Comments for Bob's Dog Blog http://www.fallhammerrotts.com/blog Providing Valuable Insights To Rottweiler And Working Dog Owners Tue, 01 May 2012 21:01:03 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.2 Comment on Contact by Bob http://www.fallhammerrotts.com/blog/?page_id=104&cpage=1#comment-920 Bob Tue, 01 May 2012 21:01:03 +0000 http://www.fallhammerrotts.com/blog/?page_id=104#comment-920 Hi Mel, I would recommend using a high kcal, good quality kibble such as Diamond Puppy for up to seven or eight months of age, then switch to something like Purina Pro Plan Performance Chicken and Rice (for all life stages). Just look for kibble with high kcals (between 430 and up to 550 per cup). The caloric content you choose will depend on how much energy he burns. If he 'outgrows' the Diamond Puppy before seven months and you cannot keep weight on him, get him onto something with higher kcals, like the Pro Plan I mentioned. As a note, I just found another good food, Sportmix Energy Plus, which is available at Tractor Supply stores. It has 552 kcals per cup. I am now using it on all of my GSDs, ages one through nine, and they are doing very well. Hi Mel,

I would recommend using a high kcal, good quality kibble such as Diamond Puppy for up to seven or eight months of age, then switch to something like Purina Pro Plan Performance Chicken and Rice (for all life stages). Just look for kibble with high kcals (between 430 and up to 550 per cup). The caloric content you choose will depend on how much energy he burns. If he ‘outgrows’ the Diamond Puppy before seven months and you cannot keep weight on him, get him onto something with higher kcals, like the Pro Plan I mentioned. As a note, I just found another good food, Sportmix Energy Plus, which is available at Tractor Supply stores. It has 552 kcals per cup. I am now using it on all of my GSDs, ages one through nine, and they are doing very well.

]]> Comment on Contact by Mel http://www.fallhammerrotts.com/blog/?page_id=104&cpage=1#comment-918 Mel Tue, 01 May 2012 15:38:44 +0000 http://www.fallhammerrotts.com/blog/?page_id=104#comment-918 Hi there, I have a male German Shephard puppy born Jan 1, 2012 I was reading your comments about Exceed Chicken and Rice Performance dog food. I was wondering what brand you now recommend for him as a puppy and as an adult, and when do I switch. Thanks for your time. Mel Hi there, I have a male German Shephard puppy born Jan 1, 2012

I was reading your comments about Exceed Chicken and Rice Performance dog food. I was wondering what brand you now recommend for him as a puppy and as an adult, and when do I switch.

Thanks for your time.

Mel

]]> Comment on Did you hear the one about the 180 lb Rockwilder? by Bob http://www.fallhammerrotts.com/blog/?p=4&cpage=1#comment-863 Bob Wed, 28 Dec 2011 16:32:23 +0000 http://www.fallhammerrotts.com/blog/?p=4#comment-863 Murphy, Thank you for your comment on this post. In over fifteen years of handling this breed, I have never seen any documentation proving that a specimen that <strong>conforms to the breed standard </strong>can hold that kind of weight. The key word here is 'conform'. I'm sure you may find someone who has a 200 lb dog, 38 inches at the withers, that looks like a Rottweiler. The fact of the matter (and the point of my post) is that an oversized dog is not something that should be used for breeding, showing or work. If someone wants to create an oversized version of a Rottweiler, that's their call. Just give it another name and be done with it. Technically, they are not Rottweilers. You see, all Rottweilers listed in the FCI and AKC stud books, who have been titled, are within this breed standard and are not oversized. <strong>All</strong> Rottweilers are descended from titled dogs (being a pure bred canine). Hence the fact of someone having seen one or heard about giant specimens is a very, very, moot point. Murphy,
Thank you for your comment on this post.
In over fifteen years of handling this breed, I have never seen any documentation proving that a specimen that conforms to the breed standard can hold that kind of weight. The key word here is ‘conform’. I’m sure you may find someone who has a 200 lb dog, 38 inches at the withers, that looks like a Rottweiler. The fact of the matter (and the point of my post) is that an oversized dog is not something that should be used for breeding, showing or work. If someone wants to create an oversized version of a Rottweiler, that’s their call. Just give it another name and be done with it. Technically, they are not Rottweilers.

