Scary how strong these dogs can be...

[Tusk]

Wasn't sure where to post this, but thought you'd all appreciate this story.

I have Gage in an obedience class, (which he's doing well in, but then he listens to me very well, but sometimes around other dogs, is just way too jazzed to pay attention to me, so we're working on it!) and at the end of class, they let us do a "puppy ball." Uh... Gage is no puppy, he's a 5 year old 125 lb muscle. He's a big rott, obviously. Anyways, there's another rot in the class, and they really get along. Another big dog as well, not sure what it is, but a bit wild. So this "puppy ball," they the dogs all play in a big group, and then after 20 seconds or so, you call your dog to you, and pull him back. Supposed to teach your dog to listen to you and come no matter what.
So, this happens a couple times. Gage reluctantly comes to me, he's way too jazzed playing with the other rot. So, the last time I do it, he's not coming as easily. He's pulling the other way, I'm pulling him towards me. When I get him, I notice his correction chain isn't relaxing. It's really tight around his neck, and Gage is wheezing. Nothing dangerous, he's not choking, but not comfy, that's for sure. He BENT the damn chain. One of the loops on the chain bent, the soldered part came undone, and he forced a link in there, so it was completely stuck. (The loop, one of the two on each end of the chain)
I was freaked, but we calmed down a bit and got it off with a little work. I'm gonna keep that chain as a souvenier. (Titan chain, not old either... ) I don't know if one brand is better or stronger, but it looks solid to me, and it's flat out BENT.
The trainer said, "I've seen a few dogs bigger than Gage, but damn, that's one strong dog."
Funny thing, he's the biggest baby in the class. Everyone loves him, and he hasn't been aggresive to any dog. But man, the power these guys have!

[Patty1231]

I don't know what a Titan chain is but maybe you should get the
"Super Titan"! :D They are really strong. Rocco can be pulling on his PRONG so hard he's choking and it doesn't even phase him. I just tell him he's an idiot and if he'd stop pulling he'd stop choking. ;) He eventually gives in. At class this week (using regular chain collar) he was choking himself trying to get to this 6-month old pug he fell in love with. I let her come to him but wouldn't let him go to her because he doesn't realize how big he is. :( She was whapping him on the face with both paws and he loved it - it was really cute. He's very strong but a real push-over for a pretty female. :p

[samanthac]

Which is exactly why it is so very imporatant that these dogs are realibaly OB trained and that the training never stops. You must make sure that your dog will do everything you tell them to the first time under any type of distraction no matter what it is. This is the way that ALL Rottweilers MUST be trained.

Good for you being in clss with Gage. Practice, practice and more practice. Every day for one or two 5 minute sessions. I am hoping to hear about your exploits as you take him through intermediate and advanced Ob classes. I have a feeling you will be so addicted by than that I very well may hear that you and Gage are doing competitive Ob someday! :)