Choosing A Rottweiler Puppy? What You Need To Know

So you're getting a Rottweiler puppy? Here are some general tips to help you choose a healthy, happy Rottweiler puppy.

Note: These are only general tips to help you choose - especially for first-time owners. (There are always exceptions to the rule and I believe every Rottweiler should be given a chance to show that he/she can be a well-adjusted, happy dog.)

#1) Choose one that approaches you or doesn't shy away when you approach.

Don't choose one that seems overly fearful or aggressive. Don't choose one that shrinks back when you come near it or nips your hand. Choose one that seems friendly, lets you hold him/her and handle him/her.

When we went to choose our first Rottweiler puppy, I was convinced that I wanted a female Rotti. When we got to the breeder's home there were 3 females and 1 male puppy available.

All of the females however, shrank back when I put my hand near them. The male puppy walked right up to my hand and began to happily chew on my diamond engagement ring. I fell in love on the spot and have never since regretted choosing my male Rotti.

#2) Insist on meeting the parents if possible.

Meet the parents first and observe their behavior before getting attached to a puppy. Do they seem friendly, well behaved, easy to touch and get along with?

If the parents are well adjusted chances are high that the puppies will turn out the same way with proper training.

#3) Ask the breeder how many times the mother has had puppies.

The general rule seems to be that a female rottweiler should have at most only 3 litters in her lifetime for optimal breeding results. And, as our breeder told us, it's also best that she is given adequate time to recover after having a litter, before she is bred again.

If she is being overbred, you might run into some problems, health wise and behavior wise with your Rottweiler.

#4) Examine the back legs.

Rottweilers - and large dogs in general - can have problems with their back hips (hip dysplasia). Hip problems can be extremely costly to fix and heart-breaking, both to the dog and to you.

To find a dog that is less likely to have these problems, examine their back legs. The legs should not be grossly turned out (or in) but for the most part, face forward. (Again, this is a general rule)

Also, ask the breeder about the parents. Do either of them have a history of hip dysplasia? Since experts say hip dysplasia is hereditary this will give you a good idea of whether the puppy you are looking at will run into these types of problems later on in life.

#5 Don't be afraid to ask questions.

Most reputable breeders will be helpful, eager to answer your questions and know many of the above facts already (without you telling them). They will allow you to ask questions and (if possible) meet the parents to assess their traits.

They will not be pushy (if any breeder is pushing you to buy their dogs, ALWAYS be suspicious) and may even be a bit cautious about allowing YOU to take one of their precious puppies!

Ask the breeder about any health problems in general in the parents or in the breeding line, not just in regards to hip dysplasia. Heart problems? Cancer? Temperament problems? Don't be afraid to ask.

#6 Keep An Open Mind

When we went to purchase our rottweiler puppy, the breeder was - to the human eye - slightly eccentric. He was more of a dog-person than a people person and we were a little thrown off by his appearance and the state of his home in general.

But he loved his dogs.

And it was plain that he knew more about rottweiler breeding and training than most rotti owners put together. Once we got over our initial reaction and saw the way he treated his Rottweilers and the puppies, we knew that we wouldn't have any problem with our chosen sweetie.

Make sure you keep an open mind when choosing a puppy. You might walk into something you don't expect but you also might find the best companion you'll ever have!

Those are 6 tips to keep in mind when choosing a Rottweiler puppy. Good luck and remember - although they are cute now, Rottweilers grow up to be VERY large dogs. You absolutely MUST start a good training program with them while they are small (and controllable).

It will save you a lot of time, trouble and stress. For more training tips and information, check out our website at: Rottweiler Training

Good luck and have fun!

Kathryn O'Neill is a Rottweiler lover, owner and chief editor for Rottweiler Training . For more tips and information about training your Rottweiler, check out:

http://www.RottweilerTraining.homestead.com

____________________

Advertisement: SitStayFetch Dog Training - Click Here!

