Question about getting a dog

[NOSUPERMODEL]

Okay so my wife surprised me this Christmas with an envelope full of money and some pictures of a Rottweiller. Story is that I used to own Rotts when we first got married, but she wanted me to get rid of them when she got pregnant. So fast forward 12 years, and I currently have a 3 year old male Lab. I absolutely love the dog. We had been talking about getting another dog, and she knew I loved Rotts so that is why she gave me pictures of one. My question is should I get a Rott or should I just get another Lab from the same breeder I got my other one from. Just kind of worried about how the Lab and Rott would get along with each other. Also I have a 12 year old son and an 8 year old daughter. Also they take the Lab outside with them when playing with their friends and I never have anything to worry about happening with the Lab. Don't know that I could completely trust a Rott playing with a bunch of kids. Well trained or not, Rotts are protective towards family. So what would you guys suggest...Get a Rott or another Lab, or just stick with one dog. If I didn't have the Lab now, it would be a no brainer for me. I would have already put my deposit down on the Rott.

[DSM4Life]

If i had small children i would stick with the safe choice and go with the labs. I remember reading an article that i think voted labs as one of the safest dogs to own. It only takes one time for the rot to have a bad day and do a lot of harm. That's just my opinion. My parents have a pitbull and we have had it since he was a pup. I love the dog like no other but if i had a small child i wouldn't even think twice of getting rid of the dog. Not because i don't love the dog but because i know what he is capable of.

[SexySweetheart]

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[Nooomoto]

The best way to avoid incidents involving large dogs and children is to use common sense. Don't leave a baby on the floor with the large dog unattended, etc. Predicting a breed to harm a child is irresponsible and ignorant. Stupid accidents and situations happen to stupid people who don't take the time/effort to properly bond and train with their animals. The fact that you've made this post makes me believe you are a person who is responsible and loves dogs for dogs, not as a show piece or a toy.

Assuming that you are a responsible person and have previous rottweiler experience I can't think of a reason you shouldn't get a rotty. Not all dogs are for everyone but you already know what it entails to own and raise the breed, so why not?

Finding a reputable, family-centric (or perhaps even a show dog) breeder is important here. You don't want some backyard puppy mill type thing. It will cost more, but in the end you end up with a better product as these people are in it for the pride and bettering the breed, not to make money. Ask for genetic testing for all the breeds known medical issues, etc...this is a good way to figure out which breeder is serious and which isn't. A serious, legit breeder will have all the testing related to the breed on-hand. These tests are very expensive which is why real breeders don't really make any money off of what they do.

[Spears88]

If i had small children i would stick with the safe choice and go with the labs. I remember reading an article that i think voted labs as one of the safest dogs to own. It only takes one time for the rot to have a bad day and do a lot of harm. That's just my opinion. My parents have a pitbull and we have had it since he was a pup. I love the dog like no other but if i had a small child i wouldn't even think twice of getting rid of the dog. Not because i don't love the dog but because i know what he is capable of.

Your right about the lab the where voted in I think 07 as the best dog. I have a pit myself best breed in my opinion the down side you have a bunch of dumb fu**s that treat them awful so they will fight. Any dog will only take so much befor it lashes out they also feed them gun powder to make them mean. It's a sad thing they have such a bad rap. When there such a great dog

[NOSUPERMODEL]

The breeder I am looking at for the Rott, is very reputable. They have been breeding for a very long time.

The breeder I am looking at is based out of Nacadoches(sp?) Texas. Named after the University. I would link their page but I don't think its allowed.

[Nooomoto]

The breeder I am looking at for the Rott, is very reputable. They have been breeding for a very long time.

The breeder I am looking at is based out of Nacadoches(sp?) Texas. Named after the University. I would link their page but I don't think its allowed.

If you really love the breed I'd say get the Rott. I love Bull Terriers, I can't imagine owning another breed, not to say that they aren't good dogs it's just Bull Terriers are my fit.

[Spears88]

Get a rott man

[DSM4Life]

Your right about the lab the where voted in I think 07 as the best dog. I have a pit myself best breed in my opinion the down side you have a bunch of dumb fu**s that treat them awful so they will fight. Any dog will only take so much befor it lashes out they also feed them gun powder to make them mean. It's a sad thing they have such a bad rap. When there such a great dog

I 100% agree with that but if you had to choose would you rather your children get bitten by a Rot or a Lab?

