Hello,
My boyfriend has just bought me a rottie.  Now I am a bit concerned because there are quite large.  But that is also one of the many reasons that I love them.  Now I was wondering how Rotties were with kids.  I'm a bit paranoid because my daughter was bit by a dog when she was 1years old. My children are 3years old, and 16 months old.  Any advice or honest opinion would be greatly appreciated.  My puppy is only 3 months old, and is going to be starting obidience school.  But I am still a bit concerned.
My other question is my pup is already testing and challenging me.  Nothing I do really works.  Any advice on what I should do when she nibbles, and snaps?  I know she is only playing but I want to teac her to be gentle.

get in touch with your breeder-breeders love to know how there pups are doing- and theyll know there lines best.

Hi,
I have'nt read anyonelse'e (sp) posts but I had Rotties while everyone else were persecuteing (sp) them.
At the time I had kids from 2yrs to 11yrs. The rescues that I took in were fantastic with MY kids. MY kids were trained to deal with dogs of this type. I would advise you to find a Rottie breeder, preferably (sp) your pups, ask how they are with kids.
I had 11yr olds (Rotties) that had hardly seen kids and they were fine. I had 3mth olds that couldn't be trusted.
The top and bottom of it is, bring him up properly to know that all humans are above him, you will have a beautiful pet. He will protect your children and your home.
Just read the rest of your post. If she is testing you treat her like an adult dog, let her know who is boss, do it now or she will take advantage. If they challenge me I hold them down by the collar and let them know I am above them, you don't need to hurt them, just let them know.
I turned around dogs that had bitten previously, that had been abused both physically and with drugs.
Don't be afraid if your pup has been bred properly and you bring her up properly you will have a fantastic pet/ protection/ guard dog. She will be a dream.
If you need any help please E-Mail me.
D4wn

If your Rottie's breeder has bred for temperament as well as looks and health your dog should be fine with your children.

Your children must learn to respect the dog and the dog must learn to respect them.

Always remember, never ever leave a child alone with a dog, not even for a minute, no matter what breed or size the dog is.

Hi,

We have had Rotss for 18 years.  The first 'Ella' was bought when our eldest son was 2 years old - he's 20 now.  The second two were bought when our second son was 4 - he's now 14.  We got Alfie last May and at some point in the future I'm sure grandchildren will enter into our lives.  There is absolutely NO problem with Rotts and children other than the obvious - that they are big powerful dogs and will easily knock a child over.  If you bring them up to be respectful of children it will be fine.  When our youngest was a babe and in a bouncer in the doorway Ella would come flying in from the garden like a nutter and stop in front of him and very gently and carefully walk around him.  You have to start as you mean to go on with a Rottweiler you must be an extremely strong bossy leader and leave the pup with no doubt that you are alpha.  No good being all gooie and soft with the pup - you must  mean what you say.  Give the pup strict ground rules no getting onto furniture, no going through doors etc before you and the family, don't feed the pup before you eat, never step over the pup if he's in your way make him move, if playing with the pup you always instigate the play and finish the play same with any petting.  All these things help to reinforce in the pups mind that you and your family are alpha.  Your children are very young so you will have to be strict with them as well with regard to the pups space and toys they must respect each other.  I certainly wouldn't let my children be on the floor with the pup always ensure that the children are standing up to play with or fuss, otherwise the pup could get the idea that he is above them in the pecking order.  So many people make the mistake of being far to soft on Rott puppies and then wonder why they have problems in the future.  It is possible to be very firm but very fair and VERY loving to your pup.  I cannot emphasise the importance of what I've said enough and you are in for a hell of a lot of hard work training etc.. if you are in any doubt about keeping your pup with the children then for the sake of your pup - please consider rehoming him.  There are so many sad stories out there of people not being able to control and be alpha of their Rottweilers and then when the dog gets to their 'teen' and adult years they can't cope with their challenging behaviour.  The 'teen' times start at about 8/9 months and EVERYTHING that you have taught the dog appears to go straight out the window and you almost have to start again.  I'm sorry that I've rambled on and I wish you all the luck in the world, get yourself a good Rottweiler behaviour book.

Forgot to mention that there are some very good rottweiler website forums that I go on if you want to mail me tina_blackman@blueyonder.co.uk I'll give them to you.