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Original poster

please tell me about your Rottweilers

30 replies

FlowFle · 26/09/2023 10:52

(but don't talk to me like I'm stupid)

my young adult daughter wants a rottweiler. she has always liked them/big dogs. we have always had middle sized dogs as a family, my choice because it's easier/safer etc. she plans on moving out in a year or so and wants it at this time so that she will feel safer.

I worked with dogs for 20 odd years, so we aren't coming at this blind. I know they need a couple of hours walk a day, need good training and socialising. I trust that she will do this. I'm happy to do it too whilst they live here

I still feel apprehensive and I'm not sure why. I think I am worried that they are going to get alot of negative attention again when xl bullies are banned, like they did in the 80s. also, always had short haired dogs...does the double coat make a horrendous mess?? 🤣

tell me, the good, the bad and the ugly please

OP posts:
Original poster
FlowFle · 28/09/2023 18:29

rottweilersrock · 28/09/2023 16:09

I’ve got 3 rotties, one male and two female. Also had 2 ponies with the older dogs, and they were always fine with them. They had been carefully introduced as pups though.

My male (4years old) missed out on a big chunk of socialising at the teenage stage, due to lockdowns. I also believe we got a few things wrong when he was a pup, and he can get a bit anxious about things.
I used to show him before covid, but once we started back up again he didn’t like it. He will growl at people if he doesn’t want to be touched or bothered, but has never snapped at anyone.
We are very careful to manage any interactions, and not put him in a situation where he feels uncomfortable. He still comes to ringcraft classes sometimes, and will give the odd growl, but everyone knows him there so he doesn’t get pushed out of his comfort zone.
I have learnt a lot from owning him, and it’s clear to see how his behaviour could become out of hand with the wrong owners. He is a big powerful dog, and you have to be committed to training/socialising a dog like that.
Rotties need clear boundaries and leadership from day one. They are extremely clever, but can also be seen as stubborn if they are not given sufficient guidance.
My girls on the other hand love absolutely everyone they meet, and just want to be made a fuss of!
Fantastic dogs, but definitely not for the faint hearted!

wowsers, all the animals in that photo are stupendous! lovely to see them together like that, thanks for posting 😍

I have realised over the last few days of dwelling on this, that I AM scared that the dog will become out of control/nervous/aggressive, that we will fail to train it properly. I wouldn't choose a rottweiler myself, because I prefer an easier dog/life. BUT DD is determined. she will get one when she moves out, so I would rather she does it whilst she is still here so I can help/support her. do you think there is any truth in handling horses will stand her in good stead for big dog training? in terms of dealing with willfulness and being firm and consistent etc?

OP posts:
Original poster
FlowFle · 28/09/2023 18:31

ThreeB · 26/09/2023 12:35

I've had 3 rescue Rotties over the years and they're wonderful dogs but they are incredibly stubborn and need really good training from the start.

They purr. Seriously. To someone who has never heard it, it can sound like a growl but it comes from a different place in the body. Understanding that, and when your dog is doing it, will be crucial to be able to read your dogs body language.

I haven't noticed any real issues with shedding, and they certainly don't shed anywhere near the amount of long haired dogs. I'd seriously consider buying a Henry Hoover at the same time though 😀

We do get some bad reactions from people and this can be odd, especially when people physically move to the other side of the road. For this reason, we do only go off lead in secure environments as if something were to happen, the Rottie would be blamed regardless of the circumstances.

Activity wise, all our boys have loved swimming and agility (seeing a Rottie scale the A Frame is very funny) but less inclined to do things like chase or flyball. Our current boy is also a big fan of man trailing and scent work and this tires him out more than anything else.

Don't be fooled by toys that claim to be indestructible as indestructible does not equal Rottie proof 🤣. Our best toys have been children's teddies picked up from charity shops - they seem to last forever.

They're super clever (when they choose to be) so stand by for them to do things you never expected. Closed doors pose no problems for them so invest in baby gates if there are areas you want to keep them out of. Hard to open bins are also a must!

There are really bad Rotties, as there are really bad dogs in all breeds, but most of the ones I have encountered have just been big cuddle bugs. They love their creature comforts and will happily take over beds and sofas.

oh!! I don't know how I missed your photo until now. what a cutie! ❤️

OP posts:
Freezingcoldinseptember · 28/09/2023 18:52

Ours loved a soft toy also. Never chewed one... Destroyed ddog toys though..

please tell me about your Rottweilers
MummyBrx · 28/09/2023 18:58

Honestly the most loving and loyal dogs on this planet. I have 2 children so didn't take the decision lightly to get a Rottweiler it took my partner 12 months and I myself did loads of research into the breed.

Best decision ever she is a part of our family and knows where she falls in the pack. She loves our kids and has grown up with them they are 8 & 10 and our Rottie is 7

I would recommend a bitch if first time owners as they are smaller than dogs. Dogs can be a lot larger. Also recommend a martingdale collar / half choker. Would advise against a Harness as our girl is strong and pulls more with it on so we swapped to normal collar and she doesn't pull.

I know everyone says it about there favoured breed but Rotties really are out of this world gorgeous dogs

rottweilersrock · 28/09/2023 22:15

@FlowFle I would definitely recommend a bitch for a first time owner. Males can be hard work if you are not used to them.
Needs to be from a reputable breeder that has done all the health tests.
Champdogs is a good site to look on. Or if your daughter is able to go to any shows, there are always decent breeders there. They will be more than happy to give advice or point her in the right direction.
Dont know where in the country you are based. I would be happy to let her meet my dogs if you were close.

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