Is the Rottweiler a dangerous dog? The simple answer is NO. While Rotties are large and strong dogs, they are not intrinsically vicious. This doesn’t mean that they are a good fit for someone who just likes the way they look. Rottweilers have, from their early beginnings, been working dogs. Originally, their ancestors were used in Ancient Rome to herd cattle. As time went by and other dogs were mixed in with the original stock, they developed into the dog we know today. These dogs are named for the German city of Rottweil, where they were used not only to herd cattle, but also for guarding.
While Rottweilers only require a moderate amount of exercise every day, they do need to be able use their bodies and minds. That working dog trait is hard-wired in these dogs, and they love having something to do. If you live in an apartment or a crowded suburban area, Rotties are probably not the best choice. And wherever you live, because your cute little puppy is going to get quite large, you will definitely need to socialize your pup while it’s young.
Despite their size and ‘tough’ appearance, Rottweilers are very playful dogs and especially enjoy interacting with children. But, because these dogs are so large and strong, both children and dogs should be taught how to interact with one another. You should always supervise play between your children and a Rottie, especially as regards younger children.
Always remember that as a working breed, your Rottweiler will want to have some ‘work’ to do. Those living in a rural setting can use these dogs for hauling or guarding farm animals. Those living in towns can provide ‘work’ for their dog in other ways. Please be prepared to spend time playing, walking, and training your dog every day. Having a variety of toys and chews on hand can help to keep your Rottie happy and engaged. Mental activity is just as important to a Rottweiler as physical. When you are looking for a new family member, find a reputable breeder. The breeder you visit should be happy to introduce you to the pup’s parents – good and bad behavior can be passed down.
Do Rotties Suffer from Joint Problems?
Unfortunately yes, they do, as do most larger breeds of dog. Hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia are problems that Rottweilers can develop. When a Rottweiler has hip dysplasia, the hip joint doesn’t fit together as it should, so the joint becomes ‘wobbly’. This can cause pain and affect your dog’s ability to walk normally. Elbow dysplasia is very similar in its effects, but in this case, the elbow joint creates too much bone or cartilage. These joint problems aren’t confined to older dogs, either, dysplasia can even show up in puppies under six months of age.
Hip and elbow dysplasia aren’t the only joint problems that your Rottweiler can experience, he or she can also develop arthritis, although this is more common in senior dogs. There are ways to help alleviate stress on joints and even provide support, to help your dog be more comfortable and active. Supplements to support the joints and the correct bed can go a long way to helping your Rottie.
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A supplement that provides extra nutritional support for the joints and muscles can really make a difference in your Rottweiler’s comfort and activity level. It might even be a good idea to use this supplement before problems start. This product may help keep hip and elbow dysplasia at bay.
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If your dog balks at a joint supplement tablet, you might find that Wonder Paws Glucosamine Liquid Joint Supplement works well. You just mix it with your Rottie’s food to provide him or her with the proper joint support.
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Several other options, available at Pets Warehouse would be Vet’s Best Hip & Joint Supplement, and a food designed for joint problems: Petcurean GO! Carnivore Senior Dog, which contains glucosamine and other ingredients that may help with joint problems.
The proper bed could also help to make your Rottweiler’s rest and sleeping time more comfortable. Your canine friend is a large dog so make sure that the bed you choose is the proper size and will also provide plenty of support.
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I was checking over orthopedic dog beds and I have to say this one really caught my eye. Although Rotties are not considered an x-large dog, I think a Rottweiler with joint problems would really appreciate being able to stretch out on one of the premium leather beds offered by Le Dog.
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Another great option comes from a website that makes beds and other products specifically for extra-large and giant dogs. These beds will let your big guy or gal really stretch out and get the rest they deserve. A good bed provides support for the joints, too.
Choosing a good joint supplement along with the proper bed can help to make your Rottie’s life more comfortable. Joint problems are not necessarily simply a factor of old age, almost any age Rottweiler can experience joint pain. Providing a good supplement right from the start and the proper bed could help to keep your dog active and playful.
Food for Thought
I just covered joint problems that Rottweilers can experience, at almost any age. Obviously some joint issues will present themselves no matter what, but others can be controlled, at least somewhat. You may ask yourself, “What can I do, besides supplements and bedding, to help my Rottie stay active?” There is actually something that you can do that will have a direct effect on your dog’s joints: pay attention to his or her diet.
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Those who might have a fussy eater could find Raised Right meals the perfect solution to several problems. To begin with, this company uses a minimum of premium ingredients to make their food ‘cleaner’ and less likely to cause allergic or digestive problems. After being carefully and lovingly cooked, Raised Right meals are frozen and ready to be sent to you in an insulated container. Defrosting in the fridge for 24 hours makes the meal ready to enjoy.
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When just ripping open a bag of kibble isn’t your idea of providing a good diet for your Rottweiler, you should look into fresh food. A meal plan, incorporating your dog’s size, age, health issues, and food preferences can help you to give your Rottie all the nutrition he or she needs without any guesswork. These are fresh meals, too, which should make them all the more enticing to your friend. To help keep the gastro system running well, try Nom Nom Probiotics.
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Many dogs love the crunchiness of kibble. Kibble is an easy, convenient way to keep your Rottie well fed. The Grain Free Bundle from A Pup Above could satisfy your dog’s requirements without adding grains, which can cause unwanted weight gain. A Pup Above also makes fresh food that comes frozen, only needing to be defrosted. The Sampler Pack will help give you a good idea which flavor your Rottweiler prefers.
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Dog food companies that will help you with the proper portions to feed your Rottie can help them stay in the proper weight range. Obesity in a Rottweiler not only affects the joints, but can also have an impact on the heart and pancreas. You might well find that the makers of Unkibble can help you to find the very best diet for your big guy or gal, a personalized approach may help to meet all your dog’s nutritional needs.
The wide choice of food today for dogs will help make it possible for you to keep your Rottweiler in top form, as well as help to possibly mitigate any health problems.
Make Training Fun
With the joy that comes with owning a Rottweiler, there also comes responsibility. Training your Rottie right from when he or she is a puppy is of paramount importance. When approaching training, use the ‘carrot’ approach, rather than the ‘stick’. If you or your puppy seem to be getting frustrated, have a break, and in the beginning, make training sessions short.
Leashes and collars tough enough and strong enough for your large Rottie could make training easier, especially when you don’t have to worry about a leash breaking at a critical moment. These heavy duty leashes can also help make sure there are no ‘accidents’ when you’re out on a walk.
When we got our Frenchies, we didn’t know much about training puppies, and the whole process would have been a lot easier if we had had a book like Canine Good Citizen to help us. Because Frenchies are small and easy to just pick up if the situation requires it, our training sessions could be more relaxed. However, your Rottie will grow up to be a large, powerful dog that would be difficult to control unless trained. A well-trained dog is a joy to be around, and you will be able to take your pal almost everywhere you go. In addition to training, you will also need to expose your pup to different people, dogs, cats, and situations. Training doesn’t have to be a struggle if you stay patient and rely on positive reinforcement.
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