Owning a rotty and working 9-5?

[turbulence]

Hi everyone!

I live in the sensational Perth, Australia and have just bought my own home and would like to get a dog (we used to have a Daschund when we were kids, but I like big dogs so I thought it time to get one).

I have a couple of questions, I hope they aren't too dumb!

#1
I have a decent sized house, but the yard out the back is not large (and is merely bricks and no lawn).
I'm prepared to take the dog for 1 or 2 walks a day and keep the dog in the house when I am at home. So from what I've read, the size of my place shouldn't be a problem.. but I'd appreciate your thoughts on this?

#2
I work a 9-5 type job and wouldn't want to leave the dog in the house during the day.. so how would a Rotty go being outside during the day and on its own for that long?
Am I asking for trouble? Should I be looking at another breed?

#3
If I got a puppy, I assume I would need to take some time off work for the first month or so while it gets used to the house/me etc. Is this correct?


Thanks in advance!
Brad

[Nikki's Dad]

Good luck with any breed you decide to go with. Hopefully you make the right decision, and go with the greatest breed - the Rotti!!!

I know I had a bunch of questions before I got my dog as well, here are some of my opinions on your questions:

1. Definitely walk her as often as possible. Especially in the beginning stages, this will help her build confidence, build muscles/stamina, and a great bond between you and the dog. Also, this will tire her out throughout the day, and a tired dog is always a happy dog!! If you can, try to take her out for anywhere between 25-45 minutes each time. I know thats a big gap, but you should be able to figure out what is long enough for you and your dog after you start doing it.

2. Well figure thats really an 8:30-5:30 job because of commuting time and what not. You could leave the dog outside all day, but eventually you want her to be able to be in the house and get used to everything inside the house. Plus, what would you do if it's raining outside or its very cold temperatures? Try crating the dog. This would be the best solution so you don't have to worry about any damage to your belongings in the house, and you'll always know where the dog is in the house - he will be much safer probably more comfortable. This can also help build his ability to hold his bladder longer.

3. This all depends on the age of your dog and your own situation. The main issue when they're very young (2-3 months) is their ability to hold their bladder. If you're able to come home during the day, maybe during your lunch hour, to take her out to the bathroom, I think you should be OK. If not, maybe consider a slightly older dog - maybe around 4-5 months old.

I hope this helps.

[stale]

hello brad!

just going to take these in the order of posting.

1) if you're walking the pup regularly (and the younger the puppy, the shorter the walks) then size of your yard isn't that important, really. most of the excercise will come from the walks. the all brick yard is interesting - cleaning dog poop off it will be simple, but will dog urine linger? (no clue how you drainage is)

2) no dog should be left outside unattended for 8+ hours a day. get a kennel, though a puppy should not be left at home, kenneled for an 8 hour day either. one of those walks you spoke of should likely come in the early morning, before you go to work, to burn off some of the pup's energy. are you able to come home from work on your lunch? pup will need out then as well.

if you're set on an outside dog you'll need to build a kennel/run in the back - secured on all 4 sides, top and bottom, with shelter and a water source. and this is not an ideal thing for a young puppy, though an older dog (rescue maybe?) will likely do well with that set-up.

3) oh, the joys of puppy owning. teaching housebreaking, starting obedience, socialisation, keeping up with obedience. getting admiring looks from the girls for your cute puppy, going to obedience, cleaning up after the puppy, going to obedience... (hint hint hint!)

yeah, you may want to take a month or more off work whilst the dog gets used to you and your home, unless you are in a position to come home for an hour on lunch, to let the dog out and explore.

ok, that's all for me until i get myself more coffee - i'm sure some other folks are going to chime in about CoE breeders, and kennel training, and good puppy foods, and obedience, and more obedience, and the joys of puppy owning, and more obedience.

hope you learn stuff here, and i know you'll enjoy your puppy (they're just little fuzzy balls of fun)

peace, eh?

stale

[hokisteph5]

My first recommendation would be to look through the different forums and read the stickies. Here's the first one I would start with - Why the Rottweiler is not for everyone.

When it comes to the yard situation, I've read that some members set-up an area in the yard and designate it as the dog's bathroom or potty area. I could've sworn that some members used something like pea gravel instead of mulch or grass.

Besides giving your dog physical exercise, you should know that this breed is very smart and needs to use their heads too (some say the dogs need a job). I've taken mine pretty regularly to formal training classes over the past three years. More when they were puppies and I was building a foundation. Less when they got older and I used classes as refreshers. Just last week my male and I attended our first Rally class. My female and I started another CGC/Therapy prep class last week too.

