by gordon vassallo
(london,ontario.canada)
We presently have a seven month female Rottweiler,she was born in a barn and lived there separate from mom and dad on site for six months.
When we brought her home she was so good,very well behaved and I think she was just happy to be in a warm loving home. we have had her in a routine and on a schedule. She was house trained and seemed to be learning fairly quickly . She seemed to be afraid of all the new sounds of being in the city and being around other people and it took her awhile to get comfortable being around other dogs, she seemed to be scared of them.
Now the last few days it seems or feels like she’s being very stubborn with commands that we give her and she just looks at us or almost ignores us. we usually take her out to eliminate in the same area and tonight we went for a long walk to the store without going to where she usually eliminates and she went pee but no poop, and when we came home she pooped right in the living room on the carpet. this was the first time she did that. should we have taken her to her usual spot before coming in?
The other question I have is how do we get her attention, and get her to stop being so stubborn? She has been so good so far but seems to be stubborn more more. would this have something to do whether in need of her six month shot?
Can you please help us? Gord
Hi Gordon
Overall it sounds as though your Rottie is doing incredibly well considering the very limited life she’s had for the first 6 months and all the changes she’s been through in the last month! It may be that you’re just expecting a little too much of her.
For a pup who spent 6 months isolated from other people, animals and environments she’s adapted extremely well to all the new experiences and shown that she has a sound temperament. It’s pretty normal for a pup to be a bit quiet and very amenable for the first week or two in a new home, it’s an adjustment period for them. After that they start to feel more confident and their personality starts to shine. This is a good thing and means that she has accepted you as her family and her new environment as her home, and I’m sure it’s much better than the one she had before!
At 7 months old she’s still a puppy, but she’s an adolescent pup, more like a teenager, and that stage can be challenging in any breed. Testing the limits, wanting to be independent, trying to find their place in the family (and the world in general) – these are all familiar human teenage behaviors, and dogs pretty much act the same way.
Rotties are very intelligent and learn quickly, but they can be stubborn and pushing them can make them push back! Be loving, but firm and consistent in your training and keep to a predictable routine for her. Don’t allow her to act out, but don’t ever use harsh or loud punishments. This is a stage she is going through, probably made a bit more troublesome because it coincides with such big changes for her, but she’s proven herself to be good natured, sound pup and you’ll all weather this stage successfully given some time and patience.
I doubt anything you are seeing is related to her vaccination schedule, but as you have only just got her I would definitely make sure she’s had all the necessary shots, Parvo in Rottweiler puppies is a killer and you need to make sure she’s properly protected.
As she’s never been housetrained before, it will take her some time to become totally reliable and I’d recommend using a crate to help with the whole process if she will tolerate one. Being that she may never have been crated it may be a bit difficult at first, but unless it terrifies her she will likely accept it after a few sessions. Do try to take her to the spot she’s designated as her potty spot whenever you go outside, at least for now. This is all so new to her and she’s trying to figure it out, if you keep changing things up on her she’ll get confused and will take a step backwards in her progress.
Just give her lots of time, patience and be consistent and I think you’ll find she’ll do just fine. She’s fortunate to have a new, loving home and I know she’ll be a big part of your family.
I wish you all lots of luck!
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