Rottweilers For Dummies E-Book

Richard G. Beauchamp

• Herausgeber: John Wiley & Sons
• Kategorie: Lebensstil
• Sprache: Englisch

Seitenzahl: 419

Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2011

Beschreibung

Discover how to raise, train, and enjoy your Rottweiler with this fantastic resource Known for its great strength, endurance, and protectiveness, the Rottweiler can be a good-natured, playful pet. It can also be a highly challenging breed. In the right hands, a Rottweiler can be the best security system in town, and at the same time, an affectionate friend to the whole family, always ready for fun and games. The well-bred, well-trained Rottweiler has the courage of a lion and is happy to obey. In the wrong hands, a Rottweiler just as easily can become an unruly beast, a menace to all that come near. Is the Rottweiler the right breed for you and your family? Rottweilers For Dummies provides the answer to this and all your questions about getting, caring for and living with this big dog. Long-time Rottweiler breeder and trainer Richard G. Beauchamp gets you up and running with what you need to know to: * Choose the right Rottweiler for you * Socialize your new puppy * Educate yourself and your dog * Maintain good health, proper exercise and diet * Handle behavioral problems * Participate in dog competitions In friendly, down-to-earth language, Rick provides insights into the Rottweiler temperament and loads of sensible, easy-to-follow advice on everything a Rottweiler owner should know - along with fun facts and tips on how to have a great time with your Rottie. Discover how to: * Decide on whether a male or female is right for you * Find and choose your new friend and bring him or her home * Understand how to communicate with your Rottweiler * Train your Rottweiler * Finding a good trainer and attend classes * Deal with emotional conflicts * Feed and exercise your Rottweiler * Recognize, prevent, and treat common health problems * Have loyal friend for life The indispensable guide for you and your Rottweiler, Rottweilers For Dummies is the only book you'll need to help you have the best possible experience with this admirable and loveable breed.

Leseprobe

Rottweilers For Dummies®

by Richard Beauchamp

Rottweilers For Dummies®

Published byWiley Publishing, Inc.111 River St.Hoboken, NJ 07030-5774www.wiley.com

Copyright © 2004 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Indianapolis, Indiana

Published by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Indianapolis, Indiana

Published simultaneously in Canada

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Library of Congress Control Number: 00-108201

ISBN: 0-7645-5271-6

Manufactured in the United States of America

10 9 8

1B/RV/QV/QX/IN

About the Author

Richard G. (“Rick”) Beauchamp has been successfully involved in practically every facet of purebred dogs. He has bred them as well as trained and handled them professionally in the show ring. For many years, he owned and managed a publishing house devoted almost entirely to books and periodicals about purebred dogs. He is a published author of numerous breed and all-breed dog books and has lectured extensively on purebred dogs throughout the world.

As a breeder-exhibitor, Rick has been actively involved in breeds of nearly all the Variety Groups, including top winning Chow Chows, Dachshunds, Salukis, and Irish Setters. His Beau Monde Kennel has produced outstanding Boxers, Cocker Spaniels, Poodles, Wire Fox Terriers, Bull Terriers, Pembroke Welsh Corgis, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, and Chinese Shar-Pei.

As a judge of all breeds with the Federacion Cynologique Internationale, Rick has had the distinct pleasure of judging Rottweilers at championship events many times in Mexico, throughout the United Kingdom, Scandinavia, Europe, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, the Orient, Central America, and South America. Rick now judges throughout North America for the American Kennel Club, the Canadian Kennel Club, and the United Kennel Club.

In his other life, Rick has had a lifelong interest in film and theater and spent several years as a copy editor and reporter for the television and film industry’s bible, Daily Variety. He lives in Cambria, California, which is situated midway between Los Angeles and San Francisco.

Dedication

This book is dedicated to the Rottweiler breeders, exhibitors, and owners who, through the years, have worked hard to preserve and enhance the great qualities the breed was created to possess @md bravery, loyalty, and devotion. It goes without question that there are other breeds who may possess any one or perhaps even all of these same characteristics, but I am quite confident that none could possibly combine them so well and so uniquely as does the Rottweiler.

Author’s Acknowledgments

No words will ever be able to express my appreciation for those wonderful books with dog heroes in them written by the late Albert Payson Terhune. His books not only inspired a love of all nature but a fascination with the magic of the written word.

