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[ How to Recognize a Reputable Breeder ]

I AM TO BE NOTIFIED AT ONCE OF ANY ADDRESS CHANGES!

Vet: Vet check w/in 72 hours of taking home puppy is required. ALWAYS take along treats for the vet to give the puppy/dog during examinations. This way the pup/dog will not be afraid of the vet (may use very small milk bones or chicken hot dogs).   You may also want to get into the habit of taking along a fresh stool specimen for the veterinarian to check, to determine if the puppy has any worms.

TEACHING BITE RETENTION:   (I like to have my hand in pups mouth every day)

1) when pup bites too hard, YELP & withdraw your finger, hand, etc.
2) gently hold pups mouth shut with thumb & forefinger & stare @ pup till pup looks away from you.
3) gently press on pups tongue & "gag" the pup.
4) press puppies gums against its own teeth when it bites too hard.
5) gently grab one or both cheeks & stare @ pup till the pup looks away.
6) put puppy in "his" crate for "time out"/rest period till "he" settles...pup will soon learn that the "game" ends when "he" misbehaves & gets too rough.
7) CALL THE BREEDER!!!
8) LAST RESORT...NOT RECOMMENDED FOR PUPS UNTIL ALL OF THE ABOVE HAVE FAILED...puppy roll w/eye contact.

Feeding: Keep fresh clean water available at all times, but remove water about 2 hrs. before "bed."
Purina Pro Plan Large Breed Growth (Puppy) Formula Food 3 times per day till 6 mo. , 1 - 2 cup to start. After that the pup should be fed  Pro Plan Large Breed Growth Formula twice daily until age 2 years.  Put food down for 20 min. Do not leave food down.  Pick up what pup/dog doesn't finish in 20 min.  Next feeding you may increase or decrease amount from previous feeding.  For puppies, you may add dry, powdered milk, yogurt, cottage cheese, or 1 teasp. can meat for some meals. Do not add more than one thing per meal. Raw carrots grated or in pieces make great treats, or frozen, whole carrots for teething.  Only give cooked eggs or raw egg yokes...never give raw egg whites!  NEVER give a dog onions or chocolate.
When the pup is about two years old, depending on growth rate (consult w/breeder), then we recommend you switch to Purina Pro Plan Large Breed Adult Formula, and I feed twice daily (may add water to dry food).  Nutro makes product (for teeth) called Tarter Control bones (1-2/day or wk) which help keep tarter off of the dogs teeth.  Another excellent product is "Greenies" which the dog will chew and it helps to remove tarter from dog's teeth.  I generally give one to each dog about every two weeks.
Do not overfeed treats. 1-2 small Milk Bones per day is enough.
Repeat the word "cookie, cookie" when feeding the puppy, and you will be able to use that word for training.
I also recommend adding 1 tablespoon canned pumpkin and 1 tablespoon yogurt, to dog's diet, every day for digestion and stomach health.
***For diarrhea/soft stools: try few spoonfuls of pumpkin (not pie mix) or sweet potato; be sure pup/dog is not ill or infested w/worms.  If diarrhea does not clear up immediately, then you should consult your veterinarian.

Treats: Verbal and physical reward/praise...the BEST treat for any creature!
1 # chicken hot dogs cut up (pieces about 1/4") & micro-wave between paper towels 10 min.
Dog biscuits: small size for puppies; large ones for adult dog.   Cheese in moderation.

Dog crate training: Think of a crate as you do a baby playpen or crib...as protection for the pup, not punishment.
Mid West crate #608, Kennel-Aire #156, Vari-Kennel #500P or 700P with optional floor grates (which I recommend). Puppy is in the crate to sleep and for frequent naps. Pup is in the crate for housetraining & to prevent chewing... Rottweilers CHEW till about 15-18 months (or later), after all the teeth are in and set.  Put a milk bone in the crate & say "crate" to the puppy & the pup will enjoy "his" crate. When pup is good/quiet...that is the time to reward him & take him out of crate. When pup wakes... IMMEDIATELY take him out to do his business. When you put pup in crate & he cries, do not reward him & take him out.

