What should I know as the first time Rottweiler owner?

Ashley M: First time Rottweiler owner?
I have been looking to get a dog for a long time now..I am a stay at home mother of a 1 and 3 year old, so I want a dog that will protcet me and my family because were home alone all day..I decited on getting a german Rottweiler..I meet the parents and puppies and put my deposit down, i pick up the puppy on Feb-14th..I have never owned a rottweiler before, can anyone give me any advice about the breed..? I looked up the breed on the internet before i picked the puppy. And the internet said nothing but good things about Rottweilers, but my neighbors that have German Shepards said they hate rottweilers..So if there is anyone that has owned a Rottweiler, can you tell me your feelings towards Rottweilers..Thanks!

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Answers and Views:

Answer by Mutt Mommy
I wouldn't advise a first time dog owner to get a Rott. Actually, I wouldn't advise a first time large breed dog owner to get a Rott. They need very consistent training, and with a 1 and 3 yr old, I can't see how you can provide the dog with that.

Answer by Floopy
All the Rotts I've ever met were just big babies--nothing like the bad stories you hear about. Why not stop by a bookstore or pet supply store and pick up some books on the breed? Also, you probably have a breed club in your area--consider joining. You'll meet lots of other Rott owners and it's a great way to get tips and to socialize your dog.

Answer by fts1981
Any dog has the potential to be aggressive behind the hands of the wrong owner. I would simply advise if this is your first dog to invest in training as early as possible to make the transitions easier. Remember, puppies are expensive, messy, and loud. But well worth the time investment for a great companion.

Answer by Ruthless Til My Casket Close
I have owned Rotti's in the past and currently own a 3 year old Pitbull/Rottweiler cross.

They are great dogs, very loyal. They will risk their lives to protect you and are awesome watch/guard dogs.

However, they are EXTREMELY strong and they need you to be the alpha in the house. If you don't show leadership skills, then the dog will gladly take over as boss..

Rottweilers have a natural guarding instinct, and you should not do anything [such as tug-of-war] to enhance that instinct.

They should only be walked by someone that is sure they can handle it. As I said, Rotti's are extremely strong. Pinch collars also work wonders on them.

Obedience training is a must for Rottweilers, and the earlier you take him the better. Training should begin as soon as he settles into your home.

However, they are not at all vicious 'killers', and they will not attack anyone unless provoked. So don't believe the media.

Answer by scottcr2001
Right now I have a Rotti and a pit, I have 3 kids, 17, 9 and 5 months. My rotti have never showed ANY aggression at all twards any of the kids. He is also a very large rotti. We take him everywere and yes, they are very protective. So the responsability for how your dog acts when he feels like he needs to protect is yours. Rots are very smart and naturally want to be around the family. So in my opinion as long as you get them as a pup and train them right no worries. Just be sure to "kid train" your new addition. Tug (not hard) at its ears, feet, tail, mouth and more, make a game out of it. This way when the kids start there pulling your rotti wont be apt to bite. Good luck, and great choice in breed!!!!!

Answer by GenericWit
LOL. I hate people that dislike them because they've heard bad things. Rottweilers are pretty easy dogs to take care of. I don't really recommend them all that much for protection. You can train your dog to be mean, but I don't recommend that with kids... or at all actually. If you spoil the dog, pet and play with him a lot, he'll love you, and he'd probably be willing to die for you.

I have a rott, and I love the breed. My buddy sleeps on the bed with me under the covers and sets his head on my lap when I'm eating... he's such a begger.

I don't really think there's anything more complicated about rottweilers than with any other breed other than I recommend taking him for walks more often so he doesn't get restless... oh and... get lots of toys otherwise he'll chew on the furniture.

Answer by pinky
oh this is tricky, I would avoid getting ROT, although there are many success stories out there and we only hear the bad, I would rather be in the majority not the minority.
Go for something smaller.
We have family members with ROTS and kids and I am always wondering if one day !!!!!! Especially the bitch ones, they get very jealous

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