by Terry & Marilyn Kincaid
(Salem, Illinois)
I have a 6.5 month old Rottweiler pup that is now 78 lbs. My husband and I have owned two other Rottweilers before and don’t remember them growing at this rate. His head is a lot smaller than his body. When does the head become proportionate with the body.
Otherwise he is doing well other than with the word “NO”. He sits, shakes, stays, comes when told. He knows when he is in trouble because he runs to his room. I bought the Kong rubber toys. He would rather chew on my table legs. For the most part that is when he gets in trouble. He is sent to his room with his toy. But when he gets out of “time out” he is back to the table legs. Any pointers would be appreciated.
He also was gulping his food down so fast and then turning around and vomiting it up. I bought the bowl with the dividers in it and it has helped him to slow down.
Highly recommend!
Hi Terry & Marilyn,
First, head size. Physical proportions and size in terms of bone structure are almost all down to hereditary factors. Your boy will have inherited his skeletal framework from his parents, (or grandparents etc.) so if his head seems smaller than his body then one of his family likely has that proportional balance.
Obviously he’s still very much baby with a LOT of growing to do and as he fills out and develops he will likely become more balanced overall. However he may never have a big, blocky head if that’s not in his own, individual genetic make-up. As long as he’s healthy that doesn’t matter and I wouldn’t worry too much about it. His health and temperament/personality are what is really important.
As for the chewing, I hear you! Whereas a smaller dog will make teeth marks on the table legs, a Rottie pup can gnaw them right off 😛 Have you tried Bitter Apple spray? This deters SOME puppies. If that doesn’t work you can try smearing them with hot sauce. Most pups hate that. Once he gets out of the habit of chewing on them and is past the teething stage your table should be safe again.
Flavored toys like the huge, flavored Nylabones, Natural Antlers or natural bones (filled or unfilled) are usually favorites with my dogs and hold their attention better than a Kong (unless the Kong is stuffed with peanut butter and popped in the freezer for a few hours, in which case it’s more appealing). Maybe try switching up his playthings and making them more attractive in this way. Also, I usually rotate toys every few days to keep them interesting. Rotties are very smart and also get bored fast.
I’m glad to hear the go-slow bowl has helped. It really is a God send for pups or dogs who are chow hounds. Apart from wasting food, gulping down their food or water is a risk factor for bloat, which is most common in large, deep-chested breeds. Using the go-slow bowl will keep him safer.
Hope this has helped some and I wish you all lots of luck. Your boy sounds like a typical pup and as you’ve raised Rottweilers before you know that he will be slow to mature but that it’s well worth the wait! ~ Sue
