Rottweiler owners...need your advice!

[PamSue1030]

I have had my Rottie for almost 3 yrs now. He is very special. We made sure he was socialized with the 10 grandkids and lots of other individuals. He loves people! I have had a small flock of hens now for about a 1 1/2 years. The chickens have their own chain link yard. But, we let them out in the big yard when we are outside. Dexter pays absolutely no attention to the chickens. When they are in their yard, he just ignores them. He knows they belong here. I am sure I could leave him with them, I am just scared. I raised my hens from tiny chicks.

 

[MilesFluffybutt]

Hi ZooZoo,

I'd suggest spending time with the dog. Take her for a weekend to gauge the dog's personality, needs, temperament, and to discover any other issues she may have. If the pooch's only issue is that she chews, which could be related to boredom or separation anxiety, those are relatively easy challenges to work with.

Rotts are smart dogs - they need mental stimulation in addition to exercise. Otherwise, like all dogs, their behavior turns destructive. If it works out, you can take the dog to obedience classes, which would help you two to bond, and you could try doggie daycare as well. What's important is having everyone in the household on the same training page.

Regarding the cat, how does you cat feel about dogs? It wouldn't be fair or safe to bring in a dog if the cat is anti-dog. If the cat is cool with dogs, and the dog is cool with the cat, do you know how to do a proper introduction?

Personally, I have had rotts and rott crosses my entire life - some since when they were puppies, others adopted as adults. My dog is a Rottie-GSD cross and she is the best. She was a nightmare as a puppy - rambunctious, chewed on every scrap of furniture, jumped on people, counter surfed, got into any and every trash can she could, steal food off your plate, but now at 3 years old, she's mostly great. She has some issues with impulse control, but that's some thing that takes time to work with.

Practical things to consider:
- Do you live in a house or an apartment?
- Do you own or rent?
- Will your insurance company cover the breed?
- Do y



And remember, pick up what you don't want chewed on.