[BigBadWolf]

The best way to avoid incidents involving large dogs and children is to use common sense. Don't leave a baby on the floor with the large dog unattended, etc. Predicting a breed to harm a child is irresponsible and ignorant. Stupid accidents and situations happen to stupid people who don't take the time/effort to properly bond and train with their animals. The fact that you've made this post makes me believe you are a person who is responsible and loves dogs for dogs, not as a show piece or a toy.

Assuming that you are a responsible person and have previous rottweiler experience I can't think of a reason you shouldn't get a rotty. Not all dogs are for everyone but you already know what it entails to own and raise the breed, so why not?

Finding a reputable, family-centric (or perhaps even a show dog) breeder is important here. You don't want some backyard puppy mill type thing. It will cost more, but in the end you end up with a better product as these people are in it for the pride and bettering the breed, not to make money. Ask for genetic testing for all the breeds known medical issues, etc...this is a good way to figure out which breeder is serious and which isn't. A serious, legit breeder will have all the testing related to the breed on-hand. These tests are very expensive which is why real breeders don't really make any money off of what they do.

This. Also there isn't a breed of dog that I wouldn't trust to get a pup and raise it in my family. I had two rotties when I was younger. one of which had three legs. Both were great dogs.

[Brohim]

If i had small children i would stick with the safe choice and go with the labs. I remember reading an article that i think voted labs as one of the safest dogs to own. It only takes one time for the rot to have a bad day and do a lot of harm. That's just my opinion. My parents have a pitbull and we have had it since he was a pup. I love the dog like no other but if i had a small child i wouldn't even think twice of getting rid of the dog. Not because i don't love the dog but because i know what he is capable of.

Just had an article in the paper yesterday about pitts that killed a 1 year old kid in Texas. He got mauled and died. I'm sure they are gentle when trained properly but they can also be trained to fight or be aggressive. Also over 71% of dog attacks are from Pitts (stat in the article)


With that said I think you take precaution's and get a rep. dealer and train the dog from a pup it should be ok. But Rotts are a lot more intimidating than Lab's. I had a neigbor growing up that had a Rott and he had to sit on it sometimes if you got to close it would get defensive and he had it on a short leash. You can also train Lab's to fetch and take them in the water, go hunting with them, etc.

[Ernst]

Adopt a dog. There are a million rescue organizations out there, some are breed specific. A grown dog with a known temperament is a good bet.

[JD250]

I have 2 dogs........one would've been enough. I do love the Labs though.

[DSM4Life]

Just had an article in the paper yesterday about pitts that killed a 1 year old kid in Texas. He got mauled and died. I'm sure they are gentle when trained properly but they can also be trained to fight or be aggressive. Also over 71% of dog attacks are from Pitts (stat in the article)


With that said I think you take precaution's and get a rep. dealer and train the dog from a pup it should be ok. But Rotts are a lot more intimidating than Lab's. I had a neigbor growing up that had a Rott and he had to sit on it sometimes if you got to close it would get defensive and he had it on a short leash. You can also train Lab's to fetch and take them in the water, go hunting with them, etc.

No matter if you get from a good dealer or not doesn't change the point i am trying to relay here. I am not saying that a pit or a rot will or will not attack. There are millions of pitts that never attack a single person or animal in their lives. I have a pitt so you would think my opinion would be biased but i am sure you get the hint from my signature that i am a realist. The point i am trying to make is that if a dog was to attack your child would you rather risk the damage of a pittbull which locks it's jaws onto whatever it is attacking and has been show in the past to not release even when being beaten with a baseball bat (i watched it on youtube) or a lab where a bite might puncture the skin but i am sure a swift kick or punch the dog will release and run away? Now rots don't have jaws like pitts but they can due always just as much damage.

I am talking about what a dog is capable of doing.

