Rottweilers Articles

Cheat Sheet / Updated 03-14-2022

If you’ve done your research and decided to bring a Rottweiler into your home, prepare your house by purchasing some basic dog supplies before the puppy arrives. Keep your Rottweiler happy and healthy by having a well-stocked emergency first aid kit, knowing when you should immediately call the vet, and giving your dog regular health checks.

Article / Updated 03-26-2016

Keep your Rottweiler on a leash at all times when you are in a park or other public recreation area. Although your well-trained Rottweiler would never think of threatening anyone, many people are thoroughly convinced that all Rottweilers are dangerous and become terrified at the sight of one, particularly if he is off-leash. So, avoid the drama and use the leash. The popular Flexi-leads can extend themselves up to 25 feet if there is no one around to bother you, but the retractable leads give you constant control over your dog at all times. If you want to use a nearby park, check with the local Department of Parks and Recreation to see what the rules are that apply to dogs. Some parks allow dogs only during certain low-use hours, and some even allow dogs to be off-leash during specified time periods. Many communities are creating special dog parks or are fencing in certain portions of public parks in which dogs are allowed to be off leash. The value of these dedicated areas is that they give a dog plenty of opportunity for some serious exercise and help improve socialization by letting the dog run with other canine pals. Even when you are in a dog park where having your dog off-leash is perfectly acceptable, make sure your Rottweiler has been properly socialized to accept other dogs. Is your Rottweiler of a nature to withstand being threatened or challenged by another dog without flying into a rage? Even though your dog, and nine out of ten of the other dogs at the park, may be well socialized, the tenth dog may be the culprit. You know, like the kid who can't seem to get through a single school recess without antagonizing someone? The additional problem with dogs in groups is that even though a troublemaker may pick on just a single dog to fight with, fighting ignites a pack reaction, and soon every dog with a single aggressive bone in his body has to dive into the fray. When trying out an off-leash dog park, remember that you and your dog are the new kids on the block. Proceed with care and make sure no bullies are present. If a dog seems determined to rule the pack through aggression, take your Rottweiler home and try the park another time. Most Rottweilers will not tolerate being pushed around for no good reason, and even though they may not start a fight, the average Rottweiler is more than capable of finishing one.

Article / Updated 03-26-2016

When it comes to choosing a Rottweiler for a pet, the sex of the dog could make a difference — unlike with other breeds. Although both the male and female Rottweiler are capable of becoming excellent companions and are equally trainable, do remember that a male Rottweiler will be larger and heavier than his sister, and he will have all the muscle power to go with that extra weight. Give serious consideration to your own strength and stature when you decide between a male and a female Rottweiler. Sexual differences totally apart from size and weight are also a factor. The maternal instincts of the females serve to make them a bit sweeter and gentler, and they are inclined to be less boisterous. In contrast, most male Rottweilers grow bigger and faster than their self-awareness, which can make for some clumsy fellows! When those hormones start raging, the males are inclined to be somewhat challenging, too. Although the Rottweiler is a clean breed and relatively easy to housebreak, the male dog of any breed has a natural instinct to lift his leg to mark his territory with urine. The amount of effort involved in training the male not to do this varies with the individual dog. Remember that a male considers everything in the household to be a part of his territory and he has an innate urge to establish this fact. Unfortunately, this may include your designer drapery or newly upholstered sofa. Rottweilers are not beyond getting into arguments with other dogs, and the tendency in males may be considerably stronger. A male Rottweiler has no qualms about making a point of this. Granted, there are smaller, very docile males and larger, considerably dominant females, but generally speaking, the male Rottweiler is larger, stronger, and of a more dominant personality. You can deal with variations on the personality scale. The secret is knowing what kind of personality a pup has and knowing yourself well enough to know if you are able to provide that particular Rottweiler with the care and training he will require. Female dogs have their own set of problems. Their semiannual heat cycles begin at about one year of age if the dog is not spayed. These heat cycles last about 21 days, and during this time the female has to be confined to avoid soiling her surroundings with the bloody discharge that accompanies estrus. At pet supply stores, you can buy special britches, which assist in keeping the female in heat from soiling the area in which she lives. If you have a female dog in heat, you must also carefully watch her in order to prevent males from gaining access to her, or she will become pregnant. Do not expect the marauding male to be deterred by the britches either!