You see, all Rottweilers listed in the FCI and AKC stud books, who have been titled, are within this breed standard and are not oversized. All Rottweilers are descended from titled dogs (being a pure bred canine). Hence the fact of someone having seen one or heard about giant specimens is a very, very, moot point.

]]> Comment on Did you hear the one about the 180 lb Rockwilder? by austin murphy http://www.fallhammerrotts.com/blog/?p=4&cpage=1#comment-861 austin murphy Tue, 27 Dec 2011 20:04:50 +0000 http://www.fallhammerrotts.com/blog/?p=4#comment-861 Bob you are slightly mistaken about the size a rott is able to obtain through selective breeding, proper care, and a refined diet. My grandfather had his own kennel with 60+ rottweilers and spent 20 years refining a blood line that produced 180lb+ males and 150lb+ females everytime. Once the bloodline was finished this chain was broken by only one runt female (Doba) which he gave to us grandkids and she still managed a respectable 138lbs. The unfortunate side effect to this large selective breeding was these dogs didn't live as long and had substantial joint problems by the time they were 6-8 years old. If you look through the history of the breed the original rottweilers were bred to be over 150lbs and pull carts, not herd livestock. The breed has since been breed down for the smaller, more athletic, and healthier version you speak of. The genetics are still there for the massive dogs but are the health problems really worth it? You can take the huge line bred rott and have it crippled by 8 years of age, Or, take a normal rott and have a loving family companion for 12-14 years instead of 9 like my Doba. Also the reason you havent seen any of these massive rotts in show is they are very rare, quite ugly, and somewhat disformed looking. They tend to be almost solid black and have an extremely short wrinkled muzzle that looked like it belonged on a bulldog. So, the short story is I do agree that size obsession is a waste of time and will only lead to a broken animal and a broken heart. I however do not agree with your disbelief that these animals exist. You shouldn't be so closed minded on the issue. They are quite rare now days so its understandable you have never seen one. I haven't seen but one or two 180lb rottweilers in the last ten years and I know where some of my grandfather's bloodline ended up. I know I dont offer any evidence for my arguement but call around to a few vets. Im sure they have seen a few. I may be able to provide A breeder that might still have a 180lb+ rott or I think I have a pic of "Goliath" (208lb) standing flat footed over the back of Doba and his belly wasn't touching her back. There was also a NY Times article on a lady who attacked her husband with her 180lb+ rott several years ago. Actually I found there are several news stories on rottweilers over 180lbs attacking folks. I wonder if their size doesn't affect their temperment as well. I'll look into it. respectfully, Murphy Bob you are slightly mistaken about the size a rott is able to obtain through selective breeding, proper care, and a refined diet. My grandfather had his own kennel with 60+ rottweilers and spent 20 years refining a blood line that produced 180lb+ males and 150lb+ females everytime. Once the bloodline was finished this chain was broken by only one runt female (Doba) which he gave to us grandkids and she still managed a respectable 138lbs.

The unfortunate side effect to this large selective breeding was these dogs didn’t live as long and had substantial joint problems by the time they were 6-8 years old. If you look through the history of the breed the original rottweilers were bred to be over 150lbs and pull carts, not herd livestock. The breed has since been breed down for the smaller, more athletic, and healthier version you speak of.

The genetics are still there for the massive dogs but are the health problems really worth it? You can take the huge line bred rott and have it crippled by 8 years of age, Or, take a normal rott and have a loving family companion for 12-14 years instead of 9 like my Doba. Also the reason you havent seen any of these massive rotts in show is they are very rare, quite ugly, and somewhat disformed looking. They tend to be almost solid black and have an extremely short wrinkled muzzle that looked like it belonged on a bulldog.