Why wouldn't you want to leave your dog inside when you're at work? Besides the horror stories that I've read about dogs being taunted, poisoned, even murdered, one of the things that ticks me off when I walk my dogs in a nearby downtown are most of the owners that leave their dogs out unattended. These dogs run their fence line, bark their heads off like crazy, and in general act like idiots.

I would rather have my dogs interact with the world at large under my supervision instead of leaving them to their own devices. When mine were little, I crated them inside while I was gone. That way they couldn't get into trouble and I knew they were safe.

When it comes to getting a puppy, keep in mind they're a lot of work. You've got to get through their mouthing, housetraining, etc. phases. If you decide that's the route to go, look at the different stickies and find a good breeder. Also, instead of making them hold their bladders/bowels all day long, think about whether your schedule will allow you to come home during lunch and take them out.

[Nishasmom]

Sorry to "burst your bubble", but from what you are saying, a puppy is NOT a good choice for you. (at least right now).

I know.....they are SOOO hard to resist, so cute, and you want to "raise" them from puppyhood. Unfortunately, leaving a puppy alone for 8+ hrs. 5 days a week is unfair, and can likely be bad for his development .

Although many people who work this same schedule own puppies, it is not the best life for the dog.

NO DOG should be left outdoors for 8 hours (especially a puppy). Puppies require intense stimulation, mental and physical. Two walks just arent going to cut it. They will invent their own ways to "stimulate" themselves. Digging, chewing, jumping (out of the fence); these "inventions" will only create problems. The safest place for an un-supervised puppy is in a crate .

Just b/c I don't think you should have a puppy doesn't mean no dog at all!!! I suggest you adopt an older dog; one who is more "trustworthy" and out of the "puppy" phase. Maybe something over 1 year. I disagree with letting any dog be in the backyard unsupervised, but many, many people do it. Perhaps an older dog would do well with a dog-door, leading to a secured "run" area...one with grass perhaps?? This way he can "lounge" inside, but have access to the outdoors for his "potty breaks".

There are many Rottie rescue groups; perhaps someone knows of one in your area!

[Zumie05]

Size of house and yard does not matter as long as you provide the dog with enough mental stimulation and exercise every day to keep the dog tired, well behaved, and happy.

Not every dog does well being left outside alone for prolonged periods of time, and definitely NO puppy should ever be outside alone. Read up about puppy raising and crate training, and you will not need to leave the dog outside alone when you are at work.

If you got a puppy, could you come home for lunch breaks to take the dog out to potty? Do you have any friends or neighbors that would be willing to stop by once in a while when you are at work to help you out for the first two months? (All this if you get an 8 week old). If the answer here is no, then I would consider adopting/rescuing a dog who is a bit older. If you still wanted a puppy, I would recommend to adopt one no younger than about 6 months. By this age a puppy can most definitely hold their pottys in for up to 8 hours. You would still want to do crate training though, as a pup this age would still want to chew up your house and get into trouble! Don't forget about older rotties too. Adopting one thats older than 18 months you will have a dog who is just getting past the teenage phase and is beginning to calm down.

Lots of thinking for you to do, but I'm glad you asked for advice! With any choice that you make, one of the most important things you can do is to get the dog (no matter what breed) into training. Create the leader/follower bond, and enjoy your new companion for the many years to come. Please don't be hasty in making any decisions though!

[skye-duke]

hi we have 2 rotties 1 was 10yrs in march and the other 2yrs in dec we have enclosed garden and its not big and its more like a court yard we leave are back door open so they can come in and out when they want and i dare any-one to try and get in as for taking time off all the time you spend with them is time well spent i would be with mine 24 7 if i could have fun

Originally Posted by turbulence

Hi everyone!

I live in the sensational Perth, Australia and have just bought my own home and would like to get a dog (we used to have a Daschund when we were kids, but I like big dogs so I thought it time to get one).

I have a couple of questions, I hope they aren't too dumb!

#1
I have a decent sized house, but the yard out the back is not large (and is merely bricks and no lawn).
I'm prepared to take the dog for 1 or 2 walks a day and keep the dog in the house when I am at home. So from what I've read, the size of my place shouldn't be a problem.. but I'd appreciate your thoughts on this?

#2
I work a 9-5 type job and wouldn't want to leave the dog in the house during the day.. so how would a Rotty go being outside during the day and on its own for that long?
Am I asking for trouble? Should I be looking at another breed?

