17, Want to get a Rottweiler. Advice/info?

[dj tugz]

Hi guys this is my first post, and I have a couple questions concerning owning a rotty. I didn't know where this should go so I put it in here...Anyways some info about me, If I get a rotty it would be my first dog ever, I really like how you have to put alot of time and dedication into this breed, I see all other dogs as toys, but I see the rotty as a companion. Me and my family just moved into a new house, we lived in an apartment for the majority of my life so I couldn't really own a dog. I'm 17 by the way, and I'm not one of those teenagers who gets a rottweiler because its a "cool" dog. I really just want to train it and make it my friend.

So me being 17 I have saved up enough money to actually buy a pup from a good breeder, so here are my questions...

1. I'm living in the basement of my house, its pretty big, will the rotty be okay down here? Considering the lack of sunlight, ventilation, and the temperature (its pretty cool down here, not cold though)

2. I still go to school, would that be a problem that the rotty will not see me for around 6 hours? I'll come home at lunch to see how it's doing if need be.

3. Will the rotty be aggressive towards other family members? I want it to know I'm its master but also behave to other family members.

4. When is a good age to start puppy school/obedience classes?

5. Is it okay if the dog runs free in the basement (under supervision) at a young age or should I keep it in a closed off area, I read around here that you should never let your rotty run loose in the house as a puppy because that will cause destructive behaviour so I wasn't sure about this.

6. At what age should I start walking the dog/interact with my friends?

7. I'm getting a female, whens the right age to spay her?

I know it's alot of questions, but I'm really new to this, I'm picking up the book "The Rottweiler Handbook" so hopefully that will help me out. So many people here in my city think rottweilers are bad dogs, I really want to make mine the best dog it can be so I can prove them wrong.

[whithill]

Hi and welcome to the forums. You'll learn a lot here -- but probably not from me; I'm no expert. I'm just an ordinary person who loves her dog. BUT, like you, my dog is the first one I ever had and I can share a couple of things. First of all, like you (again) I wanted to do this right. For me, that meant NOT buying from a backyard breeder (BYB -- someone who just breeds any two Rotts together in hopes of making money, and not for the betterment of the breed). There are gazillions of reasons NOT to buy a dog from just anyone who calls himself a breeder. You can read all about that elsewhere on this site. It's pretty interesting. I have learned so much here!

So I got my dog from our local humane society. She was 4 months old, and looks totally Rotti, but probably has some lab or something in there too. She was spayed when I got her. In this way, I did not perpetuate the endless cycle of too many dogs in the world. That was really important to me. So she's not purebred! So what? I didn't want a show dog. She's gorgeous and smart and people love her. I hope you'll consider this route -- and save a great dog.

Rottweilers (mine and others I have known) are VERY social creatures. Our dog just want to be close to us, all the time. Asleep at our feet, cruising the kitchen for dropped food, that kind of thing. Your dog can probably do fine being alone for six hours at a stretch, but it's not ideal. And of course, this would not work for a puppy. Puppies are a ton of work.

Pretty much everyone on this forum will agree that crate training is the way to go. My dog loves her crate. Now that she is no longer a puppy, she doesn't spend that much time in there. She has learned to be 100% nondestructive.

I have come to learn that training is important for all dogs, but particularly for this breed. They are very smart and need to occupy their minds and get smarter. For us, this has meant a whole boatload of classes, from puppy classes to obedience on to agility. She loves them. They tire her out and get her around tons of other dogs and people. Training, training, training. Good thing it's fun.

Rottweilers need this kind of stimulation. You don't sound like the kind of person who would ever tie your dog up outside for hours at a time, so that's good. Definitely not cool for any dog, much less this kind. Going for walks is also REALLY important. We walk Dinah at least twice a day for a good, long time. She learns a lot from these walks.