So, the short story is I do agree that size obsession is a waste of time and will only lead to a broken animal and a broken heart. I however do not agree with your disbelief that these animals exist. You shouldn’t be so closed minded on the issue. They are quite rare now days so its understandable you have never seen one. I haven’t seen but one or two 180lb rottweilers in the last ten years and I know where some of my grandfather’s bloodline ended up.

I know I dont offer any evidence for my arguement but call around to a few vets. Im sure they have seen a few. I may be able to provide A breeder that might still have a 180lb+ rott or I think I have a pic of “Goliath” (208lb) standing flat footed over the back of Doba and his belly wasn’t touching her back. There was also a NY Times article on a lady who attacked her husband with her 180lb+ rott several years ago. Actually I found there are several news stories on rottweilers over 180lbs attacking folks. I wonder if their size doesn’t affect their temperment as well. I’ll look into it.

respectfully,
Murphy

]]> Comment on The Great Dog Food Scam, Part II by Bob http://www.fallhammerrotts.com/blog/?p=87&cpage=1#comment-828 Bob Mon, 14 Nov 2011 15:18:21 +0000 http://www.fallhammerrotts.com/blog/?p=87#comment-828 Hi Curtis, The only experience I have had with Exceed is the Chicken and Rice formula. That formula was changed over a year ago, when Mars took over producing the food for them. I wouldn't be surprised if they changed the lamb and rice formula as well, most likely to save money in its production. You will have to call and complain to both Mars and Sams Club to get anywhere with this, but you can for sure find out from Mars how many calories this food has and compare it to other similar brands (i.e. Pro Plan, Eukanuba, etc). I know Exceed used to be a good food, but those days are over, unfortunately. Do not be fooled by their 'fantastic' ingredients, as that is only part of the big picture, as I have noted on this post. You are better off shopping another brand with better kcals which is more digestible for your dog. Hope this helps. Bob Hi Curtis,
The only experience I have had with Exceed is the Chicken and Rice formula. That formula was changed over a year ago, when Mars took over producing the food for them. I wouldn’t be surprised if they changed the lamb and rice formula as well, most likely to save money in its production. You will have to call and complain to both Mars and Sams Club to get anywhere with this, but you can for sure find out from Mars how many calories this food has and compare it to other similar brands (i.e. Pro Plan, Eukanuba, etc). I know Exceed used to be a good food, but those days are over, unfortunately. Do not be fooled by their ‘fantastic’ ingredients, as that is only part of the big picture, as I have noted on this post. You are better off shopping another brand with better kcals which is more digestible for your dog. Hope this helps.
Bob

]]> Comment on The Great Dog Food Scam, Part II by Curtis http://www.fallhammerrotts.com/blog/?p=87&cpage=1#comment-827 Curtis Mon, 14 Nov 2011 14:17:39 +0000 http://www.fallhammerrotts.com/blog/?p=87#comment-827 Yes its packaging changed this Oct. 2011. Now my dog is sick and will not even eat Exceed Lamb and Rice. Something has changed about Sams Club Exceed Lamb and Rice dog food. Dog started being gaseous has been now throwing up. Do you have any info on this brand. It was always so good in the past. Dogs did well on it have been feeding it to them for almost two years. The package changed in Oct. and the food looks darker and more oily. Thanks, Curtis Yes its packaging changed this Oct. 2011. Now my dog is sick and will not even eat Exceed Lamb and Rice.

Something has changed about Sams Club Exceed Lamb and Rice dog food. Dog started being gaseous has been now throwing up. Do you have any info on this brand. It was always so good in the past. Dogs did well on it have been feeding it to them for almost two years. The package changed in Oct. and the food looks darker and more oily.

