Most Rottweilers are inclined to be dominant but they will respect an assertive owner who knows how to lead a strong-minded dog. If you do decide on a puppy, never purchase one from a pet store; those usually come from puppy mills, which are kept in deplorable condition and usually result in pets with many health problems! She is now my shadow my best friend. They require a large, fenced yard to run in, and they should not be crated for extended periods. Rottweilers have short, coarse hair and should be brushed about twice a week. They are well rounded dogs … This is helpful because training a Rottie can be tricky, so the earlier the better! X Research source … I am looking for any and all advice since we are new to Rotties but not to dogs. Overall, the Rottweiler makes a wonderful companion . A puppy will give you the advantage of starting all training from scratch, on a clean slate if you will. Finally, though you will certainly fall in love with your Rottie, you should know that they can be quite messy, so if… She was no saint, she had her emotional scars, but we took time and worked through it. . Rottweilers are just a little different in behavior but they never attack the owner. I suppose the Rottweiler thanks I'm a truly nice person - she is always coming over to where I sit, begging for attention. First, consider the reason you’ve decided that a Rottweiler is the breed for you: Will he be a companion? I have had the pleasure of owning these amazing dogs for the past 10 years. Do you feel the need for protection? Those people who try to train their dogs to fight or to … We lost our dog quickly to a cervical disease. Since they have black nails and you will be unable to see the “quick” (the center of the nail which contains the nerve and blood vessel), it is best to consult a professional groomer if you are not experienced with nail trimming. Then you will understand the joy this sadly stereotyped and misunderstood breed can bring! I unfortunately lost her only 3 years after, she died of severe liver cancer. While I was talking to breeders, she got close to a short fat 3 year old Rottie and the Rottie has shown no aggression. There are many advantages to Rottweilers. While Rottweilers are popular family pets, it is important to understand both the positive and negative characteristics of this breed before deciding to own one. Would not have any other breed in the house. If you decide to purchase a puppy from a breeder, it is important to see and handle the parents of the litter, so that you can evaluate their temperament. Spend as much time as you can getting to know the dog before you adopt, maybe even fostering him first. One cannot blame you, for such a desire is not unfounded. Well, socialized Rottweiler can be friendly along well with other pets. Rottweiler Dog Training Steps 1. Thanks Bukarella! Long Life Span. In this day and age, the legal liabilities of owning any breed that looks intimidating and has a history as a guard dog should be considered. It helps to keep your dog happy and healthy. She was with me for only a short time, but made a huge impact on my soul. References and Resources. A Rottweiler may not be a good choice for first-time dog owners. They aren’t a rebellious breed, so they will remain obedient. They are rowdy and enthusiastic jumpers. The real-world experience and socialization with other dogs and people is invaluable! It’s definitely important to remember that they get the proper amount of exercise. The Pros And Cons Of Keeping A Rottweiler As A Pet The Rottweiler is one of the oldest extant dog breeds, with a known history going back many hundreds of years in almost the same physical form as the Rottweilers … An adult dog may come with some excess baggage, such as a history of abuse (like my female, "Roxy") or neglect, lack of training, etc. Without these needed distractions, a bored Rottweiler may become destructive. So many animals are killed every year in shelters because there aren’t enough homes for them all, so adoption could be a great option! When properly trained, Rotties have a keen ability to sense the difference between friend and foe. It is important that you commit to training your Rottweiler and that you be very consistent. My first girl Millie, an 8 year old arrived completely emaciated and neglected as she was left to die from previous owners, she arrived at a time when I was going through a serious life ordeal. Be In Charge Still miss and cry over our Barry (90% black lab and 10% German Shepard). They are territorial and leaders (as opposed to followers)... 