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.
Autorentext
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.
Inhalt
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...