February 25, 2008

Creating An Individualized Training System

I have been carefully observing the different dog owners at the park and the way they use commands and gestures to train their dogs. I am hoping to incorporate some of what I have learned into my own Rottweiler training system for the puppy.
Some of the trainers I have watched in videos seem absolutely mean like drill sergeants or something.
This puppy is a member of the family, just as if we had brought home a baby instead of a puppy. I expect that it will take a lot of attention, time and effort in order to mold it into a well disciplined member of the family.
I have found a recipe for some great new treats that will be awesome little training rewards as we start working with the puppy. Of course, I have to find a way to keep it fun and entertaining for both of us or we won't ever follow through on the training regimen.

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February 24, 2008

Creating A Living Space For Your Rottweiler Puppy

I thought about the messes a Rottweiler puppy could make and easily decided that the best place for him to do most of his living would be the kitchen. The linoleum flooring would be easiest to clean up as opposed to having the carpets cleaned every time he made a mess.
The crate looked cold and empty in the corner, so I added a blanket and tossed some toys and treats inside to make it more inviting.
I set up a baby gate across the kitchen doorway so that my Rottweiler puppy would always be kept safe and to protect the rest of my home from any chewing or other mishaps. After finding a good spot for his food dishes, I put out a few more toys for him to amuse himself.
I found that crawling on the floor was the best way to get a view of what my Rottweiler puppy could gain access.

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February 23, 2008

Crate Training Your Rottweiler Puppy

The first place I showed my puppy when he arrived home was his crate. I had previously made it warm and inviting by putting a blanket, some toys and a few treats inside.
The puppy seemed to enjoy his new space and when the door was open during the day, he would voluntarily go inside and hang out.
After I took my Rottweiler out for his nighttime pee, I ushered him into his crate for the night. If he sounded like he was in pain or had to relieve himself, I went to check on him; otherwise, I left him alone.
After the first three nights, I was starting to have my doubts about the whole cratetraining thing. Soon though, he spent longer periods asleep then he did whining and before I knew ithe was sleeping through the night!

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February 22, 2008

Counting Off The Rottweiler Potty Stops

Every three hours it is up and to the yard to go to the potty. Why? Because at eight weeks of age that is just about the maximum time the little baby can go without going to the bathroom.
So, we get up during the night every three to four hours. Then first thing in the morning we go out, after breakfast we go again, then every three hours throughout the day.
If he takes a nap during the day (which of course he does a lot because puppies are growing so much they need a ton of rest) we go right out upon waking up. After dinner it's potty time again and then one last time just before we go to bed.
I can't believe how many trips I make taking that little rascal outside every day and night. What is it? About 10? It's fine for now, but as the days get shorter and the air gets colder, I'm going to start liking it less and less.

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February 20, 2008

Contemplate The Amount Of ROTTIE Puppy Care

For anyone who likes puppies, ROTTIE puppies are delightful to have in the home and around the family. However, I have experienced that even though ROTTIE puppies are beautiful creatures, it is important to take care of them, the way you would any member of the family.
To start the process of ROTTIE puppy care, it was necessary for me to make a realistic list of all the items I would need for the new puppy. This list was similar to the one written for my children.
My new puppy was taken to the vet, but if your new dog has not seen the vet as yet, make an appointment, as this is an important part of ROTTIE puppy care. A trip to the vet confirmed they were healthy and gave their all their necessary vaccinations.
This advice is something that should not be taken lightly because ROTTIE puppy care is very important.

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February 18, 2008

Considering A Rescue Dog?

Many people who have adopted a dog from the pound ask, What to expect from a Rottweiler rescue dog? This question can only be answered depending on the lifestyle your dog had before, or the home environment it was in before arriving at the local dog pound.
What you can expect from a Rottweiler rescue dog might mean the dog was mistreated with its previous owners. Therefore, your new Rottweiler can show signs of being afraid of you because it fears it might be hurt again, like it was before.
Therefore like humans, what you can expect from a Rottweiler rescue dog might be a feeling of distrust towards you.
Give them time, and eventually the dog will know it is in a loving home to stay.

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February 16, 2008

Considerations In Puppy Parenthood

Mike came to me today and declared he wanted a Rottweiler puppy. My reply to him was Are you prepared to invest a lot of time, money and energy into raising this thing? He in return kind of blinked at me with that blank what the hell are you talking about look?
Puppies of any breed require a ton of time, energy, and attention in order to ensure they become welladjusted members of the family.
They also take a ton of money when you figure their health care, their room and board, and all the incidentals you can never plan for.
I am not against having a Rottweiler dog, I just want to be sure we aren't making a decision like adding a pet to our family just on impulse. This is a huge commitment and we should weigh the decision carefully.

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February 15, 2008

Cold Weather Care For Your Rottweiler

The seasons will bring different climates that will affect your Rottweiler. Your Rottweiler will need extra care in cold weather.
You need to plan ahead for the cold weather months. Your Rottweiler will need extra effort on your part. This may include some special purchases.
When your Rottweiler has been in the snow and ice carefully inspect his paws. Ice can cut the paws and snow stuck in between the pads can be detrimental.
Your Rottweiler dog may also benefit from pet clothing. Even with a thick coat of fur, extra layers will insulate from severe cold.

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February 13, 2008

Cold Tail What Happens Causes The Tail To Go Limp?

I saw an interesting television program today that spoke of an unusual health problem that Rottweiler dogs sometimes suffer from. It is known as cold tail, but may also be called limber tail or wash tail.
Cold tail occurs when the dog's tail goes limp. In a strange twist of events, the dog begins to bite at the tail as if trying to pull it off.
Cold tail is not considered to be a dangerous and it is only a temporary condition that lasts between 23 days. Because there is some belief that it is associated with swimming in cold water, it has been traditionally called cold tail.
The current hypothesis is that cold tail is the result of a muscle contraction or spasm.

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February 9, 2008

Clicker Training Basics With Your Rottweiler

I loved using the clicker as a training aid with the last dog I owned and when I got my Rottweiler, we started 'clicking' together too.
I didn't need to go buy a clicker because I still had lots of them lying around the house; but I'm sure I could have found one at any pet supply shop. I did need a pile of delicious treats though and I cut up some cheddar cheese into tiny bits.
Anytime my Rottweiler hears the 'click' sound, he knows that he performed something that I esteem to be correct. Every 'click' is followed or reinforced by a treat, this rewards my Rottweiler and keeps his attention on methe food provider.
For instance, if I wanted my Rottweiler puppy to learn to sit, I would lure him into position, click as his bottom hit the floor and reinforce the behavior with a food incentive. I would add a verbal command only after he was used to being lured into the position.

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