Rottweilers For Dummies

Discover how to raise, train, and enjoy your Rottweiler with this fantastic resource

Known for its great strength, endurance, and protectiveness, the Rottweiler can be a good-natured, playful pet. It can also be a highly challenging breed. In the right hands, a Rottweiler can be the best security system in town, and at the same time, an affectionate friend to the whole family, always ready for fun and games. The well-bred, well-trained Rottweiler has the courage of a lion and is happy to obey. In the wrong hands, a Rottweiler just as easily can become an unruly beast, a menace to all that come near.

Is the Rottweiler the right breed for you and your family? Rottweilers For Dummies provides the answer to this and all your questions about getting, caring for and living with this big dog. Long-time Rottweiler breeder and trainer Richard G. Beauchamp gets you up and running with what you need to know to:

• Choose the right Rottweiler for you

• Socialize your new puppy

• Educate yourself and your dog

• Maintain good health, proper exercise and diet

• Handle behavioral problems

• Participate in dog competitions

In friendly, down-to-earth language, Rick provides insights into the Rottweiler temperament and loads of sensible, easy-to-follow advice on everything a Rottweiler owner should know - along with fun facts and tips on how to have a great time with your Rottie. Discover how to:

• Decide on whether a male or female is right for you

• Find and choose your new friend and bring him or her home

• Understand how to communicate with your Rottweiler

• Train your Rottweiler

• Finding a good trainer and attend classes

• Deal with emotional conflicts

• Feed and exercise your Rottweiler

• Recognize, prevent, and treat common health problems

• Have loyal friend for life

The indispensable guide for you and your Rottweiler, Rottweilers For Dummies is the only book you'll need to help you have the best possible experience with this admirable and loveable breed.

Auteur

Richard G. Beauchamp, a respected breeder and prominent dog show judge, has been involved in every facet of purebred dogs for most of his life. He is a longtime Rottweiler enthusiast.

Contenu

Introduction 1

So Who Am I? 2

How This Book is Organized 2

Part I: Getting to Know Rottweilers 2

Part II: Searching for Your Soul Mate 2

Part III: Living with a Rottweiler 3

Part IV: Keeping Your Rottweiler Healthy 3

Part V: The Part of Tens 4

Icons Used in This Book 4

Part I: Getting to Know Rottweilers 5

Chapter 1: So What Exactly is a Rottweiler? 7

Understanding What Sets the Rottweiler Apart 7

Looking at the Purpose of Breed Standards 9

The German standard 10

The AKC standard 12

Knowing Whether Your Rottweiler Has to Fit the Standard 14

Taking a Quick Tour of Rottweiler History 14

The Rottweiler's German roots 15

The changing role of the Rottweiler 16

The transplanting of Rottweilers to the United States 17

The Rottweiler's role in modern day 18

Chapter 2: Is a Rottweiler Right for You? 19

Being Honest with Yourself about What You Have to Give 21

Knowing the kind of time and energy dog ownership requires 21

Understanding that Rottweilers aren't perfect 22

Knowing Whether You Have What It Takes to Own a Rottweiler 23

Seeing how ready you are to own a Rottie 23

Looking at the specifics of what dog ownership requires 24

Weighing Your Decision Carefully 27

Part II: Searching for Your Soul Mate 29

Chapter 3: Knowing What You Want in a Rottweiler 31

Remembering That Each Dog is Unique 31

Deciding Between a Male and a Female Rottie 33

Considering the Age of Your Dog When You Bring Him Home 34

Birth to 7 weeks 35

Seven to eight weeks 35

8 weeks to 6 months 36

6 to 12 months 36

The adult Rottweiler 36

Chapter 4: Finding and Choosing Your New Friend 37

Knowing the Difference between Responsible Breeders and Backyard Breeders 38

Working with a Responsible Breeder 40

Understanding which health tests and guarantees the breeder provides 41

Asking the breeder which puppy he would choose for you 42

Considering the Rescue Option 43

American Rottweiler Club rescue 44

Independent rescue groups 44

Humane societies and animal shelters 44

Choosing a Puppy 45

Pay attention to the puppy's health 45

Don't overlook the puppy's personality 50

Observe the puppy's behavior 51

Knowing Which Important Papers You Need When You Walk out the Door 52

Health record 53

Pedigree 54

Registration application 54

Sales contract 55

Part III: Living with a Rottweiler 57

Chapter 5: Preparing for Your Puppy 59

Making Your Shopping List 60

Finding the Right Leashes and Collars for Your Rottweiler 61

Getting the Right Equipment to Confine Your Dog When Necessary 62

Crates and cages 62

Outdoor runs 64

Stocking up on Puppy-Proofing Supplies 64

Supplying Your Pup with All the Toys His Heart Desires 65

Chew toys 66

Play toys 66

Toys to avoid 67

Finding the Right Grooming Tools 67

Chapter 6: Welcome Home! 71

Being Prepared for Reality 71

Bringing Your Pup Home Safely 73

Surviving the Difficult First Week 73

Dealing with Inevitable Baby Behavior 75

Dealing with a lonely pup 76

Addressing house-training problems early 77

Redirecting your puppy's chewing 77

Surviving your pup's bursts of energy 78

Managing play biting and growling 79

Knowing What to Expect from Your Adolescent or Adult Rottweiler 79

Recognizing the Instincts of the Breed 80

Guarding 80

Dominance 81 Dealing with Stress in Your R...