New to dogs....

[FranMan]

Well I have had dogs when I was a kid and have had a beagle for about 4 months but I don't think that counts. I was given a 6 month old rotty pup last weekend by a Marine that got deployed to Iraq. It has papers from the AKC also. So I have some questions on how to handle this dog, the right way.

First off I have a family with four girls The youngest being 6 and the oldest 11. The dog is friendly and playful with kids. I would like to know what is the right way to tell the kids how to handle the dog. As of now the dog plays tug of war with them at the end of the dog’s leash, which is a 20’ cable with one of those big dog spikes from wallyworld.

Which brings me to my next question. How high can these small horses jump? I should have a 4’ high cattle fence installed this weekend in the back 1/3 of my acre of land. This area is partly wooded and has a storage area / shed I would like protected. I also have an electric collar invisible fence around my whole backyard. This will run along the three sides of the fenced in area. My beagle roams in this area for the most part (outside of the fence). I do want to be able to have the rotty in this area for play time or when I have people over for cook outs and what not. I have a fair amount of people coming and going at the house. They dog has already meet about 10 different people not counting the family since he has been here. If 4’ isn’t high enough what is? I can put barb wire up also easily making it 5’ high. That will also keep people from reaching over to pet him in his area. I don’t want him to hurt anyone by getting out or someone being dumb sticking their hands at him.

Next is, what is the best way to make sure he knows I am the boss? Right now the worst thing he does is pull me when walking. I pull the choke chain up higher to his head and he chills out but he busted the ring off it yesterday. I can’t seem to find one that is for big dogs. I guess I’ll just have to make one myself? So I when he really starts to pull I make him stop, sit down and tell him no. How wrong is that? I am a pretty strong guy at 220lbs and this dog could prolly wear me out if he really wanted to take off after a cat (not that has tried). They said he was 70lbs and that his dad was 160lbs (isn’t that a bit too big for a rotty?). Right now he stays on the cable in the backyard during the day and in a kennel in the garage at night. When I get home from work and go out to greet him looks at me like he doesn’t know who I am and he is about to attack me. I’ve heard these dogs don’t give a warning bark before they attack, just a look. Then as I get closer he will start jumping around wanting to play. Which I play tug of war with him and end up rubbing his belly which he seems to like. He seems to be a very happy puppy.


What should my next steps be to making this dog in to a great pet for the family or am I crazy and should just sell him for the money he is worth?

Sabot is his name and here are some pictures of him. The cat his letting him know who is the boss.

[groupieindenial]

I'd put a 6' fence. I would not be tieing him out on a line, when you are not with him. That can make dogs aggressive. Its the "fight" or "flight" instinct.

The kids should not play tug of war with this dog.

Do NILIF. Nothing in life is free. Make the dog work for every bit of his food with training. OR even walks. Get a pouch fill it will his meal of kibble. Anytime he's walking beside you feed. Dog will be walking nicely in no time. The dog will quickly learn his ranks by doing this. Searh NILIF, google it.

Until the dog is settled in, I would keep him on a leash when people come over (or kenneled). You have to be ready for anything. My dog is on a leash even around 6 year olds. He is bigger then them and easily knocks them over.

Throw out the choke chain, nobody uses them anymore. They do more damage than good. You want control on a walk, get a halti.

[MissMary]

Nothing in Life is Free
A rotti can be a great family pet but it takes A lot of work. There is a lot of help here if you want to stick around. I hope that you hang around.

[tcote]

Welcome and try to stick around.. looks like you may need some good rotti info--this is a very good site for information.. You need to start reading other post from new rotti owners.. Sounds like you got a good boy there just get him in a class (work-work-work) and don't leave him on a 20’ cable unattended...They are wonderful dogs!

[FranMan]

Originally Posted by groupieindenial

I'd put a 6' fence. I would not be tieing him out on a line, when you are not with him. That can make dogs aggressive. Its the "fight" or "flight" instinct.

I am putting up the fence so I don't have to tie him down. I think a 6 foot chain link fence is a bit much. If is required I may have to sell the pup. I like the dog but I am not going to ghetto my house for it.

Originally Posted by groupieindenial

The kids should not play tug of war with this dog.