#3
If I got a puppy, I assume I would need to take some time off work for the first month or so while it gets used to the house/me etc. Is this correct?


Thanks in advance!
Brad

[baycaligirl1]

Hi::)) Well first off congrats on deciding to go for this magnificent breed!!!! It will be such a joy......and hard work for the first few months but the love and devotion you'll receive from your rott will all be worth it. I would definitely recommend a crate for when your gone and even for when your home. It has been such a life saver for us. Not only did it help tremendously in house breaking him but if you can't completely watch him and I'm talking about even for 5 minutes then he can go in his crate and still feel like part of the family::)) My Titan is now 5 1/2 months and he still sleeps in his crate and actually loves it...thats his den. If his out of his crate and inside with us he is on his leash so he can only go so far. We have just started letting him be inside off his leash within the last couple weeks. We are doing this very gradually and when he is off his leash we are right there and it's only for a short period of time and as time goes it will be longer and longer but that won't be for a while. I definitley suggest walking him everyday and if it can't be everyday then everyother day for sure. Make sure he gets his shots first!!! Rotts are great dogs but are alot of work. If you feel you have the time and patience and are willing to stick it out then in the end it is ALL worth it as I've never known a breed to be so wonderful!!!!!!!!! Good luck!!!

[Mantobellio]

I train my dogs a bit differently from most on here. Throughout the years, I have trained one or two puppies at a time. The age of the puppies usually ranged from two weeks apart to two months apart. No matter the age or if it was two puppies or one, there still needed to be a set of rules that were consistently abided by.

When my pups were young, I would take off two weeks from work and give them an area (usually the garage that wasn’t being used as one) where they felt safe. Training began day one when the puppy or puppies came to live with me. I immediately would start potty training, taking the dog out several times a day/night. I have never had any dog in the many years of owning dogs ever pee or poop inside the house. I don’t puppy proof my house, nor use crates. I teach the puppy what they can and cannot chew on, mess with, or what ever. Basically, the first two weeks of MY puppies or older dogs lives are the very crucial ones.

For young pups, I divided the garage into two areas, one for the pups sleeping/play area and the other (near the garage door) as their relieving area. For their relieving area, I used one of those rubber maid looking plastic boxes. The ones that were a few inches high and several feet long (sort of like a litter box, but longer and wider). I set up the box like a little garden with dirt and grass and taught the pups to use it as their waste area when I was not home.

Every time I would leave for work (10 -11 hours), the t-shirt I wore that day, I would leave it in their sleeping area so they could sense my smell at all times. As they grew bigger, I unlocked the dog door that led outside to the yard so they could use it to play and relieve themselves. The yard where they could go was sectioned off from the main yard for their safety. At around four to six months, the pups were able to access the house (when I was not there) and go in the living room if they wished. I have never had anything chewed or messed with such as computer wires, furniture, etc.

Basically, if you set up the rules early in a pups life, of if you get an older dog, those first couple weeks are crucial and sets the boundaries right off. A dog adapts to your schedule, but you have to instill in them what is acceptable and what is not.

[turbulence]

Wow!
Thanks everyone for all the replies, there is a huge wealth of information right there and it is very appreciated.

After reading this, I agree that perhaps a young puppy is not the way I want to go at this stage as I really don't have the time and or experience to devote to "raising" it including toilet training and all of that stuff.. so I might be better off with a slightly older dog that is already toilet trained?
Could I still take an older dog to training to refine it?

My main worry though is that if I got an older dog, say 1 year old, will he/she build the same kind of bond with me that a puppy would? That is really what I am looking for.
My last dog we had since she was 8 weeks old and she bonded with me so closely because I was there from the start.

In regards to leaving the dog outdoors/indoors during the day. To be honest, leaving it outdoors wouldn't be preferred anyway and if I can try the crating technique/leaving the dog indoors.. it would probably be easier with an older dog because it won't be as inclined to wreck my house :D ?

[TrinaJ]

Hi Brad,

Welcome to the forum and the wonderful world of rottweilers....

Personally, I agree with Nisha'smum, at this stage in your life I dont think a puppy wouldn't be the best way to go, but that is MY opinion, this is your life and you are the one who has to make the time (I'm a stay at home mum so i have plenty of time to have a puppy). They need a LOT of time and attention and they also need time to bond with you, which they cant do if you are at work for 8 hours. Is this just Mon-Fri or do you work W/E also? Some COE breeders wont even sell you a puppy if you aren't going to be home for the majority of the day, those, undortunately, are the cold hard facts.