Article / Updated 03-26-2016

Even the most well-trained dog misbehaves once in a while. But don't make the mistake of interpreting your dog's actions in human terms. Vengeance and retaliation are human characteristics. What you may interpret as retaliation on the part of your dog is far more apt to be instinct or even anxiety and frustration. Although it may seem so, your dog did not diabolically plan to get back at you. Punishment is entirely appropriate at certain times, but the punishment itself must be appropriate, as well. For example, separation anxiety can manifest itself in many ways. Dogs mildly affected will often seek out an object that is very personally "you." A shoe, an undergarment, or a glove are as close as your dog can get to you when you're gone, and your absence can best be endured through the dog's highly developed art of chewing. For example, you come home and find your favorite (and most expensive!) shoes in shreds and assume your dog has done this to you because he is angry that you left him behind. But you have entirely misunderstood why he did what he did. He missed his lord and master, and got as close to him as he could in the best way he knew how. What you call retaliation, your dog calls devotion. Assuming your dog has intentionally done something to spite you is a foolish error in judgment on your part. Flying off into a rage because of the behavior is both unfair and dangerous. It's unfair because dogs aren't vengeful creatures, and it's dangerous because some breeds — such as Rottweilers — aren't willing to accept that kind of treatment. There is a vast difference between punishment and abuse. If you respond with rage when your dog acts out of anxiety, you're only compounding the problem. When punishment for an infraction of rules is warranted, you must always remember three rules: Be calm Be fair Be consistent A responsible pet owner should be able to interact with the pet on that basis all the time and no matter what the circumstances!

Article / Updated 03-26-2016

No matter how careful you are about keeping your Rottweiler safe, accidents can happen. It’s best to be prepared if you have an emergency,so keep the following items stocked in your dog’s first aid kit: Activated charcoal tablets Adhesive tape (1- and 2-inch widths) Antibacterial ointment (for skin and eyes) Antihistamine (approved by your vet for allergic reactions) Athletic sock (to slip over an injured paw) Bandages and dressing pads (gauze rolls, 1- and 2-inch widths) Cotton balls Diarrhea medicine Dosing syringe Eyewash Emergency phone numbers (taped on the cover of the first aid kit) Hydrogen peroxide (3 percent solution) Ipecac syrup (to induce vomiting) Nylon stocking (to use as a muzzle) Petroleum jelly Pliers or tweezers (for removing stings, barbs, and quills) Rectal thermometer Rubber gloves Rubbing alcohol Scissors (preferably with rounded tips) Tourniquet kit Syringe (without needle, for administering oral medications) Towel Tweezers

Article / Updated 03-26-2016

Prevention is critical to the health of your Rottweiler and your wallet. To avoid unnecessary medical bills and to keep your dog happy and fit, make it a habit to check these things as you groom or snuggle with your dog: Skin should be free of eruptions. Coat should be thick, lustrous, and clean. Ears should be clean, without an offensive odor. Teeth should be white without accumulated tartar. Eyes should be clear and bright with no discharge or irritation. Nails should be short, with no cracks or ragged edges. Check the rectal temperature whenever your dog appears out of sorts. (Normal is between 101.5 and 102 degrees Fahrenheit.)

Article / Updated 03-26-2016

Having everything in place before you bring your Rottweiler puppy home is important. You need items to keep the dog busy, have toys for training, and provide a place for your puppy to sleep. Make sure you have the following basics on hand when welcoming your Rottweiler home: Paneled fence partition or pen to cordon off a living area for the puppy Fiberglass kennel crate or metal wire cage Feeding bowls and water dishes Food prescribed by the breeder Brushes, combs, and nail clippers Doggy quick bath Special dog shampoo Collars and leashes Toys Household odor neutralizer and cleaners Chewing deterrents

Article / Updated 03-26-2016

If you’re Rottweiler is sick or has been in an accident and you’re not sure how to handle it, don’t hesitate to call your veterinarian. You should call your vet immediately though if your dog has any of the following symptoms: Blood in the stool Limping, trembling, or shaking Abscesses, lumps, or swellings Dark or cloudy urine Difficulty urinating Loss of bowel or bladder control Deep red or white gums Persistent coughing or sneezing Loss or impairment of motor control Gasping for breath Chronic vomiting Chronic diarrhea Continued listlessness Loss of appetite Excessive thirst Runny nose Discharge from eyes or ears