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Frequently Asked Questions | Latest Advice
Black Paw Advice
Got some questions about Rottweilers, adoption procedures, fencing, nutrition, insurance or just want to know why there are so many GOOD dogs looking for homes?
Email our "Canine Correspondent" of the month with your questions and concerns.
Each dog selected to be the canine equivilant of "Dear Abby" will happily answer all inquiries regarding dog subjects. Each dog has been evaluated, rescued, transported, vetted, been in foster care and is currently available for adoption. They all have their own individual stories, experiences and history.
As such, they are more than qualified to give their own version of "Black Paw Advice."
Stay tuned for new photos and information on each TRC dog journalist.
This month's questions will be answered by Daphne
Please E-Mail Schatzi your question
A message from Schatzi
Hi everyone! I spent a lot of time in an urban shelter in New Jersey waiting to get into rescue. During that time, I learned a lot of bad habits, but people have helped me figure out what the right behavior is, and what the wrong behavior is. I am energetic and get into a lot of things, so I have a lot of experience with things like training, behavior, and socialization. Give me a shout!
Sincerely, Schatzi
Hi Tanya,
I was hoping to find a few answers to help put my mind and heart at ease. I have a 3 yr. old female Rott. Marley came to me at 8 weeks of age. She was very confident, loving,spirited, quiet and non-aggressive. All this up until the age of 2. I have a 3 yr. old niece who was living with me and together they played but more importantly, Marley was always loving and gentle to my niece. To the point, if my niece hit her, Marley would walk away almost insulted but never once did she growl or show signs of aggression. She is fine with everyone in the family and we are many. The problem arises when I walk her. If I am in a dog park, then she is fine with all other animals and people. At first she is shy but overcomes this within minutes and starts playing like a 4 month old puppy. The moment I put her on a leash, she becomes unmanageable. She starts by biting the leash and pulling me. This is curbed by a stern 'NO" , and she stops. We go through this every time she gets on the leash. The other issue is her 'going' after a jogger, cyclist, or rollerblader. Not in aggression but to play. The problem is, all people see is a huge 100lb Rott racing towards them. I can't blame anyone, I'd be frightened as well. My question is: how can I curb this behaviour? I have been to 3 trainers. The first two, decided to scare her until she listened ... where I left those trainers, the third said due to the first two trainers, Marley is now untrainable. Dumb-as-wood, he said. Please tell me that I can fix this problem. Marley has a great heart it just seems that at times she loses her confidence and forgets her obedience training and becomes unpredictable. As a responsible owner I cannot have an unpredictable dog, especially an unpredictable Rott.
Do you have any ideas for me? I would hate to have to find Marley a home other than in mine.
Thank you for your time,
~Marley's Mom
Hi Marley's Mom,
Where are you located ?
Your trainers were a bunch of losers, and did a horrible disservice to you and your dog.
Your beloved dog needs to be fit with a "gentle leader," in a nice color of course, --I like purple.
And you need a basic lesson in WHY it is used and HOW it is used.
Simple.
And all the joggers, cyclists, and rollerbladers will love you for it :
The Gentle Leader works the same way a halter works on a horse. Where ever the head is turned to--so must the rest of the body follow. It eliminates, tugging, chasing, leash aggression and other socially unacceptable behaviors. YOU are in control---NOT the dog.
There are many immitators of Gentle Leaders--so beware.
You will need to find a trainer to teach you the CORRECT and successful way in which to use this piece of equipment.
Takes about an hour to have your dog "fitted" for the correct size and to give you your basic lesson and homework. You will begin to see the results immediately.
We have a list of rotty smart trainers, so let me know where you are located.
Here is a very educational link to Gentle Leader:
Pet supplies, dog collars, sprays and pet products from Premier Pet Products
I think you will see that there is an easy way to resolve your dogs leash issues, once you have read all the information.
If you have any other questions----ask : )
~TRC Tanya