Adding a Rottweiler to our Home.

[LexFrost]

When I first wanted a dog 2 years ago I spent the better part of 6 months to a year researching the various breeds and picking which ones would work best in our house hold. Our family was made up of myself, my girlfriend, five ferrets and a cat. So my dog choice had to reflect my situation. I needed a dog with a low prey drive and that was able to get along with other animals and since it was my first dog I wanted one that did not require a lot of dominence training. So I ended up picking a female Boxer, and it has worked out perfectly. Even though I picked the Boxer breed in the back of my mind I really wanted a Rottweiler, I just love the breed but as my first dog it did not fit my needs as well as a Boxer did. Boxers are great with Ferrets and Cats and we have never had to worry about enforcing our Alpha status with her.

Now with Lily (the boxer) being a year old I feel I am ready for another dog and I am returning to the Rottweiler breed. Since I already have a Female Boxer, from my readings people suggest that your second dog be the opposite sex for better compatability. So I will be looking for a Male Rottweiler and it will be a puppy. We ended up getting the Cat first and the dog second, so my Boxer was a puppy when she was introduced to the Cat. After a few weeks they become really good friends and now spend hours chasing each other around the house and playing. So my main concerns is how will the Rottweiler get along with the Cat, even if we get the Rottweiler as a puppy has anyone had any issues with the dog not liking Cats? I know the cat will tolerate (if not become friends with) the new dog.

Sadly, the ferrets are no longer a concern as we only have one left and she is pretty old (a little over 6 years), and regretfully will not be with us much longer. For being a Marshall Farms Ferret though she out lived everyones expectations, which I am quite proud of (they have an adverage of a little over 2 years).

Now have I have done a lot of reading on the Rottweilers and I understand the work and attention (and training) that they need and I have no problem with that. But I have never really found any information about their temperment with other animals already in the family unit.

My plan for possibly bringing in the Rottweiler is about 3 to 4 months as we are not ready for him yet. So I felt I would post some questions and finish my research on the breed since I still have some time before I start looking for breeders.

So I guess any thoughts or experiences anyone has with their Rottweiler and other animals would be apprecaited.

Thank you

LexFrost

[rottielover2004]

Hi there, and welcome..... I have just added a new addition to our family as well. A male rotty pup. We have 2 cats at home, as well as another dog, and have had no problems introducing him to the others. It is normal for a puppy to be curious, the cat will give the new puppy boundries, but introduce them slowly. do not want to stress the cat out.... Harley (new puppy) has been great with the cats, he actually even sleeps with one ( when no one is looking) as if he does not want to be seen as a cuddle bug. Good luck in your search, and patience and training are the key to any peaceful household.

[LUVMYROTTNBOY]

I adopted a Male puppy (now adult) and he has done well with our cats. I think that its real important that when you speak to the breeder you inform them that you want a dog that gets along with cats, so they can help you pick the right puppy. I would also keep in mind that the dog may change as it grows into one that does not like cats. So have a back-up plan for keeping the house calm and safe for all animals.

[Judi W]

And personally, I would prefer to see that you had done some formal training with the dog you already own, so that you had some experience and that you have taken her well into adulthood and shown what you can do with a dog before taking on another and especially a Rottweiler. Yes, bringing in a pup to a home with a dog savvy cat is certainly doable and that part should work out fine. Since you've been reading I know that you understand that the Rottweiler (at least one worth the name) does have high prey drive and also is strong-minded. That does not mean being heavy-handed but it does mean that the personality of the owners needs to be one of confidence. I would suggest that you rethink your timetable and give your current bitch a chance to grow up and reach towards her own potential. Every bit of work you do with her will give you better tools for raising and training your desired Rottweiler puppy.

[StephanieandToby]

My Rottweiler lived quite happily with three guinea pigs and a lop rabbit and two cats. They were all brought into the household after the dog.I'm not saying every puppy will react this way, but it has been done!!

(I heard from my old roommate that the rabbit went to musician Long John Baldry who rescued rabbits on the side.... )(doesn't sound right to me...)

[JeanT]

Just wondering if low prey drive is no longer a consideration because of the reduction in your ferret population? (Congrats on the longevity of your remaining one.)

[LexFrost]

JeanT,

Yes, the low prey drive is no longer an issue since my last ferret is up there in age. She is kept away from the other animals since she is not as playful as she once was. She sleeps most of the day now with just a few hours of playtime.

[dmoniz]

I got my rottie pup when he was 7 weeks old. He was introduced to the 3 existing dog and 3 existng cats. Now at 10 month he desperatly tries to get the cats to play with him to no avail. He does respect their personal space though. Also make sure that the cat has a place to go that the dog can't get to.

[LexFrost]

Judi W,

We have been though formal training with Lily, she is quite well trained. We will be entering her into show training in March, even though I do not plan on showing her, I still prefer she have the training. She is run through multiple short training routines daily in order to keep her on her toes so to speak. She has been socialized quite a bit, she is a very gentle dog who loves everyone ... in some cases I feel she is a bit too social but Boxers do not make good guard dogs and I never expected her to be one. We bring her to the Dog Park every week to socialize with many different breeds and many different humans. I plan to do the same thing with the Rottweiler. The Rottweiler will also be entered into formal training classes at 12 weeks, as we did with Lily. I realize Lily is still young in the terms of age but I feel she is mature enough to handle another dog in the house, plus she is dieing for some company that does not meow (complain) when it gets dog slobber on it


Please post pictures in the Chit Chat forum.

[Judi W]

Excellent, as long as you don't believe Miss Lilly is "finished". I know a breeder is much more likely to want to place a pup with someone who has shown the dedication to do something with the dog they own before taking on another. That is one of the questions I always ask people who are talking about getting another dog. What have you done with the one you have? Make sure you mention that in your resume when you are inquiring about pups. It does make a difference to the breeder and to your toolbox.

[SABELLESMOM]

My Rotties are great friends with the cat. Despite the fact she's a terrible tease! She tends to pick on the poor Cocker by swatting his wiggly giggly ball past him. She knows he hates that ball! She then sits back and laughs when he jumps 3 feet in the air!

Boxers can be great dogs and I see yours has had some training, etc. My neighbors have a boxer and the Rotties are quite fond of him. Well, a new puppy will be an adventure, one that I'm sure I'll be envious of. Heck! What am I saying? The pup is only 7 months? I don't need a new pooper! (sigh...just memories of puppyhood...I'll be envious of that)