My neighbor just adopted a rotweiler and we're afraid that it might attack the kids. My mom does daycare and are outside alot. We're more worried that since she adopted the dog that she can't really train it because it's already set in it's ways. Should we worry about the dog and warn the kids?
Rachel.
USA
iowa_chic_87@yahoo.com

Hi Rachel

Kids should always be warned about not approaching strange dogs, and how to behave appropriately around dogs that they have been introduced to for safety. Kids running/screaming and shouting around strange dogs could trigger an attack if the animal is that way inclined.
You seem very fearful of this dog and your neighbours capabilities of controlling it. I take it that it is not in a secure environment and would therefore have access to the kids. Would you not be able to approach your neighbour and amicably ask her to keep the dog indoors while the children are playing outside?

Hi Rachel,
If your neighbor takes the Rottie to obediance training, the dog will learn. The old saying "Old dogs can't learn new tricks" is just a myth :) But the dog has to be properly taught and the training reinforced. Yelling at the dog will not help at all. It will just make it stressed and confused :(

Rotties are NOT naturally brutal or mean dogs. The breed can be just as loving as any other dog. Harsh treatment and neglect will make the dog just as "bad" as say a poodle. Unfortunately, because of its size, when bites do happen, it will be worse than the poodle :(

If it's possible, ask your neighbor to introduce you to the dog with her present. Ask her if it has any fears of being hit or yelled at. Then always be kind to it. If it knows you, it can become your friend. My dogs adore my next door neighbor's teenage son. They cry in happiness when they see him. It's quite embarassing sometimes :) :)

Please discourage any friends of yours from teasing a dog through a fence. Screaming, throwing items, and growling at strange or even friendly dogs is mean and a dangerous habit :(

Don't run.--- Walk up to people who have dogs. Dogs have different vision than people do. Running around makes you look as if you are prey or a threat.

If there is a loose dog on the street, stand quietly and look down at the ground. If you have younger children with you, try to make them do the same. Just be a tree :)

I hope your neighbor has a secure yard for the dog. If it is just tied out on a line, then there can be problems. If she doesn't fence the dog in properly and there is trouble, then she will probably be blamed for it. I hope she's a good owner and things work out ok for all of you :)
good luck,
Sara

i do agree with all that has been suggested, and especially with the idea of maybe meeting the dog.

We have several Rotties at class, and they are all very sweet natured, having been well socialised from pups, and if this is the case with this particular Rottie you shouldn't worry too much.

HOwever, it is wise to be slightly cautious as they do have a very good guard instinct. Do visit the owner and chat, make it clear you want to feel the kids are safe. If the dog is taken to classes and is good with kids normally, depending on age, temperament,kids, owner etc etc maybe the dog could come for a visit (uinder careful supervision?)

My dogs have all been from guarding breeds, and the one thing that always struck me is how friendly they are with neighbours who make friends, relax and use their names, and how wary and barky they were towards those who disliked dogs or who were hesitant and who didn't speak to them.

An awful lot depends on the dog's history and on the new owner :)

Jmo

lindsay

Hi, I agree with all the above comments, we have Rotties and they all love kids (they do more damage knocking things over in their enthusiam to get to them to play !) do see if your kids can be introduced as Rotties are a guarding breed and can seem quite daunting to strangers. Again find out the dogs history from your neighbour first. My oldest Rottie gets so excited about babies and puppies she can't contain herself, all she wants to do is wash them !.

Good luck
Lorraine