If you do decide to get a puppy, can someone come to your house and walk him/her for you during the day, take her out to go pee and poop or come and just play with it (friend/mum)? I would also highly recommend that you buy a crate to keep her in when you aren't at home. Fill the crate with her toys, a stuffed frozen kong, plenty of water and a nice bone.

Puppies also cant hold their bladder as long as grown dogs so there will be messes, LOTS of messes if you aren't home (suggest you get a puppy pad from the petshop).

Personally, I dont think the size of the yard matters all that much as long as your dog/pup gets regular exercise. I am on 1 and 1/4 acres and my 5 month old pup get walked 4 times per day for 30 minutes.

Puppies are great escape artists so if you must have her outside while you aren't home, definate build a run and make it secure. I'm from OZ also and i know that its different here, dogs are outside and we dont have the issue of the dogs being poisioned, taunted or murdered (esp in Perth, you dont even have more than 5000 in perth, do you???? Just kidding!!!) If you do have your dog run make sure there is plenty of water. Perhaps you could get something that automatically tops up the water. (Larger dogs dont usually tip over buckets of water, but puppies often spill their bowls of water) if you are going to be gone for more than 8 hours and your dog spills its water it could become dehydrated, esp in WA where your temperature get quite hot.

No matter what you decide to do, just make sure that the puppy is well exercised, both physically and mentally. A bored puppy will turn into a distructive dog.

Good luck with whatever way you decide to go!!!

Trina

[nlavett]

Hi Brad,

I think it's great that you came to this forum BEFORE you make such a big decision. You will recieve advice from some of the best on here. I am only going to address your question about working 8 hour days.

My husband and I both took "maternity" leave when we got our girl Xasha at 10 weeks. I took the first week and he took the second. That gave everyone time to adjust and figure out a schedule that worked.

As we both work too far from the house to really make it home for lunches, we started interviewing for pet walkers. We were fortunate enough to find a wonderful couple who have more than 15 years exp. helping take care of people's pets AND love our breed. (Not an easy find I tell ya'!)

We had them come in 2x's a day. Now, let me say that even that was not enough. It was still too long to expect her to hold it. We finally got there at around 4 months. (pups need to be let out every hour) At nine and a half months we still have them come in once a day. We'll call them for a second visit if we are running late.

On each visit they spend 45 minutes to an hour with her. They feed her lunch, take her for a walk and have a bit of training time. I can only say for myself that if we were unable to do this, I would not have gotten a puppy. I think it's unair and detrimental to them to be left alone for so long at the early stages.

I'm sure this is not a viable option for everyone, but it works for us. If you can make it home for lunch and/or perhaps have a neighbor/friend do a visit? Also, have you thought about rescue? There are hundreds of dogs that are out of their puppy phase that would give you the same enjoyment/love with ten times less work.

Good luck to you and keep reading here. It will help you make this most important decision, Rottweiler or otherwise.

[Static'sMum]

Hi Brad,

I too live in Perth and have an 17 month old male Rottweiler, Static.
When we first got him, we took time off work (three weeks in total between my partner and myself). As he was quite small and slept most of the time, we kept him in the bathroom when we weren't home (we don't crate him at all - i know this upsets some people).
My partner is at work from 0615 until 1630 every day. My shifts vary from 0630 - 1730, and 1215 - 2200. When we are at home, he is generally inside (unless we are eating, as although he is well behaved, he cannot control his drooling AT ALL!)
When we are at work, he is outside in the yard. Our yard is not very large (we have a stand alone duplex) -he has a small grassed area which he uses for his toileting, and we have garden beds and paving. He has a kennel with a large cushioned bed in it if it gets cold, he has a hammock bed to lie on if he is warm - and both are under our new patio so he can't get wet if it rains.
I know people have said that NO puppy should be left outside alone as they can get into a lot of trouble, but we had no problems. We made sure that there was nothing hazardous around for him to eat. We bought him many toys ranging from squeaky balls/boots, tyre, rubber ring, dental kong, regular kong, and cause it was hot, we used to freeze big ice blocks for him to lick - beef/chicken stock flavoured was a huge hit!
I know that there are more hazards outside than inside in a crate, but until i had seen this site, I had never heard of crating animals. Static got through puppyhood fine. Our garden was demolished, but thats life.
We live across the road from a park, so he gets plenty of exercise ( he enjoys playing fetch)
When he was a pup, we scheduled our shifts so that he was fed four times a day up until four months, then three times, and now he has breakfast at around 0600 and dinner at around 1900.