Do NILIF. Nothing in life is free. Make the dog work for every bit of his food with training. OR even walks. Get a pouch fill it will his meal of kibble. Anytime he's walking beside you feed. Dog will be walking nicely in no time. The dog will quickly learn his ranks by doing this. Searh NILIF, google it.

I read about both. Going to stop the tug of war with the kids.

I googled the NILIF last night and read about. I plan to reread it tonight. It didn't talk about the feeding it while walking. I will try that.

Originally Posted by groupieindenial

Until the dog is settled in, I would keep him on a leash when people come over (or kenneled). You have to be ready for anything. My dog is on a leash even around 6 year olds. He is bigger then them and easily knocks them over.

I agree on both points.

Originally Posted by groupieindenial

Throw out the choke chain, nobody uses them anymore. They do more damage than good. You want control on a walk, get a halti.

The choke chain is more for backup control. If he does becomes a problem I can quickly get control. Is there a better way?

[LavenderRott]

I am not sure I understand about "ghetto"ing your house?

Rottweilers are work. Period. They are strong, powerful dogs that need a firm (not abusive) hand and some patience.

If you do not want to put in some work - there are several places here with links to rescue groups in your area that can help you rehome this dog.

[groupieindenial]

In all honesty, I don't think a 4' fence is high enough. Instead of 1/3 of your yard made into a "dog play" area, how bout a proper kennel, with shelter?

If your not willing to modify safely containing this dog, how willing are you to modify your entire life for this dog? Doesn't sound like you really him, so why did you take him?

Nothing In Life Is Free. The concept is to make the dog work for anything he does and for every bit of food. Dogs like walks, make him WORK for it. You mentioned him pulling sometimes, so reward him when he's beside you.

Yes, there is a better way than the choke. Get a HEAD HALTI.

[Cherry Heart]

As a first time rottie owner, I can tell you this is going to be ALOT of work. They NEED training, they need lots of attention, they need a tall fence. 6 ft is a good option, I put in a 6ft privacy just for my dog. They are strong willed, they will learn who they can push around, and will do so if not trained from the START.

I'd borrow, or buy a copy of "rottweilers for dummies" as they give a good detailed explanation of what it takes to own/raise one of these guys/gals. Here is a sight that will help tell if this dog is right for you or if maybe another home would be a better option for this dog.

So you want to buy a Rottweiler

[tcote]

"I like the dog but I am not going to ghetto my house for it." WHAT-I have a 8ft privacy fence plus an electric fence running the bottom of it on a 1 acre lot with 24 hardwood trees and grass (lots of work with 4 rotties)- no way is that ghetto! You said "I can put barb wire up also" now that's ghetto!

[MissMary]

I had 2 rottis liveing on chains 24/7. I used words like can't, won't, shouldn't have to and ect....
The best thing I did was shut up and listen.
A rotti is a lot of work and there is just no way around it, if you can't do it , fine then rehome. Rottis are great dogs but aren't for everyone.

[AngelBunny]

In my eyes, the Rottweiler is a superior breed of dog. I've had them as my exclusive breed of dog since 1984. I admire and like everything about them--with two exceptions. They can be plagued by terrible diseases (cancer, for example) and too often the wrong people get them for the wrong reasons.

What makes them such an outstanding dog for me is that I'm willing to do what it takes to be a responsible Rottie owner. I take my dogs to class, I socialize my dogs, I insist on good behavior via consistently practicing NILIF, I rescue, I do my best to educate wanna be Rottie owners, I work the dogs who need it, I religiously exercise my dogs. These tasks aren't chores to me--I enjoy doing them, day in, day out.

From your post, I conclude you acquired Sabot without knowing much about the breed. You certainly have come to the right place for info and help.

In addition to the valuable So You Want to Buy a Rottweiler, you may want to read So Now You Own a Rottweiler. It was written by people in my rescue group.

