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Rottweilers are confident, courageous, goofy, and affectionate. Because of their strength and protective demeanor, these dogs are a big commitment. They are not a good choice for a first-time dog owner or anyone who doesn’t have ample time to commit to their training and socialization.
It’s vital to know the ins and outs of this breed before bringing one home. These dogs are powerful and strong-willed, and though not inherently aggressive, can become aggressive without strong leadership, socialization, and training.
If you’re confident the Rottweiler is for you, then you should consider adopting one. Not only is adoption a charitable deed, but it’s far cheaper than purchasing from a breeder. Many rescue dogs will come already microchipped and spayed or neutered.
Adoption also allows you to meet different dogs and get a sense of what they’re like before adopting. This way, you can pick the dog that fits into your family the best. In this article, we’ll discuss the process of adopting a dog in Virginia, and we’ll also offer advice on training a Rottweiler.
Rottweiler Adoption in Virginia
We already mentioned how important it is to pick a dog that fits your lifestyle, but you should also consider what life will be like for a dog in your specific state. Rottweilers don’t enjoy very hot weather, so your living situation must be able to accommodate them. Luckily, Virginia is known for having a “Goldilocks” climate.
Some rescues will make sure your living situation is suitable by conducting a home visit as part of the adoption process. Typically, the process starts with submitting an application, and then is followed by either a meet and greet, a home visit, or both. If all goes well, you’ll be approved to adopt the dog.
Other rescues are more lenient — you may even be able to walk in and walk out with a dog the very same day. Most will expect a meet and greet, of course, and you can do this by appointment or during visiting hours.
Some rescues will also host adoption events where you can meet dogs, fill out an application, and possibly even take the dog home directly from the event. Since every rescue does things differently, you should check out the websites of your local rescues or call for more information.
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How Much Does It Cost to Adopt a Rottweiler in Virginia?Adopting a Rottweiler in Virginia will cost roughly $50 to $525. Different shelters price their dogs differently for different reasons. Some prefer to offer a flat fee for all of their dogs. Others have a flat fee based on the dog’s age range (puppy, adult, or senior), and finally, some price their dogs individually. Usually, puppies are the most expensive, and senior dogs are the cheapest. Occasionally, dogs will be offered for free because a donor has already covered the adoption fee. Adoption events may also reduce the fees for certain dogs. |
How Should I Train a Rottweiler?When rescuing a Rottweiler, you won’t always know their history or how much training they’ve had. They may need to learn new skills or unlearn bad habits. It’s also important that this breed has a strong leader to look to, as they can be headstrong and will take charge otherwise. Because of this, we wouldn’t recommend this breed to inexperienced dog owners. The best way to train a Rottweiler is with positive reinforcement. This breed needs motivation to work, and positive reinforcement provides it by rewarding them for their efforts. Just make sure to use a reward they actually want. Meat or cheese usually does the trick, but some dogs prefer a game of tug. Positive reinforcement also strengthens the bond between you and your dog because it is based on mutual respect. A dog that bonds strongly with you is more likely to trust you and look to you as a leader. If you need help training your Rottweiler, check out our online dog training classes. |
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Find the Right Rottweiler in Virginia for You
Rottweilers are known for their courage and loyalty, but they can also be pretty goofy and sweet dogs. That said, they do require a confident owner who can be their leader. If you’re looking to adopt a Rottweiler, you can expect the process to involve an application, a meet and greet, and possibly a home visit.
As exciting as it is to get a dog, you shouldn’t rush into anything. If the first dog you meet isn’t a good match, don’t push for the adoption just because you want a dog or because you think you can change enough to meet the dog’s needs. It’s better to wait; the right dog will find you eventually.
