1st time rotti puppy owner

I'll soon be getting a rotti puppy. how many weeks should they before i pick him up 6, 7, 8 weeks old? I met both parents, the mom was protective and the dad listen to commands but was barking to see what was going on.

Both parent are registered akc dogs. I have 4 kids, 4 yrs. old is the youngest. My wife also has a childrens' day care at home, is it still a good idea to have a rotti?

I also work during the day i'll be away at least 9hrs. Is this enough time to still own a rotti puppy? i have read that its a great breed. I always wanted a rotti. any advice. Is this a dog for me and my family

thanks al





Hi AL
Not all your questions have a straightforward answer, but I'll do my best :o)

A puppy shouldn't leave it's momma until it's at least 8 weeks old. That allows for maximum health and developmental/social benefits.

A momma dog will naturally be protective of her puppies, but should listen to her owner and allow her pups to be approached/handled without showing any aggression. Rottweilers are a guardian breed so they will bark and be naturally suspicious of strangers, but again they should listen to commands and allow themselves to be greeted without showing aggression if the owner is present.

Although Rotties are natural guardians, when properly bred, raised and socialized, they are not an indiscriminately aggressive breed. As adults they won't be friends with the whole world the way a Golden Retriever may be, but they will be approachable and calm/even tempered.

I have 6 children, and have owned Rottweilers for more 10 years or so. They are great family dogs, big lovers and very loyal. When adult their energy level is fairly low. However, they are BIG dogs, and they do tend to be clumsy. An adult Rottie could easily knock over a small child totally by accident or in play.

It's also important to realize that a mature Rottweiler can weigh 120lbs plus, so he will need to be given obedience training and learn to respect and obey you and the other members of your family. This isn't difficult at all, but it requires an investment of time and effort on your part. An untrained adult, especially an un-neutered male, could become dominant or problematic. Although that is undesirable in a dog of any size/breed, it's even more so in a big, strong guardian breed.

They need to be trained and taught how to behave around kids early and consistently for safety. Socialization is important, but in your environment a lot of that could occur naturally if you include the puppy in daily activities. That would be a big plus.

Rottweilers are 'people dogs' and they bond closely with their owners. They don't do well being kenneled or isolated for long periods as it makes them unhappy. If you are the only person who is going to care for this pup and spend time with him, 9 hours is too long for him to be alone. But, if he is going to have other people around him and be able to interact with them, it's no problem.

I'm a little biased and I think Rottweilers are just the best dogs, but you need to start of with a well bred, healthy pup from healthy parents with stable temperaments. Ongoing training and socialization are necessary to help your pup reach it's full potential and mature into a reliable, calm adult.

As a new puppy owner, you may find my New Puppy Care page helpful. Best of luck with your new puppy.