Just got a Rotti

[neongazer]

we are renting a home right now, there is no fenced in yard. we want to make sure she doesnt run away on us. We didnt buy this dog from the breeder, we talked alot to the previous owner and found out alot about her bloodlines. she came from a good natured breeder. we are totally new at this and dont want to mess up. we have no other option right no than to "chain her up". plus it is a condition of our landlord.

we have had some problems with trespassing from former tenents of this house. with me being home as much as i was I was terrified to go out side alone in the day or the night. having her makes me feel safe. if she senses anyone comming she barks to let me know.

My fiance's parents had a Rott a while ago and we are learning from them as well. u

Until we get a fenced in yard where I feel Safe to let her out without being on some sort of lead what are my options?

[rottgirl]

Congrats on your new addition and welcome to the forum, I'm a second time rott owner and wish I found this forum with our first it's great and there is so much information to be found and shared.

I hope you didn't get her just because "you got a great deal", owning a rott (or any dog) is a big responsibilty and commitment. Getting her into a training class is a must. It forms a bond between you and the dog.

Welcome aboard, Michele

[targonrotts]

never tie a dog out!
they can hang themselves, develop temperament problems,get injured,etc.
invest in a crate inside the house.that way she is around you and not all
over the place when you don't want her to be.like when you are cleaning,guests, etc.

[Denise L.]

I had a lousy fence when I first got my Cyrus. So I walked him on a leash.

I now have a 6 foot privacy fence and I STILL walk him on his leash. Sure, he goes out sometimes just in the yard (I keep the fence padlocked too) but I am always in the kitchen with the door open or outside with him. And most of his outside time is with me on leash.

It is very bad to chain a dog, it can result in aggression.

I didn't know this before I got my dog. I read a couple of books and spent a lot of time here reading posts old and new. Now that you have your dog you must do your research now and take seriously the advice given to you.

[natesmom14]

We have no fence and have 2 large dogs- one being a Rotti (I am a relatively new Rotti owner myself- got her from a Rescue in February). We take them out on leash- if we want to play fetch or run around in our open backyard area, we take them out w/ a 30 foot leash tied in knots and let it run along the ground- I'm always in close access and if she got a wild hair (which she never has- she's pretty laid back) I could always step on it quickly to get her- I stay in very close proximity to the leash as she runs around. Mine is calm enough to stay out loose in our house while we are gone- but if she weren't, she'd be crated when we were gone- not left outside.

Dogs can become VERY territorial if kept out on a chain- we were ignorant of this several years ago and made that mistake with another dog. Trust me- don't do it.

As for the training classes- like someone said before- you can't afford NOT to do it. If you can't afford the cost of training classes, you can't afford a Rottweiler- cost of upkeep, food, meds, and, God forbid, possible vet costs if they happen to get sick or injured are WAY more than the cost of a training class. My husband and I have 3 small children, he is just starting a new business, I am a Stay-at-home Mom and we make SQUAT right now- but Nikki is in Basic Obedience (in fact, she will graduate next Monday! ). It's not a luxury item, it's a necessity. If you can't do this, please really, seriously reconsider keeping her- it's not fair to your girl not to, because, guaranteed, in a few months when she hits her adolescent stage and starts REALLY testing her boundaries, if you don't have the grasp of basic commands with her, you are in for a world of heartache.

Good luck and please don't get upset by the posts here- we are all doing it for the well-being of your baby girl!

Amy

[natesmom14]

As for the trespassers- if she is tied out and happens to attack them, you are in for a world of hurt- not only will she likely be put to sleep, but they could sue you. Yes, I know they were trespassing and it "should" be their problem- but it would likely turn in to yours. Please keep her inside unless you are with her.

[neongazer]

good news. I found out there is a training class here in my town. Sasha Is enrolled.

I will try the rope with knots. I hate having her chained but it is all i know. my parents did this with our other dogs.

thanks for all your advice.

[Denise L.]

Originally Posted by neongazer

good news. I found out there is a training class here in my town. Sasha Is enrolled.

I will try the rope with knots. I hate having her chained but it is all i know. my parents did this with our other dogs.

Yay! Good for you!

I once posted a thread about all the misconceptions I had about dogs before I got Cyrus and found Rott.net. I laugh at myself now, but shudder to think what would have happened if I hadn't asked questions.

Good luck at class, you will love it! Let us know how you make out.

