SIZE again..!!!!

[arashed]

i might be a lil worried, my lil puppy she's about 8 weeks now, yesterday i saw her brother "same age" who belong to a friend of mine, i couldnt believe he'd be that bigger than mine, i know males should be bigger but with wut factor, mine is growing, but slowly, is that normal that males get bigger than females while in that early age??

regards,....

[joquendo]

Yes - Males are bigger generally period. You will see a distinct size difference even at the early age of 8 weeks old. I have a male who is 120lbs I have females who are 85lbs - big size difference. Do not worry about this, just take good care of your baby, feed her right and she will grow to her potential. Size does not matter.. its the temprement of the dog and the love you can give - cos the more love you give the more love you get back....

Is this your first time owning a rottie?

[arashed]

yup, i totally agree with you..!

its my first rottie baby, yes, hope it aint the last cuz i love the breed :)

[joquendo]

I am glad you have chosen this breed and you will see nothing but a wonderful loyal dog and companion.

This site is awesome for gathering information and asking questions, many of us have owned rotties for ever - we are not experts but have a lot of experience.

So feel free to solicit advice from the site.

Please read up as much as you can about the breed (if you haven't done so already) - please take your dog to obedience class at an early age, (very important for socialization at this age and helps with obedience as they grow into the "terrible twos" )

Please take care of your baby and treat her like a member of the family.

Good luck

[arashed]

dont worry joquendo, i will..
tell me wuts the best age for a obedience class???

[joquendo]

I always think its a good idea to get your 8 week old pup into puppy class - and that just teaches some very basic social skills, socialization is very important during this age do not under estimate the value of puppy socialization. Here in the states.. a puppu cannot attend an obedience class with adult dogs until the pup has had all its puppy shots - not sure if that applies where you live, but usually after the rabies shot at 16 weeks is when a puppy can join an adult class for obedience training...

A well trained dog is a more lovable dog... ;) enjoy your baby... they don't stay babies for long...

Good luck

[Roscoe's dad]

Females are somewhat smaller than males, but with genetics you may have a lager female than some one elses male. Guido is larger than some males I have seen and smaller than others.

As far as training, once your pup is up to date with her shots get her started in puppy kindergarden, and then work your way up to basic OB, then work your way up the training ladder.

[arashed]

unfortunatley we dont have here OB classes for puppies or even for dogs like wuts in the states, there is only private lessons, which means a trainer comes to ur place to train ur dog, a class of 1 student.. :)

[joquendo]

Oh that's a shame... cos it really is important to provide a young dog with excellent social skills, because you are "grooming" the pup to be a friendly, social, non agressive dog in adult hood.

I would recommend you take your pup with you as much as you can to meet other people have people handle her and pet her and also if possible around other dogs, (as long as you know their temprements - don't want the little pup getting fearful due to early attacks on her by strange dogs).

At least you have access to some sort of obedience training which I would utilize immediately even as a pup. What type of training do they offer? please remember hitting a dog and shouting at a dog is not necessary, there are some wonderful methods out there which provide positive training - which encourages your dog to learn in a friendly, comfortable environment and not an environment based upon fear and violence. Some dogs are a little more stubborn than others, so more patience is needed.. remember a dog is only as good as the person who is training i.e. you can take your dog to obedience class - but if you don't practice every day with the dog (for no longer than 15 minutes a night) - a dog learns out of repetition, and their overall willingness to please their mom or dad...also do not under estimate the brain of a dog - not to mention a rottie. They ARE very smart intelligent dogs - they are NOT dumb animals... so treat them with respect and love and you will gain equal if not more back from your baby...