Potential Rott Owner

[RottQueen]

Hello Rott Owners:

I'm a new user to this forum and I'm in the process of researching rotts to purchase 1 or 2 next year (early spring 2002). I haven't owned a rott before but I have owned or grew up w/large dogs, i.e. GSD's, G.Dane, and St's. My GSD "Brandy of 11 years was called to rest last year. My husband & I just loved the companionship she added to our household.

Question #1, is it difficult to train rott puppies at the same time? Would the obedience training be tremendously difficult? I live 3 miles from work and would be able to relieve them a couple of times during the day. We want to own a female & male rott at the same time. There would be no breeding (don't have that experience)!! They would be spayed & neutered when eligible.

Question #2, what are some opinions of having rotts in the household before children. We are also beginning the adoption procedure to adopt 1 or 2 children ages 7-10 within the next year.

I began obedience training w/Brandy when she was a few mths old and would do the same w/the rotts. Brandy was socialized with kids/family members on a regular basis and was obedient & gentle during visitations. And my rotts would be socialized in the same manner, if not more. What are some opinions on this or am I "Biting" off more than I can chew?

[Judi W]

I always recommend that a person get one puppy and train it and allow it to have all that extra time available and turn it into a good citizen and family member and allow it to be "fully adult" not just in age, but in training and maturity. After you have explored all the things a Rottweiler is capable of and have taken that dog to the point where it will "be all that it can be", then consider adding a second. This is such an intelligent and capable breed that to do less with one is a waste. Taking with whenever possible, the bonding, and so forth is so important. The learning curve is high with such an intuitive and intelligent dog. I believe all dogs secretly want to be an "only" so they get ALL the walks, and ALL the rides, and ALL the trips to doggy school (which is not optional by the way). So, I would suggest you start with one please.

My first Rottweiler joined the family before my first child was born. By the time the baby arrived he was well experienced in the ways of the world and took everything in stride. He was also well trained and obedient.

[WorkinDogz]

Welcome to the Wonderful World of Rotties RottQueen :)

It's fantastic that you're asking these questions PRIOR to aquiring your Rottweilers....as very often, this is not the case :(

IMO; training a dog is training a dog is training a dog. You don't need a "specialist" in Rottweilers to get the job done; and get it done properly. Rottweilers are very bright (and stubborn ;)) members of the K9 family that thrive on consistancy and strong leadership. They will be MORE THAN HAPPY to take over and run the show if they feel the leadership from the human is lacking.

I find that they take the pecking order very seriously. A dog with a clearly defined order is a dog who is happy. :)

Raising 2 puppies together; although the Kodak moments would be too numerous to count; it is really less than desirable. It's HARD WORK raising one puppy the *right* way......it's a full time job PLUS raising two at the same time. You'll hear wonderful, heartwarming "success stories" about raising 2 pups together.....but I can assure you; it's no small task and one that I would strongly suggest that you avoid.

Good rule of thumb IMO is when puppy "A" is able to complete a reliable Companion Dog (CD) obedience routine (doesn't matter if you actually "show" your dog.....a companion dog routine is one EVERY dog should be able to do.....even ones that are "just pets") then start thinking about adding another dog.

Congratulations on your "human baby" adoption decision as well!! Parenting is a most wonderful and gratifying "job" :)

I would, however, discuss with your attorney if he/she feels that owning a Rottweiler is going to hinder the process. Unfortunately; this breed carries some heavy baggage......some earned; some myth....but always something that follows closely behind it. :(

Are you biting off more than you can chew? You can't go wrong when you take "small bites".....but you sure can find yourself in a major pickle if you bite off too much.

Welcome to the Forums and BEST OF LUCK to you!!!

[Burnsway]

Originally posted by WorkinDogz


Congratulations on your "human baby" adoption decision as well!! Parenting is a most wonderful and gratifying "job" :)

I would, however, discuss with your attorney if he/she feels that owning a Rottweiler is going to hinder the process. Unfortunately; this breed carries some heavy baggage......some earned; some myth....but always something that follows closely behind it. :(

I agree with WD 100% here, My sister is looking to adopt and has been for 2 years, they will rake you over the coals and look into every detail of your past, present, and what they want your future to be. Rotts have as stated, a not so hot reputation, and I would also suggest you talk this over with your lawyer and adoption agency. If it poses as a problem wate till after you get the kids to decide on a Rottweiler.

Good luck!

[RottQueen]

Thanks for your advice. From the responses I read in previous threads, I knew this would be a great place for answers.


WorkinDoz, you provided some information that I hadn't considered yet. How the adoption agency would view pet rotts? Maybe when it was time for the home study and they witnessed how gentle rotts can be, it would begin to deminish their negative myths. I will take that advice into consideration.

And Judi, it also reassuring to know that your rott adjusted well to your newborn. Thanks again!! :)

[~Robin~]

I'm no expert, but I imagine it would help if you could show the adoption agency that your dog(s) had passed at least basic obedience, or their CGC. It's one thing to say that your dog is well-behaved, and another to have it on paper!

[CajunsMom]

Welcome from a fellow Michigander! This is a great place to learn and thank goodness you are taking the time to do so before purchasing a Rott. Owning a Rott can be very enjoyable and gratifying. My Cajun just turned 5 and we have never really stopped training. It is a life time committment. You have some good advice so take note and keep reading ;). Good luck and keep us posted.

[LORHEL]

Welcome to the forum...You will find alot of good sources here for all of your rottweiler questions. The rottweiler is not for everyone. It is an extremely intelligent dog, and very loyal, and a wonderful companion when socialized properly and given lots of attention. These dogs do not do well if left alone for long periods of time, they are very people-oriented and often tend to follow their master around even in the house from room to room.

They do require a good deal of exercise, and their needs vary according to the type of dog you choose. Some have a high prey drive and thus require vigorous exercise and obedience is very rewarding for them. It is a good outlet for all of their puppy power and helps you to bond with them.

Obviously they are known for their protection of their home and family, however, that should not be the sole purpose of obtaining one. It is always a good idea to know the background of both parents as well as several generations in order to make sure the dog is of sound temperament. Genetics can play a big role in the outcome of the dog, as well as proper socialization.

These dogs are very playful and love to chase a ball or do other types of "jobs" that you give them.

There are some very helpful books you may want to read:

One of the best is " The Idiots Guide to Rottweilers" or the Dummies Guide...

It addresses many of the important issues concerning the rottweilers needs and the many questions often asked about them.

There are also some other books that are helpful, you may want to check out Barnes and Noble, they have quite a few also...

Best of luck in your decision!

:) :)

[RottQueen]

Thanks Lorhel for the info.

I ordered about 5-6 books a few days ago including, "Dummies Guide for Rott Owners?", "How to train a Rott", "The Complete Rottweiler" and a few others.

I am really excited about owning rott because I just been sooooo pleased with the interaction I've had with them lately and just adore their faces yet confident appearances.

More questions coming in the near future.

[LORHEL]

Rott Queen: hello, I thought of another book and topic that is very helpful no matter what kind of dog you have...that is understanding canine behavior. Dogs do not think or often act like we think they will and the best way to be able to deal with issues is to understand where they are coming from. How their mind works and being able to read the signals they are sending us... I got a book also from Barnes and Noble called "How to Speak Dog... I am sure there are others similar to that in the topic of canine behavior or signals. You might find that very useful also, as I did. Best of luck..;)

[Deborah Reid]

Hello! Another book that I highly recommend is "How to Raise a Puppy you can Live with" by Rutherford and Neil, published by Alpine Publications.
It is an excellent little book that talks about all of the developmental phases a puppy goes through.