The enthusiastic and supportive people at IDG Books have helped tremendously in translating my fascination with purebred dogs and the words we use to describe them into what I sincerely hope is a helpful guide to understanding and appreciating the many fine qualities of the Rottweiler breed.

I particularly wish to thank my editor, Elizabeth Kuball, who assisted me so well in consolidating all the bits and pieces of my experience with dogs in general and the Rottweiler in particular into this book.

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Some of the people who helped bring this book to market include the following:

Acquisitions, Editorial, and Media Development

Project Editor: Elizabeth Netedu Kuball

Acquisitions Editor: Scott Prentzas

Technical Editor: Gwen Chaney

Editorial Manager: Pamela Mourouzis

Editorial Assistant: Carol Strickland

Cover Photo: The Image Bank © Stephen Deer

Composition

Project Coordinator: Maridee Ennis

Layout and Graphics: Jacque Schneider, Julie Trippetti, Jeremey Unger

Special Art: Barbara Frake

Proofreaders: Corey Bowen, David Faust, Susan Moritz, York Production Services, Inc.

Indexer: John Sleeva

Publishing and Editorial for Consumer Dummies

Diane Graves Steele, Vice President and Publisher, Consumer Dummies

Joyce Pepple, Acquisitions Director, Consumer Dummies

Kristin A. Cocks, Product Development Director, Consumer Dummies

Michael Spring, Vice President and Publisher, Travel

Brice Gosnell, Associate Publisher, Travel

Kelly Regan, Editorial Director, Travel

Publishing for Technology Dummies

Andy Cummings, Vice President and Publisher, Dummies Technology/General User

Composition Services

Gerry Fahey, Vice President of Production Services

Debbie Stailey, Director of Composition Services

Contents

Title

Introduction

So Who Am I?

How This Book Is Organized

Icons Used in This Book

Part I : Getting to Know Rottweilers

Chapter 1: So What Exactly Is a Rottweiler?

Understanding What Sets the Rottweiler Apart

Looking at the Purpose of Breed Standards

Knowing Whether Your Rottweiler Has to Fit the Standard

Taking a Quick Tour of Rottweiler History

Chapter 2: Is a Rottweiler Right for You?

Being Honest with Yourself about What You Have to Give

Knowing Whether You Have What It Takes to Own a Rottweiler

Weighing Your Decision Carefully

Part II : Searching for Your Soul Mate

Chapter 3: Knowing What You Want in a Rottweiler

Remembering That Each Dog Is Unique

Deciding Between a Male and a Female Rottie

Considering the Age of Your Dog When You Bring Him Home

Chapter 4: Finding and Choosing Your New Friend

Knowing the Difference between Responsible Breeders and Backyard Breeders

Working with a Responsible Breeder

Considering the Rescue Option

Choosing a Puppy

Knowing Which Important Papers You Need When You Walk out the Door

Part III : Living with a Rottweiler

Chapter 5: Preparing for Your Puppy

Making Your Shopping List

Finding the Right Leashes and Collars for Your Rottweiler

Getting the Right Equipment to Confine Your Dog When Necessary

Stocking up on Puppy-Proofing Supplies

Supplying Your Pup with All the Toys His Heart Desires

Finding the Right Grooming Tools

Chapter 6: Welcome Home!