Training: USE FLAT COLLAR ONLY ON PUPS...no matter what the 'instructor' tells you (no choke collars). Call me if you have any questions. Puppies should not suffer through training, they should be having fun! Be consistent & be as gentle as possible; use reward ("Motivational") training techniques.
**Remember that you train dogs 2 ways:
     1) by rewarding behavior we want/desire; use voice/physical praise a lot.
     2) by allowing behavior we do not want; i.e. telling a dog "no" and allowing the dog to continue behavior,  saying "sit" 20 times before dog sits (not puppy), "teaching" dog to only respond to yelled "sit", etc.
NEVER punish a puppy for something it has done...only what you catch him doing or before the pup is naughty. Dogs have about a 3 second memory, so the best correction comes when the dog is thinking of doing something "bad."
When using treats/toys to persuade a pup to sit, down, etc., hold the treat just above the pups nose & do not wave the treat around. Pup gets treat & "good puppy" as soon as it does a sit, down, come, etc.
Try not to say "no" all of the time or pup will ignore the word; use positive reinforcement training; may also say "leave it" instead of "no." Say "off" instead of "down" to dog if you want it to get off 'chair' or you. Say "wait" instead of "stay" to dog when you do not expect the dog to remain in same position...getting out of car, going out the door, etc. Say either "down" OR "sit"...never "sit-down" to dog...which would you expect the dog to do?

Toys:  Latex toys, pressed rawhide, hard Nylabones not Gummy bones (to soft for Rottweiler teeth).  I have also discovered a new toy which is "guaranteed" to last, and has held up extremely well for our pack.  The toys may be ordered from West Paws Design and are made of Zogoflex.  These toys REALLY do hold up well, and the company guarantees to replace them if they are destroyed (the company has a one time replacement policy per toy).
Be careful of bones; cow hooves may cause vomiting.  I also like soft toys like "Vermont Chew Man", old socks w/knots in them for gentle tugging games...do not rip out pups teeth.  (Never give anything as a toy that you do not want the dog to destroy...such as shoes.)  Empty toilet paper cardboard roll, paper towel roll, empty plastic jugs (till harmful)

Chewing: Puppies chew! Dogs chew! Rottweilers CHEW!  CHEW!
Bitter Apple - spray this on the object being chewed & give pup a toy that it is allowed to chew. Crated dogs can not 'chew'!
I also use HOT sauce (Tabasco, etc....the hotter the better) and will spread this on the area or item the dog chews to stop the chewing!

Fear/Fright Periods: ALL puppies go through these periods; do not reward puppies fear, just "brush it off" & pup will gain confidence. These periods may occur throughout dog's lifetime. 
Call the Breeder if you have any questions.

Care:
Toenails should be kept short (nail clippers, grinder) & trimmed every week or two (never more than 2  weeks).   This job needs to be accomplished in a non-struggling manner; i.e. do not pet a dog that struggles/resists, but insist on the dog remaining quiet.  Only praise/pet the dog when it allows you to trim nails, etc. w/out a fight.   Fighting or struggling with a dog is NOT the answer. ..you can not out-wrestle any dog very easily.     
Baths may be done, if necessary, weekly w/mild dog shampoo (Mr. Christal's Australian Luxury Dog Shampoo; also helps w/fleas) .  Puppies should be given a bath every week or two, and have their nails done EVERY week, for handling experience!
Brushing dog w/slicker brush, curry comb, comb or vacuuming is good at least once every week, and will help you with your house cleaning (keeping down the dog hairs).  This also helps you to locate ticks or fleas, cuts or skin problems such as sores or dry skin.

Teeth: should be brushed weekly and cleaned, at least yearly, by vet or yourself to prevent tarter build-up.   This is where the "Greenies" are quite useful.  DO NOT neglect dental care for your canine companion.  All sorts of health problems may arise if dental tarter is allowed to build up.

Catalogs/Books:  
        Cherrybrook (800-524-0820) ...for dog supplies
        Barnes & Noble: "http://www.barnesandnoble.com/" ...subject dogs, Rottweilers, etc.
        *"The Rottweiler Centuries of Service" by L. Michels and C. Thompson...a good general book for owners
        * "Your Rottweiler’s Life" by Kim Dearth...a good book to read before and after considering a Rottweiler
        "How to Raise a Puppy You Can Live With, New, Revised Second Edition" by Rutherford & Neil - any    breed
        "The Rottweiler Experience" by Joan R. Klem
        "The Complete Rottweiler" by Muriel Freeman
        "Training Your Dog, The Step-By-Step Manual" by Joachim Volhard - a good book for any breed
         Monks of New Skete book and/or video on raising a puppy/training - any breed
        "Dog Owner's Home Veterinary Handbook" by Delbert G. Carlson, D.V.M.
        "Dog Perfect, The User Friendly Guide to a Well-Behaved Dog" by Sarah Hodgson
        "American Kennel Club Dog Care and Training" by the American Kennel Club (AKC)
        "When Good Dogs Do Bad Things" by Mordecai Siegal & Matthew Margolis
         "The Complete Idiot's Guide to Raising a Puppy" by Liz Palika...read before getting a dog

