Rottweiler info

kkelly77

Had great success last night with the crate!!

I put Grason in after midnight and set my alarm to get up at 4am to let him out. When I went down to him I actually woke him up. Brought him out the back and he went to the toilet straight away. I only spoke to him when praising him for going outside. Also, his crate was dry too. He just whinged for a few minutes when I put him back in.

Was up with him at 8am this morning. Again, dry crate and went to the toilet immediately when outside.

At what age should they start to come around to the routine of not having to get up to let them out?

Forgot to mention, he's learned how to sit after some bribery with some turkey slices. Great stuff!!

andreac

Well done thats brilliant, great result for you.

What i would do is maybe next week increase the time by an hour and see how that goes, and if hes dry then maybe the following week increase it again by another hour, if hes staying dry then thats great.

If you find that after about 2/3 weeks that hes staying dry for longer periods you can try leaving him for the night, just make sure he goes right before bedtime and try feeding a good bit before bed time too.

kkelly77

Here's another query - is there a certain age a pup has to be before you can bathe them? And, what's the best way to introduce them to a bath and not scare the bejesus out of them? Lots of treats etc? Unfortunately I don't want my dog going upstairs but that's where he has to go for a bath :rolleyes:

K

lrushe

Well done you, that's great progress with Grayson!! As Andreac said its just a matter of slowly increasing the time between outings, if there is the odd accident along the way don't get disheartened, you've set down great work, just keep it up.
There is not particular age for bathing a pup but I personally don't like bathing a pup unless its really neccessary. But if you are bathing him just use a mild puppy shampoo. If you're wanting to give your dog a bath but don't want him just randomly going upstairs set up a command for going upstairs like 'bath' or 'upstairs' so they know that they can only go upstairs if they are told, make the bathroom a fun place to be, bring up favorite toys and play in the bathroom with them, sit him in the bath and tell him to sit then give lots of praise and treats etc. when he sits there calmly. Some dogs will never love bath time, I wouldn't say any of my dogs love it but they just accept that its just part of life and allow it!!!

lrushe

andreac wrote: »

They really are misunderstood breeds.

They really are misunderstood, I fly the Rottie flag wherever I go ha ha!!!

kkelly77

Lrushe/Andreac,

Have you experienced your Rotties reacting back super aggressive at times when you're trying to correct them over something? Grason has done it a few times, normally when he's in an extremely active state. I assume he's just testing me and his boundaries.

K

lrushe

kkelly77 wrote: »

Lrushe/Andreac,

Have you experienced your Rotties reacting back super aggressive at times when you're trying to correct them over something? Grason has done it a few times, normally when he's in an extremely active state. I assume he's just testing me and his boundaries.

K

How do you mean aggressive? Puppies as young as Grason aren't usually aggressive, does he show teeth? Rotties are v.vocal breed, when I play with Brook she will often make what sounds like a growl but there is no agression behind it

kkelly77

lrushe wrote: »

How do you mean aggressive? Puppies as young as Grason aren't usually aggressive, does he show teeth? Rotties are v.vocal breed, when I play with Brook she will often make what sounds like a growl but there is no agression behind it

Definitely aggressive, growling and teeth showing. Only happened a couple of times though. I think it may have had something to do with the fact he was the only pup in the litter so did not really learn any social hierarchy because he had no siblings.

lrushe

kkelly77 wrote: »

Definitely aggressive, growling and teeth showing. Only happened a couple of times though. I think it may have had something to do with the fact he was the only pup in the litter so did not really learn any social hierarchy because he had no siblings.

That kind of aggression is unusual for a puppy, it might have something to do with him being a single pup alright. Would he be tired when this happens, puppies can be like small kids and get cranky if over tired or he could be overwhelmbed by whatever was happening at the time. It is also possible that he was just being a brat!!! Either way this should be addressed firmly, this behaviour needs to be nipped in the bud while he is still young. Try giving him a stern 'NO' and then some time out in his crate, as a social animal this should be enough of a punishment for a naughthy puppy. You should enroll him in puppy socialisation classes as soon as he has had all of his vacinations, nothing can put a puppy in its place better than another puppy!!!

andreac

An 8 week old pup shouldnt not be showing any type of aggression like this towards you, its just not in pups to do this.
Id be worried if a little pup like that was growling/teeth baring so id be very careful of this and make sure you are the boss and do not let him away with anything.
Rotties are a strong tough breed and need good leadership so make sure you are being strict with him and not let him away with anything.

