You must be prepared to make your dog
part of your family-a member of your family who follows
rules, and has privileges and responsibilities. You must be
prepared to enforce rules in a fair, consistent manner. Each
human member of your family must be aware of the rules to
which the dog must adhere; it is confusing to your dog to if
you have one set of rules and another family member has a
completely different set. Be prepared to intervene on your
dog's behalf if your dog is being mishandled, no matter how
uncomfortable it may make you. Contrary to popular belief,
big dogs don't enjoy having their sides pounded. Rottweilers,
in general, are not happy with strangers taking liberties
with them. Step in and correct the offender--or your
Rottweiler may be inclined to give the correction for you.
The consequences of your dog doing so can be very serious
indeed.
Regular grooming, examining your
dog for ticks, scratches, and unusual lumps or bumps, and
nail trimming is not only essential to the well being of
your dog but also to the well being of your relationship
with him. This is wonderful time to bond with your dog and
should not be passed up. You must feed your Rottweiler a
diet that will keep your dog fit, healthy, and of good coat.
This includes a diet of natural foods (http://www.b-naturals.com)
or high quality kibble supplemented with some fresh meat
weekly. Rottweilers in particular suffer on low quality
feeds. A poor diet shows first in their coat color, then in
their health. Feed naturally preserved food free of BHA, BHT,
and ethoxyquin. These chemicals are thought to contribute to
cancer, and Rottweilers are, unfortunately, susceptible to
many types of cancers.
Regular veterinary and dental care
are essential to the well-being of your Rottweiler and are
part of your responsibility to your dog. This includes
routine check-ups as recommended by your veterinarian
according to your dog's age, keeping your dog up-to-date on
vaccinations, periodic tests of your dog's stool to detect
internal parasites, and keeping your dog on heartworm
preventative.
It is also your responsibility to
provide mental stimulation in the form of regular exercise
and training sessions throughout your dog's entire life.
Rottweilers are working dogs and they require regular work
to keep them mentally sound. There are many activities you
can participate in with a well-socialized Rottweiler.t
Finally, your Rottweiler should not have access to
potentially life-threatening substances including household
chemicals and antifreeze. Onions and chocolate are also
potentially lethal. Christmas tree tinsel can be ingested
and not passed by your dog. Electrical cords should be high
enough off the floor and out of reach of a chewing puppy.
Never leave your dog alone with toys that can change
consistency--even toys purchased in your pet store.
Rawhide expands when wet, and can
cover the airway, suffocating your dog. Cow's hooves
splinter and can get lodged on the bridge of the mouth,
causing the dog to avoid food. This usually is not easily
visible, and owners have spent hundreds of dollars at the
vet only to learn the dog had a hoof stuck to the roof of
its mouth. A good toy for your dog when you are not around
is a marrowbone, a Nylabone, a Kong, or biscuit ball.