Thanks,
Curtis

]]> Comment on How To Keep Your Dog From Looking Like Sally Field by Bob http://www.fallhammerrotts.com/blog/?p=16&cpage=1#comment-781 Bob Tue, 25 Oct 2011 17:28:14 +0000 http://www.fallhammerrotts.com/blog/?p=16#comment-781 Hey, Thanks for pointing out the confusion in the post. The problem was in the way the email excerpt was highlighted and I have now edited the post so it makes sense. Bob and, yes, that is a male. I was referring to Chris' dog's litter mate sister, owned by my son, who had a similar issue... Hey,
Thanks for pointing out the confusion in the post. The problem was in the way the email excerpt was highlighted and
I have now edited the post so it makes sense.
Bob
and, yes, that is a male. I was referring to Chris’ dog’s litter mate sister, owned by my son, who had a similar issue…

]]> Comment on How To Keep Your Dog From Looking Like Sally Field by Frosty http://www.fallhammerrotts.com/blog/?p=16&cpage=1#comment-780 Frosty Tue, 25 Oct 2011 16:45:58 +0000 http://www.fallhammerrotts.com/blog/?p=16#comment-780 Hellooooo - you said "SHE" had her ears massaged and this is a picture. The pix is definitely not a female. Hellooooo – you said “SHE” had her ears massaged and this is a picture. The pix is definitely not a female.

]]> Comment on Feeding Your Rottweiler – More Information by gaz http://www.fallhammerrotts.com/blog/?p=49&cpage=1#comment-721 gaz Fri, 29 Jul 2011 14:57:26 +0000 http://www.fallhammerrotts.com/blog/?p=49#comment-721 Like this post, my rotti was well thin up to about 4 years old, we thought we had been ripped off, now he looks just like a rotti should. we still loved him when he was thin Thanks for sharing Like this post, my rotti was well thin up to about 4 years old, we thought we had been ripped off, now he looks just like a rotti should. we still loved him when he was thin
Thanks for sharing

]]> Comment on Contact by Bob http://www.fallhammerrotts.com/blog/?page_id=104&cpage=1#comment-716 Bob Mon, 20 Jun 2011 01:19:56 +0000 http://www.fallhammerrotts.com/blog/?page_id=104#comment-716 Hi Jeanean, Thank you for taking a look at the article - glad I could help. The Yorkie will probably not be a problem - you will need to get the two dogs used to each other a bit every day, but I wouldn't leave them alone together for long periods of time until the Rottie has bonded to you and your kids and has had a bit of training. This has nothing to do with the Rottie hurting the Yorkie - it is more of an obedience and bonding issue. You can use the crate to keep them separated when you are out. Otherwise, you can get into a situation where the pup is learning bad habits from the Yorkie and the pup will also start bonding to the Yorkie more than the people = obedience issues. Dogs always prefer the company of other dogs over humans. If you want to raise a dog that will not listen to you , then just leave it with another dog! The real friend the Rottie pup needs during its puppy stages is you, as opposed to another dog. As far as male or female, unless you are going to train the dog for police work, a female and male are about the same in a home situation. Anyone telling you a male or female is better or worse is missing the point. It is the individual dog more than the gender. I've had females that are better at guarding than males. I have written an article or two on this subject as well. Obedience training is a must for this breed, as well as socialization. Hi Jeanean,

Thank you for taking a look at the article – glad I could help. The Yorkie will probably not be a problem – you will need to get the two dogs used to each other a bit every day, but I wouldn’t leave them alone together for long periods of time until the Rottie has bonded to you and your kids and has had a bit of training. This has nothing to do with the Rottie hurting the Yorkie – it is more of an obedience and bonding issue. You can use the crate to keep them separated when you are out. Otherwise, you can get into a situation where the pup is learning bad habits from the Yorkie and the pup will also start bonding to the Yorkie more than the people = obedience issues. Dogs always prefer the company of other dogs over humans. If you want to raise a dog that will not listen to you , then just leave it with another dog! The real friend the Rottie pup needs during its puppy stages is you, as opposed to another dog.

As far as male or female, unless you are going to train the dog for police work, a female and male are about the same in a home situation. Anyone telling you a male or female is better or worse is missing the point. It is the individual dog more than the gender. I’ve had females that are better at guarding than males. I have written an article or two on this subject as well.

Obedience training is a must for this breed, as well as socialization.

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