You are 17. What does your family think of your plan? Are you going to college? Going to start working? Who will be there for your dog when you are not home? These are all things to think about. Everyone in the home should be on the same page before you get a dog. Everyone should agree on who's in charge, and how the dog is to be handled/treated. You might want to consider waiting a while til you're independent and making enough money to support yourself and your dog. Vet bills always come when least expected and can be pretty hefty. The classes cost $ too.

OK, my fingers are tired. I'm sure others will chime in with more suggestions. Good luck. I urge you to spend some serious time on this site; there's a lot to learn.

[Canadianrotti]

1) I live in the basement with 2 rottis and 2 cats, not a problem. They like to cool of the basement anyways (they are wearing a fur coat!!)

2) rule of thumb for away time is their age in months plus 1 hour. ie 4 months - 5 hours.

3) SOCIALIZATION at an early age is key. Our dogs like everyone in my family, even those who only visit 2-3 times a year

4) Your dog MUST have all its shots before going ANYWHERE!! This means that he/she will be about 12 weeks old before you strat puppy class.

5) Get a crate, and learn how to use it. It is the best way to assure that your dog is safe when you are not home, PERIOD.

6) Once your pup has its first round of shots, have a ball bringing him everywhere with you. the more socialization you do as a pup the better. I bring mine to Home depot, various pet shops, the bank etc..

7) Depends on who you ask. some like to wait untill after their first heat, they feel it gives them more time to grow and the hormones help that growth. I had our pup spayed at 5 m/o. I don't like the hassle of going through a heat cycle.

Keep asking questions, that is how you learn. And good on ya' for comming here to do you research, I wish more people did.

BTW, the up front cost of a rotti (any dog for that matter), is a small part of the package. Just to give you an idea, I spend about $50 a month on food per dog(buy the good stuff, check here for some brands), annual vacs, about $100, training is $200 every 12 weeks...... I figure the first 2 years you can expect to spend about $2,500 each year, and about $1000 a year after that.

And check out Rottweilers for Dummies. don't let the name of the book fool you, it is an EXCELLENT book.

Good luck and keep us posted.

[dj tugz]

Hey thanks for your reply whithill

My family also wants a rotty, but since me being the oldest sibling and my mom doesn't really have the time for it, I'm going to be taking responsibility for the pup. There is always going to be someone around to take care of dog, except when I'm in school since all my brothers go to school, but I can come home at lunch to walk it theres no problem with that. I work just three time a week, and I do have the money to take care of the pup, plus my mom will be helping as well. I have a car (most 17 yr olds don't have one where I'm from) so I can take it to classes. Walks won't be a problem since I already go jogging everyday. Anyways thanks for the info whithill I appreciate it

[Canadianrotti]

[quote=dj tugz] Walks won't be a problem since I already go jogging everyday.QUOTE]


20-30 min light walks with a pup is good, going for runs or jogs are not so good. A pup should have several months of bone development before doing this kind of activity.

[dj tugz]

Thanks CanadianRotti for your reply, since its almost summer break I can spend almost everyday with the pup...it's so hard finding a good quality breeder in my area though...

[BostonRott]

Sometimes you have to be willing to look outside of your area in order to find the puppy who is a good match for you. This will obviously increase costs, because you'll either have to drive to get the pup, or have it flown in.

When looking at breeders, make sure they are health testing their dogs (hips, elbows, eyes and heart), that they can show you the original certificates from OVC (or OFA), etc and not just "my vet said the dog is fine." Find out why the litter was bred, what the expectations are for the litter, how they fit puppies to homes, etc.

It's not a quick thing to find the right breeder and the right litter, it can often take a year or more.

[Canadianrotti]

my pleasure DJ, best of luck to you.

It sounds like you are headed in the right direction by asking lots of questions, and learning as much as you can. Owning a Rottweiler is a big responsibility, something that too many take too lightly!

Gretchen is right, in that finding a good breeder is very difficult, amongst all those out there that will promise you the world to get your money!! It is sad but true. Being that you are from the west coast, you can get some cheap flights on West Jet and go pick up your pup if you have to, it would be money well spent to get a well breed pup!

