Attitudes!

I've always known that the decision to get a Rottie would cause some 'negative' reactions but it still annoys me that people are so quick to dislike the breed.

As soon as someone asks what breed i'm getting I find my 'hackles' rising and I become defensive even before the word 'Rottweiler' has left my mouth.

If you watch their faces as the dreaded word is uttered you get to know instantly what their reaction is going to be, their face either lights up, like mine always does whenever someone mentions they have a Rottie, or their mouth gets tight and they look at you like your mad, then the typical 'why do you want one of those' comments start!!

I was listening to my hubby having a conversation on the phone with a close friend of his the other day, I had an idea as to the direction the conversation was taking as my hubby was starting to defend our choice of dog. I have to say he was being very calm and diplomatic about the whole thing, certainly handling it better than I would have done.

The first sentance from his friend had been 'well, if your getting one of those then i'm not coming round anymore'

This initially made me rant and rage, but seeing as he rarely visits anyway I decided it wouldn't be too much of a loss!

I understand and respect that dogs are not for everybody and Rotties are big and intimidating animals, especially to people who are not dog lovers.

What really upset me about the above comment was that firstly this was going to be a puppy! hardly a limb severing monster! If he made the effort to make friends with 'Taz' as a puppy then when he grew into a handsome adult dog the two of them would have an established relationship.

Secondly, it upset me that he assumed I would put him in a position where he would feel uncomfortable or be in danger, if he, or anyone else entered my home and was not happy being in close proximity with a large dog then I would happily seperate them for the duration of the visit.

Ok, Rotties have a bad reputation, earnt for them by bad owners, thats fact, but the only way for this to change is for people to give them an opportunity to prove themselves as the loyal, gentle, loving animals they are.

I have every intention of introducing my new puppy to as many friends and family as I can so as he grows they will learn to trust him and feel comfortable around him.