Once hes over his jabs, straight to puppy classes with you as this pup obv needs good socialisation as soon as you can.

kkelly77

lrushe wrote: »

That kind of aggression is unusual for a puppy, it might have something to do with him being a single pup alright. Would he be tired when this happens, puppies can be like small kids and get cranky if over tired or he could be overwhelmbed by whatever was happening at the time. It is also possible that he was just being a brat!!! Either way this should be addressed firmly, this behaviour needs to be nipped in the bud while he is still young. Try giving him a stern 'NO' and then some time out in his crate, as a social animal this should be enough of a punishment for a naughthy puppy. You should enroll him in puppy socialisation classes as soon as he has had all of his vacinations, nothing can put a puppy in its place better than another puppy!!!

It happened when he was at the height of his energy level while playing. He's trying to get up the stairs now which I don't want but he wants to. When he tried to go up I'd give him a stern correction but he kept climbing up. Then it was a second correction followed by a 'Dog whispereresque' touch to the side. This is when I got a bit of growl back as if to say, "**** you I'm still going up". A third correction was given with a more intense physical touch (NOT an abusive hit) and he moved towards the stairs again growling and snapping his teeth.

I'm reluctant to use the crate as punishment as he doesn't see it as a negative thing, which is the way I want it. I'm eager to get him socialised with other dogs but I've another 4 weeks before I can do that

kkelly77

andreac wrote: »

An 8 week old pup shouldnt not be showing any type of aggression like this towards you, its just not in pups to do this.
Id be worried if a little pup like that was growling/teeth baring so id be very careful of this and make sure you are the boss and do not let him away with anything.
Rotties are a strong tough breed and need good leadership so make sure you are being strict with him and not let him away with anything.

Once hes over his jabs, straight to puppy classes with you as this pup obv needs good socialisation as soon as you can.

Hi Andreac,
I am very firm with him and have been from day 1 as I've read and been advised by by every Rottie owner I've spoke to. I'm basing this behaviour on the fact he was the only pup and the fact he was spoiled before I got him. It's not a constant reaction I get from him, only 2 or 3 times it's happened. In saying that, I do want to put a complete stop to it.

lrushe

kkelly77 wrote: »

It happened when he was at the height of his energy level while playing. He's trying to get up the stairs now which I don't want but he wants to. When he tried to go up I'd give him a stern correction but he kept climbing up. Then it was a second correction followed by a 'Dog whispereresque' touch to the side. This is when I got a bit of growl back as if to say, "**** you I'm still going up". A third correction was given with a more intense physical touch (NOT an abusive hit) and he moved towards the stairs again growling and snapping his teeth.

I'm reluctant to use the crate as punishment as he doesn't see it as a negative thing, which is the way I want it. I'm eager to get him socialised with other dogs but I've another 4 weeks before I can do that

If you don't want to use his crate use a room in your house, a utility room, kitchen etc. he just has to be away from his family for 5 minutes or so to get the message that the behaviour is unacceptable. Does Grason wear a flat collar at all times? This will not only serve to accustom him to the feel of something around his neck for when he does eventually go for walks but it will also allow you to take him by the collar and lead him to wherever you do decide to punish him straight away giving him less chance to react with a growl, remember a correction or praise must be given within 3 seconds of the behaviour.

kkelly77

I don't believe this!!:mad: He's after doing it again.

He was playing for the last hour and I was giving him plenty of attention with his toys. He kind of gets to a point where he's bounding around, blowing off as much energy as possible. However, when he's like this he can start pulling at the curtains, biting the sofa etc and these are the type of behaviours I correct him on.

When I corrected him on this sure enough he tries to do it again and I correct him once again. However, he's growling and jumping up trying to bite me. I'm very concerned now as it has happened too often in such a short period of time. It has me even doubting whether I should have picked him/his breed, even after months of research and face to face discussions with owners, breeders and kennel owners.

