Just a curious question, particularly with those with larger dogs without fluffy personalities.  I sometimes go on an american forum and although they have a different set up there than in the UK (dog parks etc) and there are lots of differences in canine culture from the humans perspective there are some similarities to thoughts on the best way to bring up dogs. 

The general consensus on this board is that rotts and other breeds that are same sex aggressive do not need to be off the lead socialising with other dogs.  They advocate socialiaing as pups but feel that rotts are an independent aloof breed (and state that this is what they should be in line with breed standard etc) so there is no reason why people would have their rotts off lead playing with other dogs.  Any views on this?

As I have 1 dog aggressive breed, having a second breed that isn't totally dog oriented is perfect for me and although I am cautious that he only plays with dogs that are a good size match, I don't think it can be healthy to not mix with others - although TBH some days if I was told I would never have human contact again it probably wouldn't bother me! lol.

> although TBH some days if I was told I would never have human contact again it probably wouldn't bother me!

Are you related to me? 

I've owned Rottie's for over 10 years and I would say the opposite, mine (male and female) have all been so play orientated and love other dogs.  Mine have not been same sex aggressive.

I say 100% that Rottie's should be off lead socialising with other dogs from puppyhood through to adults.  I do know of entire male Rotts who cannot mix with other entire males but this isn't true of all the breed.  My entire male Rott was recently playing with 3 male dogs up the field without a problem. 

They advocate socialiaing as pups but feel that rotts are an independent aloof breed (and state that this is what they should be in line with breed standard etc) so there is no reason why people would have their rotts off lead playing with other dogs.  Any views on this?


For an entirely different reason that idea is not so far fetched.  They have stated that as pups they should be off lead to socialise which is great, then as adults they should be on lead. 

When most breeds of dog reach adulthood they loose the interest to meet and greet anyway, and many breeds are just not dog, dogs and are aloof towards people and other dogs, they may have the odd sniff at other dogs, but many breeds prefer to plod along near their owner anyway, so perhaps being on lead would not make much difference to quite a few adult breeds, it is the length of the walk rather than the free running that is important, although a few rounds of retrieve to burn off excess energy still would not go amiss.

My nephews Akita is dog aggressive, he was socialised well as a pup,  I didn't help to train him but he went to classes, I can't see where they went wrong with him or if anything could have been done differently,   I don't think it can be healthy to not mix with others   to be honest it would make little difference to him, the work was done when he was a pup and adolescent, it just appears that he is very male dominant and can become aggressive towards other males, he is always on a lead now. I would still not put the whole breed of male Akita's in one pigeon hole though, just as I would not Rotti's or any other breed, plenty of teddy bears in all breeds.

But, to be honest many breeds would not suffer from this practice, because they have lost interest in other dogs anyway......... Now, use that consensus on a terrier or gundog and you might have some trouble.

Interesting post carrington and that has put a different perspective on things for me.  I totally take your point and think it is valid.  Although my staffy was incredibly sociable as a pup she would prefer not to have dog contact these days unless it is her choice and has an unfortunate manner of breaking the news to other dogs that she doesn't want to play   Who knows how my rott will turn out, hopefully like the previous poster's dogs that want to interact positively with everyone.

> I do know of entire male Rotts who cannot mix with other entire males but this isn't true of all the breed. 

I agree!   One such Rottie, a HUGE boy at ringcraft, is a super dog, with a responsible owner.   I approached the owner first, as I can't stand snappy, yappy little dogs that start making a noise because they're frightened by big dogs.

I asked if I could introduce my LC Chi pup, and it is great to see the interaction.  They were just fine together.  Although I do admit that my boy ended up falling for a St Bernard bitch.  Nothing like aiming high! 

But it's true that all Rotties are not the same as far as mixing with other dogs is concerned.