Mosi-Oa-Tunya Rottweilers

25/07/2024

So you’ve decided you’re going to get a new canine friend. But which is right for you - a puppy or an adult dog?

𝗔𝗿𝗲 𝗽𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗽𝗼𝗽𝘂𝗹𝗮𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝗻 𝗱𝗼𝗴𝘀?

When people choose a new canine companion, puppies are much more popular than adult dogs.

In January 2024 we surveyed 175 people who owned one dog and found that 70% of them got their canine companion as a puppy.

The five biggest reasons people gave for choosing a puppy were:

1. To bond with them from a young age (67% of survey respondents included this reason)
2. To train them themselves (49%)
3. So they grow up with their own children (37%)
4. Wanted the puppy raising experience (32%)
5. Puppies are cute (20%)

It can also be cheaper to take out puppy insurance than to try to get cover for a more senior dog.

The most popular age to get a puppy was three-six months. That was good news, as puppies should stay with their mother until they’re at least eight weeks old.

𝗦𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱 𝗜 𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗼𝘀𝗲 𝗮𝗻 𝗮𝗱𝘂𝗹𝘁 𝗱𝗼𝗴?
The most popular reason for choosing an adult dog was to give a home to a rescue dog or an animal in need, with 43% of people giving this reason.

It’s interesting that the the second most popular reason for choosing an adult dog was to get an animal that’s already trained. As nearly half of people who instead choose a puppy said it was because they wanted train it themselves, it seems adult dogs are seen as the easier option.

The thing is, puppies only stay puppies for a few short months, So when you get a puppy, you’re also getting an adult dog.

𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗱𝗼𝗴 𝘀𝘂𝗶𝘁𝘀 𝘆𝗼𝘂?
There are no hard and fast rules over whether an adult dog or a puppy will suit you better, but our survey shows that people who choose puppies are keen to train them and want to integrate them with a young family.

Adult dogs are seen as a little cheaper and less in need of training. Senior dogs come with their own charms too, particularly for those who want fewer and shorter walks.

But breed and personality can be just as important as age.

30/05/2024

We think having an animal in your life makes you a better human. We can judge the heart of a man by his treatment of animals. In times of joy, all of us wished we possessed a tail we could wag. There is nothing truer in this world than the love of a good dog.

30/04/2024

Scan the 𝗤𝗥 𝗖𝗼𝗱𝗲 to explore more on canine’s training tips, case studies, and real-life musing about the animals we love!

19/04/2024

𝑫𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒍𝒐𝒑𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒂𝒍 𝑺𝒕𝒂𝒈𝒆𝒔 𝒐𝒇 𝑷𝒖𝒑𝒑𝒚 𝑩𝒆𝒉𝒂𝒗𝒊𝒐𝒓

Socialization Period (3 – 12 weeks)

This is the most important stage of a puppy’s development. It is vital to understand this stage as most puppies go home to their new parents between 7 – 12 weeks. During this period, changes start to occur rapidly.

Between 3- 5 weeks puppies start to become aware of their surroundings and have the ability to develop a relationship with people This is the period where puppies get familiar with the day-to-day noises of a regular household such as TVs, vacuum cleaners, telephones, etc.

12/04/2024

𝑫𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒍𝒐𝒑𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒂𝒍 𝑺𝒕𝒂𝒈𝒆𝒔 𝒐𝒇 𝑷𝒖𝒑𝒑𝒚 𝑩𝒆𝒉𝒂𝒗𝒊𝒐𝒓

After 3-4 weeks, a puppy’s senses rapidly develop, their eyes open up, and they begin to make more purposeful sounds, such as whining.

10/04/2024

𝑫𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒍𝒐𝒑𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒂𝒍 𝑺𝒕𝒂𝒈𝒆𝒔 𝒐𝒇 𝑷𝒖𝒑𝒑𝒚 𝑩𝒆𝒉𝒂𝒗𝒊𝒐𝒓

Although feeding time is important, it’s also vital to include petting, talking and playing, in order to help your puppy build good “people-skills.” Well-socialized mothers are more likely to have well-socialized puppies. Puppies “feed” off of their mothers’ calm or fearful attitude toward people.

We are happy our puppies have crossed the neonatal stage and are transitioning well into the socialisation stage.

Puppies separated from their littermates too early often don’t develop appropriate “social skills,” such as learning how to send and receive signals, what an “inhibited bite” means, how far to go in play wrestling and so forth.

04/04/2024

𝙷𝚘𝚠 𝚍𝚘 𝚁𝚘𝚝𝚝𝚠𝚎𝚒𝚕𝚎𝚛𝚜 𝚙𝚕𝚊𝚢?

While each dog is an individual—some are serious, some are more playful, some are social—there are breed traits and facts that you can pretty much expect with a Rottweiler.