---

How To Use Horse Training Thinking To Solve Dang Near Any Problem With A Horse

Horse training can be a relatively mysterious subject to people who have not studied it. Even more mysterious is a behavioral problem a horse has that causes... Read More

Help Your Dog Become a Good Canine Citizen

Is your dog a gentleman or lady? If so, you may be able to get an award to prove it from the American Kennel Club (AKC) through... Read More

Buy Dog Supplements Online

Dog SupplementsA good nutritional program of dog supplements is just as important for your best pet friend as it is for us. Our pets have feelings, emotions,... Read More

Dog Supplies: Whats Needed Versus What Might Be Fun to Have

Buying a new dog is more than simply finding the cutest puppy in the store and buying a bag of dog food. Acquiring a new canine is... Read More

The Top Ten Reasons You Can - And Should - Hold an Equine Educational Event

Boarding, Breeding, Training & Showing Stables:1. You need to fill stalls.2. You want to generate some public awareness about your operation.3. You want to create new potential... Read More

Terrorizing Your Cat with iRobot Vacuum System

Do you have a home robotic vacuum cleaner? They are all the new rage and quite innovative indeed. If you do not have one you eventually will... Read More

Horse Training Creativeness: The 5th Of 6 Keys To Developing A Partnership With Your Horse

The 6 Keys To Building A Life Long Partnership With Your Horse.Today I am going to ask you to think about being creative when playing with your... Read More

Parvo in Dogs

What Is ParvoParvo is a serious viral disease that can be deadly even if treatment is given. So, to protect your puppy from contracting pravo you need... Read More

The One-Minute Horse Training Manager

If your life is so busy you literally only have a minute or two a day to spend with your horse, then here are 5 smart training... Read More

Nervous Cats, Wining the Trust of a Timid Cat

Nervous cats hide from people, they do not readily present themselves for petting, and may seem downright scared of you.Probably, this was not exactly what you had... Read More

Puppy Care 101

Puppy CarePuppy care can be a lot of work, but is also quite rewarding. This article should answer a lot of your questions you might have about... Read More

Crate Training Your Puppy or Dog

Introducing your puppy to the crate should be an easy and fun process. First, start by putting the crate somewhere the puppy enjoys being. Try the family... Read More

How to Create Your Own Monster

"You've created your own monster, you know", my mother said ominously. My Rex cat, Houdini, had just burrowed his way inside my sweater for the third time... Read More

Whos Pulling On The Leash, You Or Your Dog?

Hopefully no one is pulling the leash. The ideal situation is that you and your dog are equally enjoying the walk and neither is pulling and tugging... Read More

Flea Control

Last summer, we added a new pet to our family - our cat, Ally. She was a sweet, shorthaired, stray kitten that we picked up from a... Read More

The Myth of 100% Complete Processed Pet Foods

Every day, people by the millions pour food from a package into their pet's bowl. Day in and day out, meal after meal, pets get the same... Read More

Dogs - Mans Best Friend

Dogs have been known as man's best friend for decades. Owning a dog can be a positive, enjoyable experience for the entire family. Keep in mind however,... Read More

Rabbits As Pets

Rabbits are one of the most popular pets, apart from dogs and cats. They look attractive, lovely, gentle, friendly and cute. They are easy to take care... Read More

Online Guide For Training A Dog

Guide for training a dogSo you can use a guide for training a dog. At one time or another we all did. There's no more joy and... Read More

Introducing a Cat to Your Children

Are cats and children a good mix?So, you had a cat in the family when you were a kid. And you are thinking that the addition of... Read More

Teaching Your Dog to Heel

Teaching your dog to heel is one of the most basic and important dog training commands you can teach. With an active and younger dog or puppy,... Read More

Dog Grooming and Dog Care

Dog grooming is relatively simple for most dogs. I have a greyhound and spend about 5 minutes per day on dog grooming. For dogs that have short... Read More

Alarm Clock Kitty, How to Stop Early Morning Meowing

Meow! Meow! Meow! I bury my head underneath my pillow. Meow! Meow! Meoooooow! The high pitched meowing persists and penetrates through my feather stuffed shield. Meow! Meow!... Read More

Tips on Choosing a Boxer Dog...

An easier and more pleasant journey with your chosen Boxer starts with checking out the parent dogs for unbecoming traits like aggression, hyperactive and extreme shyness.This is... Read More

How To Find Your Lost Dog

The first thing to do when searching for a lost dog is to confirm that your dog is actually lost. Dogs, especially curious breeds, can easily find... Read More

The Joy Of Having Puppies!

One of the greatest thrills for a little boy or girl is having new puppies in the home. Puppies, dogs and having a puppy bring a sense... Read More