Possible new family member.... EXCITED!!!

**crow_noir** · 07-17-2007, 12:30 AM

Yay for you!!!

Good luck!!!

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Now on to the advice. Since your kitties have never been around a dog before (at lease since being in your house) I'd suggest getting a baby gate and giving them at least one room for them to call their own. I actually just seen a nifty new one! It keeps out larger animals and has a small section for the small animals to go through.

I say see how the dog does on leash first before deciding what walking "equipment" you're going to need. There are plenty of walking threads on here (PT)(dog general and dog behavior) for advice on training and what equipment to use when "all else fails."

Normally I prefer rolled leather for comfort for the dogs, but I'm not sure on a Rottie. I get the rolled leather for the longer furred dogs so it doesn't get matted. (I also keep them loose as I'd rather have an untagged dog running loose than a dog that hung itself on something if it gets out. For all walking purposes i attach the leash to another collar or piece of equipment, but not the collar with the ID on it.)

You may want to reconsider the type of trash can you have in the kitchen or its placement. (some dogs are trash hounds, others aren't. My bet though with the dog being a lab mix is that it will be.)

As well as the cats having their own space, a dog likes to know where their own space is. It doesn't necessarily have to be accessible exclusively to the dog, but always there for them. A specific blanket/bed/pillow or crate. (This will also make travel with the dog much easier if you go on vacation.)

p.s. hope that helps.

Any other areas of care that you might have questions about?

**K9karen** · 07-17-2007, 12:49 AM

How exciting!!! Can't wait for pictures!! He sounds like a little angel who could use some extra super loving care!! Looks like he has your number!!!

**Aspen and Misty** · 07-17-2007, 02:42 AM

Your post has touched a special place in my heart because my Konnor started out his life in much of the same way. He lived with my sister when he was a puppy, due to some unfortunate circumstances she moved into a small apartment and when she was gone she locked him in a bathroom. Well as a growing pup he was bored and when my sister would come home she would let him out but he would get into so much trouble because he was bored so she just locked him up again. He spent about 2 months locked in the bathroom 24/7 and eventually chewed his way halfway through the wall. Thankfully my sister realized he needed a change and brought him to me. When he came to my house he never stopped running. For the first month he was unmanageable, bouncing off the walls, doing laps around the house just running, running, running!! Luckily we had a yard and plenty of patience and he eventually calmed down and now he is the best thing that has ever happened to me.

Good luck with your new puppy! I hope he fits well into your home and the kitties learn to love him!

Ashley

**anna_66** · 07-17-2007, 07:16 AM

It sounds like you've gotten some pretty good advice. I can't think of anything to add.

I hope this is the pup for you. It sounds like he need some TLC and I'm sure you could do this very well

Needless to say rotties have a big spot in my heart (my RB Angus was a rottie) so I wish you the best.

I will be checking back to see the pictures!

**critter crazy** · 07-17-2007, 08:35 AM

Awwww....How exciting for you!!! I love rottis, I have had a few over the years, and they are the greatest dogs!!! You are going to be so happy with your Rotti, they are just true Lovers!