We have a fenced in yard but it's kind of small. So each morning as part of the exercise routine that we have is to go down to the local baseball park which is fenced in. One of us stands at the little gate to block the entrance and the other runs around with the dogs.

If you do something like this, just make sure to bring poop bags...you don't want to leave a present for some unsuspecting baseball player.

I will also add that I live in an area where many communities that have come up, with their lavish 500,000 houses and Home Owner Aassociations can not have fences as part of their HOA bylaws.

This does not make them bad people. A lot of people don't think about it. They decide to get a dog and realize they can't have a fence, so they cope, and they do a good job of it.

When we first got our GSD we did not have a fence. We have an enormous yard and it takes money to build a fence. We have a fence now. We always walked him outside on a leash to potty. We played indoors or we would go to the park or at my mother's house to play. NO fence is not a deal breaker but it is harder for a rescue to trust you. Rescue facilities love their animals. They have saved these dogs and they don't want to turn around and give them to a person who might get them killed. Rotts have high prey drive and they could run after something interesting and get run over by a car. If you don't have a fence you might be able to adopt from a shelter but I am sure they would definitely conduct a home visit. I know I have driven an hour away to a potential adopter to check their living conditions. They didn't have a fence but had 10 acres of property and they lived far from the road. It's on a case by case basis but I certainly would not give you a dog if you won't allow me to do a home visit. I would wonder what you were hiding.

thank you lindap

your welcome cockerlover

=)

I lived with dogs without a fenced yard for a while as well, but I ALWAYS had runs. Somewhere to let a dog be a dog for a while, and not be indoors or on leash.

Of course people can have dogs and raise puppies without fencing. Many people do, particularly in cities.

IMO it takes much more of a commitment to do it successfully without fencing as it does with fencing.

As the OP mentioned, if the fencing is not up to par, dogs can and do escape. It can be a false sense of security.

There are certain circumstances, and certain people, I would place with if they did not have a fence, but the screening would be very VERY deep, unless they were people I knew who were already in the breed with a proven track record.

To the Original Poster, please take my advice about the territorial nature of the Rottweiler breed to heart. Please be VERY careful if you decide to take a puppy or a dog out of a shelter. Many dogs will not show you their true personality until you have had them for several weeks. If you don't understand how to evaluate temperament on a dog, (and sometimes even if you DO) you can take a time bomb into your home who may seriously injure you, or others when the time ticks out. Never underestimate the power, both physical and mental, of this breed. They are great dogs if properly bred, socialized, trained, and confined. Otherwise, the record clearly shows they can be deadly.

Sure cocker, any time!

I personally would like to thank red for these words, not only are they true, they are actually polite;

"To the Original Poster, please take my advice about the territorial nature of the Rottweiler breed to heart. Please be VERY careful if you decide to take a puppy or a dog out of a shelter. Many dogs will not show you their true personality until you have had them for several weeks. If you don't understand how to evaluate temperament on a dog, (and sometimes even if you DO) you can take a time bomb into your home who may seriously injure you, or others when the time ticks out. Never underestimate the power, both physical and mental, of this breed. They are great dogs if properly bred, socialized, trained, and confined. Otherwise, the record clearly shows they can be deadly."

I too know first hand the effects of bringing a dog into your home, my uncle imported 2 rotti from Germany back in the 70's before they became so popular here. He had children and his male bit my cousin in the face, The dog was put down, cousin had to have surgery. Sad day for all.





"

Thanks Red. The last post you posted was very nicely worded and easy to understand and not offensive.The dog won't be off leash around our house,only at the 3 dog parks we visit all the time.I'am aware of their protectiveness,and will always be careful with the dog.I think it was Scarydog who said that all shelters do home visits.Not true we got Lacie from a cocker rescue,with no home visit.We got Jake and Bear from the smae shelter with no home visit.None of the shelter here make you do home visits.More than half the rescues dont make you do home visits.

Yes Scout it is alot harder without a fence,esp. with a puppy that wants to go potty through the nite when its cold and Im sleepy.But I get awake and get on a jacket and take it out anyway.When my parents get me an animal or dog I have to take care of all them.My vet said I am the most responsable young person he has seen.Bear has medication 2 times a day and I have to clean his ears out.He has other needs to that arent like other dogs.Jake is my dads dog and I take care of him to.Lacie is my moms dog and I take care of her to.they all have to go out every 2 hours and get fed twice a day.I have a cat that is my brothers and I have to scoop his litter and feed/water evryday.I also have a 10 by 8 Koi pond and its a hard to take care of,esp with the leaves coming down now.i have a snake and I have tadpoles and frogs an that takes alot of work to.It tiring but I love it.My parents thought that I would not be responible but I proved them wrong,esp with the fosters.I know I'am responsible enough for a Rottie. thank You all
and I am sorry mods and red for this post to become an arguement.That wasnt what I wanted.I thought it would be a simple quetion with a simple answer.Im sorry again.

cockerlover
There is no need for you to be sorry! You did not do one thing wrong! You ask as many questions as you want!

