Miniature Rottweiler: 5 Special Tips for Care
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The miniature Rottweiler is a miniaturized version of the fully-developed breed. It originated from dogs that were used by the Roman army around 2 million years ago, and were subsequently bred in Rottweiler, Germany. Today, the Rottweilers are used as guide dogs, guard dogs, police dogs, and various other service positions. They are brave, extremely intelligent, and highly sociable. When raised properly, a miniature Rottweiler can be an excellent canine citizen. Using the right training and socialization can also lead to a happy and confident Rottweiler puppy. Here are five special tips for Miniature Rottweiler care.
1. Give your puppy plenty of exercise
Walk your miniature Rottweiler for at least half an hour every day. These dogs are naturally active and need an outlet to release energy in order to stay healthy. Puppies that are under six months old need several exercise periods per day, preferably four or five. Over time, you can start increasing the walks gradually. Additionally, get your miniature Rottweiler some toys to stimulate and keep his mind active. This can also go a long way towards preventing mischief brought by boredom. Go for toys that can be stuffed with treats or foods.
2. Feed him a nutritious diet
Consult your vet for a recommendable diet for your miniature Rottweiler. As a general rule of thumb, look for commercial dog foods that have meat (as opposed to meat by-products) as one of the ingredients. Choose foods that are particularly formulated for miniature breed puppies. These contain the right nutrient ratios for building a strong skeletal system for your dog. Remember to feed your puppy only after exercising to avoid intestinal twisting and gastric bloat. The ideal time is at least one hour after or 4 hours before exercising.
3. Groom your miniature Rottweiler
Grooming a Rottweiler is relatively simple, since they come with very short hair. Use a soft bristled brush to keep your dog’s coat sleek and healthy. Also, use this time to check for damaged pads in his paws and trimming his nails. Look out for red or raw spots between his toes, as well as bumps or lumps over his skin. Consult your vet if you find anything unusual. However, do not overdo on the bathing and avoid using shampoo as this can break down his skin’s protective oil.
4. Housetrain your miniature Rottweiler right away
Start by crate training to minimize accidents in the house. Choose a crate that is the right size for your dog and then place his bed or blanket inside, along with a few treats. Allow him to explore the crate by leaving the door open during the day. Put his food inside the crate during feeding, and then close the door while he is eating. Once he is done, do not open the door for at least one or two hours to help him associate the crate with quiet-time. However, do not let him stay inside for too long or he’ll associate it with punishment instead.
5. Start socializing your miniature Rottweiler early
Early interaction with humans, other dogs, and general life situations can be helpful in your dog’s development. Between birth and about three and a half weeks, a puppy needs the company of his mother and other puppies to develop normal dog socialization. After that to about 12 weeks, it is advisable to expose your Rottweiler to new situations as early as possible. These include humans of various sizes and ages, other pets and animals, the outdoors, and car rides among others. Separating a dog from his mother and other siblings at birth can cause issues and increase his chances of aggression towards other dogs.