I'll have to give the breeder a call tomorrow for advice again.

lrushe

kkelly77 wrote: »

I don't believe this!!:mad: He's after doing it again.

He was playing for the last hour and I was giving him plenty of attention with his toys. He kind of gets to a point where he's bounding around, blowing off as much energy as possible. However, when he's like this he can start pulling at the curtains, biting the sofa etc and these are the type of behaviours I correct him on.

When I corrected him on this sure enough he tries to do it again and I correct him once again. However, he's growling and jumping up trying to bite me. I'm very concerned now as it has happened too often in such a short period of time. It has me even doubting whether I should have picked him/his breed, even after months of research and face to face discussions with owners, breeders and kennel owners.

I'll have to give the breeder a call tomorrow for advice again.

I don't mean to sound harsh here but why are you giving him 2 corrections, it should be as simple as 1) he does the behaviour 2) he is removed from the situation. Removing him from the situation means he can't go back to doing what he was doing. He's only a 9 weeks old pup, your an adult human don't let him intimidate you, he's obviously feeding off your uncertainty, have your plan in your head "when he does....I am going to....." that way you don't have to think about what to do when the behaviour occurs.

jayotala

lrushe wrote: »

I don't mean to sound harsh here but why are you giving him 2 corrections, it should be as simple as 1) he does the behaviour 2) he is removed from the situation. Removing him from the situation means he can't go back to doing what he was doing. He's only a 9 weeks old pup, your an adult human don't let him intimidate you, he's obviously feeding off your uncertainty, have your plan in your head "when he does....I am going to....." that way you don't have to think about what to do when the behaviour occurs.

First off congrats on the new pup, really lovely breed of dog.

I have to agree with Irushe, he's only a pup, he needs to learn who's the leader, you have to teach him what he can do and what he can't do, as with any dog. He may only be annoyed because you are not letting him have his fun and then he's testing you by going back to do it again. In my experience the best thing that works is punishiment, put him outside for a while, think of super nanny and the naughty step. Just be firm with him, I know its hard with a pup cause they are so cute and you can just end up feeling sorry for them, but you'll have a great happy dog for years to come.

kkelly77

Hi all,

Thanks for your advice. Because of his unbelieveable stubborn streak I'm opting for a distraction if he ignores corrections. I've found giving him an ice cube keeps him entertained for a good while. Also, I just want to stress that I am in no way being soft on him nor do I think about what he might do if I correct him. I consider myself more assertive than most so the degree of the corrections I give are, in my opinion, not tentitive or lacking in authority.

Perhaps I'm expecting too much of him by the way of obeying what I say EVERY time?

P.S. Can't believe the length of this thread now

lrushe

kkelly77 wrote: »

Hi all,

Thanks for your advice. Because of his unbelieveable stubborn streak I'm opting for a distraction if he ignores corrections. I've found giving him an ice cube keeps him entertained for a good while. Also, I just want to stress that I am in no way being soft on him nor do I think about what he might do if I correct him. I consider myself more assertive than most so the degree of the corrections I give are, in my opinion, not tentitive or lacking in authority.

Perhaps I'm expecting too much of him by the way of obeying what I say EVERY time?

P.S. Can't believe the length of this thread now

I know it can be frustrating and I don't want to seem like I get it right everytime because I don't, every dog is different. I've cared for dogs for over 20 years, been walking anything up to 5 dogs at a time since I was 8 yet still when I get a new dog its like starting all over again, what worked with one dog might not work with another, I often have head scratching moments where I don't know what to do but what might appear as stubborness in a dog just means you haven't found what works with that dog yet. Don't get disheartened, your perserverance will pay off in the end. Have you rang Alan yet, did he have any advice for you as he would be more familiar with Grason and his bloodline?

kkelly77

lrushe wrote: »

I know it can be frustrating and I don't want to seem like I get it right everytime because I don't, every dog is different. I've cared for dogs for over 20 years, been walking anything up to 5 dogs at a time since I was 8 yet still when I get a new dog its like starting all over again, what worked with one dog might not work with another, I often have head scratching moments where I don't know what to do but what might appear as stubborness in a dog just means you haven't found what works with that dog yet. Don't get disheartened, your perserverance will pay off in the end. Have you rang Alan yet, did he have any advice for you as he would be more familiar with Grason and his bloodline?

