Rottweiler and small dog

Hi,

My boyfriend just got a 9 week male rottweiler puppy. I have a 3 year old bichon frise/shih tzu mix. They are getting along pretty well. My dog will tell him when she’s had enough but I’m more afraid of when he becomes a big dog.

I’m so afraid he will, if not intentional, accidentally kill her. If trained properly, will he know to play gentle with her, even if she annoys him?

Thank you,

Tracy

Hi Tracy
When raised around small children, small dogs, cats or other pets, Rottweilers adapt and accept them readily. I really don’t think you need to worry that your boyfriends Rottie will kill your dog – that is VERY unlikely to happen.

Of course, when there’s a significant size difference, any big dog can accidentally hurt a smaller one, but if they’re raised together with supervision and corrected if they play too rough, you can minimize, or eliminate, any such incidents.

Hope this puts your mind at rest and I wish you the best of luck with both dogs.

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Oct 07, 2010

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Rott training tip …
by: Gene Blackman

Tracy,
40 yrs. of training and working with dogs has taught me one thing. It doesn’t depend as much on the breed or the size of the animal that makes them dangerous or aggressive. It is the training and discipline of the dog that makes the difference in whether they are aggressive and subsequently dangerous.

Seek the advice of a competent behaviour specialist and ask them for advice. Most importantly do NOT play rough with the Rottweiler. Do NOT encourage any dominant behavior in the Rottweiler.

They are a beautiful, wonderful creature and I have always been happy with our(s).

Gene Blackman (owner/trainer for Annie and Tedd E. in WA)


Oct 07, 2010

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Big Baby
by: Anonymous

I have a 1 year old Rottie that weighs about 100 lbs. I also have a 7lb cat that is 15 years old. Guess who rules the house? The cat…. Jenna (the dog) has never tried to harm Jingles( the cat) in any way. When Jingles has had enough, she will swat at Jenna and guess who runs like a scared rabbit!!! She is a BIG BABY !!!


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