Things You'll Need
- Dog food
- Food and water bowls
- Leash
- Dog toys
- Rubber dog brush
- Dog nail clippers
- Cotton balls
- Canine ear cleanser solution
Instructions
Feed your rottweiler a proper diet. Upon maturity, male rottweilers will weigh up to 110 pounds and females up to 95 pounds. One common problem with rottweilers is overfeeding them. If the dog's ribs cannot be easily felt and its waist is not visible, the dog is overweight. Excessive weight gain can lead to shoulder and hip pain, and torn knee ligaments. Commercially available dog food is fine to feed a rottweiler although some people prefer feeding raw food diets. Regardless of the type of food given to your dog, the key is making sure the proper amount is given depending on the animal's age and activity level. Do not leave food out all day but instead give your dog one larger meal a day or two small ones.
Groom the rottweiler regularly. Rottweilers are short-haired but have a thick undercoat. They will shed quite a bit indoors if not brushed daily. At the very least, a once-a-week brushing with a rubber brush will reduce shedding. Clean out the Rottweiler's ears once a week. Use a cotton ball dipped in canine ear cleaner, peroxide or alcohol. Rottweiler ears are prone to fungal infections. Rottweilers only need to be bathed once a month or even less. Trim your dog's nails monthly with a canine nail clipper because long nails can get caught on things and cause toe and joint injuries to the dog. If you need help, dog groomers and veterinary offices often provide nail trimming services for a nominal fee.
Train the rottweiler to obey basic commands. Rottweilers are large, powerful dogs and it is essential they receive obedience training. Training is usually easiest when the dog is a puppy, however, adult dogs can also benefit from training in basic commands and walking on a leash. Rottweilers are intelligent dogs and since they bond closely with their owners, they are eager to please. If you do not have experience with dog training, many pet stores, dog clubs and private trainers offer classes for a fee. Adult rottweilers should also be socialized. Take your dog with you to meet new people and be exposed to different settings. The dog must learn to act calmly in all situations, and not be aggressive or fearful.
Vaccinate your rottweiler and get yearly checkups for the dog. Treat the dog for fleas and internal worms if the pests become a problem. It is a good idea to put your dog on a monthly preventative medicine for these parasites. Rabies vaccinations are often required by law, and other shots to prevent the spread of disease will be necessary if you board your dog or expose it regularly to other dogs. Yearly checkups will establish a relationship with your veterinarian and help him monitor the dog's health so physical changes or problems can be recognized early and treated.
Exercise your dog every day. Rottweilers are active animals. Sometimes they will seem content to be indoor "couch potatoes," but they are truly happy burning off energy outside. Exercise will also mentally stimulate the dog and prevent problem behaviors like chewing and digging that stem from boredom. Exercise prevents weight gain and strengthens bones and muscles. Take your dog to a local dog park or on walks around the neighborhood. Be sure to keep your rottweiler on a leash for its safety. Provide toys for your dog both indoors and outdoors. Rottweilers can be trained to participate in a number of competitive and useful activities including agility, carting, tracking and herding. Rottweilers are also useful as therapy dogs in medical settings.