new pup question

[Canula2000]

I have found the breeder I will purchase my next pup from and although I am excited about all the new possibilities that comes with a puppy I have some concerns. My (2) dogs now are only two years and although; for the most part are well behaved and good dogs, I know I still have a lot of work to do with both of them. My female is a bit of a bully and she is coming around now to where I think she may be okay with a pup in the house but I am worried about negative interactions with the pup and her. I guess my main question is should I be considering a puppy now or is this just a dumb idea?? Don't be too harsh on me but I would like some insight.

[Canadianrotti]

Having a pup in the house requires a lot of special attention. Are you thinking of getting another pup because pups are cute and fun to have, or are you going to work with ALL your dogs to have them be the best that than can be?

Having more than 1 dog in the house is a lot of fun, but make sure that you are doing it for the right reasons!!!

If there was any concern in my house over dog agression or territory issues, I would wait untill I could work them out, or the situation changes so that I can handle more animals properly.

IMO (and you asked for it ) dogs should be brought into homes that are ready to do all the traning and work that are required to raise a pup to its full potential (and with a rotti, there is a lot of potential).

Good luck with your decision.

[Canula2000]

I actually have big plans for the pup...mostly left over from my female who didn't quite turn out to be what I had wanted. I am also looking for a new therapy dog as I do therapy visits once a week. I have joined new clubs and have found new friends who own rottweilers and feel I have more experience myself. My youngest child will be in school next year and I will have more free time.
I found an awesome breeder and she is expecting pups from a terrific pair soon. However I feel very divided in my choice because I am afraid the time isn't right for a new pup yet, I am worried I might miss out on a really good breeding.

[Blair]

Originally Posted by Canula2000

However I feel very divided in my choice because I am afraid the time isn't right for a new pup yet, I am worried I might miss out on a really good breeding.

You just pretty much answer your own question. To me, if you are having second thoughts on bringing a puppy into your house then you shouldnt.

[Canadianrotti]

There are always pups available from really good parings. Being patient when it comes to getting a pup is about the hardest thing to do (their so damn cute ), but if you are still feeling unsure, then I would go with my gut and wait a little while. JMO.

[Rottigirl]

I just brought a pup into a similar situation, myself.
My other rotts are not too keen on his presence....they're older..much older.
So, I keep him in one room, sectioned off from the rest of the pack.
They are jealous, and I'm sure as far as they are concerned, he's nothing but a pain in the butt.
I realize that I should have waited until the kennels were finished (I live on 80 acres and I'm building indoor/outdoor runs off of a building on the property...It's gonna be nice when finished but that wont be for a while...
Waiting until spring mught have been a good idea too...there's a lot of ice here this year and it's bitterly cold, which also complicates things....( the building for the kennel isn't heated yet, therfore all dogs are awkwardly in the house.

Like you, I didn't want to miss out...my F. turned out to have bad hips, and I've been out of the show circuit for so long, I just want to be back in...
I guess I convinced myself that I'm 'Superwoman", but....well, I guess even Superwoman had a bad day here and there...

So...IMHO, think long and hard....and if you think you can handle it....
only you know for sure!

Jordy
Good Luck making that decision..

[SonnyRott]

It sounds like you have a good relationship with your breeder. What has he/she had to say about your concerns?

[SABELLESMOM]

My female was 3 when I added the pup. I wanted her to be fully adult, and well trained. But now that I think back, she probably could have handled it nearly as well at two.

I was fortunate in that she decided she 's take over mom duties. She's a good solid well temperamented lady, with a lot of love.

It's not all roses, though. It's a lot of work. My third dog is a Cocker Spaniel, not a Rottweiler, but it takes time to walk all three. It takes time to keep up on the training of the older one and still do right by the puppy. (I do scarcely any training with the cocker...he is what he is at age 12) Still, working with the two of them...takes time!

I tend to combine work and play, or I wouldn't enjoy it myself. There are little tricks. You add in 2-5 minutes of training on a hike, here and there. You train long downs in the livingroom and the back deck or out in the yard. It helps to get yourself into the mindset that "any time" can be training time. Got one with you visiting mom and dad's? ...training time, at least a "down" while you eat your lunch, or a "sit" to avoid getting trampled by grandpa (my dad) who isn't watching where he's going.

I love "wait!" I use it every time I potty 3 dogs. I say, "Sable, wait!" and "Digbee, wait!" and the two wait while I take Raven. But at mom and dad's it can keep the dog "inside" when sometone goes out the door. With a grandchild or two, plus my dad...doors open a lot.

It worked out. Now, Think things thru for yourself. You said you would have more free time. Yet you said you were unsure and the time may not be right. There are always "good parings."

Then out of the none of my business bag...you have two, 2 year old Rottweilers, not a Rottie and an old Cocker. That may well be the difference. The Rottties will be active! My Cocker doesn't do much more than need a walk, food, water and a bit of love. You 'll have 3 very young dogs.