TIPS:
Cleaning tip for rugs/upholstery: half and half solution of fabric softener and water, pre-spray area & hairs will vacuum up easier...this works!
Baggies make excellent pooper scoopers and emergency water 'dishes'. I always carry a box in my car and a few in my pocket so I may be a good dog owner and clean up after my dogs. On hot days, they can be filled with water for a cool drink for the dog.
For dog feet that become cracked, I am told that "Musher’s Secret" will help to heal the cracked pads quickly, or I have applied baby oil to the feet (including between the pads)...this can be messy so I either crate the dog or put it somewhere will the oil will not stain anything, until the oil is absorbed into the pads.

**POISON/TOXIC: ALOE VERA, AMARYLLIS, BOSTON IVY, CALADIUM, CALLA LILLY, CINERARIA, CREEPING FIG, DAFFODIL, DIEFFENBACHIA, ELEPHANT'S EAR, ENGLISH IVY, GERMAN IVY, HOLLY, INDIA RUBBER PLANT, JERUSALEM CHERRY, MISTLETOE, PHILODENDRON, POTHOS, POTTED & SPIDER CHRYSANTHEMUMS, WEEPING FIG, YEW

Trivia:

Why is it dogs

always begin to bark when you get on the phone?
always have to go potty when you sit down to dinner?
always have to go potty when it starts it rain?
suffer a memory lapse during a great ring performance?
poop twice on a walk when you only have on bag?
poop once when you take two bags?
act terrified of strangers when you say, "He just LOVES people"?

A Faithful Dog

A faithful dog will play with you and laugh with you...or cry.
He'll gladly starve to stay with you, never to reason why.
And when you're feeling out of sorts somehow he'll understand
He'll watch you with his shining eyes and try to lick your hand.
His blind, implicit faith in you is matched by his great love
The kind that all of us should have in the Master up above.
When everything is said and done I guess this isn't odd
For when you spell "DOG" backwards you will get the name of "GOD."

"A Dog's Prayer"  by Beth Norman Harris

"Treat me kindly, my beloved master, for no heart in all the world is more grateful for kindness than the loving heart of me.
"Do not break my spirit with a stick, for though I should lick your hand between the blows, your patience and understanding will more quickly teach me the things you would have me do.
"Speak to me often, for your voice is the world’s sweetest music, as you must know by the fierce wagging of my tail when your footstep falls upon my waiting ear.
"When it is cold and wet, please take me inside ... for I am now a domesticated animal, no longer used to bitter elements ... and I ask no greater glory than the privilege of sitting at your feet beside the hearth ... though had you no home, I would rather follow you through ice and snow than rest upon the softest pillow in the warmest home in all the land ... for you are my god ... and I am your devoted worshiper.
"Keep my pan filled with fresh water, for although I should not reproach you were it dry, I cannot tell you when I suffer thirst. Feed me clean food, that I may stay well, to romp and play and do your bidding, to walk by your side, and stand ready, willing and able to protect you with my life should your life be in danger.
"And, beloved master, should the Great Master see fit to deprive me of my health or sight, do not turn me away from you. Rather hold me gently in your arms as skilled hands grant me the merciful boon of eternal rest ... and I will leave you knowing with the last breath I drew, my fate was ever safest in your hands."

A Pets Prayer

My people are so precious, Lord;
I know You think so, too ...
And I believe you put me here to love them just for You! 
They take such gentle care of me
And have such tender hearts...
Please use me, Lord, to comfort them
Whenever teardrops start.
They face a lot of battles,
As they live and work each day ...
They need me, Lord, to make them smile
And show them how to play!
The world is full of people,
But sometimes real friends are few ...
Please let my love and loyalty
Remind them, Lord, of You.
And when my final moment comes, Lord, tell them as we part ...
I was a made-to-order gift
From Your great, loving heart!

JUST MY DOG

He's just my dog.

He is my other eyes that can see above the clouds;
my other ears that hear above the winds.

He has told me more than a thousand times over that I am his reason for being --
by the way he rests against my leg,
by the way he thumps his tail at my smallest smile,
by the way he shows his hurt when I leave without taking him.
(I think it makes him sick with worry when he is not along to care for me).

When I am wrong, he is delighted to forgive.
When I am angry, he clowns to make me smile.
When I am happy, he is joy unbounded.
When I am a fool, he ignores it.
When I succeed, he brags.

