Grooming

Keep your dog's toenails short. Long nails can ruin his feet and can also cause joint and lameness probems. Learn how to do them yourself if possible so that you may trim a little of each week. Walking the puppy on pavement or concrete can sometimes help also as can exercise in places where the pup is abe to dig in his feet when running.

Brush your Rottweiler daily or at least once a week with a rubber brush or a fine tooth comb. This will greatly reduce the amount of loose black hair around the house and on clothes. Wipe the ears out with a cottonball dampened with alcohol, peroxide or a commercial ear cleaner once a week. Be sure that your dog has safe chew toys (Nylabones, Hercules, raw beef leg bones) and encourage him to chew daily to help prevent tarter buildup. Bathe no more than twice monthly, unless essential (showing, sprayed by skunk etc) Be sure the dog is dry before allowing him outside in cold weather. Use a good quality dog shampoo. Oatmeal dog shampoos are great for sensitive or flakey skin. Be sure to rinse very thoroughly!