Rottweiler Information needed!!!

[Chris100682]

My brother and his girlfriend are considering buying a puppy rottweiler over the next few days. Has anyone kept / got a rottweiler and can you offer any advice on how to best look after them? My sister is only 3 and feel this maybe a bit risky with her around. Also, we have a rabbit as well so we're abit worried the dog may munch on the rabbit if he gets a bit hungry!

Anyone give us a any good advice? Also what are they like to toilet train? Do they poo and pee everywhere?

[joko]

I agree with your concern.

A child of three can't really judge how to behave around a dog - they do things that an older child wouldn't, because they are too young to understand, like pulling tails, poking eyes, pouring things on the dog etc. It will also be an adult quite quickly and this child will only be a little older - they really should wait about 4 years.

Some older dogs understand that this little person is a baby and are forgiving, particularly if it has been with the family a while, and the baby from birth, but an older puppy, who doesn't know this person, may not have that sense and just get angry at being 'messed about with'.

This goes for all dogs really but especially with a rottweiler!

[vehelpfulguy]

See here:http://www.amrottclub.org/introduc.htm

To me, this reads like you should NOT have a Rottweiler with children around.

[nananay]

 I also understand your concern......But, Rots have a bad rep...If they are raised in a loving home they will be just fine with a child.....they will protect her   ......But that may be a problem if u need to punish her for something the dog may growl at you for he is protecting her....  I have small children and i was warned to not get a chow chow.....I have 2 and they all get along great they were raised together...i think it all depends on what is taught to the animal and the child.....     BUT if the dog ever growls at the child  that is not a good sign....   ( unless the child is sitting on...or....pulling hair)    But if it is when the child is reaching in the dog bowl the dog would need behavior class or a new home....  I would also see what type of things the breeder has done with the pup as in.....has it ever been around children, is it aggressive with its liter mates.....if it is handled daily... and etc.

   

[Brinjal]

I love dogs of any breed except rottweilers.   I hate them.   I know too many people who have been bitten by them.    I also was bitten by one.   Not badly luckily but that was only due to a heavy denim skirt I was wearing at the time.   otherwise I would have lost a pound or two of prime rump.   Dogs of any type can be unpredictable but there is no way I would have a rotty with a small child.  They are bred as guard dogs and that instinct is there.

[Carol Anne]

I love all dogs, However it puzzles me that any family with a vulnerable child would consider a breed other than one known for it's gentle nature. I think too many people choose breeds such as rotties as an accessory to bolster their own image and very little else. My son in law wanted a 'tough' dog, but with young baby they very sensibly opted for a four year old rescue whippet which settled in very nicely with them. My grandson is constantly pulling his ears and mithering him but the little soft lump of a dog just stands there and puts up with it!

[Chris100682]

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Thanks your replies! Welcome to the wonderful world of my dumb brother! No brains! He only wants it to look macho and his girlfriend goes along with anything! We're all not happy about it!

Anyway I'll end it here. Thanks again.