Without him, I am only another person.
With him, I am all powerful.

He has taught me the meaning of devotion is loyalty itself.
With him,  I know the secret comfort and a private peace.
He has brought me understanding where before I was ignorant.

His head on my knee can heal my human hurts.
His presence by my side is protection against my  fears of dark and unknown things.

He has promised to wait for me ... whenever ... wherever ... in case I  need him,
and I expect I will, as I always have.

Who is he? -- He's just  --

MY DOG!

DOGS IN HEAVEN

An old man and his dog were walking along a country road, enjoying the scenery, when it suddenly occurred to the man that he was actually dead.

He remembered dying, and his dog too had been dead for many years.  He wondered where the road would lead them, and continued onward.

After a while, they came to a high white stone wall along one side of the road.   It looked like fine marble.  At the top of a long hill a tall white arch that gleamed in he sunlight broke it.  When he was standing before it, he saw a magnificent gate in the arch that looked like mother of pearl, and the street that led to the gate looked like pure gold.

He was pleased that he had finally arrived at heaven, and the man and his dog walked toward the gate.  As he got closer, he saw someone sitting at a beautifully carved desk off to one side.

When he was close enough, he called out, "Excuse me, but is this heaven?"

"Yes, it is, sir," the man answered.

"Wow! Would you happen to have some water?" the man asked.

"Of course, sir.  Come right in, and I'll have some ice water brought right up."  The gatekeeper gestured to his rear, and the huge gate began to open.

"I assume my friend can come in?" the man asked, gesturing toward his dog.  But the reply was, "I'm sorry, sir, but we don't accept pets."

The man thought about it, then thanked the gatekeeper, turned back toward the road, and continued in the direction he had been going.

After another long walk, he reached the top of another long hill, and he came to a dirt road that led through a farm gate.

There was no fence, and it looked as if the gate had never closed, as grass had grown up around it.  As he approached the gate, he saw a man just inside, sitting in the shade of a tree in a rickety old chair, reading a book.

"Excuse me!" he called to the reader.  "Do you have any water?"

"Certainly.  There's a pump over there," the man said, pointing to a place that couldn't be seen from outside the gate.  Come on in and make yourself at home."

"How about my friend here?" the traveler gestured to the dog.   "He's welcome too, and there's a bowl by the pump," he said.

They walked through the gate and, sure enough, there was an old bowl next to it on the ground.  The man fille3d the bowl next for his dog; he then took a long drink himself. 

When both were satisfied, he and the dog walked back toward the man, who was sitting under the tree waiting for them, and asked, "What do you call this place?"

"This is heaven," was the answer.

"Well, that's confusing," the traveler said.  "It certainly doesn't look like heaven, and there's another man down the road who said the place was heaven."

"Oh, you mean the place with the gold street and pearly gates?"

"Yes, it was beautiful."

"Nope.  That's hell."

"Doesn't it offend you for them to use the name of heaven like that?"

"No.  I can see how you might think so, but it actually saves us a lot of time.  They screen out the people who are willing to leave their best friends behind."

Author: Unknown

A Dog For All Seasons by Jill Acord

I've lost my puppy. Have you seen him? You know the one. I brought him home just last spring. Silky ears and puppy breath, big feet and longer tongue, large soul in a small warm body... unable to understand why he couldn't just jump into the truck like the big dog. I just laughed and helped him in. Now . . .I can't seem to find him.

I've lost my playmate. Have you seen him? You know the one. He ran with me just last summer. Ahead of my mountain bike he flew, big feet and longer tongue, large soul in a powerful body... a gait so effortless and athletic, he soared into the truck with ease. He made me grin. Where did he go?

I've lost my dog. Have you seen him? You know the one. He guided me up familiar paths, just last fall. The elder statesman, face sprinkled in gray, big feet and longer tongue, large soul in a big body... gait so steady and strong, making me smile as he gathered himself so carefully before jumping into the truck. Now, I don't know where he went.

I've lost my puppy... my playmate... my dog. Have you seen him? You MUST know the one. . . . You seem so familiar . . . though I don't recognize your face of gray or the silver eyebrows that rest above your cloudy amber eyes.. Do you know where he went?

Hello, is it you? Is it you I see in those aging eyes? Why, it is you!!....... and you're in there like you've always been . . . the puppy with silken ears that gave me so much joy in spring, the playmate who ran so effortlessly through the summer, the dog who shared my trail in fall. I haven't lost you after all. You've been there all along, with big feet and longer tongue, large soul in an aging body, gait slowed by time, the truck so high above you that you hesitate and look up at me..... causing me to smile. Oh my friend, my dog, my playmate,
......... my wonderful puppy.. you don't have to worry. I'll help you in.... just like I used to...... and we'll go through the winter together.

