If you are thinking of getting a dog that will end up being large, and you want a solid, sturdy dog that is loyal and steadfast, you should think about finding a breeder of Rottweiler puppies. It is best if you can find an individual breeder rather than buying a Rottweiler puppy from a puppy store, because you have no idea how the puppy at the pet shop was raised. It may have been neglected or mistreated during its early life, and it might therefore grow up to have behavioral problems. It is FAR better if you can get to know the breeder and visit the puppies when they are several weeks old and make sure that they are being handled and cared for properly, rather than looking for Rottweiler puppies for sale ads in the nickel paper. Some people are so into Rottweilers that they want to import a dog, and they may look for German Rottweiler puppies for sale online, but again, if you can get to know the breeder, even online (which may be the only possibility with a German breeder), you will have a better chance of ending up with a quality dog.
Most dedicated breeders will be involved in showing their dogs, or perhaps they had a previous career in dog showing but they’ve since retired. Getting a show dog is absolutely not necessary if you are just looking for a pet. Any Rottweiler breeder who understands the breed and cares for the breed will work to improve the breed with each generation, and their Rottweiler puppies will be correct in both conformation and temperament, so just find the best breeder you can, someone who you trust, and stick with them. Most breeders are very helpful if they don’t have what you are looking for. They will let you know about their friend who has a litter of puppies, or who is expecting a litter. You may have to wait for a bit if you are dealing with a professional breeder because they often have a waiting list. The wait is worth it, so please don’t give up and just take the first available puppy that comes along. Getting an easily available puppy that later turns out to have a disease or to have deformed hips that require surgery (or euthanasia!) would be heart breaking.
Rottweiler puppies are very rough-and-tumble, happy-go-lucky pups. They are bundles of energy, and they are very playful. They can be stubborn at times, especially if you get a pup with a strong temperament (also called a hard temperament). They may be slightly harder to potty train than other breeds. This is not because they are slower or less intelligent, it is just that they develop a little more slowly (as do other large breeds) and they have bulldogs in their background. That bully heritage comes through in bull-headedness. Still, your puppy will be eager to please, so just be firm and consistent with the potty training, taking the pup to the same place in your yard every time he needs to go and using the same cue words every time, such as “go potty” or “get busy”. Your dog will soon learn what you mean, and his body will become conditioned to your prompt, and he’ll get the urge to urinate as soon as he hears your prompt. Be consistent and praise the puppy vigorously when he does what you want. Tell him “good puppy!” when he does his business in the yard where he’s supposed to go. Watch him carefully and reward him with praise as soon as he’s done, or else he won’t make the connection.
Rottweiler puppies grow up to be impressive, large, strong Rottweilers, so laying a solid foundation for his future training is important. Be consistent and firm in all of your attempts at training, but reward the puppy as soon as he’s done what you wanted. The reward can be a treat or some praise. If you use a treat your puppy will be even more excited to do the right thing and win your approval, because it comes along with some delicious food! Having an out-of-control full grown Rottweiler on your hands is not a situation in which you want to find yourself, so all of your hard work in the first year of your puppy’s life will ensure that you have a nice, easy relationship with your dog during his entire adulthood.