Ultimately all the decisions are up to you. I know you said that you weren't sure if a puppy was right for you - but honestly you find the time. you make the effort.
I originally wanted to get two puppies from the same litter when we got Static - THANK GOD I DIDN'T! Two puppies would have killed us.
But the cleaning up poop and pee, the original issues with biting and barking, the hair in the house, the drool everywhere, the farting (canned food doesnt agree with our boy) it was all worth it, and for Static I would do anything.

Good luck with whatever choice you make!

[stale]

Originally Posted by turbulence

Wow!
Thanks everyone for all the replies, there is a huge wealth of information right there and it is very appreciated.

After reading this, I agree that perhaps a young puppy is not the way I want to go at this stage as I really don't have the time and or experience to devote to "raising" it including toilet training and all of that stuff.. so I might be better off with a slightly older dog that is already toilet trained?
Could I still take an older dog to training to refine it?

My main worry though is that if I got an older dog, say 1 year old, will he/she build the same kind of bond with me that a puppy would? That is really what I am looking for.
My last dog we had since she was 8 weeks old and she bonded with me so closely because I was there from the start.

In regards to leaving the dog outdoors/indoors during the day. To be honest, leaving it outdoors wouldn't be preferred anyway and if I can try the crating technique/leaving the dog indoors.. it would probably be easier with an older dog because it won't be as inclined to wreck my house :D ?

nothing wrong with an older dog - it's the route i took this time myself.

and for the training, realistically, the only limit on how far you go in training is you yourself - the dog will cheerfully learn anything you care to teach it. honest to god. (they might not be labs, but they are awefully bright, nonetheless. ;-)

the bonding, well that'll happen over time - yes, it will take longer for a older dog than a puppy, but that's in no way a bad thing - means you're earning respect along with love (the two don't always go hand in hand with puppies). i'd look up NILF on the site - that's the basic premise you and your puppy are going to want to live by.

and crate train - please please crate train. it's good for the dog (they have a safe place that is theirs, you have a home safe from your dog when you're out - and it's a good thing to know if you ever have to travel with your dog - airlines and kennels both use crates - it's an advantage if your puppy is accusomed to them already.

um, for the housewrecking bit - that, with a puppy or an adult, is boredom - that's also where the crate comes in, and the training - a tired dog, who's had to use their mind for something, is a good dog. a bored dog is a holy terror who will eat your drywall, doorframes, bed, fridge, etc. (worst i ever heard of personally was a basset who ate it's way through the bottom of a door.... and it was an oak door, too. john was unimpressed....)

there is much more info on training, crate training, socialisation and whatnot in the forums, so browse, learn, and don't be afraid to ask. and if ever any of us sound rudeor harsh, it's because some of the folks here love the breed at the expense of the owners - it's not always pretty, but it is still love of the dogs, in it's own strange way.

have fun, and happy puppy learning, eh?

stale

[AngelBunny]

Originally Posted by turbulence

...so I might be better off with a slightly older dog that is already toilet trained?
Could I still take an older dog to training to refine it?

My main worry though is that if I got an older dog, say 1 year old, will he/she build the same kind of bond with me that a puppy would??

You don't have to get a puppy for a normal, temperamentally stable dog to form a deep attachment to you.

We're active in Rottie rescue. If you came to our house, I defy you to tell me which of the 3 dogs in our home is the foster. Our foster's attachment to us isn't a fluke--all our fosters have formed deep, loving attachments to us. And they have been able to form a deep, loving attachment to their forever families when they got adopted.

At 1 yo, a Rottie is still a young dog, so I had to laugh when you refer to a 1 yo Rottie as "an older dog."

Originally Posted by turbulence

...My last dog we had since she was 8 weeks old and she bonded with me so closely because I was there from the start.

The fact your last dog did this was due more to her having a stable temperament than the fact you got her as a puppy.

Originally Posted by turbulence

......if I can try the crating technique/leaving the dog indoors.. it would probably be easier with an older dog because it won't be as inclined to wreck my house?

My rescue group requires fosters to crate train their fosters and we STRONGLY encourage adopters to initially crate their new dog when they aren't home or can't supervise the dog.

All new fosters are crated when DH and I aren't home. If the dog proves himself in our home, eventually he isn't crated, but he sure is crated as he's settling into our home.