Hi Lrushe, sorry for the late reply. On a positive note to all this frustration, I have got him sitting on command as well as walking (kind of) on the lead. He just needs some turkey as an incentive.

It's just the whole mouthing issue that the problem and his intolerence to listen to a correction on it. He's had his collar on for a few days now and doesn't seem to mind it at all. I'm using a short sharp tug on it to correct when he ignores the verbal correction. Any advice on this or on how to deal with the mouthing?

K

blaaah

Hey could anyone help me out... ive recently had to take on a huski pup as it has no home to go to and the pup is 10weeks old so i would like to no if anyone would forsee any serious problems in introducing this pup too two 8 month old rotteweilers... or even could anyone tell me how to go about introducing them!! These are all male dogs too!

Thanks.

lrushe

kkelly77 wrote: »

Hi Lrushe, sorry for the late reply. On a positive note to all this frustration, I have got him sitting on command as well as walking (kind of) on the lead. He just needs some turkey as an incentive.

It's just the whole mouthing issue that the problem and his intolerence to listen to a correction on it. He's had his collar on for a few days now and doesn't seem to mind it at all. I'm using a short sharp tug on it to correct when he ignores the verbal correction. Any advice on this or on how to deal with the mouthing?

K

Glad to see you are making progress with Grason's training, every step gets you closer to a better behaved dog What usually happens in a litter of pups, which Grason missed out on being a single pup is when they are playing and one pup bites too hard the other pup will yelp out loudly and the first pup will learn not to bite so hard, its called bite inhibition and its the reason why its recommended that pups stay with their litter mates until 8 weeks to learn this. You should try coping this, if Grason mouths your hand or whatever let out a loud yell, loud enough that he stops what he's doing. If he ignores this then I would recommend the removal method I've suggested before. Have you tried www.rottweiler.com, I found it great when I first got Brook, lots of good info on feeding, behaviour, excersising etc.

kkelly77

lrushe wrote: »

Glad to see you are making progress with Grason's training, every step gets you closer to a better behaved dog What usually happens in a litter of pups, which Grason missed out on being a single pup is when they are playing and one pup bites too hard the other pup will yelp out loudly and the first pup will learn not to bite so hard, its called bite inhibition and its the reason why its recommended that pups stay with their litter mates until 8 weeks to learn this. You should try coping this, if Grason mouths your hand or whatever let out a loud yell, loud enough that he stops what he's doing. If he ignores this then I would recommend the removal method I've suggested before. Have you tried www.rottweiler.com, I found it great when I first got Brook, lots of good info on feeding, behaviour, excersising etc.

Ha ha trust me, he HAS bitten me hard and I have genuinely screamed, but do you think he bat an eyelid?!! Not a chance! The bite inhibition is definitely my bug bear with him. Any other suggestions how to deal with it besides yelping cos it doesn't seem to phase him?

I've been on rottweiler.net which seems like a boards.ie for Rottweiler owners. Justing waiting on my account to be activated.

kkelly77

blaaah wrote: »

Hey could anyone help me out... ive recently had to take on a huski pup as it has no home to go to and the pup is 10weeks old so i would like to no if anyone would forsee any serious problems in introducing this pup too two 8 month old rotteweilers... or even could anyone tell me how to go about introducing them!! These are all male dogs too!

Thanks.

Hi Blaaah,

I'd like to point out first that what I am suggesting is 'in theory' what you should do. I do not have practical experience!!!!

You need to introduce them on neutral ground, such as a park. Obviously keep them on a lead. Try to get 1 or 2 friends to help out. Keep nice and relaxed and don't get too tense when the start to sniff each other out. That's how dogs say hello If you can, take them all on a walk together so they know YOU are the one in control and to tire them out. This applies too when you take them home. YOU are in charge. Any sign of dominant behaviour between them you need to check this.

Both those breeds are high energy and are going to need plenty of exercise. What are you 2 Rotties' temperaments like?