Rottweilers are very physical and often play with other dogs like linebackers, with body slams and full-body blocks. They can learn to be gentle with older or smaller dogs and small children, but young Rottweilers are generally a little bit of a bull in a china shop.

27/03/2024

Unleashing joy, one step at a time 🐾

25/03/2024

𝗥𝗼𝘁𝘁𝘄𝗲𝗶𝗹𝗲𝗿 𝗟𝗶𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗦𝗶𝘇𝗲

Rottweiler litters can average from 6 to 12 puppies, and larger litters are often expected. That said, it is totally normal for a first-time Rottweiler mother to have just two puppies.

How many puppies can you count?

12/02/2024

Your dog will never wake up one morning and decide he doesn't want you as his hooman anymore. Pet parenting is for the lifetime of a pet.

Cute puppies grow into big dogs. Don't adopt a puppy if you are unwilling to keep an adult dog.

Pets are your furever family.

07/02/2024

Unconditional love has a furry face!

22/01/2024

I named my dog 𝟷𝟶,𝟶𝟶𝟶 𝚂𝚃𝙴𝙿𝚂 so I can say, "I walk 𝟷𝟶,𝟶𝟶𝟶 𝚂𝚃𝙴𝙿𝚂 everyday.

16/01/2024

We are excited to be introducing 𝑺𝒉𝒂𝒏𝒂𝒌𝒅𝒂𝒌𝒉𝒆𝒕𝒐 𝒃𝒊𝒏𝒕 𝒗. 𝑴𝒐𝑻𝑹, our family has grown by four paws.

15/01/2024

There may be times you find yourself coming in to contact with a strange dog while walking or busying yourself in your own yard. Many people have a fear of strange dogs, this is not uncommon and if you are in doubt, it is best not to become involved with a strange animal.

If you find yourself in contact with a strange dog, either on your property, on a City sidewalk or street, or on some other property, it might be helpful to understand how dogs, "communicate". Dogs will use body language to describe how they are feeling and also to express warnings of discomfort.

It is not recommended that you approach any strange dog, as smells and certain types of dress can change a dog's mood. If a dog is displaying a playful disposition, it may become confused by a smell or something you are wearing.

It is advised that even if you see a person walking their dog, and you have an interest in petting their animal, always stop a short distance away and ask before attempting to pet their dog. Sometimes without reassurance from their owner, the dog may see the approach as an invasion and may see to protect their owner.

𝗚𝗨𝗔𝗥𝗗𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗦𝗧𝗔𝗡𝗖𝗘 Dogs will typically display this behavior when you approach their home territory, food, or if they feel threatened. This is a warning, and your chance to back away... DO NOT RUN.
𝗣𝗢𝗦𝗧𝗨𝗥𝗘: Head lowered, ears forward, teeth bared, or mouth closed, body tense, in runners stance - ready to move forward or back quickly.

11/01/2024

Not a week goes by where we don't have to reassure a concerned dog owner their dog's social behaviour is 100% NORMAL!

Roughhousing is just part of the fun; in most cases, it's completely healthy, safe, and harmless. Dogs love to play, and it’s a great way for them to explore the world and learn how to socialize with other animals and people.

However note, that all dogs are individuals and have their own preferences so:|

1. Think about your dog's play style. Different breeds play differently! Eg herding, wrestling, body slamming, chasing...

2. Find a couple of well-matched doggy friends for your dog, and let them play in low-traffic locations (eg someone's backyard, a secluded park) to enjoy playtime.

3. It would be best if you always advocated for your dog in play. Don't allow dogs to 'sort it out', or for your dog to bully or be bullied.

Happy playing!

21/12/2023

07/12/2023

𝐑𝐮𝐧𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐝𝐨𝐠

Whether it's a new resolution or you're just trying to get fitter, running with your dog can be great exercise for both of you.

But it's important to ensure that it's safe for them and that you have the right equipment.

Only allow your dog to run off-leash where it's safe and legal, and only if they have a reliable recall amid distractions.

02/12/2023

Dogs are not wolves. Humans are not chimpanzees either. Just because we both share 98% of our DNA with our counterparts just means that we have a common ancestor. But once we diverged, we became different especially socially.

There is NEVER any need to consider our home life as a "pack". Being "dorminant" (even amongst wolves this has very limited applicability) does not serve any role in dog-human relationships.

Instead, it is our role, privilege, duty and responsibility to take care of our dogs just as they take care of us.

22/11/2023

A place where dogs are more than canines...
And establishment where our fur-babies are part of a loving family...

13/11/2023

𝐇𝐨𝐰 𝐃𝐨 𝐈 𝐊𝐧𝐨𝐰 𝐢𝐟 𝐌𝐲 𝐃𝐨𝐠𝐬 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐅𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐫 𝐄𝐱𝐡𝐢𝐛𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐍𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐥 𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐲 𝐁𝐞𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐢𝐨𝐫?