[BigBadWolf]

No matter if you get from a good dealer or not doesn't change the point i am trying to relay here. I am not saying that a pit or a rot will or will not attack. There are millions of pitts that never attack a single person or animal in their lives. I have a pitt so you would think my opinion would be biased but i am sure you get the hint from my signature that i am a realist. The point i am trying to make is that if a dog was to attack your child would you rather risk the damage of a pittbull which locks it's jaws onto whatever it is attacking and has been show in the past to not release even when being beaten with a baseball bat (i watched it on youtube) or a lab where a bite might puncture the skin but i am sure a swift kick or punch the dog will release and run away? Now rots don't have jaws like pitts but they can due always just as much damage.

I am talking about what a dog is capable of doing.

Rotties have way more bite pressure than Pitts. Look it up.

[thabeastmaster]

ok gents.....thabeastmaster is back on the forum after a loooong layoff, so i guess this thread is the appropriate one for me to dust the keyboard off.......here's the deal.....im a dog trainer....been studying and training dogs for 20 years now.....ive done it all, from cesar milan shit, to prepping dogs for police service.........unlike most trainers out there, i dont follow hype or what my grandfather told me once upon a time....ive worked and owned a HUGE variety of dogs...i started with labs when i was a young'n and have handled trained and worked plenty of rotties............my advice.....based ONLY on what ive read from your own posts on this thread.......DONT GET ANOTHER DOG......why? what purpose does it really serve? enjoy and focus on working and appreciating the one you have....you really arent in a state of canine understanding to responsibly own a rottie in a multidog home with children.......PLEASE dont take that wrong way, i say it with the utmost sincerity and good intentions.....it takes a special person with a keen understanding of dog behavior and psychology to REALLY control and responsibly own a dog with aggressive potential.....ESPECIALLY in a multi dog home WITH children......rotties arent so much a problem because of their "aggression" but because of their DOMINANCE...they are a VERY dominant and potentially irriatable breed that WILL test for dominance if in the hands of somebody who doesnt understand how all that works....if you have to ask this question in the first place, then you have much room for growth.....if you really want to get back into rotts, i suggest you start working with a trainer with the dog you CURRENTLY have.....labs are one of the easiest dogs to train.....take your skills as a dog owner to the next level...increase your understanding of REAL dog behavior to the next level.....once you have your lab doing things "for fun" that you never imagined, then perhaps start looking into the rottie......if and when you do go that route, you MUST work with a trainer from THE VERY BEGINNING!!!!! I wish you the best, and if you ever have ANY questions about anything id be happy to help in any way i can....
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i had to delete the huge rant i just went on about the ignorance in breed stereotypes that are based on anything other than solid knowledge of canine behavior and evidence based reports...lol.....that would be hijacking the thread...lol

[NOSUPERMODEL]

Thanks for the advice everybody. We are going to lay out the pros and cons and decide. Probably leaning toward the Lab if another dog at all.

Beast master.... I have trained every dog I have ever had. Fully understand that rotts will test their dominance. One thing I started doing with my Rotts and still do with my Lab is I taught them to back off of their food if I tell them to. Talk about showing your dominance over a dog. My dad had an Australian Shephard. Perfectly trained dog but if you got near her food while she was eating she would bite you. All of my dogs I trained I or even my kids could put their hands in their bowl while eating and nothing would happen. But to me, and probably is not the best traing, but I always looked at it as the ultimate dominance if you were able to control them enough over food they would understand you were the dominant one.

Like I said though I am going to weigh everything out and make a decision.

[thabeastmaster]

GOOD!!....best of luck with your venture.....planning and thinking about something like getting a dog is never a bad thing!! again, best wishes

[DSM4Life]

Rotties have way more bite pressure than Pitts. Look it up.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vbwMs7cjK0Y

Looks like your Rot will kid your kid faster than a pitt. That should make you feel better.

[tcw]

Good Response.

I have owned Numerous Breads of Dogs. Best all around Dog is the German Shepard....smart, gentle and protective. There is a reason why most police dogs are Shepards and not Pitt Bulls or Rots.

If you want an attack dog...get a Pit, Rot, or a Dobbie. I got bit once by a Dobbie...and had to stick my hands inside his jaws to try and pry them off my thigh....didn't work. My finders were being cut by the razor sharp teeth. 90lb dobbie can do some serious damage (sigh).

Eventually, i got the dog off me...and healed from my wounds...but not before getting 10 stickes in my Thigh and a couple in my fingers...

