Rottweiler owners...need your advice!

[ZooZoo]

So i've been looking into adopting a dog for awhile now and found a woman giving away her 4 yr old rottweiler to a good home. She says she feels like the dog needs more attention since shes not home due to work. The only bad behavior is when she is left alone and starts to chew things up. Shes a beautiful dog, but i dont want to adopt way more than i can handle obedience-wise. Any rottweiler owners have suggestions? She would be living in a house with 4 active teenage boys and a cat.
thanks

 

[Livinzoo]

I have a Rott, a half rott and a not rott. One thing I will say about rotts is that they are a head strong breed. If you are a push over this is not the breed for you. You have to be a good leader. It's not that they are aggressive, it's just that they want to do what they want to do.

I will tell you that I will always have rotts. I love the breed.

 

[chixie]

I had one. his name was dufuss(stared out named stinger) could nort potty train him for nothing thats why he was called Dufuus...Loved him. Someone poisoned him and that is why I no longer have him. My dad used to breed them. Until they got to much for him to handle with is health problems.

 

[pdsavage]

You can crate the dog when your gone...But make sure you exercise her also and make the crate a good place to be...

 

[Bantimna]

Quote:
I agree, you could also give her a hoove to chew on.

 

[Dar]

Quote:
I agree, you could also give her a hoove to chew on.

be careful with the hooves.... they can be chewed down really fast with a rottie and quickly become a choking hazard.

I like the king kongs.. they can be stuffed to give added variety

and YESSSSSSS crates.. I love 'em .. and for walks.. because rotties can be very head strong and pull while on the lead.. get a gentle leader, or a haltie... they are a bit pricey but sooo worth it your shoulder will thank you .. the knock off ones only adjust in one area and dont fit well.. the brand name ones will adjust around the neck and around the snout for a more secure fit

 

[Redyre Rotties]

Quote:
Things to consider:

People give dogs away for a reason. Most of the time, minor chewing issues are not a reason why people give dogs up. Just be aware that IF you take her, more issues may surface

Rottweilers can have serious health issues. Some of these can break both your heart and your wallet, so it's wise to be prepared. (hip/elbow dysplasia, heart defects, cancers)

Rottweilers are quite territorial. Most adult dogs will not allow others into your home or on your property if you are not present. Things to consider: FENCING... must be secure and locked for the best safety for your dog and for others. Meters to be read must not be inside the fencing. Fence running and barking can be an issue in high traffic areas such as neighborhoods if you don't have privacy fence.

THESE DOGS SHED. All the time. Quite a bit. If you don't mind vacuuming, no big deal, but if you are a clean freak, a Rottweiler may not be your best choice.

Rottweilers can be quite dog aggressive in particular with other adults of the same sex. They can also have a high prey drive. Something to consider since you have a cat.

Rottweilers are very powerful physically. If this dog has not been through any obedience training, you will want to get some good instruction and do regular daily positive work with the dog for several months if not the first year.

Rottweilers are wonderful intelligent athletic dogs, and I will probably always have several, however, the above considerations must be taken into account when one is thinking of this breed.

If you like you can PM me your area and I will see if I can find someonenearby to mentor you if you decide to get her.

 

[Brindlebtch]

What Redyre Rotties said.

Be careful about this. There may be other behavioral problems involved as well as health issues.

 

[Brindlebtch]

Quote:
I agree, you could also give her a hoove to chew on.

Gotta watch the chew hooves. They splinter - sharp splinters - especially w/ large breeds tha have strong jaws. I know of a dog that had a perforated intestine from a chew hoof.

 

[dumb_cluck]

Rotts are very strong headed. I train in Schutzhund. You must become the leader or you will regret the adoption. They need focus, attention and exercise.