New to Boards and have a puppy concern

[Teena]

that I wonder is do any of you love your rotties like children?

Is WorkinDogz watching?;) Yes, I do love mine like children, HOWEVER, they aren't humans. I spoil them somewhat, but I do have to make them mind. I had a brief period with Axel acting up because i was lavishing to much affection on him.:p
Workin Dogz helped me see the error of my ways & we worked it out with her help.
Don't be afraid of us, we are a pretty cool group.
Just some of us are very outspoken & don't sugar coat advice.
Welcome to the board & I hope you enjoy yourself here. How about some pics ? :D

[Judi W]

Love your dogs, of course or don't have them. "like a child?" well, I guess if you want to use that description, however, please do not confuse them with a child. It is that confusion that gets so many people in trouble with their dogs. Of course some also confuse them with cats and want to spend their time petting and stroking them all the time which does not make for a healthy relationship either. Remember, a cat will not drag you down the street afterwards, your Rottweiler certainly will! Also remember that this is a breed with a strong work ethic and a strong mind as well as body and it requires leadership and a job to do in order to properly bond. The Rottweiler is not a decorative item simply to be admired.

As far as the squirt bottle goes, I use them to cool down a dog when it is working and doesn't have a stock tank to jump into, to give a drink from - myself or the dog, but not for training. I've also never used noxious substances. When I reach for my dogs' mouths it might be to count teeth, examine a bite, pop in a treat I would expect them to quickly stop trusting me to do any of those things if I put something nasty or unpleasant in their mouths. And, no, I don't allow dogs to put me between their chompers ever although I will confess to my share of bangs when playing tug.

[Trinitii]

Thank you. I feel better now but I must admit I do lavish Athena alot of the time. Here is her schedule (be gentle on the criticism please :) ) She is up about 6:30am where she insists she gets a belly rub for about 5mins then she is outside for maybe 15mins. I bring her in feed and water her then finish getting ready so in about another 25mins we head outside to play ball for 30 mins then she goes to the crate. At lunch she is out then in to eat then back out..not much play since we only have an hour then back in the crate ugg this sounds horrid. Now is when she is spoiled. Whenever she isn't outside doing business I watch her constantly for the next a 4 hours before bed. We play and I pet and love on her. She loves to sit in my lap. We do about a 15 min session or sit stay come training. On weekends she is out the majority of the time except I give her a nap for about an hour or two in the morning and in the afternoon. We play ball and do training a couple times a day. Ok let me have it :) Any suggestions on jobs to give her? Am I spoiling her too much? I talk about her constantly she is my pride and joy. I worry more about how she feels than I but am consistant and strict with the no bite and off commands.

[MountainDog]

After welcoming our new puppy in our home we (my girlfriend and I) found ourselves watching it closley to service all its needs and wants.

This was great for the dog... He trained us to pet him when he wanted, to go outside or for a walk whenever he thought it was a good idea.

It's understandable, we wanted to keep our puppy happy. We wanted to lessen the trauma of being taken away from his momma and let him know that we would always love it.

After about three days of this intensive owner obedience training, my girlfriend and I had a good (albeit embarrased) laugh, and asked our puppy if we would get a good owner certificate.

Needless to say, things have changed since then, and we are quite delighted with our now undemanding dog.

The point: A dog should behave in a manner complementary to the owners wants, not vice-versa.

Thanks! :)

[Judi W]

You allow/encourage her to sit on top of you and are surprised that she treats you with disrespect? Humm, rethink your relationship.