New mom to be

[Jarose]

Hi - I am new here and have read thru alot of the topics and questions and think this is a fantastic site. My situation is that I am on the brink of getting a Rottweiler puppy (male) and have some questions. I am a first time dog owner and have heard conflicting things such as this is not a good idea, pick another breed, don't get a puppy get an adult, etc. I have been doing research and plan on getting some of the mentioned books. I plan on crate training and formal training and am not going into this blindly. I have given it a lot of serious thought for a long time. I am willing to make the commitment and know it will be alot of work. I have 3 adult cats which is one reason I want a puppy and not an adult. Plus I figure if I am going to make the commitment I would like the experience of raising a pup. I do work but
very close by and have a flexible schedule.
Everyone I know who either has a Rottie or who knows someone who does says they are the greatest and I should definitely get one. The people who seemed doubtful were people at shelters, etc. (as I'm sure they see alot of abandoned dogs). Anyway to wrap this up I am slightly confused and would like your honest opinion and any tips at all that could help me!

[Karen J. Reece]

Hi and welcome. I am new to this site also but have never NOT had a dog. However, I just got my first rottie and he is wonderful but I'm thankful to have had years of experience with lots of other breeds before getting Mac. I have also learned lots from people on this site. I really don't think I would recommend a rott for a first timer but thats just my opinion. Anyway, whateve you choose - good luck. Dogs are wonderful.

[Carol Burke]

I have had both good luck and bad in selling to first time puppy owners. I sold a male puppy to a young man (23) several years ago that turned out just great. He had done his homework, he called me with every problem and he just seemed to fit as a dog owner. He trained the dog, got a CD on him at under 1 year of age and has just done a marvelous job.

I also sold a male puppy to a couple who were first time puppy owners. They had also done their homework and had all the right answers. They have taken the dog to obedience class and tried to do the right thing, but they just don't get it. I have tried to buy the dog back, but they won't give him up. They treat him well but something is off. The dog is a wild man out in public with them. If anyone else takes the leash he is perfect. They just do not have dog savy. And it is my belief you either have it or you don't. Maybe it would equate with common sense.



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Carol
Darrlburg Rottweilers

[Terri's Rotti]

Hi Jarose,

I'm new to this board too.

Rottweiler's can be wonderful dogs in the right hands.

That you've said you have had no experience with dogs makes me hestitate with advising you to get a Rotti. Because somtimes they can be hard to handle.

Still you asked for opinions...
I would rather see you start with another easier to manage breed, or start with an adult Rotti. You can get a great dog from rescue, where they have been evaluated, and tested so you know how the dog acts before it comes to live with you and your cats. It may take a while to find the right rescue for your home, but you can love it just as much as a puppy. Plus you don't have to go through the puppy teething, chewing, and potty training stages.

Good Luck

[SarasMom]

Jarose,
Welcome to the forum! You can find so many good tips here from folks who have lots of experience. Great that you are doing your homework. I would advise you to read through many of the topics, old and new, to get an idea of what you will be facing. It is VERY important to find the right breeder. A breeder who has dogs that are physically and mentally fit. All the training in the world will not make a mentally unstable dog right.

I think there are a couple of questions to ask yourself before you even go to the right breeder.

1) Am I willing to make a commitment, emotional, and financial, to a Rottweiler for their whole life of 10-12 years?
Rottweilers are expensive to own, and require a huge investment of your time.

2) Do I have the right personality for a Rottweiler?
A well-bred Rottweiler is not a push-over. You need to be ready and willing to take charge. If you are a passive person, and don't deal with confrontation well, you would be better suited to another breed of dog. A Rottweiler without the proper firm but loving hand will take over the home.
(There is nothing wrong with passive people, they are just not the best Rottie owners.)

Hope this helps.