I hear ya there Joe, scares me and I'm his owner... I think Rotts have the most frightning "fight" bark out of all the breeds, something about it is just downright scary.

Thanks for the link Vince!

I also read this:

'Experienced helpers can begin to introduce a young dog to defense when it reaches puberty. This is usually around 11 to 14 months. New trainers that make the mistake of introducing defense before a dog is mentally mature enough to deal with the pressure are making the biggest mistake of their training career.'

How do you know when your dog has reached puberty, considering the fact that he was hairy from birth?

Hi Andy,
I smiled when I read your post. I used to live in Jakarta for 4 years many, many moons ago. I went to the Jakarta International School while my father worked with USAID. That aside (before I get yelled at for veering off topic), I would concentrate on Obedience and not train your dog in Protection until you can find yourself a very good trainer (and I don't know what your chances are of finding a good one there are). Since most people there are scared of ANY dog let alone a Rottweiler, I do not think Protection training is necessary at all. Simply train your dog to bark by frustrating him with a piece of raw meat, toy, etc. He will get it eventually. Once the light bulb goes on in his block head, you won’t be able to shut him up.

As for Protection training, Rotties tend to mature at a rate much slower than GSDs or Mals so keep that in mind.

As for the egg question (if I may possibly slip this in). I believe that you may have heard that egg white inhibits the body from absorbing biotin. Many people lightly cook the whole egg or they only feed the yolk. Others do not think that giving the entire egg is a problem at all due to the small quantity that is fed.

…and…

Vaccinations (eek!): If your dog has completed his puppy series, I wouldn’t worry about it at all until your dog is three or so. Your puppy is protected by its puppy series long after the first booster is “recommended”.

Cheers,
Caroline

Andy,
How's the training so far? Like a few of have said before
BASIC OBIDIENCE// just when you think he has it/ think again. PROOFING is the test used to ensure that each command is followed. It's not that he sits, but how fast, it's not that he downs but how fast, on and on. Remember I SAY YOU DO I think Vince said that. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

Make sure that each training session ends with the dog doing a command he can perform correctly.
This allows you both to leave the session in a positive manner. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> You never want to end a seeion with your dog being confussed. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

Remember the humidity when working your dog.
Go slow and you will progress.
Keep us posted.