[MonteRiehl]

Originally Posted by dj tugz

Thanks CanadianRotti for your reply, since its almost summer break I can spend almost everyday with the pup...it's so hard finding a good quality breeder in my area though...

Welcome to the forum. Always great to have another 'toban

First thing I'd like to encourage you to do is go to the wpg library and check out a couple of books. It really should be a prerequisite for the breed. 3 great books are: Rottweilers for dummies, the complete rottweiler book, and Culture clash.

I don't want to discourage you, but Rotties are not great "entry level" dogs. What I mean by that is, it's a good idea if you have had some previous experience training another dog. It's outlined far better in the complete rottweiler book, than I could ever post. Or search the forums about this topic.

Once you are sure a Rottweiler is for you,( because they are the best damn dogs out there ) then find a good breeder. Don't pick one out of the newspaper!

There are a couple of great breeders here in Winnipeg. If you take a look at the Rottweiler Club of Canada's website, you can find out who's going to have a litter, or in the planning stages for a litter. You can then contact that breeder, and see if all the pups are spoken for, or get on their list. The ones I know will usually want to meet you, and interview you a little. Bring a couple of pics of where the dog is going to live, they like that.

Also, you should check out the hi-flyers dog club on Bradford st. They are not a rottweiler club, but run puppy, obedience all the way up to utility and tracking, agility etc. There are also alot of dog shows/trials held in that facility. It's a great place. They will let you come and watch classes if you want. It's a good idea because it will let you know what you are in for. My beginner class is Wed at 6:30.

You should also eventually find a vet before you get the pup. It's a good idea to have all the ducks in a row before you need a vet. The pup will also need the booster shots/titers for immunity to the common doggie diseases, etc.

Best of luck. If you can track me down on the web,(google me) I'll help you out if I can one 'toban to another!.

best regards,
Monte.

[Bucky's Mom]

Originally Posted by dj tugz

. I'm 17 by the way, and I'm not one of those teenagers who gets a rottweiler because its a "cool" dog. I really just want to train it and make it my friend.

So me being 17 I have saved up enough money to actually buy a pup from a good breeder, so here are my questions...

1. I'm living in the basement of my house, its pretty big, will the rotty be okay down here? Considering the lack of sunlight, ventilation, and the temperature (its pretty cool down here, not cold though)

2. I still go to school, would that be a problem that the rotty will not see me for around 6 hours? I'll come home at lunch to see how it's doing if need be.

3. Will the rotty be aggressive towards other family members? I want it to know I'm its master but also behave to other family members.

4. When is a good age to start puppy school/obedience classes?

5. Is it okay if the dog runs free in the basement (under supervision) at a young age or should I keep it in a closed off area, I read around here that you should never let your rotty run loose in the house as a puppy because that will cause destructive behaviour so I wasn't sure about this.

6. At what age should I start walking the dog/interact with my friends?

7. I'm getting a female, whens the right age to spay her?

I know it's alot of questions, but I'm really new to this, I'm picking up the book "The Rottweiler Handbook" so hopefully that will help me out. So many people here in my city think rottweilers are bad dogs, I really want to make mine the best dog it can be so I can prove them wrong.

Welcome to the forums - and it is greatthat you are asking all these questions ahead of time.

17 is a great age (if I remember correctly ) but it is also a time of going out with friends and then maybe going to college in a year or so. What will happen to your friend then?

You say you saved up enough money for a good breeder - that is a great accomplishment at 17 - but even healthy dogs have Vet bills. I took Bucky for a regular well dog check up today - he needed a blood test for heartworms (negative) - Distemper Vaccination - two different size heartworm pills - and Frontline for fleas and ticks. - TOTAL BILL $197.00
THe money you pay for a pup is only the beginning of the expenses.

We are taking an agility course starting Monday - $75.00 for 8 classes. - More money.

Again welcome to the forum and consider all the long term changes a dog (any dog) will make and decide if you can handle these before getting your pup.