[fostermom]

From an entire life spent around various types of animals, I've learned you get out of the animal what you put into it.
Rotti's are very people oriented. They bond closely to their people. But to accomplish this, the dog can't be staked out or confined all day long in a fenced yard. They need to be with their people. For safety reasons, it is great to have a fenced yard...I have a four foot chain link fence and none of my rotti's have ever jumped it, even though I know three of them have been able to. But I have never tried just leaving them inside the fenced in area alone all day. When my one foster adopted out to a family with a 6 foot stockade fence, they left him outside all day while they were at work, and ...guess what... he JUMPED the fence. Rotti's can be very athletic dogs.
There are alot of ways to train a dog to not pull...at 6 months, you are still dealing with a baby. Using a halti is popular, although that is relying on a "tool" rather than training. Clicker training can work well...you could do an internet search to see how that works. Not rewarding the dog by continuing to walk forward when he pulls is a basic obedience technique...when he puts pressure on the leash, stop walking. Wait for him to look at you and then say in a happy voice "Let's go boy" and turn and walk in the opposite direction. He'll catch up..praise/reward when he reaches your side. Again, do a google search and you'll come up with many suggestions. Teaching a dog good leash manners does take patience!!!
Rotti's have a tough guy image but really do not do well with harsh corrections....positive reinforcement accomplishes much more. NILF is a nice, non-confrontational way to teach your new boy that he isn't in control (did I say they are very intelligent and WILL "take a mile if given an inch"). Rotti's are a working breed and do best when occupied....obedience classes are such a bonus and quite enjoyable with this breed.
Although this site has many rules, and many strong opinions, it is a tremendous resource.
Thank you for taking this boy when his owner was deployed. And thank you for making an effort to research the best way to train/raise a rotti. But please don't put too much emphasis into the fact that he's a rotti....he is foremost a dog, and the same kind/responsible behavior that works with other dogs works just as well with a rotti. If you do decide that you don't want him, PLEASE look into sending him to a responsible rescue rather than selling him as there are many people attracted to this breed for all the wrong reasons. Best of luck with him.

[RSQRottweiler]

As many others have already said, owning a Rottweiler involves a LOT of work. They are not black and tan lawn ornaments. They are active, intelligent working dogs that need an occupation. . .not just an occasional game to tire them out. As the owner, it is your responsibility to provide your Rottweiler with exercise: physical and mental.

Get the dog enrolled in obedience classes. Not just one, but ongoing. Talk to the instructor about other activities you could get involved in with the dog. . .herding or tracking or carting or agility. These dogs shine when you give them the chance to use their brains.

[FranMan]

Come on now.... Just because I don't want to have 6' chain link fence around my yard must mean I don't want the dog.... Yeah, okay... if a 5' fence isn't enough then this dog really isn't something I want. I also don't like "I think" I would like to hear "I know" rotties can jump over 4' fences but not 5'.

I am not the kind of person that is going to let the dog run my life. Like if a hurricane category 5 is coming and I have to go to a shelter without the dog, sorry dog. Of course I would be gone with the dog way before the need for a shelter. There is a limit to when you are in to your animal a bit too much. I am very willing to work with the dog and it will see lots of love from the family. No I won’t spend every free second throwing the stick with the dog. See the dominance thread and think about when your pet demands attention.

The reason I took the dog besides it’s value was to protect my property and family. When I was a teenager my buddy had a doberman pinscher. They put it on a chain in front of their house. The dog would rip your face off if you came close to her and she would let you know. He would bring the dog in house and it would lick you in the face and have nothing but love for you or anyone around. She didn’t like when my buddy and I would horse play. She would start to yelp. I’d like to see something like that. Two jobs for the dog.

Remember if I didn’t want to work with the dog I wouldn’t be asking questions.

[bfiney]

If you train & supervise your Rottie a 4ft fence is fine. I have had 4 Rotties in the last 10 years and a 4ft chain fence. But my Rotties were very well trained & supervised.

They are inside when I'm not home. Rethink the outside & garage thing. If you really want this dog buy a crate & keep the dog inside.

It sounds to me like you are nervous & don't understand the dog. The he's looking at me like he doesn't know me comment concerns me. Do you really know how to read his expression? I had a police officer tell me that on of my dogs "had that look". This dog was a certified therapy dog & the sweetest dog ever. He wouldn't hurt a flee.

You also said the cat is telling the dog who's boss. Is the dog listening? My 12lb cat is the boss over my 90lb Rottie.