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2006-06-22 16:50:16

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When thinking about the purchase or adoption of a Rottweiler, ask yourself a couple of questions. Why do I want a Rottweiler? Do I have the finances, room, patience, knowledge and understanding for a Rottweiler? Is a Rottweiler right for me and my family? Rottweilers are not for everyone. They demand a lot of time and attention. They mature very slowly, usually taking between two to four years to reach full maturity. They should be considered a "part-of-the-family" dog. Rottweilers are, by nature, dominate dogs, and require a firm and fair handed owner. Therefore, if you are only looking for a guard dog, look at other breeds. Rottweilers are not the type of dog that can be chained up in a backyard. Chaining up this breed tends to bring out their worst characteristics. A Rottweiler is in the working dog group, and can easily become domineering. Therefore, the Rottweiler need to be socialized. It should be taken everywhere and exposed to everything. There are a few other considerations. Rottweilers are a large breed of dog, and cost a lot to feed. In addition, visits to the veterinarian and services such as and spaying or neutering can cost more due to their size. Rottweilers can be destructive to their toys, bowls, collars, etc. They can also be destructive to your household belongings such as furniture and shoes, and even chain link fences and house exteriors

The Rottweiler was the second most registered breed in 1995. Because Rottweilers have become so popular, back yard breeders have begun producing them in quantity to meet demand, with no regard for maintaining quality. Once acclaimed for its family devotion and being a loyal guardian, the Rottweiler is now widely publicized as being mean and vicious. This is mainly because of irresponsible breeders who sell to people who don't know what they are getting into and have no idea of the commitment it takes to raise a Rottweiler.

The temperament of the Rottweiler is often misjudged. We hear every day about how mean the Rottweiler looks, and how awesome and powerful they are. We don't hear how gentle and loving they are. A good Rottweiler is reserved towards strangers, yet confident and collected. They are passive, yet aggressive in defense of their master. A Rottweiler should always be submissive to the master and the pack environment. If your dog does something that makes another person feel threatened, the dog can be considered vicious. To avoid this, you need to be in control of your dog at all times.

Training is NOT OPTIONAL with a Rottweiler, it is a requirement! The two most important keys for training are patience and consistency. NEVER train when you are upset, as this is not a good learning environment for your dog. I recommend joining a reputable Rottweiler training club or facility, because the Rottweiler is a unique dog and needs the guidance of people experienced with them. If it is not possible to join a Rottweiler club, join a similar training club. I also recommend the book by Murial Freemans, The Complete Rottweiler, as a guide through your Rottweiler's life.

If you are still considering a Rottweiler, you should decide if you want to adopt an adult dog or buy a puppy. Adult dogs have good and bad habits that you will have to deal with. However, older dogs do learn new tricks, and Rottweilers are eager to learn. You can get adult dogs from individuals or from the animal shelter. Please consider rescue dogs. My links have information regarding rescues. When shopping for a puppy, reduce the risk of getting a dog with genetic diseases and hip dysplasia by buying from a reputable breeder. Do not use the classified ads as an avenue of approach. Reputable breeders don't use the classified ads. Check with veterinarians, training clubs and facilities, (caution: these facilities may be slightly biased towards their own goals), training and obedience trials, show matches, pet groomers, pet stores, feed stores and boarding facilities. It is always a good idea when talking to a breeder to ask for references. Also ask for the medical records on the puppy (vaccinations, wormings, oral medications, and when the tails were docked). A reputable breeder has OFA certified Rottweilers. The dogs are generally titled and will have pedigrees varying from good to outstanding. You will be able to see their family tree and what their lines produce. A reputable breeder will not sell to just anyone, and will ask questions to make sure you are right for the breed and the individual dog. They will ask if you want a working dog, a champion, or a companion. The type of Rottweiller you want can affect the price you will pay. Reputable breeders have contracts that guarantee your puppy against genetic diseases and hip dysplasia. They keep puppies they can't responsibly place. They breed because they want to better the breed and make a contribution in their own way, and only to meet specific demands. They consider the puppies they whelp to be their responsibility for the life of the dog, and often follow up to see what's happening with their puppies. They will check to see if you are following through on training your Rottweiler. Almost all will recommend a place to train and require updates on the training. A puppy is cute, but it has everything to learn. Therefore, if your Rottweiler displays bad habits, you have only yourself to blame.

