I'm currently thinking of purchasing a rottweiler bitch pup as I love the breed, they're good with kids (I have 4) and will protect the house as my husband often works nights.

I've read loads about them, how to socialise and train them etc but a conversation with my neighbour has me a little worried. He says that he knows many people who own rotties and every one has been very destructive around the home eg eating skirting boards etc. I know that pups have to chew but is the rottweiler particularly prone to this?

I'm not ever so house proud but I have got a nice new house! I'll be at home for most of the day and plan to take the dog out with me as much as poss.

I have my heart set on a rottie but I suppose I am open to other suggestions!

Thanks for all advice,

Ruby

Rottweiler puppies are no different to any other puppies - they get bored easily.  Any puppy can be destructive the main thing is to give them lots of things to play with when they are not asleep and mishieveous. Empty plastic bottles, socks tied in a knot and various other safety toys you can lay your hands on.  If you are going to be at home most of the day you shouldn't have a problem. If you go out for short spells you could put the puppy in a large crate.  And obviously not too much exercise whilst it is still young.  

I can honestly say out of all the dogs we board, I cannot recall a destructive Rottweiler.  They do need a lot of mental stimulation though.
DAwn.

We've got our rescue rottie been with us for almost 3 wks now sad aren't I but she's definitely a lot easier to train, play with, less destructive and sleeps of her own accord compared to the schips she's a piece of pee.  She has now started to use the schippy's bed as a toy box, yes she actually puts her own toys away when she's finished with them, better than my kids were for goodness sake, she's teething now and I'm still waiting for the destructive behaviour and the boisterousness people have told me about, I think they need to meet some of our schips to see what active and lively really is lol.  The worst she's done on the destructive front is undo the stitching on some of the soft toys we'd already got schippy size as she seems more inclined to chew on soft stuff at the min must be sort as she's sucking  on her frozen carrots rather than chewing them.  Thankfully nanny is a great stuff toy hospital good job really have about 4 in need of surgery tomorrow lol.

We have had Rotties for 15 years now and apart from our pug and neapolitan mastiff, we would never consider any other breed.  If purchased from a reputable breeder who breeds for good temperament and soundness they are the most fantastic, loyal and loving dogs. I have never had a problem chewer in all my Rotties.  Our 11 month old male "Josh" has been so good he was out his crate by the time he was 14 weeks old. He had a small chew on the corner of the kitchen unit at xmas. We put on that anti-chew spray and he has not bothered since.  I am afraid some naive owners think that they can leave some dogs alone for long periods and expect them to be perfectly well behaved, especially when they are young. This is a working breed dog and needs physical and mental stimulation, if you dont bother to take time training and socialising them ,then they will make mischief, as any breed would.   In general, they are  FAB!!   good luck and enjoy your new dog!