2. Rottweiler needs daily exercise This is one of the things to know before owning a Rottweiler. They are a great pet & come with many good qualities as well as some not so good … They do well as police dogs and therapy dogs. You will be rewarded with a true friend. Brushing encourages the growth of new, healthy hair and removes older hair that is ready to shed. Your article is truly informative of the breed. Of course this is not always … Rottweilers may be targeted for "banning" in certain areas, or refusal of homeowner insurance policies. Training should start as a puppy, as early as six weeks of age. Brushing also allows you to bond with your Rottweiler. Since they have a docile nature, they are one of the easier dogs … With that said, if you are someone who truly appreciates this beautiful animal and are ready to take on its challenges, read on! Rottweilers express most of their concern with growl instead of whining, howling or crying. They are strong, powerful and fearless, making them good watchdogs. And I must say the joy, loyalty and companionship in this breed is second to none. Have you owned a Rottie before? If you’re interested in owning a Rottweiler, you should first acquaint yourself with the characteristics of the breed to make sure that it is a good fit for you. NEVER hit your Rottie as punishment! So you think you want a Rottweiler? If you’re interested in owning a Rottweiler, do your homework. If … They can be a very stubborn and tenacious by nature, which—left unchecked—can leave you with a big problem on your hands, so they need a firm, dominant owner. It lives for about 10 to 12 years and is genetically predisposed to hip dysplasia. They aren’t as aggressive as most may think. Mrs. JC has owned Rottweilers for more than 10 years. They can suffer from a number of health issues, for which you will need to be prepared financially, physically, and emotionally: One general rule of thumb to remember: The bigger the dog, the bigger the vet bill! Being I am also fat, we can be workout buddies together. Giving one a second chance may be the best for you both; it’s just important to be patient and allow extra time for the dog to adjust. Chris from Illinois on November 11, 2011: We have had ditties for25 years with children, babies, cats, other dogs, birds and there has never been any bad behavior. Again, please do your research before deciding to own this dog. The "dangerous" label is also partly due to biased statistics in the media. … I've had both, and there are several factors that play into this decision. A Rottweiler is a medium to large dog. This is a breed that needs a job to be happy. You’ll need to teach your Rottweiler puppy social skills and to harness his natural territorial instincts in a positive way. As a part of the Working Class of dog breeds, they need to feel they have a “job” to do, even if that means playing or exercising. Any dog can be dangerous when with the wrong person; Rottweilers as a whole are not, but they can be trained to be by a dangerous owner! Yet there are certain things one should consider before acquiring such a dog; after all, introducing this breed into your household will truly be a life-changing experience! We hope the information presented in this detailed article has given you the knowledge and confidence to select the healthiest Rottweiler puppy to expand your family! Owning a rottweiler is a blessing because they are such loyal, affectionate and sweet dogs with an excellent temperament, a versatile skill set and phenomenal work ability. It cannot be stressed enough to socialize, socialize, socialize! But without continued socialization, companionship, supervision and obedience training a Rottweiler can be too much dog for many households. Even homeowners may be rejected by some insurance companies or face higher fees, because Rotties are considered to be a “dangerous breed” by some who lack experience with these dogs. Just remember, that cute little puppy will grow into an adult that is about 22 to 27 inches high with an average weight of between 90 to 135 pounds. They are also NOT for the inexperienced, as a walk through an animal shelter will prove. Many end up there because their owners were not prepared for the demands of owning such an intelligent but stubborn breed. Buy from a reputable breeder. You have to keep a Rottweiler entertained with physical activities, especially walks, exercise and outdoor activity. Happy to see likeminded people joining! Look for a formula specifically targets the special needs of large-breed dogs. This type of breeder should focus only on Rottweiler … Obesity can cause major problems for such big dogs, putting unnecessary strain on their joints, heart, and lungs. Rottweilers are protective of their owners and make great personal … BUT the most loving thing i have ever met covered me in kisses all day .. Can anyone send me resources to learn more ? Rottweilers have a reputation for being a dangerous dog, but this dog will only become vicious if it is trained to be that way. In fact, not enough can be said for how wonderful it can be to rescue an adult Rottie from a shelter! A Rottweiler is a medium to large dog. People are quicker to sue if such a dog … After taking our new puppy home for the first time, it only took us about a week to realize we will forever own a Rottweiler … The Rottweiler is an intelligent dog. The IHC Group. Looking forward to reading your hubs too! 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