I think this is good that all this happened. It has rekindled the fact that we need to remember to yes post our opinions, but at the same time be kind about it. No need to tear someones head off for asking a question! No need to remark in a way that would be rude if you don't agree with someone.

Cockerlover, IMO, Rottweilers and dog parks do not mix.

Rottweilers can be dog aggressive, and quite prey driven.

Dog parks have too many unpredictable variables for me.

Red, Our dog parks hardly ever have anyone in them.Plus we go through the day when everyone is working or at school and take them.If someone is there we leave or wait till they leave. Alot of people see that we have three dogs and leave anyway.I would never take a rottie to a dog park with other dogs no matter how much I trust the dog.

Cocker, please take what Red says into account.

Rotties are intellegent, loving, fantastic companions. But they are not a breed that does well in the dog park or the park. They are a breed who are loyal to their owners and reguard all others, even outside of their home, as suspicious.

They are also sweet and fantastic. Some are just big doofs, but many are not. Hence lays a heavy responsibility for the owner. Trips to the dog park to romp with Fluffy and Munchie the Border Collies down the street may opt out as an option. The constant stream of friends in and out of the house may be a problem.

You must reguard this dogs highly protective nature. All dogs are not the same, and it is hard to ujnderstand what it is like to live and work closely with a protective breed like a rottie until you have lived with one.

They are great dogs, but its so so diffrent.

Guests in and out are not problematic with the 2 dogs I have which I raised.

Now these 2 girls have plenty of confidence and territorial drive in the yard and the car, but when I invite people into my home, I expect my dogs to understand that they are invited guests.

The older bitch gets put away when people come in. She was mishandled as a young dog. She is of correct and stable temperament, but not as social as the other 2.

Walking on the street, or in parks, or out around anywhere there are people is not an issue with any of my dogs as long as it is normal circumstances.

Yelling, altercations of any kind, or people who have a strange gait of attire can be an issue with some dogs. I let my dogs know if they are out of line, and they obey me.

Dog parks are different. You are talking about loose dogs of unknown breed, size and origin.

By the time you might figure out there is an issue with a dog, it would be too late to do anything.

Most people have never seen a real dog fight, and I caution you, you never want to between Rottweilers, or a Rottweiler and another dog if the Rottweiler decides to mix it up. I take no chances, even with my own dogs.

Just food for thought.

Icy, I think cocker has her mind made up. Hopefully, her father will have more sense about the issue. It might work out but there is too big a chance that it won't.

Icy, I'am listening to everything Red is saying and its helpful.I do understand how to handle a protective breed.We have had many,GSD,Rottie,Dobies,Wolf mixes,and Pits.


red I have seen real dog fights,its very sad,the that started it ended up dieing.I have been around the aggressive rotts and have been around the big doofs.Like I said ANY big dog we have,will not go into a dog park with other dogs in it. Thank You everyone.

Pepper, You dont know me or my family. Out of my family my Dad gets a dog on looks or breed,I get dogs on temperment.

After receiving all the bad advice from people who are pretty clueless about Rotties and ignoring the advice from people who do know the breed, do what you want. I hope, however that you will come back and tell us when the problems that have been pointed out start...aggression, health issues, ignoring boundries, etc. Be big enough to admit your mistake.

***Edited By: Houndz2000 on 11/11/2005 7:41:48 AM***
Reason: corr

I have owned many "Bullie" breed dogs, and recently started checking out Rotties. My husband has always wanted one. I agree with alot said here in these pages and I too was at a shelter or "rescue" What people need to understand here is that these shelters or rescues dont do home visits to invade privacy, they do it for the dogs safety and security. Most of these dogs have been returned for one reason or another, and the shelter workers want to view the living arrangements of the animal...much like childrens aid does with home visits for kids. Dogs are no different. They keep getting shuffled from one home to the next, and end up in shelters because nobody wants them. The home visit is one way to see if the home is suitable for the Dog. I totally agree with those rules. ITs not to see if you can handle the dog or not...its to make sure the dog has less a chance coming back into the shelter again. ALso given everything I have read on rotties, I think they shoujld stick to their guns..and if its not a fenced yard...you dont get the dog...to many cases where the dog got loose and bit another animal or person..and the dog got put down becuause of it...if you really want the animail and love the animal...make sure you have the yard and run for him to run in.

you know for those of you who cannot read, I'm going to say this one more time and then shut up.
Cocker is a child,
her stepfather is the one getting a dog,

Hello!