[neongazer]

the class isnt until July but hopefully I can work with her until then. any sugestions?
we are having problems with stay and her jumping up on people

[Judi W]

Dear Neon,
The very important reason not to leave your pup chained out unless you are right out there beside her is the same reason you are uncomfortable about being in your back yard. Trespassers! Someone can very easily come in and do her harm or tease her or steal her and she cannot even get away because she is chained. This also puts her in such a vulnerable position that she may easily end up acting aggressive towards people when it is not appropriate. A large number of serious bites to children by dogs take place when a child wanders into a yard with a chained out dog. Poor dog's life is then at risk.

So, without a fenced yard and NO chaining, the lucky dog gets to take many more walks with its owner - which makes for a very happy dog that must be taught leash manners, and play times can be done with a long line as described above.

[natesmom14]

Great news! Enjoy- it really is so much fun- and they love to learn. I hope you have as good of an experience with it as we have. Our trainer is very comfortable with Rottweilers, and because of the trainer's calm demeanor and positive attitude towards her, everyone else in class has become comfortable with Nikki, too (including the lady w/ the beagle mix who purposely sat across the room from us the first couple of times- ).

We've not only learned basic sit/stay/down, etc.- but even a positive way to reinforce "Leave it" if something is on the ground that she wants but shouldn't have...we've had some yummy stuff within a few inches of her nose that she will not touch if we tell her not too (and, of course, she then gets rewarded by us with something even yummier! )

Keep us posted!

Amy

[neongazer]

you guys have really helped me. we will refrain from using the chain. we go on plenty of walks. and we will continue.

What kind of collar do you use?

[debbiej]

Congratulations on your new pup. I rescued a female at about that age. My girl has health problems that the previous owner didn't want to deal with. She also had some fear issues and I really didn't know how to handle her training. Classes are very important! it is a great way to socialize your dog to other people, situations and dogs. There is no better way to have a close bond than for you to have goals to work toward together. The obedience training you and your dog learn in class carries over into everyday life.

Right now your pup is probably on her 'best behavior'. She is in a new situation and is acting like polite company. She WILL start to feel more at home soon, and begin to try to find her position in your family. If you know more about what lies ahead, and how to handle it, she will continue to be delightful. If not, she may begin to behave in ways that are not so wonderful. It is very true that rotties need constant, consistant and fair training. classes will give a great start on this. both of you should attend the classes, so both of you can practice what you are learning with your pup. Usually, they suggest only one person handle the dog in class.

she sounds like a good size, she will get bigger and of course, stronger.

If you go out, take her with you on a lead. If you are inside the house, let her be with you inside. Buy her a wire crate, and if you can't watch her while she is in the house, put her in the crate. dogs learn to appreciate being in their crate.

[Docter Jekyll]

There are several types of collars for different purposes, depending on what you want to train or do with your dog.

For most people when they begin with a dog, a collar that is placed over the muzzle under the chin and around the neck, is usually best. Gentle Leader Headcollar that is nylon with a quick release snap is what your looking for. This helps with the dog not to pull when on lead while going for walks and it doesn't choke the dog, as a choke or prong collar would. This collar will also help you with that jumping problem and there are harnesses for dogs that jump.

I also suggest that you use a 6-ft leather lead (leash) with a strong clasp, instead of nylon. Leather leads will not burn your hands if the dog was to try to get away from you and the 6-ft lead will come in handy with obedience training. As for normal everyday collars, I suggest a nylon collar with an easy break-away clasp and have the collar embroidered with your contact information in case the dog runs away. Tags can be dangerous and please never place your dog in a crate with any collar on, they can strangle themselves.

As to what other members have told you. Please buy a couple really good books for both the Rottweiler breed and obedience training. Buy a crate! Also, make sure to ask many questions from reputable responsible dog owners, even if they seem insignificant at the time. I do suggest going to dog shows without your dog, as well - don't worry that your not showing your dog. You will find people that can help and mentor you, when they can, that live in your state! These people are priceless!!!

In case you haven't noticed yet, I live in MI. So with that said, I can offer advice for you to find a reputable breeder and suggest a dog show for you; if you were to ever look for another Rottweiler or want too meet someone at a show you want to attend.

I'm very glad you decided what you have already to help your new dog and yourself! Two thumbs up!!!

[debbiej]

If you do a search on collars, you will find it to be a topic of debate. It depends on what you are doing at the time. for id tags and a handle for the dog around the house, a flat collar. When you start your classes, they will suggest what kind of collar would be best for your girl. collars are also training tools and proper use of each one is the most important thing.