Ken’s Comments:
I have always said that when one owns a dog like a pit bull, like a rottweiler, like a mastiff, that dog NEEDS to be better…better socialized, more confident, more easygoing than all other dogs. You have a dog that is already starting behind the eight ball in the eyes of general society. They are regarded differently.
One of the best ways to set your dog up for success is to socialize them early and properly. It is key to your dogs health. When you own a rottweiler, it is your responsibility to ensure this happens. Take the responsibility seriously.
I love it when I am contacted by clients who follow this advice.
I met Heather and Alex when they first brought Rocky home through a one on one session. He was a fat little ball of excited and friendly cuteness. Heather and Alex wanted to set Rocky up for success. They were taking their responsibilities very seriously.
After the one on one, they showed up at the Pet Expo and participated in one of my demonstrations. Rocky was a hit with the public. They enroled Rocky in class and he now holds the distinction of being the youngest dog ever to attend my program. At 16 weeks old he graduated from Level One Basic Obedience and rocked it. At 22 weeks old he and his sister, Daisy, are almost finished the Level Two Advanced Obedience and both are rocking that. He is a regular at all the events and is an all around awesome dog. Myself, Heather and Alex have discussed him being tested for the Therapy Dog Program when he beomes of age. He really is doing that well. The sky is the limit for this dog. I cannot wait to see him grow into the dog I can see. He will be an excellent ambassador for the breed.
Here is his story from Heather and Alex:
My husband and I recently got a Rottweiler puppy. His name is Rocky and he just turned 5 months old. We also have a 4 year old golden retriever named Daisy.
We believe that training and socialization are very important when owning a rotti. (Or any dog for that matter.)
We started classes with Ken Reid just after Rocky's first sets of needles. He is so smart and is doing amazing! He graduated youngest in his obedience class! He and Daisy are now in the advanced class.
We did training with Daisy when she was a puppy, but we never learned how to train her to heel. She was always a little hard to walk especially when other people and dogs were around. She would want to say hi to everyone and pull me. Now she walks so nice!!!
It makes such a difference starting early with him. So when he is older and stronger he won't be pulling me all over the place.
Training is a lot of hard work but definitely worth it in the end!! Rocky is such a smart, friendly, playful sweet puppy and I want other people to see that as well. Rottweilers always get a bad name and it is all in how they are raised.
The best advice I can give a new puppy owner is to start training as soon as possible