K

lrushe

kkelly77 wrote: »

Ha ha trust me, he HAS bitten me hard and I have genuinely screamed, but do you think he bat an eyelid?!! Not a chance! The bite inhibition is definitely my bug bear with him. Any other suggestions how to deal with it besides yelping cos it doesn't seem to phase him?

I've been on rottweiler.net which seems like a boards.ie for Rottweiler owners. Justing waiting on my account to be activated.

Have you tried removing him to a room on his own immediately when he bites or ignores your yelp??

fishfoodie

kkelly77 wrote: »

Ha ha trust me, he HAS bitten me hard and I have genuinely screamed, but do you think he bat an eyelid?!! Not a chance! The bite inhibition is definitely my bug bear with him. Any other suggestions how to deal with it besides yelping cos it doesn't seem to phase him?

I've been on rottweiler.net which seems like a boards.ie for Rottweiler owners. Justing waiting on my account to be activated.

Just had an odd thought.

Did he react at all when you yelped ?

Is it possible he can't hear you, Could he be deaf ?

kkelly77

lrushe wrote: »

Have you tried removing him to a room on his own immediately when he bites or ignores your yelp??

.

He had another outburst today and I just put him in his crate for 5 mins and I went into the other room. He cried the whole time he was in it and when I took him out he had calmed down as he just sat down beside me.

It was the first time I used the crate like this as he is so good with getting in the crate for me as well as being transported in it. That's why I'm reluctant to make it a punishment

kkelly77

fishfoodie wrote: »

Just had an odd thought.

Did he react at all when you yelped ?

Is it possible he can't hear you, Could he be deaf ?

That actually did occur to me however, he definitely can hear. He'll sit on command, come in from the garden when called out of sight, react to loud sounds and other dogs barking.

blaaah

kkelly77 wrote: »

Hi Blaaah,

I'd like to point out first that what I am suggesting is 'in theory' what you should do. I do not have practical experience!!!!

You need to introduce them on neutral ground, such as a park. Obviously keep them on a lead. Try to get 1 or 2 friends to help out. Keep nice and relaxed and don't get too tense when the start to sniff each other out. That's how dogs say hello If you can, take them all on a walk together so they know YOU are the one in control and to tire them out. This applies too when you take them home. YOU are in charge. Any sign of dominant behaviour between them you need to check this.

Both those breeds are high energy and are going to need plenty of exercise. What are you 2 Rotties' temperaments like?

K

Hey kkelly

Thanks for the great advice just what i needed thanks!! i work from home so i walk twice a day n have big field i can use for letting them play... would this field be regarded as a neutral enough ground or go for the park option as you suggested?

Really wel behaved the two rotties are its surprising how much so and yes really energetic but i have loads of time for them and there temperaments are great never growling with new ppl when go to the window to pet them or when they are in the house itself and nearly always they do be playing with each other so pretty good temperaments in my eyes!

kkelly77

blaaah wrote: »

Hey kkelly

Thanks for the great advice just what i needed thanks!! i work from home so i walk twice a day n have big field i can use for letting them play... would this field be regarded as a neutral enough ground or go for the park option as you suggested?

I would think yes, it would be neutral ground. Because your house is an enclosed space and in theory is the Rottie's den, this would create a problem if they got terrotorial with the Husky. Have you sought any advice from a local trainer who may be able to assist you with the introduction? I think once you keep the 3 in check from any dominant behaviour and you lead their walks you should be ok. Any photo's of the dogs you can post?

K

lrushe

kkelly77 wrote: »

.

He had another outburst today and I just put him in his crate for 5 mins and I went into the other room. He cried the whole time he was in it and when I took him out he had calmed down as he just sat down beside me.

It was the first time I used the crate like this as he is so good with getting in the crate for me as well as being transported in it. That's why I'm reluctant to make it a punishment

Don't use the crate then, just an empty room on his own will do. The fact that he cried then calmed down quickly means you've found something he is taking seriously, trust me it works. The worst thing for a pack animal is to be alone away from its 'pack', every instinct in his body tells him to stay with his 'pack' so he will learn to avoid doing anything that will cause him to be separated from them, you know you are physically stronger than Grason but by being mentally stronger will get you further