Getting an 8 wk old pup

[wowmekobbo]

Hello all,

I am new here and so glad to have found a place like this to absorb and share information and experiences. I will be a first time owner of a rott very soon. I have read alot about this breed on this website and many others. I like this one far more than i do previous websites i have looked at due to the extensive information available from real time owners. some questions i have:

1) is it ok for the rott to live in an apartment?
2) i work a 9-5 job, will the rest of my time be sufficient for the pup?
3) what is more favourable, male or female for a first time owner?
4) how would i know the size my rott will reach? (as i am not looking for a large one, but rather a medium sized well built muscular rott)

I hope I am not asking many stupid questions, but i am new at this and would appreciate any useful feedback. thanks alot in advance

[brunie's mom]

Where are you getting this puppy from? Make sure that it is a code of ethics breeder...that shows and titles their dogs and dogs have their hips, elbows, eyes and heart certification on the OFA website.

Puppies can do well in apartments....but it's hard to get them in and out to house train. Puppies should be going outside every hour during the day and once during the night till their bladder development is stonger.

Who is going to be watching your puppy during the day? You need someone to come let puppy out and to feed it. It cannot be left from 9-5 every day.
Make sure you have a plan for someone to care for it during the day.

A female will be smaller and probably better for a first time Rott owner.

Obedience classes are a must with this breed and should be ongoing for the first couple of years. Socialization and exercise and training are very important with this breed.

Maybe an older dog would be better to be left alone all day?

Gina

[AngelBunny]

Originally Posted by wowmekobbo

..I will be a first time owner of a rott very soon. I have read alot about this breed on this website and many others.

Welcome to RDN.

How soon are you planning on getting your Rottie puppy? How old will your puppy be when you bring him or her home? From where are you planning to get your puppy? Do you live alone?

I ask because your answers and the age of your puppy have a direct impact on your pupy's proper development--and how happy you'll be with your Rottie.

[wowmekobbo]

Hello I thank u both so much for your replies. I currently live in Lebanon. The breeder I will be getting my rottie from is well known here with a great reputation. He will also be helping me train the pup. He lives right near the house so it is very convenient. Also, my veterinarian is the president of the veterinarian commity over here. So all is well. I currently live in a duplex appartment (pretty large) with both my parents. They love animals and cant wait. The puppy will be 8 weeks old when i get him or her. I saw them today and they look amazing. Also i saw the mom and dad and they look extremely healthy with no problems (hips and so on). For the first three to four months i will be without a job as i am waiting on a guaranteed position, so all of my time and attention will be directed solely on the pup. Hope all this helps. Waiting eagerly for your replies, Thank you

Ron

[gmo1379]

Well it sounds to me like you will have plenty of time to house break her! I would highly recommend crate training her, its easy to find good info about it on this site.

As has been mentioned, she will need lots of walks... especially after sleeping, naps, eating, drinking and playing.

You should also look into what kind of food you plan on feeding her, stay away from the grocery store brands such as pedigree, iams, alpo.. etc.

best of luck!

[AngelBunny]

Your situation in terms of people being around to help train and socialize your new puppy is good.

Good luck!

[wowmekobbo]

I am so happy to hear all these positive things. Thank you so much. About the food....i have no clue what to feed the pup yet...is dry food recommended? and how about normal food? again thank u all so much for the help

[wowmekobbo]

Also...I noticed a little white patch on the pup's chest. Is this normal. I am a little freaked out at the moment because of this...

[gmo1379]

You should try her out on Canidea "All Life Stages." It has no corn, wheat, soy or other fillers.

It's the best priced premium dog food you can get and very recommended here.

If your unsure if theres a store by you, here is their store locator: Canidae® Pet Foods: Store Locator

good luck!

[tla0126]

If you look in the Nutrition and Grooming section, there are tons of posts suggesting different brands of premium dog food. I agree with GMO1379. I use Canidae and it is the best priced premium food that I could find. I am not sure what types of dog food are offered where you live, but atleast reading through the nutrition threads, you can get an idea of how to read ingredients and what is and isn't good. Good luck with your new pup, you will learn tons on here!

[AngelBunny]

Originally Posted by gmo1379

You should try her out on Canidea "All Life Stages." It has no corn, wheat, soy or other fillers....If your unsure if theres a store by you, here is their store locator: Canidae® Pet Foods: Store Locator...

The OP lives in Lebanon.

[AngelBunny]

Originally Posted by wowmekobbo

...About the food....i have no clue what to feed the pup yet...is dry food recommended? and how about normal food?...

Up until just under a year ago, I fed kibble. I switched to raw after my vet suggested I do so because our foster (we're active in Rottie rescue) failed to thrive on kibble.

For Sailor, the change in diet made him bloom like a rose.

At the same time, I put our two personal Rottie girls on raw, too. I long believed that raw was the best for our canine companions, but I thought I didn't have the time to feed it. It wasn't until I was forced to go raw because of our foster's health issues that I finally made the switch.

Our girls looked good on kibble, but they look even better on raw. This is especially true for your young bitch (8 yo) who has mild environmental allergies (slightly goopy eyes).

I assume by "normal food," you mean human food??

Originally Posted by wowmekobbo

...I noticed a little white patch on the pup's chest...

They may well disappear as the puppy grows up.

You said your breeder is a good one. What did he have to say about your concern?

(And, what suggestions did your breeder have about food??)

[Anne]

Originally Posted by wowmekobbo

I am so happy to hear all these positive things. Thank you so much. About the food....i have no clue what to feed the pup yet...is dry food recommended? and how about normal food? again thank u all so much for the help

It sounds like your pup will be well set up with you being able to be home with it for a while.

As for food, the breeder will tell you what they are feeding the puppy and I would stay with that for the time being. If you want to a better quality food then do it gradually. I fed my dogs a raw diet. Raw meat and raw fruit and vegetables pulped in a blender.