Dogs frequently exhibit exuberant and noisy play.

Play is said to be a necessary part of growing up, not only for humans but also for all young social animals and without any play, they will not be able to develop to their full potential. However, this does not seem to be true as animals deprived of play for various reasons still grow up to be behaviorally indistinguishable from their peers that had enough play. Play is not imperative for normal development, but dogs engage in it because it is a role-playing rehearsal for future adult behaviors. Play will prepare younger dogs for what lies ahead.

Play should be encouraged in dogs as it helps dogs develop. However, it is important for you to know if the behavior is all in good fun or it is starting to become more than just a game. When play fighting, dogs will voluntarily make themselves vulnerable by “falling” down and allowing themselves to be caught when playing chase and taking turns with other dogs to chase each other. When they play fight, they often come back for more and they will not want to stop playing.

Just as there are signs of good play fighting, there are also signs that tell you it is more than just a game. When it starts to become a bit dangerous, the dogs' bodies will get very stiff, their mouth is closed, their lip is curled, and there is a low warning growl. The dogs' movements will also be efficient and quick, there will be no taking turns, and neither will there be bouncing around.

It is important to protect your dog and ensure that there is always safe play fighting.

06/11/2023

Getting two dogs at the same time seems like a great idea. Dogs are social animals, and a dog who will be alone all day can easily turn to destructive behavior or become anxious. Two puppies can entertain each other and keep each other company. So, what’s the problem with bringing home two puppies at once?

Our canine behaviorist recommends against bringing home two puppies around the same age, let alone two from the same litter. While this sounds like a good plan in theory, in practice it often causes quite a bit of heartache and potentially some serious aggression trouble.

There’s some convincing research out there that bringing two puppies home at the same time prevents one, or both, of the puppies from reaching his or her full potential.

03/11/2023

𝚃𝚑𝚎 𝚄𝚗𝚙𝚘𝚙𝚞𝚕𝚊𝚛 𝙾𝚙𝚒𝚗𝚒𝚘𝚗

Puppies are not x-mas presents, they are 10 – 20 year financial and emotional commitment. With the holidays approaching, videos of “Christmas puppies” will be surfacing. It’s hard to resist the allure of these scenes, as kids and adults alike burst into happy tears at the sight of an adorable puppy wearing a big, festive bow. Cute as they are, however, these videos only show part of the story. It won’t be long before that cute ball of fluff starts barking, pooping, and chewing off its bow, and the realities of new pet parenthood set in.

The Mosi-Oa-Tunya Rottweiler's official position is that pets should be given as gifts "only to people who have expressed a sustained interest in owning one, and the ability to care for it responsibly."

Just because animals look cute under the Christmas tree doesn’t mean they make good holiday gifts. Caring for animals is an enormous responsibility, and they should never be carelessly given as gifts to anyone. Many people who receive animals as gifts find that they’re unable to make the lifelong commitment to caring for their new animal companion, no matter how much they’d like to make it work. Animals deserve the best lives possible.

23/10/2023

We are of the opinion that females are more protective of the family whereas males are more protective of the territory. The female rottweiler develops her self-awareness alongside her body, and is often known to a bit more docile, friendly towards others, and trusting.

Rotties are great dogs, they are big couch potatoes and love to be near their families. With proper training and socialization, just like all dogs they are a great addition to the family.

19/10/2023

𝑰𝒏𝒕𝒓𝒐𝒅𝒖𝒄𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝑴𝒐𝑻𝑹'𝒔 𝑹𝒆𝒔𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒄𝒉 𝑭𝒆𝒍𝒍𝒐𝒘𝒔

With the generous support of our patrons, we are excited to introduce MoTR’s first Research Fellows; Nosizi and Brightworthy.

Over the next few months, they'll work with us to expand and enhance our research, providing a preliminary survey report on the prevalence and risk variables for owner-perceived behavioural disorders in Rottweilers. The findings are key to developing treatment and prevention programmes that lie in knowing the epidemiology of these problems.

This initiative seeks to champion open and reproducible research practices, contributing to a more diverse and inclusive Rottweiler community in Zimbabwe.

Fellows become part of a network of advocates, promoting canine health and well-being and fostering a community of practice. They also contribute to the development of high-quality training and provide expert input to the Responsible Dog Ownership Programme.

16/10/2023

After careful consideration and vet consultations, we have decided to breed Tongogara bin v. MoTR. We believe Tongo has a good pedigree and his genes are worth passing on.

He has performed immaculately in protection work and is a big goofy lovebug at home.

25/07/2022

We wish for peace, comfort, courage, and lots of love at this time of sorrow.

We stay strong because we believe.

20/07/2022

Our Nhemamusasa Kennel in Gweru is looking for a competent young person to care for our dogs temporarily.