll deal with it when I finish this!', thus perpetuating bad behavior.
Like everyone else, Im not trying to discourage you. But it's these little everyday things that build up and eventually ruin the entire experiance for you and the dog. I would say that if you're dead-set on this, go to a rescue and try for a dog that's already housetrained and not really a puppy. This may eliminate a couple hurdles, but not all. Good luck!

[Karyn]

Are you ready to be a parent? Yes, that is what it amounts to. It is easier to be a parent because landlords cannot legally refuse to rent to you. Raising a dog is like raising a baby. Instead of changing the diaper - you have to take it out for potty breaks - a lot, you not only take it to school -you stay with him/her in school and do homework; day care for doggies is just as expensive as day care for kids but there is no tax credit or tax deduction and there are not that many dog day cares around. Insurance companies do not make a fuss if your kid bites someone or charge you excessive rates or outright refuse to insure you. When I was just out of college it was play time, travel time and career time. While "climbing the corporate ladder" I worked long hours, my plants barely got watered then. It is a total commitment for the life of the dog. If I did not have my daughter and her friend Stephanie to help, I would have a really hard time. I have boarded my dogs twice - when I was moving and when I hosted the Christmas family dinner. I felt guilty the whole time.

[Terrie]

Robert,
Good job on doing your research first. Have you researched what to look for in a reputable breeder? Kala has a very good point, there are so many rescues out there who need a loving home, plus you can avoid a lot of the starting costs(first shots, neutering/spaying, worming meds)

Now that the parenting and living arrangement topics have been addressed, I'll help you with the vet bills.

These are the bills that I have accumulated in the past 2 and a half years with my male:
First series of puppy shots + worming meds (over 5 months period) = $150.00
Bordatella(sp) shot = $10.00 (training classes won't let you in unless this is given)
First emergency visit = $150.00 (eye injury $65.00 just to walk in the door)
Sick visit + tests + 2nd opinion = $1000.00
Neutering/Spaying = $175.00
Hip/elbow x-rays = $75.00
Yearly vet visit + shots = $40.00
Fecal test = $25.00/year
Heart worm & flea meds = $80.00/year

Now food and other goodies:
Canidae 40lb. bag = $31.99 every 5 weeks or so(premium food)
Dog biscuts = $8.00 5 lb. box every 4 weeks
Misc. veggies(I use them for training treats) = $10.00/week
Collars & leashes = $60.00(I have and assortment of both)
Toys = $60.00/year (My dog destroys toys except a kong)
Cleaning supplies = $50.00 (for those days when he desides it's better to puke on the beige rug than the kitchen floor )
Grooming supplies = $75.00/year(toothpaste, brushes, shampoo, vacuum bags, etc.)
Training(very important) = $120.00 per class on average

The list goes on too, as I'm sure other members will tell you. I don't mean to be a bummer here but I was a college student not to long ago and I remember the days of trying to make a big mac last for 2 meals.

Good luck and welcome to the forum:D
Terrie

[ilikerotties]

Let me think back a few years. lol...I believe my vet had a puppy plan which cost around 300.00 for her "puppy" shots. Then at 6mo her rabie shot which was around 30.00. She was on premimum puppy food around 40.00 a 25-35lb bag which lasted about a month if that. I probably spent another 200.00 on "stuff" to get her started .....toys, leash collar. and puppy clicker training she began at 3mo at about 400.00 for 8 weeks (well worth the money) My Jessi has ear problems and on average has went to the vet twice a year for that. Oh I almost forgot insurance. I own a home not rent but I dropped American Family because they would not insure me with a rottie. (their loss) I spend a bit more for my insurance but Jessi is worth every penny!! Have fun when you do adopt your lil rottie mine is wonderful and I wouldnt trade her for anything!!;)