My wife and I have had our 8-year old, male rotweiller since...

Question by Erik N
Submitted on 2/23/2004
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My wife and I have had our 8-year old, male rotweiller since he was a puppy. He is well socialized, has never been agreesive (just obstanent on occassion) and has always loved and gotten along well with all other dogs and children. We also have 3 other dogs adopted since the rotweiiler. All of our dogs live in our home and are treated like members of the family. We have a 10-month baby girl who now is crawling and learning to walk. The other dogs are perfectly fine with her, but the rotweiller growls and sometimes barks at her when she gets too close to him. She has never pulled at him or hurt him, so I think he is jealous and annoyed by her. He has never bitten anything (person or animal) but has growled at times at persons and other dogs. Is it common or reasonably possible for a pushover, loving rotweiller like this to bite and harm the baby; that is, I know that anything is possible, but should I really be worried ? I am keeping the baby away from him and will get rid of him if necessary or train him if feesible. Any thoughts or similar experiences?

Answer by BobClinton
Submitted on 2/28/2006
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I have two boys as of date 8 and 12 years of age. Five years ago Cody (Rottweiler) was adopted. Cody is smaller American version of a Rottweiler. He weighs 73lbs. They are highly intelligent. Cody was well trained in obedience and guard dog (Verbal and hand commands).Cody growls at my boys all the time also my wife and I. He has made 100s of people jump out of their skin and had ever chance to bite them. He's never bitten anyone. He growls to play, to let you know he scared or he dose not like what you are doing, giving him. They get very excited when they get scared. I have to put a mussel on him at the Vets. He has clawed my arm very deep when I was putting him on the table for the Vet by accident (trying to lay him down and he trying to stand up).He is very protective of the children and family. Bob C.

Answer by tim
Submitted on 5/27/2006
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yes you should worry,I had a male rotweiller that got along with all people,all people that were not little children.Same situation, no previous bad treatment from child.He attacked my cousin's little girl(3 years old) it was an attack not a bite. Luckily she only had to get stitches in her head and butt,but it could have been much much worse.I put the dog down after that for fear of it happening again. This was several years ago and I now see where I went wrong with the dog,it was my fault! I just recently got another rottie pup and will handle this dog in a completly. I do think you can correct this issue and keep your dog,start by watching the tv show The Dog Whisperer on the National Geographic Channel,this guy is amazing!!!!!!! Buy his book "Cesar's Way" It is not too late to rehabilitate your dog but from my past experience start today!!! good luck.

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Answer by Ali Lasharie
Submitted on 6/20/2005
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well rotweillers are known for there jealous an mallicious nature. One should not over trust them with kids especially toddlers because they have very little defence as other dogs would, against the beast - yes that is what the rotweiller gets when you do not expect him to be.

Answer by allan
Submitted on 11/23/2005
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have him trained and have a professional dog handler to observe the dogs temperament

Answer by Heather
Submitted on 11/26/2005
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The Rotweiller likes it's own personal space and yours may not like the unpredictability of the baby now crawling. Obviously the baby is unaware of her actions towards the dog and it is therefore your responsibility to supervise. The dog is giving a warning that he is uncomfortable with the presence of the baby, for whatever reason and if this warning is not recognised, the dog may not feel able to get away, and may offer a more severe warning. If you are in any doubt what to do then contact a qualified behaviourist via the APBC. They will give you the correct advice you require

Answer by miguel
Submitted on 2/12/2006
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it is possible but highly unlikely, he will not bite her but when he growls he is just giving her a warning. what you should do is let them spend more time then usual and get them to know each other a little bit better and i guarntee he will not only not bite her but be best friends

Answer by zanerzzzz
Submitted on 7/17/2006
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My 5 year old was just bit and scratched by a rott. that is described as the same as yours. The owner thought that the dog was protecting her 4 month old child. My daughter was fortunate that she ONLY received 7 stitches and 5 puncture marks. Is it worth keeping a dog of this breed as a pet with children??? I never thought so myself...

Answer by bonno bigguns
Submitted on 7/23/2006
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put the bleeder down he's bad through and through! if the dog is growling at the baby then you should'nttake the chance. the only thing you can do is arrange an appointment with doctor death. hope this is of some help to you.

Answer by rottie owner
Submitted on 8/26/2006
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Although we love our dogs, take note and find your wonderful rottie a home without young children. You would be heartbroken if something happened. You owe it to your child and your dog.

Answer by Dawna
Submitted on 9/4/2006
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Yes I think it could be a problem. I recommend Cesar Milan's book, Cesar's Way. He gets a bad rap at times but I think his results speak for themselves.

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