Even tho I'm in my 30's (very early 30's!)
I recall your parents pretty much do what they want and you don't get a say.
Cocker asked good questions.
Everyone see's everyones point.
Can she forbid her dad to get a rotti, NO!
Can she purchase supplys and put up a fence, NO!
So please quit beating a dead horse,
she can't change the situation even if she wants to.

wow...another debate...I have shepherds...3 adult females and 2 pups we are keeping and 4 to sell...each and everyone is different...and I would not just open a door up and let mine out..i think if all possable fences are a must...i dont make it manditory when getting a pup...but i suggest it for safety...I would just die if mine got hit by a car...because they wondered out in the road...or bite the meter reader...all the "potentially dangerious breeds" ( shepherds, rotts pits...ect...) I personally think fencing is a must...but for all breeds it is also for keeping them safe...I dont want other dogs wondering in my yard...giving my animals cooties...I want to know my pooch is out there where i left them...not snatched by a passer by..( i had that happen with a poodle pup...did eventully get her back) I think...and just my opinion some basic good information was given...I too think I would be leary of a cheaper then the norm dog...of any breed...I know from buying my own dogs breeders lie..or can potentially lie...some...myself included will not lie just to make a sale...in fact...i find myself giving people information that they are better able to make informed decisions and purchase a pup from some one else, if they like...having gsd's i get un educated people who i could manipulate and take total advantage of...they want working line...yet calm ...they want large...yet not hip problems...I explain and if they are in my state...i invite them to come see...if they live else where...i suggest them to buy locally if at all possable...I just think hearing all the scam nightmres I would feel better knowing every buyer was informed and saw for them selves...

Like last night I was up till 1am explaining temperment and how to pick a good temperment pup...and what can go wrong if they dont make a good choice...and sure..i suggested traing and socialization...as that are major contributing factors...but mom and dad are a huge factor also...and if you just throw 2 dogs together and get pups..Lord Help you...

I know a show breeder..or rots and gsd'd...She is horrable..and the things she has told me in passing would make your head spin...she is still insisting to breed a rot with a heart problem...I asked her why test if you will go right ahead...she said she will get a non papered male and sell the pups cheap to make money..(she does this so people can not connect her kennel name with these pups..).I was shocked at her additude...I said you cant make money raising pups..and she claims she can...so...you all know the type...I was able to get one of her gsd out and rescued a while back and i posted about the abuse...but..she on the surface would look like a good breeder if you listened to the first 3 conversations...but if you really listen...and remember and put together all that is said you would stay clear...She tried to sell me the dog that I helped rescue for 1300...then 800...then 500...then 300...after a few conversations I wanted no part of this dog just from listening...she kept her crated 23 out of 24 hours a day...and she was so mean sounding to them on the phone...and admitted to beating the hell out of them..so...i have had my share of dogs with baggage...and I didnt want to spend on another misfit...and then try to find a new home...so...when she offered me her for free because she was almost dead from kennel cough and phemonia...i got her rescued...but in no way would i accept a dog into my place, sick...and now i wont even use the same sire she does at a large breeder in my state (becuase money talks you know, all they want is stud fee)...just safeguarding my dogs...she can look at a litter of pups and decide who eats enough food to sustain them and who she deprives...the female she had that was sick was 37 pounds...so..just telling you not all breeders...even ones you think are good are really good..and then even tested dogs will still be used by skuzzy breeders knowingly breeding poor pups...This person I know sells for what ever she can get...100 to 200 bucks and I feel so horrable for her dogs..but AC and AKC and both breed clubs can or will do nothing..

So...Cockerlover...take away what you can...and yes, your dad is the deciding factor of corse...but...cheap usually means cut rate...not always..but..ask all the right questions..and dont be misled by fancy breeder foot work...titles and tests and all can get confusing..good luck to you...

Red...I have to agree on much of your suggestions and post...I missed where you came on...so i dont know anything about you

Hi Huron.

I am a longtime Rottweiler fancier (since 1988).

I show my dogs in Breed and obedience, and I have dabbled in herding, carting, tracking, SchH, and agility.

I currently have 3 Rottweiler bitches, 2 of whom are spayed, and the younger I am showing and training right now for her titles.

I do some training in my area, I'm a member of my National COE club (since 1991) and I've bred a couple of litters.

Planning another for the end of 06 if all goes well with the titling and health testing of my girl.

So far so good....she is 15 mos...OFA prelims, hips are good, one elbow is DJD1, she is heart and eye normal, with a super outgoing confident and friendly temperament.

She is a UKC CH (at 7 mos), she has 2 UKC BIS wins, and one UKC Reserve BIS.

We won her class at our National (21 puppies) when she was 8 mos old. She has 3 AKC CH pts, and was BOS in a Regional Sweeps over Labor day.

She is a nice puppy, and I expect to finish her AKC CH by mid summer or so, and hopefully to have her ready for her Rally Novice by then as well.

I love my breed dearly, and I have studied dogs and everything dog related for many years, since I was a child, really.

I really like TP, even tho it seems I answer the same questions over and over again re: breeding and training.

It's all worth it if I am able to help someone.

:D