Fostering abandoned Rottie. Any advice from big dog lovers?

Question

We have 4 inside cats and a Beage/Husky mix that is ours. The other foster dog we have is an Akita mix. Our backyard has 7 ft fence so plenty inside/outside time for all.To get Rott settled we have:introduced to other dogs seperateley with all on leashes,got him own bowls, crate and bed, love on him and reassure him.He is doing great and is a gentle giant. Vet says is tall for Rott currently weighs 90Lbs vet wld like to see 5-7 more lbs on him.Said high protein food for lrg. breed good, said ask around but recommended Science Hill, Any suggestions? Anyone have a big dog that has a fave toy? If so, what? Afraid to give him any of the toys we already have-too little.Also, our dog trainer is working with us coming by daily. And Rott's been wormed, neg for heartworms and on prevention, shots up to date and will be neutered in 2 weeks. Can nybody think anything we have overlooked? Thanks

Answer 1

so far so good...rawhide bones are always a big hit, so are those denta bones...tennis balls...those string/rope type tug of war toys for large dogs, they are supposed to floss teeth while they play...kong treat toys....otherwise...keep up the good work

Answer 2

I have several issues that I think might be of some concern. I don't know if you know about temperment testing. I watch Animal Planet and on the shows where they rescue dogs, they generally temperment test the dog. You can look in the book store for the Rottweiller and somewhere in there should be something in one of the books about temperment testing.
Do you know if this dog is very shy? How about food aggressive? ( This can be a very big safety issue - as the dog might try to hurt somesone who takes it's food away) Also how is the dog with children - both small children and older children? Can you body hug this dog safetly? What about the stare test? Does the dog stare back at you like it is challenging you or does the dog look away? Has the dog been properly socialized? Will the dog walk on a leash without trying to go after someone or something? What about touching the dog - can he/she be handled all over safetly?
I am not sure if the AKC has anything on it's web site about temperment testing - but it would be wise to look at all of these things.
Don't mean to discourage you, just wnat you to be careful.

Answer 3

You're doing very well. Put him on a good quality dog food. Read the label, the first ingredient should be meat - not corn, not byproduct, not grains. It will cost a bit more, but you won't have to feed as much, so it evens out in the end.

My big guys like rope toys, Kongs and "stuffies". It looks comical, but most large breeds are very fond of stuffed animals. The stuffies may not last long, so get them at yard sales etc. A 130 lb. Great Dane fast asleep with a pink teddy bear in her mouth is a sight to see!

You seem to have everything thought out well. Congratulations on giving this boy a loving home. Rotties are great big loving mushballs!

Answer 4

I feed my dobermann Orijen which is a holistic food. It's about $50 for a 30#bag. It's worth it though. In many many ways. It has 40% protein, which is th most I've seen in any dog food. The main ingredients are fresh chicken meat, chicken meal, and turkey meal. It's very healthy for them. Science diet is crap. My vet doesn't know anything about organic or holistic foods either. That brand is the best of the crap though. I still wouldn't give it to my dog. Research dog food, read about all the shocking stuff in it and start reading labels. Iams, science diet, purina and all that other stuff sold at regular stores and petsmart are garbage, and your rottie will develop problems. Look into this. As far as toys go, mine loves rawhide bones. She'll sit quietly for hours chewing on it.

Answer 5

Well, being that he is a Rottie, I'd be extremely careful with him being around children, if you have any. You don't know what kind of upbringing he had, before you took him in, so, just keep an watchful eye on him. Even though you have other pets around your home, and have introduced him to these pets, you still need to be aware that these kinds of dogs can come off as being 'gentle giants', but they can also turn on you, at the drop of a dime. So, you can bring in dog trainers, be kind to him, or take care of him in the best way, but there will always be a chance that something may trigger him to turn on you.
There have been too many incidents that are on the news where Rotties have been involved with maulings, and you hear the dog owner(s) say many times that they didn't suspect anything, and that their dog(s) were well cared for, and wouldn't harm a fly. But in the end, something triggered these dogs, and that was the end of it.
So, just some words of caution, be careful, and know that for as long as you have this dog in your home, you need to understand that there is a risk you are putting yourself in, and everyone else in the home, including your other pets.

Answer 6

Sounds like you have covered just about everything for your new Rottie. I also have a Rottie, female, and I rescued her. The owner dumped her in the streets. I couldn't love her more, especially how she is now, and where she was before. I also have a Pet Sitting business, along with 3 dogs of my own. Once I introduced Roxsy to everyone, I never had a problem. She is in great health now, but it took alot of time to get her straightened out. Usually if you socialize this dog, and include him/her in all family/pet related activities in your home, they will soon fit in, and you will wonder why you never thought about this breed before. Again, they do have a bad "rep", but wouldn't you be mad if someone mistreated you or dumped you in the streets to die? I feed all my pets dry food, Pedigree for all over health, along with a 1/2 can of wet Pedigree, they all have thrived on it. Be careful of BLOAT, Rotties have a tendency towards this. My best advice is to love him, let him feel as though he belongs, and PLEASE make sure the Rottie, as well as all your pets KNOW you are the PACK leader. Also to answer your toy question, get him his own toys, as your other pets most likely have their own too. Good Luck with your ROTTIE, they are wonderful pets, as well as very loyal friends.
Debi

Answer 7

My parents got my sister and I a black lab - Casey, when I was about 3 years old. I had this dog until my first year of COLLEGE! We also had him euthanized - he had numerous tumors on his belly, couldn't eat, etc. He was 16 years old. He was the best dog EVER. Loyal, sweet, everything a lab should be. He could really understand what you were saying and when you looked at him it was like he was talking back to you. Anyone who has had a lab knows those eyes! I can only hope that I get as much life and enjoyment out of my current two dogs that I got out of Casey.

Answer 8

I think you got it pretty much covered I would go with Iams food for him thats the best I have found so far and for fav toys they a large xlarge kong you can by these at petsmart or online or some tough rope tied into knots! Hope I helped good luck !

Answer 9

as for toys for a large dog: kongs are great-- especially the black ones. our dog can get thru any toy in several minutes but she LOVES chewing her kong and has not been able to get the black one apart (5 weeks and counting)
http://www.dog.com/itemdy00.asp?T1=311407+4L&srccode=COMMJUNC