New Rottweiler Pup

rotti oRiley

hi,
Is it recommended to get him used to a muzzle now, and if so, how and when do you suggest I do it. I ask because it's law and I know not many people use them, personally i think they make them look vicious, but I also know it's important to protect the dog from potential problems. I was going to bring him to all the agri shows and field days this year.

I've done loads of reading about this breed of pup and really trying to get to grips with what some people consider aggression in rotti pups and what just normal behaviour. Biting and nippingwere discussed at length on another forum.

I will be bringing him everywhere with me for socialising. I assume I wait untill he has his last shots, i'm not picking him up untill he's 9 weeks, and breeder said he gets his last shots then.

I'm away for two days and wanted to wait as I didn't want to have someone else looking after him.

I currently have a rottie but didn't take her as a pup as she was a rescue, she's neutered, so what age also do you suggest I get him neutered.

Sorry for all the questions, I just want to get it right with him....who I haven't named yet....suggestions welcome:) husband wants to call him Wilson, I was thinking of Judge, Bruce(a childhood dog i had) or Rover...coz no one uses it anymore.

Thanks in advance of any replies.

Vince32

I don't like muzzles in general, but you can teach your puppy to accept a muzzle by holding it in front of his face and holding a treat behind it (in front of it) the dog will move forward to receive his treat then you can attach it properly.

Positive association is key after repeating this 5-8 times a day, the dog will associate the muzzle with getting a tasty treat.

As for what kind to get, the are many badass ones out there, the all make the dog look like a member of a biker gang than a member of your family.

You could try to find a brightly coloured one that looks friendly... if that's even possible, that allows the dog enough room to pant, bark and drink (very important)

I'm not sure that they come in puppy sizes, but the sooner it's a regular part of life for the dog, the better it will be for everyone involved. You don't ever want to use the muzzle as punishment, only ever associate it with positive experiences and you won't go too far wrong.

are you serious

Op just get yourself a dogmatic or halti head collar or something along the lines of it. These are size adjustable and not exactly a muzzle so to speak, but then again nowhere in any of the legislation does it give the definition of a muzzle.

Bruce is a lovely name for him!!

Pictures to follow I do hope...

rotti oRiley

garkane wrote: »

Op just get yourself a dogmatic or halti head collar or something along the lines of it. These are size adjustable and not exactly a muzzle so to speak, but then again nowhere in any of the legislation does it give the definition of a muzzle.

Bruce is a lovely name for him!!

Pictures to follow I do hope...

Thanks, i didn't think there were alternatives, I'm not mad about muzzles. Would you get a dogmatic in pet mania or the like, i might have a peek tommorrow.

are you serious

Yeah most of the pet stores stock these or similar to them! I wont lie I chose not to use a dogmatic or muzzle on either of my Rotties.

My park warden has no issue with this nobody I have met walking has an issue either and I have never been approached by any Gardaí in relation to it.

rotti oRiley

garkane wrote: »

Yeah most of the pet stores stock these or similar to them! I wont lie I chose not to use a dogmatic or muzzle on either of my Rotties.

My park warden has no issue with this nobody I have met walking has an issue either and I have never been approached by any Gardaí in relation to it.

Right, so really I don't have to go down this route, just socialise him really well.

Can you give me any advise on socialising, do i allow everyone to pet him etc,,,you know what it's like with a cute pup, everyone want s a rub. Just bring him everywhere? I'm in a dog walking club and they might have an obedience course starting in feb, will 10 weeks be too young to bring him.

are you serious

As long as he has all of his injections, anywhere and everywhere is open to you! Socialization classes are excellent if they are local to you.

I found the local park is best in my opinion, its a natural enviroment, a neutral ground and most people I met anyway want to let their dogs off with mine for a play.

If your happy with everyone coming and rubbing petting and playing then thats what you should let happen! I did it with mine and now most the time when someone comes for a rub they flop onto their back for a belly rub (not good when your trying to get them ready for a show )

rotti oRiley

thanks

ISDW

As he legally has to wear a muzzle, I would get him used to one when he is young. Garkane may have a decent warden, but that doesn't mean that you will, or indeed won't meet a Garda who has a different view. Also, if you want to go to things such as Pet Expo, dogs on the RB list have to comply with the law.

It would be easier to get him used to it when he is young, rather than try to suddenly get him to wear one when he is older, and if you are worried about him being seized. Even if you're out and about with him and he's not wearing a muzzle, always a good idea to carry one with you just in case, and you wouldn't be able to suddenly put it on him if he's never worn it.

lrushe

ISDW wrote: »

Also, if you want to go to things such as Pet Expo, dogs on the RB list have to comply with the law.

My Rottie only wears a dogmatic collar when going to the Pet Expo and other public events, I've never had an issue with this.

ISDW

lrushe wrote: »

My Rottie only wears a dogmatic collar when going to the Pet Expo and other public events, I've never had an issue with this.

I know people, including posters on here who were refused entry to Pet Expo unless they muzzled their RB dogs Dogmatics do seem to do the trick usually.

I couldn't quite understand the enforcing of the RB laws at the RDS for Pet Expo, as they have dog shows there, and obviously don't enforce those laws, so I thought, as it is private property, they didn't apply.

rotti oRiley

Sorry, if i seema little confused now. I guess like you say there's no harm in having the pup used to it. Is a dogmatic like a muzzle then.

andreac

No its a headcollar like the halti but better quality. You have to buy them online, cant get them in the shops here.