[brunie's mom]

I would also be worried about same sex aggression.
Not sure of what sexes your two dogs are? If you get a female pup and already have a female, or have a male and get a male...with only two years age difference there may big problems in the future.

I think having two 2year old dogs is a challenge already...add a new pup to the mix and you must worry about how much time and attention they will all get.

Gina

[Bruce Lanthier]

Originally Posted by Canula2000

I know I still have a lot of work to do with both of them.

Why on earth would you get another pup/dog when you haven't even finished your responsibilities with the dogs you have ? Getting another pup would cheat all of the dogs, pup included.

[Canula2000]

Thanks for the replies. I sometimes need a slap to the head...hehe...to get me back in reality. My other dog is actually a labrador and he is VERY mellow so I would be getting a male pup.
It used to be everytime I would look at my female I would see all my dreams gone and utter dissappointment. I bought her to show and do obedience ring as well as therapy. She has temperment issues that through contunious training I have been able to control, sometimes that means crating her with company or leaving her home when I do dog stuff. She is not able to do the things I bought her for and I still have those dreams.

[alexav]

Originally Posted by Canula2000

She is not able to do the things I bought her for and I still have those dreams.

Is this the cute girl I met last summer? At only 2, I'd be very hesitant to give up on her. So, she is a challenge. Believe me, so was Bree! She wasn't worth a crap til she was 3! Embrace this opportunity to learn to work through your limitations as a team. I think you'll be very surprised what she can do a year from now.
A very wise horseman told me "Only when we've learned by doing, are we ready to take the next step."

I'm glad to hear that you have joined a club. Are you working with a more positive trainer since we last talked?
My other thought, (since you did ask... ) is that with a new pup in the house, you'll be very restricted on the wonderful work you do with rescue. That would be a shame. There's so few people here working for the homeless ones and you give cynical people like me some hope.

[Canula2000]

Thanks Christy...yeah I am talking about that ornery butt-of-a-dog.
I have thought about the rescue also...my husband told me one or the other and it is a big deal. I never would have started rescue work if my rottweiler had turned out to be what I thought I was getting. I have had some people tell me they could never do what I am doing. It is hard work sometimes and very underappreciated. What if I could help 25 more dogs in this year or have my perfect dog? It is always nagging me that maybe I was meant to help lost rotties find homes. Sometimes dying dreams lead to a new dream.
Anyway, thanks for the confidence. After meeting you and working with you we have done more positive training and amazingly it has done wonders when every other trainer has told me the opposite. I always thought that we were doing it wrong but everyone told me it was alpha issues and we had to beat it out of her. She is improving day by day. Thank you for your help!!!

[alexav]

Originally Posted by Canula2000

I have thought about the rescue also...my husband told me one or the other and it is a big deal....
What if I could help 25 more dogs in this year or have my perfect dog?...

First, let me say loud and clear..."THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS A PERFECT DOG!!!" LOL

I think our dogs are "sent" to us to teach us lessons. Your "Ornery Butt-of-a-dog" might have been alot closer to what you wanted had you not been snowjobbed by those greedy, ignorant, compulsive trainers...Maybe that's your first big lesson.
I know Alexa taught me that one quite well. I too fell for the "Get the upper hand now, before it's too late." and "You need to remind them who's in charge!" I knew there had to be a better way, but I had to find it on my own, there was no one here to act as a mentor.

If I had not learned that valuable lesson and drastically changed the way I trained, I might have ruined Bree's trust in me too. And Bree is not the kind of dog to sit and take unfairness of any sort. She'd have come up the leash at me one day! (And I would have deserved it!)
My sweet Alexa...I made the rest of her life as good as I could to try and make it up to her. We had a great working relationship. All was not lost, but there was still that little piece of mistrust in her that I had created. Every time I saw it in her eyes, I felt so ashamed.

I'm really glad that the short amount of time we spent together has helped you. I would be glad to work further with you in the future. I have found a new training buddy who has taught me some wonderful things!

Would you give little miss ornery-butt another year for you two to work things out? That would be a happy compromise. Another 25 dogs saved from death and then you could revisit your decision. There would be far less regret then, and maybe we could recruit some new rescue folks for the area in the mean time.
I see much hope for the future. There are fewer and fewer Rotties in the newspaper now...I've even seen my dream come true more than once...a saturday edition with ZERO ads for Rotties! Never thought I'd see it even once! Just a few years ago, I counted 28 in one paper and there were never fewer than 6 or 7 on weekdays.
No More Homeless Pets in Utah is doing a good job at getting the word out too and there are more spays and neuters performed here than ever before.

So, maybe one more year and the choice will be easier...either way.

[LynnS]

I second everything Christy said and from my own experience you just might be surprised at how much more biddable your girl becomes as she matures.