What's your opinion?

[RottieMom51503]

I have the opportunity to obtain an 8 month old boy who was born June 2006. He was sold by a breeder/trainer to a man and wife no kids. After 3 months he was returned in Nov. 2006 because the man travels and the wife didn't want to take care of him. I wonder if there was another issue (destructive behavior) but have no way of knowing. The kennel has had him since Nov. They have been working on obedience with him. The kennel owner is a very reputable trainer. He trains many police dogs and has a devout obedience training customers. We are a family with 6 children from 18 to 8. We took the kids to see the dog and he seemed very friendly. He nipped a little while licking our hands but it was not malicious at all.
I guess my question is if it would be to late for socializing with children. I have read several web sites on dogs and early socialization with children is suggested.
Also my wife is concerned with how much he will shed. All the sights say they are average shedders. We don't know if he would be as bad as a Lab. Will house training be difficult at that age? They are extremely smart so I feel it will be relatively easy.
My sister had a Rott and it was a great dog so I don't believe all the negative opinions on the breed.
Any opinions, suggestions or info would be greatly appreciated. We want to get him soon so no one else gets him before us.

No dog is ever to old to learn anything. With housetraining the quickest way to achieve this is by Crate training him and when He is in the home have him leashed to someone. Doing this also prevents other unwanted activities such as chewing. Do this until he learns the house rules and then He may have more freedom. When he goes to the bathroom in the right spot always treat him.

In my opinion yes Rottweilers shed alot but frequent brushing helps with that and it also helps to have them on a good diet. My oldest Male is my worst shedder and sheds more than my other two put together.

My foster Rott is 17 months, He came here when he was 16 months and has a fear of younger men. I have been working with him on that. He is doing very well with it and has even met a younger man or two recently with no complications.

If you haven't read the book "Before and after you get your puppy" by Dr. Ian Dunbar, I highly recommend that you do. Also have kids and your wife read the book as well.

I wish you luck in whatever you decide.

[LolaLaRue]

I havent read all the posts but decided to chime in because I think shedding is the least of your worries!

In my opinion a Rottweiler is a dog you Want to own, by that I mean you WANT to train...A lot and you WANT the responsibility.And love every second of it! Its not one you just pick out of a dog breed book or see a cute one at the shelter, Its a very big responsibility. You need to find a well bred dog, a trainer with a good knowledge of working breeds and you will have to look into homeowners insurance if you own a home.

Both my Rotties love kids, they are drawn to them. Lola is a therapy dog where we volunteer in the pediatric oncology wing at the hospital. but she has been in training since she was 8 weeks old now she is 2. At about 18 months til now her happy go lucky attitude changed, she is more aloof around strangers and I dont bring her to dog parks with unknown dogs, we have playgroups.

I also have a 7 month old male and around 7,8,9 months is when there testoterone comes in and they are at their teenage years and he can be a handful! He can really test limits and he is in advanced obedience!

My point is they are a lot of work everyone in the family needs to be onboard and consistent and at this age he needs training, I would think he is already house broken which could be reinforced by crate training, You may also need a crate to put him away if your children have friends over, I have an 8 year old son and not all of his friends parents are comfortable with my 2 Rotts so I crate them when he has playdates.

I known since I was 8 years old when I met my first Rottweiler that I wanted to own one, and at 29 I rescued Lola, I had every book and had vets and trainers lined up and I was still overwhelmed with all the training! It takes a lot of time and patience to get it right!

One bad act from our breed cancels out a hundred great ambassadors. I have actually talked more people out of getting a Rott than encouraged them.

[AngelBunny]

Originally Posted by LolaLaRue

I have actually talked more people out of getting a Rott than encouraged them.

I do monthly meet & greets for my rescue group. I regard the event as successful if I am able to make people who stop by the table to talk to me and meet my foster rethink their desire to get a Rottie.

[Gunsey'sMom]

I have actually talked more people out of getting a Rott than encouraged them.

I am glad you brought that up-I is a good point to make, and I have to say I am probabaly the same way.