If you've decided to buy a puppy, you need to pick the one right for you. Decide what you expect from the puppy. If you simply want a pet to enjoy, I recommend a companion Rottweiler or possibly a Champion. If you're interested in a herding, Schutzhund, or any working Rottweiler, you have to find a breeder who has them. Decide on the "quality" of dog that you want (i.e., pick, show quality, pet). Pick quality is the most expensive, show quality is middle range, and pet quality is the least expensive. Many breeders will require owners to sterilize pet quality Rottweilers. For example, I train Schutzhund, and look for a working dog pedigree rich in Schutzhund dogs. You should also decide in advance which sex best fits your needs. Males are generally a little more stubborn and independent. They also mature more slowly than the females. They require a little firmer hand and more training. Adult males are typically larger than females. Some times males will mark "their territory" in the house. Females usually mature faster and are better family dogs. Once you've made your decision, find some breeders who have the best you can afford. Look at the puppies themselves, and try to see them all at least twice. (They usually have colored collars or some identification.) Be sure to invest some time and, and don't buy the first one you see.

You have finally made your decision, and are about to go get your puppy. Is everything ready? Have you put away everything that the puppy shouldn't have? Do you have the essentials you need, such as dog food, bowls, chewies, a collar, treats, appropriate toys, and the item I firmly believe in, his own crate? A crate provides your puppy with his own personal place. When you pick up your puppy, be sure to sign your contract and have the pedigree, blue AKC registration, pet vaccination records, and puppy before you leave. This is a turning point in both your life and your puppy's life. Try to make this a reassuring time for the puppy. Make him feel at ease with the change. When you arrive at home, get down on the puppy's level and enjoy this time with him. Be careful how you play with the puppy, and be sure not to play for too long. Do not chase the puppy around, as that will frighten him/her. Be aware of your body language. Your puppy is just beginning to bond with you and trust you. Trust and confidence is important to your relationship with your dog as it matures. Remember to let them out after eating and watering.
It is important to take your puppy to the veterinarian within the first couple of days. All puppies are fragile, and should be kept away from other dogs or humans that have dogs until they are 16 weeks old. Remember parvo and corona are quick killers. Get them vaccinated immediately!: Your puppy will become a part of the family, or "pack". In a pack environment, your puppy has to learn his place. Teaching your puppy manners and what is expected as a pack member is the responsibility of the entire family. Every member of the pack plays a role. I personally allow supervised play between my puppy and children. I also insist my children participate in corrections. This helps maintain the pack integrity. Bonding is the trust or complete and total confidence between you and your dog. Each person in the pack has their own bond. You, of course, are the ALPHA DOG or the "the leader of the pack." Be advised that when a Rottweiler starts to come of age (between two to three years of age) they usually challenge you for Alpha Dog. You have to meet this challenge immediately and decisively.

Training is not optional!! I usually start teaching my puppy the first day home. Bonding and training are essential, and it is never too young to start training with food and praise. Every day and every activity is a learning experience for a puppy. I use play as my most important training and bonding tool. It is great fun and can continue into their adult years. Teaching through play allows imprinting, which is the art or technique of teaching your dog something now that he will use at a later time. I train toward a Schutzhund title, so play is crucial, especially playing tug and ball. Some dogs are motivated by food, some by toys, and all Rottweilers by love. You should have already planned for official training through the breeder. (Be careful not to take your female to training when she is in heat, as this will greatly disrupt the class.) Training at home is completely different from training in a club environment. I advise going into training with an open mind and be willing to accept criticism for the betterment of you and your dog. Remember your Rottweiler matures slowly, so never try to push them into something they are not ready for. This only sets you back and frustrates you and your dog. Listen to instruction and ask for help or guidance when you need it. Patience and consistence are the keys to being successful. And keep in mind that it is necessary to correct your dog harshly now so that they learn to what is acceptable and what is not acceptable. This will avoid a possible "bite" situation down the road. In addition to attending training, you should be working with your dog at home a minimum of two days a week. Try to limit your sessions to no more than five to 15 minutes each.

Remember, to have a successful pack situation requires a total family commitment. Each member of the pack has their place and their duty. You, as the Alpha Dog, are the leader and the ultimate rule enforcer. You settle all disputes, and your word is final. I have established rules for the dog and for the children, and once a rule is learned it is enforced. If the dog does not respond to a child's command, I allow and expect the child to administer a correction. If the child administers a correction and it is not effective, I will intervene and teach both members of the pack how to solve the problem. Intervening too early teaches the dog that it doesn't have to obey unless I am involved. Training is a never ending job which requires continuous maintenance.
The rewards for your time investment are many fond memories and a deep bond that is literally unbreakable. I hope that you will be a responsible Rottweiler owner, whether your dog is a companion or a National Seigar and Schutzhund III. Being responsible means not only safeguarding your personal dog, but the reputation of the entire breed. Remember that breeding Rottweilers requires expertise and experience not found in backyard breeders. If you are not qualified to breed responsibly and contribute to the benefit of future Rottweilers, please have your dog sterilized early to avoid any unwanted problems with your adult dog. Thanks for reading, I know it was long. And remember, you don't have to be a man for a dog to be your best friend!

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