Dedicated to Chance and to all the gray faces who enrich our lives.   You will always be puppies in our hearts.

LEND ME A PUP    Author unknown

I will lend to you for a while
A puppy, God said,
For you to love him while he lives
And to mourn for him when he is gone.
Maybe for twelve or fourteen years,
Or maybe for two or three
But will you, till I call him back
Take care of him for me?

He'll bring his charms to gladden you
And (should his stay be brief)
You'll always have his memories
As solace for your grief. 
Since all from earth return,
But there are lessons taught below
I want this pup to learn.

I've looked the whole world over
In search of teachers true
And from the folk that crowd life's land
I have chosen you.
Now will you give him all your love
Nor think the labor vain
Nor hate me when I come to take my pup back again.

I fancied that I heard them say
"Dear Lord Thy Will Be Done,"
For all the joys this pup will bring,
the risk of grief you'll run. 
Will you shelter him with tenderness
Will you love him while you may
And for the happiness you'll know forever grateful stay.

But should I call him back
Much sooner than you've planned
Please brave the bitter grief that comes
And try to understand. 
If, by your love, you've managed
My wishes to achieve,
In memory of him that you've loved,
Cherish every moment with your faithful bundle,
And know he loved you too.

I am Your Dog         Author Unknown

I am your dog, and I have a little something I'd like to whisper in your ear.   I know that you humans lead busy lives.   Some have to
work, some have children to raise. It always seems like you are running here and there, often much too fast, often never noticing
the truly grand things in life.

Look down at me now, while you sit there at your computer.   See the way my dark brown eyes look at yours?  They are slightly cloudy now.   That comes with age.   The gray hairs are beginning to ring my soft muzzle.   You smile at me; I see love in your eyes.   What do you see in mine?  Do you see a spirit?  A soul inside, who loves you as no other could in the world?  A spirit that would forgive all trespasses of prior wrong doing for just a simple moment of your time?  That is all I ask.  To slow down, if even for a few minutes to be with me.  So many times you have been saddened by the words you read on that screen, of other of my kind, passing.
Sometimes we die young and oh so quickly, sometimes so suddenly it wrenches your heart out of your throat.   Sometimes, we age so slowly before your eyes that you may not even seem to know until the very end, when we look at you with grizzled muzzles and cataract clouded eyes.   Still the love is always there, even when we must take that long sleep, to run free in a distant land. I may not be here tomorrow; I may not be here next week.

Someday you will shed the water from your eyes, that humans have when deep grief fills their souls, and you will be angry at
yourself that you did not have just "One more day" with me.

Because I love you so, your sorrow touches my spirit and grieves me.   We have NOW, together.  So come, sit down here next to me on the floor, and look deep into my eyes.   What do you see?  If you look hard and deep enough we will talk, you and I, heart to
heart.

Come to me not as "alpha" or as "trainer" or even "Mom or Dad," come to me as a living soul and stroke my fur and let us look deep into one another's eyes, and talk.   I may tell you something about the fun of chasing a tennis ball, or I may tell you something
profound about myself, or even life in general.   You decided to have me in your life because you wanted a soul to share such things with.    Someone very different from you, and here I am.   I am a dog, but I am alive.   I feel emotion, I feel physical senses, and I can revel in the differences of our spirits and souls.   I do not think of you as a "Dog on two feet" -- I know what you are.   You are human, in all your quirkiness, and I love you still.

Now, come sit with me, on the floor.   Enter my world, and let time slow down if only for 15 minutes.  Look deep into my eyes, and whisper to my ears.   Speak with your heart, with your joy and I will know your true self.   We may not have tomorrow, and life is oh so very short.

--Love, (on behalf of canines everywhere) your dog

Cheese Bones (recipe):

2 c. flour
1 1/4 c. shredded cheddar cheese
2 cloves chopped garlic
1/2 c. vegetable oil
4-5 T. water

Preheat oven to 400. Cut a cardboard pattern of a dog bone 4" long. Combine flour, cheese, garlic & oil in food processor. With processor running, add water until mixture forms a ball. Divide dough into 12 equal pieces. Roll out each piece to 1/2" thickness. Cut out bones. Do not re-roll scraps. Place on ungreased sheet & bake 10-15 min. or until bottom is lightly browned. Carefully transfer off sheet to cool completely. Store in airtight container.