I wish you well

[Tank's Grandma]

I'll leave the impotant stuff to the experts, but someone asked a question that I want to ask too. You say you're 17. Means you'll be graduating soon.
Do you have plans for college? I know many go to college at home, so no problem, but just to mention...my 'handle' may say Tank's Grandma, but Tank is actually now my dog. My daughter got him, he was to be her dog, she paid for him....but she went away to college, granted when he was still pretty young, but these dogs are very people oriented, and if you get your dog, then go away, you may find, as she did, that when you come back, your dog may have bonded closely to someone else. But, if you're staying around or will take the dog with you...hey...ask away and listen to the wonderful, knowledgable people here.

[dj tugz]

Wow thanks for the info Monte I looked at the canadian rottweiler club website and I emailed a couple breeders here in manitoba for some info hopefully they will reply soon. Where did you get your rotty from? I kno were not supposed to refer breeders here but did you get it in Winnipeg? Man I'm so glad theres another toban here *whew* Glad to hear that there are classes here. As for the college thing, I will be attending University of Manitoba, so I will not be leaving the city to attend college. I am aware about the bills and I'm sure I can handle it. Also, Monte how much was the rotty when if you bought it here in the Peg? I looked at trojanrotties.com and they charge $1200, is it the same price here? I will be checking out the library for some books.

Anyways thanks for all the info guys

[dj tugz]

Oh another question Monte, what is the exact address of the hi-flyers club? and you seem to know breeders here in Winnipeg do you think you can give me contact info, or is that not allowed on here?

[poohbearsmom]

Well, you certainly have put a lot of thought into this, thank you for that.

I would like to chime in with Gretchen, and encourage you to take your time to find a well bred pup, from stock of excellent temperament and health. Since you seem willing to research this subject already, this should be a rather exciting and challenging task for you.

Keep in mind, that because of your age, you might run into some issues with many breeders. It will be important that your family be there to back you up in any choice that you make.

Make sure that you have ample time, money, and energy to deal with this pup for the next 10-12 years. If you have plans for college, what happens to the pup? If you move from your parents home, can you find housing that will allow a rottweiler? Do you have the funds to deal with adequate vet care, and a healthy diet for the dog?

There's a lot of information on the forums here regarding proper socialization, puppy classes (age appropriate), and such. Research crate training, as the crate is your friend. Research proper age appropriate exercise, as well as hereditary diseases that are common with this breed, as well as expected health testing of breeding stock, so that you can ask prospective breeders about the health of the lines they work with.

Good luck, and welcome.

[MonteRiehl]

Originally Posted by dj tugz

Where did you get your rotty from? I kno were not supposed to refer breeders here but did you get it in Winnipeg? Man I'm so glad theres another toban here *whew* Glad to hear that there are classes here. I am aware about the bills and I'm sure I can handle it. Also, Monte how much was the rotty when if you bought it here in the Peg? I looked at a BREEDER's website and they charge $1200, is it the same price here? I will be checking out the library for some books.

Howdy DJ,
Those are the obvious questions.
First thing I need to say is, I'm not a breeder. My dad is a CKC registered breeder who specialized in labs. I don't have what it takes to be a breeder. But I can be a real good owner

Same as any dog breed, there are few good breeders locally, and some real puppy mill scum. The price from a good breeder really depends on a few things. The cost of the breeding if it's an outbreeding, etc. It's a little varible, but your in the right ballpark. If it's an 'in-house' breeding, it's usually a little less.

If we ever meet face to face, I'll help you make some contacts. Can't exchange that kind of info on the forum, it's not the place for that. Search the forum on how to select a reputable breeder, and it will tell you most of the same info, just not any names.

The HiFlyers training center is at 884 Bradford st. I would caution you against going to a local training facility where it's the "only thing" that trainer does. You may find yourself shelling out big $$ for invented disorders your dog has picked up. You can find yourself becoming a revenue stream for a disreputable trainer.
There is a bit of hokery pokery out there. Don't be afraid to ask questions because truth survives further investigation.

best regards,
Monte