Being Prepared for Reality

Bringing Your Pup Home Safely

Surviving the Difficult First Week

Dealing with Inevitable Baby Behavior

Knowing What to Expect from Your Adolescent or Adult Rottweiler

Recognizing the Instincts of the Breed

Dealing with Stress in Your Rottweiler

Housebreaking Your Rottweiler

Chapter 7: Understanding How to Communicate with Your Rottweiler

Understanding Why Your Rottweiler Does What He Does

Figuring Out How Behavior Gets Reinforced

Knowing How to Respond to Your Rottie When He Misbehaves

Socializing Your Rottweiler for His Own Happiness

Listening When Your Rottie Speaks

Chapter 8: Training Your Rottweiler

Assuming Your Role as Leader of the Pack

Knowing What to Expect of Your Rottie

Starting with the Basics

Teaching Your Rottweiler the Most Important Commands

Attending Training Classes with Your Rottweiler

Finding a Good Dog Trainer

Dealing with Emotional Conflicts

Chapter 9: Having Fun with Your Rottweiler

Playing Games with Your Rottie

Taking Advantage of Dog-Friendly Parks

Enjoying the Water with Your Dog

Hitting the Trails with Your Rottie

Helping Your Rottie Do What He Was Bred to Do

Keeping in Mind Some Other Fun Things to Do with Your Rottweiler

Helping Your Dog Help Others

Part IV : Keeping Your Rottweiler Healthy

Chapter 10: Getting to Know Your Rottweiler . . . Inside and Out

Exploring the Anatomy of the Rottweiler

Identifying Inherited Health Problems and Diseases

Checking Your Dog’s Health Regularly

Deciding Whether to Breed Your Rottweiler

Spaying or Neutering Your Dog

Looking for the Best Veterinarian on Your Dog’s Behalf

Chapter 11: Feeding and Exercising Your Rottweiler

Answering Your Questions about Your Rottie’s Nutrition

Adapting Your Dog’s Diet as His Needs Change

Meeting Your Rottweiler’s Special Nutritional Needs

Getting Your Rottweiler the Exercise He Needs

Chapter 12: Preventing Health Problems

Vaccinating Your Dog Against Deadly Diseases

The Great Vaccination Debate

Paying Attention to Parasites

Grooming Your Rottweiler for Health and Beauty

Chapter 13: Being Prepared for Emergencies

Setting Up Your Own First Aid Kit

Figuring Out When to Call the Vet

Knowing What to Do When You Need to Do It

Giving Your Rottie the Medicine He Needs

Chapter 14: Knowing What to Do When Your Dog Gets Sick

Living with Chronic Conditions

Considering Alternative Therapies for Your Ailing Rottie

Part V : The Part of Tens

Chapter 15: Ten Reasons to Own a Rottweiler

You Know What You’re Getting

You Can Find Out Anything You Want to Know about the Breed

Rottweilers Have Good Temperaments

Rottweilers Are Highly Trainable

Rottweilers Are Easy to Care For

Rottweilers Are Protective

Rottweilers Do Good Work

Rottweilers Know How to Have Fun

Responsible Breeders Are Everywhere

Rottweilers Give a Lifetime of Friendship

Chapter 16: Ten Reasons Not to Own a Rottweiler

The Neighbor Down the Street Is Selling Rottweilers for Next to Nothing

You Think Having a Dog to Pet Every Once in a While Would Be Fun

You Want to Feel Needed

You’re Not Prepared to Be the Leader of the Pack

You Lack Physical Strength

You Tend to Procrastinate

Your Living Space Is Restricted

You’re Not Sure How You’re Going to Pay Your Next Credit Card Bill

Patience Is Not Your Virtue

You’re a Loner

Chapter 17: Ten Tips for Training Your Rottweiler

Remember That Training Is Something Your Rottie Needs

Teach Your Rottie Your Rules

Give Positive Reinforcement

Be Consistent

Start Training Right Away

“No!” Means “No!”

Keep Your Lessons Short and Sweet

Curb Certain Instinctive Behaviors

Be in the Right Frame of Mind for Training

Do the Minimum in Basic Training

Chapter 18: Ten Tips for Traveling with (Or without) Your Dog

Get the Right Car for Your Rottweiler

Think about the Weather Before You Leave

Buckle Up for Safety

Remember Your Rottweiler’s ID and Medication

Bring Along Your Travel Necessities

Plan a Vacation for the Whole Family to Enjoy

Find Dog-Friendly Lodgings

Fly Well with Your Rottweiler

Find a Good Kennel If Your Pal Can’t Go

Consider Getting a Pet Sitter

Appendix A: Glossary

Appendix B: Resources

Books

Magazines

Videos

CD-ROMs

Web Sites

Organizations

: Further Reading

Introduction

In Rottweilers For Dummies, you’ll be introduced to all the good, the bad, and the ugly that surrounds the breed. Too many books written about purebred dogs do nothing but try to convince you that the breed is not only faultless but suitable for every household in America (or anywhere else in the world for that matter). I seldom find this to be true of any breed, and I know this doesn’t describe the Rottweiler. So you won’t find me twisting your arm and trying to convince you that a Rottweiler is right for you. In fact, if anything, I’m as honest as possible about this challenging breed. That way, if you’re still eager to get one of these wonderful dogs, you’ll be prepared for any drawbacks and able to handle them well.