Mean Bad Arse Dog!

ok gents.....thabeastmaster is back on the forum after a loooong layoff, so i guess this thread is the appropriate one for me to dust the keyboard off.......here's the deal.....im a dog trainer....been studying and training dogs for 20 years now.....ive done it all, from cesar milan shit, to prepping dogs for police service.........unlike most trainers out there, i dont follow hype or what my grandfather told me once upon a time....ive worked and owned a HUGE variety of dogs...i started with labs when i was a young'n and have handled trained and worked plenty of rotties............my advice.....based ONLY on what ive read from your own posts on this thread.......DONT GET ANOTHER DOG......why? what purpose does it really serve? enjoy and focus on working and appreciating the one you have....you really arent in a state of canine understanding to responsibly own a rottie in a multidog home with children.......PLEASE dont take that wrong way, i say it with the utmost sincerity and good intentions.....it takes a special person with a keen understanding of dog behavior and psychology to REALLY control and responsibly own a dog with aggressive potential.....ESPECIALLY in a multi dog home WITH children......rotties arent so much a problem because of their "aggression" but because of their DOMINANCE...they are a VERY dominant and potentially irriatable breed that WILL test for dominance if in the hands of somebody who doesnt understand how all that works....if you have to ask this question in the first place, then you have much room for growth.....if you really want to get back into rotts, i suggest you start working with a trainer with the dog you CURRENTLY have.....labs are one of the easiest dogs to train.....take your skills as a dog owner to the next level...increase your understanding of REAL dog behavior to the next level.....once you have your lab doing things "for fun" that you never imagined, then perhaps start looking into the rottie......if and when you do go that route, you MUST work with a trainer from THE VERY BEGINNING!!!!! I wish you the best, and if you ever have ANY questions about anything id be happy to help in any way i can....
__________________________________________________ __________________________________________________ ________

i had to delete the huge rant i just went on about the ignorance in breed stereotypes that are based on anything other than solid knowledge of canine behavior and evidence based reports...lol.....that would be hijacking the thread...lol

[flatscat]

Get another lab, breed um and use the proceeds for your gear. Win Win and win that makes it "winning".

[NOSUPERMODEL]

Rotties have way more bite pressure than Pitts. Look it up.

You are correct, but amazingly what I found was that Mastiffs have the highest at 556psf. Pretty suprising because I once owned an English Mastiff and it might have been the greatest dog I ever had. Never had any problems out of him at all. I could be outside and he would just lay in the garage and watch me. His bark alone would stop anybody. And the fact that he weighed about 150-170 pounds. Talk about a funny site loading him up to go to the vet. LOL

[Honkey_Kong]

Just get a shih tzu. If it gets out of line, you could just kick it's ass.

[thabeastmaster]

Good Response.

If you want an attack dog...get a Pit, Rot, or a Dobbie. I got bit once by a Dobbie...and had to stick my hands inside his jaws to try and pry them off my thigh....didn't work. My finders were being cut by the razor sharp teeth. 90lb dobbie can do some serious damage (sigh).

.

FYI, this statement is COMPLETELY INACCURATE AND BASED ON ANYTHING BUT REALITY and FACTUAL information....

i have been training dogs in bitework for 15 years........pitbulls are one of the WORST choices for a protection or attack dog....guess what..THEY WERENT MEANT FOR IT AND DO NOT POSESS THE TRAITS NECESSARY TO BE SUCCESSFUL IN THIS AREA.....are there exceptions to this...of course....but PITS ARE HORRIBLE for this type of work.....they do not have the temperment or genetic traits required to be able to do well in true protection/attack type work.......sorry, but what you see on the news, or what you see from inexperienced ignorant people is NOT reality........and the majority of dobes being bred today lack the genetic nerve to be able to deal with REAL combat with a man,.......im not basing this on one story or even 10 stories.....im talking about countless years and dogs that have been worked by myself and those who mentored me and all of THEIR experiences.....

DONT BELIEVE THE HYPE......

the BEST dogs for that type of work are the Belgian Malinois and the Dutch Shepherd........plain and simple........

i just cant stand to see misinformation being spread as truth.....forgive the borderline "hijack"....