Rottweilers and Small Children

Where children are concerned, there is one word of Caution and common sense. Although Rottweilers generally adore youngsters and act as their devoted protectors and Guardians, parents should bear in mind that the strength and power of these animals enables them to inflict serious damage should an accident occur. For this reason, your Rottweiler should join the family as a young puppy and grow up with your children, who should at the same time should be taught gentle and proper consideration and care of their dog.

Some children can be exceedingly rough and even cruel in their handling of dogs if not educated on the subject by their parents and this behaviour is likely to become a problem as both the dog and the child grow.

As a dog lover, you are anxious for your children to enjoy the same companionship of a dog that you do,, but do not trust to luck that the child will instinctively be king to the dog. A bit of care by parents and thoughtful explanation ahead of any problems should avoid them from occurring.

Reference : A.K Nicholas

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Do's and Don'ts

DO'S

Always supervise your children and Rottweilers
Train your Rottweiler to accept its bowl being handled
Handle and groom your Rottweiler daily.
Allow children to feed the Rottweiler its meal.
Learn to read your Rottweilers Body language & Behaviour.
Regular walks and exercise to keep the dogs mind active.
Make sure your dog is below the children in the pack order.
Ask for help if you are unsure of your dogs behaviour.
Remove tug-a-war toys & games from the household.
Beware of others children as they may not respect dogs.

Dont's

Never leave children unsupervised with dogs.
Never allow a child to torment or tease a dog.
Don't neglect to train your puppy.
Don't allow any puppy to bite or mouth.
Don't allow children to ride on a dogs back.
Don't allow children to stare at a dog.
Don't excuse any growling from the dog towards children.
Don't make excuses for unacceptable behaviour.
Don't leave dogs with children you don't know .
Don't encourage power games, tug-a-war and chasing.
Don't allow your dog to jump up onto children.
Don't allow children to disturb a sleeping dog.
Don't allow the dog to charge in and out of doorways.

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The New Baby and your Rottweiler

This is a list of suggestions when introducing a New born Child to a Rottweiler.

Train your dog to sit in front of you.
Introduce a piece of the mothers clothing and the New baby's clothing, before the introduction.
Allow the dog to sniff the new baby gently and calmly.
Never leave the baby unsupervised with the dog..
Introduce the baby to the Rottweiler (while seated) when the baby is calm and settled, allow the dog to sniff in a calm manner.
Always have the bay in your arms and avoid leaving the baby on the floor.
Make the experience positive for the baby and the dog.
Watch you dogs reaction and if it is unsuitable, calmly restrain the dog and remove it from the area and seek further advice.

More Information Contact:

Your Local Vet.
Your Local Council.
Your Local Obedience Venue.
Kennel Control Council in your state.
Appropriate books on this topic.
Internet Dog Behaviour Sites.

Growing Up with a Rottweiler can be life's most satisfying and heart warming experiences.

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Making the Relationship Work

A pack works because there is one leader and a strict social order to ensure harmony and effective working unit. This pecking order is strictly adhered to and the higher the rank held the more privileges that dog is granted. A dog thinks like a dog and uses its knowledge to find its position in the human pack. When a pup joins a human family, his lace is after all the family members. As the lowest member he then behaves subservient and loyal and will take directions from all the family. By educating the family you can integrate a dog safely into the family.

When a puppy bites a small child while playing this must not be tolerated and each time the Puppy must be TOLD that this is not acceptable. A confident child can do this effectively but parents will need to step in were small toddlers are involved.

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